PIMCO Equity Series

04/29/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/29/2022 15:27

Prospectus by Investment Company (Form 497)

497
PIMCO Equity Series
Statement of Additional Information
November 1, 2021 (as supplemented April 29, 2022)
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus, and should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses of PIMCO Equity Series (the "Trust"), as described below and as supplemented from time to time. The Trust is an open-end management investment company currently consisting of 20 separate portfolios, four of which are discussed in this Statement of Additional Information (each such portfolio discussed in this Statement of Additional Information is referred to herein as a "Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"):
Funds and Ticker Symbols
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
MFEM
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
MFDX
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
MFUS
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
RAFE
Shares of the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF, PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (the "RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Funds"), and the PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF are offered through a prospectus dated November 1, 2021, as supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectus"). A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained free of charge at the address and telephone number listed below.
Each Fund operates as an exchange-traded fund ("ETF"). As identified and described in more detail within the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, the Funds are ETFs that seek to track the investment results of a specified index. Once a Fund commences operations, the shares described in the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information are listed and trade on NYSE Arca, Inc. ("NYSE Arca"), a national securities exchange (the "Listing Exchange") and other secondary markets.
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC ("PIMCO" or the "Manager"), 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660, is the investment manager of the Funds. PIMCO has engaged Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC ("Parametric" or "Sub-Adviser") to serve as sub-adviser to each Fund. Audited financial statements for the Trust as of June 30, 2021, including the notes thereto, and the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust's June 30, 2021 Annual Report. A copy of the Prospectus, Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report for each Fund may be obtained free of charge at the telephone number and address listed below:
PIMCO Equity Series
Regulatory Document Request
650 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
Telephone: 1.888.87.PIMCO
Table of Contents
The Trust
1
Exchange listing and trading
1
Investment Objectives And Policies
2
Equity Securities
2
Convertible Securities
2
Preferred Securities
4
Depositary Receipts
4
Warrants to Purchase Securities
4
Real Estate Assets and Related Derivatives
5
Foreign Securities
5
Foreign Currency Transactions
15
Foreign Currency Exchange-Related Securities
17
Borrowing
18
Derivative Instruments
19
Bank Capital Securities
31
Trust Preferred Securities
31
Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs")
32
Exchange-Traded Notes
32
Illiquid Investments
33
Repurchase Agreements
33
Loans of Portfolio Securities
33
Investments in Business Development Companies ("BDCs")
33
Investment Companies
34
Government Intervention in Financial Markets
34
Inflation and Deflation
35
Regulatory Risk
35
CSDR Related Risk
37
Liquidation of Funds
37
Participation in Litigation or Arbitration Proceedings
37
Fund Operations
38
Investment Restrictions
39
Fundamental Investment Restrictions
39
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions
40
Underlying Indexes
43
Management Of The Trust
48
Trustees and Officers
48
Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight Function
48
Qualifications of the Trustees
49
Trustees of the Trust
49
Executive Officers
52
Securities Ownership
54
Trustee Ownership of the Investment Manager and Principal Underwriter, and Their Control Persons
55
Standing Committees
56
Trustee Retirement Policy
57
Compensation Table
57
Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser
58
i
Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement
59
Management Fee Rates
60
Management Fee Payments
60
Management Fees Waived
60
PIMCO Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
61
Portfolio MANAGER
62
Other Accounts Managed
62
Conflicts of Interest
62
Portfolio Manager Compensation
66
Securities Ownership
67
Creations and Redemptions
67
Distributor
68
Continuous Offering
69
Fund Deposit
69
Procedures for Creating Creation Units
70
Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process
71
Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Domestic Funds
71
Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds
72
Acceptance of Creation Orders
72
Creation Transaction Fee
73
Redemption of Creation Units
73
Redemption Transaction Fee
74
Placement of Redemption Orders Using Clearing Process
75
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process-Domestic Funds
76
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds
77
Distribution and Servicing (12b-1) Plan
77
Additional Information About the Shares
78
Request for Multiple Copies of Shareholder Documents
80
Portfolio Transactions And Brokerage
81
Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions
81
Brokerage and Research Services
81
Brokerage Commissions Paid
81
Holdings of Securities of the Trust's Regular Brokers and Dealers
82
Portfolio Trading by Authorized Participants
82
Portfolio Turnover
83
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
83
Large Trade Notifications
85
Net Asset Value
85
Taxation
86
Distributions
87
Sales of Shares
87
Potential Pass-Through of Tax Credits
88
Backup Withholding
88
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts, and Swap Agreements
88
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
89
Foreign Currency Transactions
90
Foreign Taxation
90
Original Issue Discount and Market Discount
90
Investments in REITs and REMICs
91
ii
Uncertain Tax Consequences
92
Constructive Sales
92
IRAs and Other Retirement Plans
92
Non-U.S. Shareholders
92
Other Taxation
93
Other Information
94
Capitalization
94
Voting Rights
94
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
95
Code of Ethics
96
Securities Depository for Shares of the Funds
96
Disclaimers
97
Custodian and Transfer Agent
97
Securities Lending Agent
97
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
98
Legal Counsel
98
Registration Statement
98
Financial Statements
98
iii
The Trust
The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust established under a Declaration of Trust dated March 30, 2010, as amended and restated November 7, 2013. Each Fund operates as an ETF and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The offering of the Trust's shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").
Each Fund offers and issues shares at their net asset value per share ("NAV") only in aggregations of a specified number of shares ("Creation Units"), generally in exchange for a basket of securities (the "Deposit Securities") together with a deposit of a specified cash payment (the "Cash Component"). Alternatively, each Fund may issue and redeem Creation Units in exchange for a specified all-cash payment ("Cash Deposit"). Shares are redeemable by the applicable Fund only in Creation Units, and, generally, in exchange for securities and/or cash. Shares trade in the secondary market and elsewhere at market prices that may be at, above or below NAV. Creation Units typically are a specified number of shares, generally 50,000 or 100,000 and multiples thereof.
The Trust may issue and redeem shares in-kind and/or for cash. A Fund may charge creation/redemption transaction fees for each creation and redemption. In all cases, redemption transaction fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. See the "Creations and Redemptions" section below.
The investment objective of each RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Fund is to seek to track the investment results of the Fund's underlying index, and the investment objective of the PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF is to provide total return that closely corresponds, before fees and expenses, to the total return of the Fund's underlying index (each an "Underlying Index" and collectively the "Underlying Indexes") as described in more detail in the Prospectus. The Funds issue and redeem shares in exchange for in-kind securities or instruments and/or for cash. The Funds are diversified.
Exchange listing and trading
Shares of each Fund are listed for trading and trade throughout the day on the Listing Exchange and other secondary markets. Shares of a Fund may also be listed on certain foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Listing Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Funds will continue to be met. The Listing Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of a Fund from listing if: (i) the Listing Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act to the extent such Fund's listing is conditioned upon reliance on Rule 6c-11; (ii) the Fund no longer complies with the applicable rules for continued listing on the Listing Exchange; (iii) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of Fund shares, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of shares of the Fund; or (iv) any other event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Listing Exchange, makes further dealings on the Listing Exchange inadvisable. The Listing Exchange will remove the shares of a Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund. In the event a Fund ceases to be listed on an exchange, the Fund may cease operating as an "exchange-traded" fund and operate as a mutual fund, provided that shareholders are given advance notice.
As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, when you buy or sell shares through a financial intermediary you may incur a brokerage commission determined by that financial intermediary.
In order to provide additional information regarding the intraday value of shares of each Fund, the Listing Exchange or a market data vendor may disseminate every 15 seconds through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association or other widely disseminated means an updated intraday indicative value ("IIV") for each Fund as calculated by an information provider or market data vendor. The Trust is not involved in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the IIV. An IIV is based on a securities component and a cash component (or an all cash amount) which comprises that day's Fund Deposit (as defined below), as disseminated prior to that Business Day's (as defined below) commencement of trading (the "IIV Basket"). Unlike a Fund's NAV, the IIV may not reflect estimated accrued interest, dividends and other income, or Fund expenses.
1
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the share prices of a Fund in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund.
Investment Objectives And Policies
The investment objectives and general investment policies of the Funds are described in the Prospectus. The following discussion provides additional information about certain strategies and risks associated with the Funds.
Equity Securities
Equity securities, such as common stock, represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation. The value of a company's stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or lower demand for the company's products or services. A stock's value also may fall because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or in a number of different industries, such as increases in production costs. The value of a company's stock also may be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company or its industry, such as changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates. In addition, a company's stock generally pays dividends only after the company invests in its own business and makes required payments to holders of its bonds, other debt and preferred securities. For this reason, the value of a company's stock will usually react more strongly than its bonds, other debt and preferred securities to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Stocks of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies. Stocks of companies that the portfolio managers believe are fast-growing may trade at a higher multiple of current earnings than other stocks. The value of such stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks. The Funds generally consider a small cap company to be a company with a market capitalization of up to $1.5 billion, a mid-cap company to be a company with a market capitalization of between $1.5 billion and $10 billion, and a large cap company to be a company with a market capitalization of greater than $10 billion.
Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of the bankruptcy and/or insolvency of the issuer. In addition to common stock, equity securities may include preferred securities, convertible securities and warrants, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information. Equity securities other than common stock are subject to many of the same risks as common stock, although possibly to different degrees. The risks of equity securities are generally magnified in the case of equity investments in distressed companies.
Convertible Securities
The Funds may invest in convertible securities, which may offer higher income than the common stocks into which they are convertible.
A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred security, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt or preferred securities, as applicable. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the issuer, and, therefore, an issuer's convertible securities entail more risk than its debt obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than nonconvertible debt securities of similar credit quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. In addition, convertible securities are often lower-rated securities.
Because of the conversion feature, the price of the convertible security will normally fluctuate in some proportion to changes in the price of the underlying asset, and as such is subject to risks relating to the activities of the issuer and/or general market and economic conditions. The income component of a convertible security may tend to cushion
2
the security against declines in the price of the underlying asset. However, the income component of convertible securities causes fluctuations based upon changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer.
If the convertible security's "conversion value," which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained upon the conversion of the convertible security, is substantially below the "investment value," which is the value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield), the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding an income-producing security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, the Fund would be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to underlying common stock, or would sell the convertible security to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
A third party or the Sub-Adviser also may create a "synthetic" convertible security by combining separate securities that possess the two principal characteristics of a traditional convertible security, i.e., an income-producing security ("income-producing component") and the right to acquire an equity security ("convertible component"). The income-producing component is achieved by investing in non-convertible, income-producing securities such as bonds, preferred securities and money market instruments, which may be represented by derivative instruments. The convertible component is achieved by investing in securities or instruments such as warrants or options to buy common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a stock index. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a single market value, a synthetic convertible comprises two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the "market value" of a synthetic convertible security is the sum of the values of its income-producing component and its convertible component. For this reason, the values of a synthetic convertible security and a traditional convertible security may respond differently to market fluctuations.
More flexibility is possible in the assembly of a synthetic convertible security than in the purchase of a convertible security. Although synthetic convertible securities may be selected where the two components are issued by a single issuer, thus making the synthetic convertible security similar to the traditional convertible security, the character of a synthetic convertible security allows the combination of components representing distinct issuers, when the Sub-Adviser believes that such a combination may better achieve a Fund's investment objective. A synthetic convertible security also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately. For example, a Fund may purchase a warrant for inclusion in a synthetic convertible security but temporarily hold short-term investments while postponing the purchase of a corresponding bond pending development of more favorable market conditions.
A holder of a synthetic convertible security faces the risk of a decline in the price of the security or the level of the index involved in the convertible component, causing a decline in the value of the security or instrument, such as a call option or warrant, purchased to create the synthetic convertible security. Should the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Because a synthetic convertible security includes the income-producing component as well, the holder of a synthetic convertible security also faces the risk that interest rates will rise, causing a decline in the value of the income-producing instrument.
The Funds also may purchase synthetic convertible securities created by other parties, including convertible structured notes. Convertible structured notes are income-producing debentures linked to equity, and are typically issued by investment banks. Convertible structured notes have the attributes of a convertible security; however, the investment bank that issues the convertible note, rather than the issuer of the underlying common stock into which the note is convertible, assumes credit risk associated with the underlying investment, and a Fund in turn assumes credit risk associated with the convertible note.
3
Preferred Securities
The Funds may invest in preferred securities. Preferred securities represent an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Some preferred securities also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation proceeds on the same basis as holders of a company's common stock, and thus also represent an ownership interest in that company.
Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company's preferred securities generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies.
Depositary Receipts
The Funds may invest in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and similar securities that represent interests in a company's securities that have been deposited with a bank or trust and that trade on an exchange or over-the-counter ("OTC"). For example, ADRs represent interests in a non-U.S. company but trade on a U.S. exchange or OTC and are denominated in U.S. dollars. These securities represent the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer deposited with the bank or trust. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs can be sponsored by the issuing bank or trust company or the issuer of the underlying securities. Although the issuing bank or trust company may impose charges for the collection of dividends and the conversion of such securities into the underlying securities, there are generally no fees imposed on the purchase or sale of these securities, other than transaction fees ordinarily involved with trading stock. Such securities may be relatively less liquid or may trade at a lower price than the underlying securities of the issuer. Additionally, receipt of corporate information about the underlying issuer and proxy disclosure may be untimely.
Warrants to Purchase Securities
The Funds may invest in or acquire warrants to purchase equity or fixed income securities. Warrants are instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy a security directly from an issuer at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security, do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company and are subject to the risk that the issuer-counterparty may fail to honor its obligations. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments. Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
A Fund may from time to time use non-standard warrants, including low exercise price warrants or low exercise price options ("LEPOs"), to gain exposure to issuers in certain countries. LEPOs are different from standard warrants in that they do not give their holders the right to receive a security of the issuer upon exercise. Rather, LEPOs pay the holder the difference in price of the underlying security between the date the LEPO was purchased and the date it is sold. Additionally, LEPOs entail the same risks as other OTC derivatives, including the risks that the counterparty or issuer of the LEPO may not be able to fulfill its obligations, that the holder and counterparty or issuer may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. Furthermore, while LEPOs may be listed on an exchange, there is no guarantee that a liquid market will exist or that the counterparty or issuer of a LEPO will be willing to repurchase such instrument when a Fund wishes to sell it.
4
Real Estate Assets and Related Derivatives
The Funds may generally gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and common, preferred and convertible securities of issuers in real estate-related industries. The Funds may also invest in loans or other investments secured by real estate and may, as a result of default, foreclosure or otherwise, take possession of and hold real estate as a direct owner. Each of these types of investments are subject, directly or indirectly, to risks associated with ownership of real estate, including changes in the general economic climate or local conditions (such as an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for space), loss to casualty or condemnation, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, zoning law amendments, changes in interest rates, overbuilding and increased competition, including competition based on rental rates, variations in market value, changes in the financial condition of tenants, changes in operating costs, attractiveness and location of the properties, adverse changes in the real estate markets generally or in specific sectors of the real estate industry and possible environmental liabilities. Real estate-related investments may entail leverage and may be highly volatile.
REITs are pooled investment vehicles that own, and typically operate, income-producing real estate. If a REIT meets certain requirements, including distributing to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income (other than net capital gains), then it is generally not taxed on the income distributed to shareholders. REITs are subject to management fees and other expenses, and so the Funds that invest in REITs will bear their proportionate share of the costs of the REITs' operations. Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income. REITs may not provide complete tax information to a Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund to request permission from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") to extend the deadline for issuance of Form 1099-DIV.
There are three general categories of REITs: Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest primarily in direct fee ownership or leasehold ownership of real property; they derive most of their income from rents. Mortgage REITs invest mostly in mortgages on real estate, which may secure construction, development or long-term loans, and the main source of their income is mortgage interest payments. Hybrid REITs hold both ownership and mortgage interests in real estate.
Along with the risks common to different types of real estate-related securities, REITs, no matter the type, involve additional risk factors. These include poor performance by the REIT's manager, changes to the tax laws, and failure by the REIT to qualify for tax-free distribution of income or exemption under the 1940 Act. Furthermore, REITs are not diversified and are heavily dependent on cash flow. Investments in REIT equity securities could require a Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received by the Fund. On the other hand, investments in REIT equity securities can also result in a Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings; if the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes.
A Fund or some of the REITs in which a Fund may invest may be permitted to hold senior or residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") or debt or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs"). A Fund may also hold interests in "Re-REMICs," which are interests in securitizations formed by the contribution of asset backed or other similar securities into a trust which then issues securities in various tranches. The Funds may participate in the creation of a Re-REMIC by contributing assets to the trust and receiving junior and/or senior securities in return. An interest in a Re-REMIC security may be riskier than the securities originally held by and contributed to the trust, and the holders of the Re-REMIC securities will bear the costs associated with the securitization.
Foreign Securities
The PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF may invest in common or preferred or preference stock of foreign issuers, corporate debt securities of foreign issuers, certain foreign bank obligations (see "Bank Obligations") and U.S. dollar- or foreign currency-denominated obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities that are economically tied to the following foreign (non-U.S.) countries (which may be amended from time to time pursuant to RAFI Indices, LLC's (the "Index Provider") Methodology & Standard Treatment ("rulebook") for the Underlying Indexes): Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand,
5
Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Securities and instruments of a company are assigned to a country based on the company's country of primary listing, domicile, and incorporation. If a company's primary listing is on a stock exchange in the same country as the company is domiciled and incorporated, then the company is assigned to that country. If the country of domicile is different from the country of incorporation and the primary listing is in the country of domicile, then the company is assigned to the country of primary listing and domicile. If the country of primary listing is different from the country of domicile and the country of primary listing is in the country of incorporation, then the company is assigned to the country of primary listing and incorporation. If the country of domicile is the same as the country of incorporation, but is different from the country of primary listing, then the company is assigned to the country of domicile and incorporate. If the country of primary listing, domicile, and incorporation all differ, country assignment is based on other factors including domicile of parent company, management location, source of sales, trading volume and reporting currency.
To the extent that a Fund invests in instruments economically tied to non-U.S. countries, it may invest in a range of countries and, as such, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected by uncertainties such as international political developments, changes in government policies, changes in taxation, restrictions on foreign investment and currency repatriation, currency fluctuations, changes or uncertainty in exchange rates (and related risks, such as uncertainty regarding the reliability of issuers' financial reporting) and other developments in the laws and regulations of countries in which investment may be made.
The PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF may invest in instruments economically tied to the following developing (or "emerging market") countries (which may be amended from time to time pursuant to the Index Provider's rulebook for the Underlying Indexes): Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Securities and instruments of a company are assigned to a country based on the company's country of primary listing, domicile, and incorporation. If a company's primary listing is on a stock exchange in the same country as the company is domiciled and incorporated, then the company is assigned to that country. If the country of domicile is different from the country of incorporation and the primary listing is in the country of domicile, then the company is assigned to the country of primary listing and domicile. If the country of primary listing is different from the country of domicile and the country of primary listing is in the country of incorporation, then the company is assigned to the country of primary listing and incorporation. If the country of domicile is the same as the country of incorporation, but is different from the country of primary listing, then the company is assigned to the country of domicile and incorporate. If the country of primary listing, domicile, and incorporation all differ, country assignment is based on other factors including domicile of parent company, management location, source of sales, trading volume and reporting currency.
Investment risk may be particularly high to the extent that a Fund invests in instruments economically tied to emerging market countries. These securities may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed countries. The Funds may invest in emerging markets that may be in the process of opening to trans-national investment, which may increase these risks. Risks particular to emerging market countries include, but are not limited to, the following risks.
General Emerging Market Risk. The securities markets of countries in which a Fund may invest may be relatively small, with a limited number of companies representing a small number of industries. Additionally, issuers in countries in which a Fund may invest may not be subject to a high degree of regulation and the financial institutions with which the Fund may trade may not possess the same degree of financial sophistication, creditworthiness or resources as those in developed markets. Furthermore, the legal infrastructure and accounting, auditing and reporting standards in certain countries in which a Fund may invest may not provide the same degree of investor protection or information to investors as would generally apply in major securities markets. Emerging market countries typically have less established legal, accounting and financial reporting systems than those in more developed markets, which may reduce the scope or quality of financial information available to investors. Governments in emerging market countries are often less stable and more likely to take extra legal action with respect to companies, industries, assets, or foreign ownership than those in more developed markets. Moreover, it can be more difficult for investors to bring litigation or enforce judgments against issuers in emerging markets or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions against such issuers.
6
Nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes or diplomatic developments could adversely affect a Fund's investments in a foreign country. In the event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment in that country. Adverse conditions in a certain region can adversely affect securities of other countries whose economies appear to be unrelated. To the extent a Fund invests in emerging market securities that are economically tied to a particular region, country or group of countries, the Fund may be more sensitive to adverse political or social events affecting that region, country or group of countries. Economic, business, political, or social instability may affect emerging market securities differently, and often more severely, than developed market securities.
Restrictions on Foreign Investment. A number of emerging securities markets restrict foreign investment to varying degrees. Furthermore, repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some countries. While a Fund will only invest in markets where these restrictions are considered acceptable, new or additional repatriation or other restrictions might be imposed subsequent to the Fund's investment. If such restrictions were to be imposed subsequent to a Fund's investment in the securities markets of a particular country, the Fund's response might include, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Such restrictions will be considered in relation to a Fund's liquidity needs and all other acceptable positive and negative factors. Some emerging markets limit foreign investment, which may decrease returns relative to domestic investors. The Funds may seek exceptions to those restrictions. If those restrictions are present and cannot be avoided by a Fund, the Fund's returns may be lower.
Settlement Risks. Settlement systems in emerging markets may be less well organized and less transparent than in developed markets and transactions may take longer to settle as a result. Supervisory authorities may also be unable to apply standards which are comparable with those in developed markets. Thus there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to a Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment shall be made prior to receipt of the security which is being purchased or that delivery of a security must be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the "Counterparty") through whom the relevant transaction is effected might result in a loss being suffered by a Fund. The Funds may not know the identity of a Counterparty, which may increase the possibility of a Fund not receiving payment or delivery of securities in a transaction. The Funds will seek, where possible, to use Counterparties whose financial status is such that this risk is reduced. However, there can be no certainty that a Fund will be successful in eliminating or reducing this risk, particularly as Counterparties operating in emerging market countries frequently lack the substance, capitalization and/or financial resources of those in developed countries.
There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise in respect of securities held by or to be transferred to a Fund. Furthermore, compensation schemes may be non-existent, limited or inadequate to meet a Fund's claims in any of these events.
Counterparty Risk. Trading in the securities of developing markets presents additional credit and financial risks. The Funds may have limited access to, or there may be a limited number of, potential Counterparties that trade in the securities of emerging market issuers. Governmental regulations may restrict potential Counterparties to certain financial institutions located or operating in the particular emerging market. Potential Counterparties may not possess, adopt or implement creditworthiness standards, financial reporting standards or legal and contractual protections similar to those in developed markets. Currency hedging techniques may not be available or may be limited. The Funds may not be able to reduce or mitigate risks related to trading with emerging market Counterparties. The Funds will seek, where possible, to use Counterparties whose financial status is such that the risk of default is reduced, but the risk of losses resulting from default is still possible.
Government in the Private Sector. Government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among the emerging markets in which a Fund invests. Such involvement may, in some cases, include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. With respect to any emerging market country, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, expropriation, or creation of government monopolies, to the possible detriment of a Fund's investment in that country.
7
Litigation. The Funds may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain emerging market countries. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities.
Fraudulent Securities. It is possible, particularly in markets in emerging market countries, that purported securities in which a Fund invests may subsequently be found to be fraudulent and as a consequence the Fund could suffer losses.
Taxation. Non-U.S. laws governing the taxation of income and capital gains accruing to non-residents varies among emerging market countries and, in some cases, is comparatively high. In addition, certain emerging market countries may not have well-defined tax laws and procedures, and such laws or procedures may permit retroactive taxation so that a Fund could in the future become subject to local tax liabilities that had not been anticipated in conducting its investment activities or valuing its assets. The Funds will seek to reduce these risks by careful management of their assets. However, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful.
Political Risks/Risks of Conflicts. Recently, various countries have seen significant internal conflicts and in some cases, civil wars may have had an adverse impact on the securities markets of the countries concerned. In addition, the occurrence of new disturbances due to acts of war or other political developments cannot be excluded. Apparently stable systems may experience periods of disruption or improbable reversals of policy. Nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes, government regulation, political, regulatory or social instability or uncertainty or diplomatic developments could adversely affect a Fund's investments. The transformation from a centrally planned, socialist economy to a more market oriented economy has also resulted in many economic and social disruptions and distortions. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the economic, regulatory and political initiatives necessary to achieve and sustain such a transformation will continue or, if such initiatives continue and are sustained, that they will be successful or that such initiatives will continue to benefit foreign (or non-national) investors. Certain instruments, such as inflation index instruments, may depend upon measures compiled by governments (or entities under their influence) which are also the obligors.
Each Fund that may invest in foreign (non-U.S.) securities may invest in Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Plan debt restructurings were implemented in a number of countries, including: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Beginning in the early 2000s, certain countries began retiring their Brady Bonds, including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the Philippines and Venezuela.
Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar) and are actively traded in the OTC secondary market. Brady Bonds are not considered to be U.S. Government securities. U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized on a one-year or longer rolling-forward basis by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk").
Brady Bonds involve various risk factors including residual risk and the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds in which a Fund may invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may cause the Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance
8
with the terms of the debt. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the governmental entity's policy toward the International Monetary Fund, and the political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject. Governmental entities also may depend on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on a governmental entity's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely manner. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt. Holders of sovereign debt (including a Fund) may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
A Fund's investments in foreign currency denominated debt obligations, if any, and hedging activities would likely produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of a Fund's income distributions to constitute returns of capital for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal tax purposes.
Euro- and EU-related risks. The global economic crisis brought several small economies in Europe to the brink of bankruptcy and many other economies into recession and weakened the banking and financial sectors of many European countries. For example, the governments of Greece, Spain, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland have all experienced large public budget deficits, the effects of which are still yet unknown and may slow the overall recovery of the European economies from the global economic crisis. In addition, due to large public deficits, some European countries may be dependent on assistance from other European governments and institutions or other central banks or supranational agencies such as the International Monetary Fund. Assistance may be dependent on a country's implementation of reforms or reaching a certain level of performance. Failure to reach those objectives or an insufficient level of assistance could result in a deep economic downturn which could significantly affect the value of a Fund's European investments.
The Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union ("EMU") is comprised of the European Union ("EU") members that have adopted the euro currency. By adopting the euro as its currency, a member state relinquishes control of its own monetary policies. As a result, European countries are significantly affected by fiscal and monetary policies implemented by the EMU and European Central Bank. The euro currency may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the various economies that comprise the EMU and Europe generally.
It is possible that one or more EMU member countries could abandon the euro and return to a national currency and/or that the euro will cease to exist as a single currency in its current form. The effects of such an abandonment or a country's forced expulsion from the euro on that country, the rest of the EMU, and global markets are impossible to predict, but are likely to be negative. The exit of any country out of the euro may have an extremely destabilizing effect on other Eurozone countries and their economies and a negative effect on the global economy as a whole. Such an exit by one country may also increase the possibility that additional countries may exit the euro should they face similar financial difficulties. In addition, in the event of one or more countries' exit from the euro, it may be difficult to value investments denominated in euros or in a replacement currency.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially withdrew from the EU (commonly known as "Brexit"). Upon the United Kingdom's withdrawal, the EU and the United Kingdom entered into a transition phase, which concluded on December 31, 2020. Negotiators representing the United Kingdom and EU came to a preliminary trade agreement that took effect on January 1, 2021, but many aspects of the United Kingdom-EU trade relationship remain subject to further negotiation. Uncertainties remain relating to certain aspects of the United Kingdom's future economic, trading and legal relationships with the European Union and with other countries. Due to political uncertainty, it is not possible to anticipate the form or nature of the future trading relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU. The UK, EU and broader global economy may experience substantial volatility in foreign exchange markets and a sustained weakness in the British pound's exchange rate against the United States dollar, the euro and other currencies, which may impact Fund returns. Brexit may also destabilize some or all of the other EU
9
member countries and/or the Eurozone. These developments could result in losses to the Funds, as there may be negative effects on the value of a Fund's investments and/or on a Fund's ability to enter into certain transactions or value certain investments, and these developments may make it more difficult for a Fund to exit certain investments at an advantageous time or price. Such events could result from, among other things, increased uncertainty and volatility in the United Kingdom, the EU and other financial markets; fluctuations in asset values; fluctuations in exchange rates; decreased liquidity of investments located, traded or listed within the United Kingdom, the EU or elsewhere; changes in the willingness or ability of financial and other counterparties to enter into transactions or the price and terms on which other counterparties are willing to transact; and/or changes in legal and regulatory regimes to which Fund investments are or become subject. Any of these events, as well as an exit or expulsion of an EU member state other than the United Kingdom from the EU, could negatively impact Fund returns.
Investments in Russia. Certain Funds may invest in securities and instruments that are economically tied to Russia. In determining whether an instrument is economically tied to Russia, the Sub-Adviser uses the criteria for determining whether an instrument is economically tied to an emerging market country as set forth above under "Foreign Securities." In addition to the risks listed above under "Foreign Securities," investing in Russia presents additional risks. In particular, investments in Russia are subject to the risk that the United States and/or other countries may impose economic sanctions. Such sanctions - which may impact companies in many sectors, including energy, financial services and defense, among others - may negatively impact a Fund's performance and/or ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, certain investments in Russian companies or instruments tied to Russian companies may be prohibited and/or existing investments may become illiquid (e.g., in the event that a Fund is prohibited from transacting in certain existing investments tied to Russia), which could cause a Fund to sell other portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time or price in order to meet shareholder redemptions. It is also possible that such sanctions may prevent U.S.-based entities that provide services to a Fund from transacting with Russian entities. Under such circumstances, a Fund may not receive payments due with respect to certain investments, such as the payments due in connection with the Fund's holding of a fixed income security. More generally, investing in Russian securities is highly speculative and involves significant risks and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the securities markets of the U.S. and most other developed countries. Over the past century, Russia has experienced political, social and economic turbulence and has endured decades of communist rule under which tens of millions of its citizens were collectivized into state agricultural and industrial enterprises. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia's government has been faced with the daunting task of stabilizing its domestic economy, while transforming it into a modern and efficient structure able to compete in international markets and respond to the needs of its citizens. However, to date, many of the country's economic reform initiatives have floundered. In this environment, there is always the risk that the nation's government will abandon the current program of economic reform and replace it with radically different political and economic policies that would be detrimental to the interests of foreign investors. This could entail a return to a centrally planned economy and nationalization of private enterprises similar to what existed under the old Soviet Union.
Poor accounting standards, inept management, pervasive corruption, insider trading and crime, and inadequate regulatory protection for the rights of investors all pose a significant risk, particularly to foreign investors. In addition, there is the risk that the Russian tax system will not be reformed to prevent inconsistent, retroactive, and/or exorbitant taxation, or, in the alternative, the risk that a reformed tax system may result in the inconsistent and unpredictable enforcement of the new tax laws. Investments in Russia may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets. Regional armed conflict and its collateral economic and market effects may also pose risks for investments in Russia.
Compared to most national securities markets, the Russian securities market suffers from a variety of problems not encountered in more developed markets. There is little long-term historical data on the Russian securities market because it is relatively new and a substantial proportion of securities transactions in Russia are privately negotiated outside of stock exchanges. The inexperience of the Russian securities market and the limited volume of trading in securities in the market may make obtaining accurate prices on portfolio securities from independent sources more difficult than in more developed markets. Additionally, because of less stringent auditing and financial reporting standards than apply to U.S. companies, there may be little reliable corporate information available to investors. As a result, it may be difficult to assess the value or prospects of an investment in Russian companies. Securities of Russian companies also may experience greater price volatility than securities of U.S. companies.
Because of the recent formation of the Russian securities market as well as the underdeveloped state of the banking and telecommunications systems, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to
10
significant risks. Prior to the implementation of the National Settlement Depository ("NSD"), a recognized central securities depository, there was no central registration system for equity share registration in Russia and registration was carried out by either the issuers themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. Title to Russian equities held through the NSD is now based on the records of the NSD and not the registrars. Although the implementation of the NSD has enhanced the efficiency and transparency of the Russian securities market, issues resulting in loss still can occur. Ownership of securities issued by Russian companies that are not held through depositories such as the NSD may be defined according to entries in the company's share register and normally evidenced by extracts from the register or by formal share certificates. In such cases, the risk is increased that a Fund could lose ownership rights through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. While a Fund will endeavor to ensure that its interest continues to be appropriately recorded either itself or through a custodian or other agent by inspecting the share register and by obtaining extracts of share registers through regular confirmations, these extracts have no legal enforceability and it is possible that subsequent illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive the Fund of its ownership rights or improperly dilute its interests. In addition, while applicable Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for a Fund to enforce any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of loss of share registration. Furthermore, significant delays or problems may occur in registering the transfer of securities, which could cause a Fund to incur losses due to a counterparty's failure to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund's inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.
In addition, issuers and registrars are still prominent in the validation and approval of documentation requirements for corporate action processing in Russia. Because the documentation requirements and approval criteria vary between registrars and issuers, there remain unclear and inconsistent market standards in the Russian market with respect to the completion and submission of corporate action elections. To the extent that a Fund suffers a loss relating to title or corporate actions relating to its portfolio securities, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights or otherwise remedy the loss. Russian securities laws may not recognize foreign nominee accounts held with a custodian bank, and therefore the custodian may be considered the ultimate owner of securities they hold for their clients. A Fund also may experience difficulty in obtaining and/or enforcing judgments in Russia.
Russia has attempted, and may attempt in the future, to assert its influence in the region through economic or military measures. Such measures may have an adverse effect on the Russian economy, which may, in turn, negatively impact a Fund.
The Russian economy is heavily dependent upon the export of a range of commodities including most industrial metals, forestry products, oil, and gas. Accordingly, it is strongly affected by international commodity prices and is particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products.
Foreign investors also face a high degree of currency risk when investing in Russian securities and a lack of available currency hedging instruments. In addition, there is the risk that the Russian government may impose capital controls on foreign portfolio investments in the event of extreme financial or political crisis. Such capital controls may prevent the sale of a portfolio of foreign assets and the repatriation of investment income and capital.
Investments in the People's Republic of China. Certain Funds that may invest in emerging market countries may invest in securities and instruments that are economically tied to the People's Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan for the purpose of this disclosure) ("PRC"). Such investment may be made through various available market access programs including but not limited to PRC qualified foreign institutional investors program ("FII" program, including the qualified foreign institutional investor ("QFII") program and the RMB qualified foreign institutional investor ("RQFII") program, which are now merging into one program based on recent PRC regulatory developments) or through investments in companies listed on U.S. exchanges that provide exposure to companies that are based or operated in the PRC. In determining whether an instrument is economically tied to the PRC, PIMCO uses the criteria for determining whether an instrument is economically tied to an emerging market country as set forth above under "Foreign Securities." In addition to the risks listed above with respect to investing in non-U.S. securities and in emerging markets, including those associated with investing in emerging markets, investing in the PRC presents additional risks. These additional risks include (without limitation): (a) inefficiencies resulting from erratic growth; (b) the unavailability of consistently-reliable economic data; (c) potentially high rates of inflation; (d) dependence on exports and international trade; (e) relatively high levels of asset price volatility; (f) potential shortage of liquidity and limited accessibility by foreign investors; (g) greater competition from regional economies; (h) fluctuations in currency exchange rates or currency devaluation by the PRC government or central bank, particularly in light of the relative
11
lack of currency hedging instruments and controls on the ability to exchange local currency for U.S. dollars; (i) the relatively small size and absence of operating history of many PRC companies; (j) the developing nature of the legal and regulatory framework for securities markets, custody arrangements and commerce; (k) uncertainty and potential changes with respect to the rules and regulations of the FII program and other market access programs through which such investments are made; (l) the commitment of the PRC government to continue with its economic reforms; and (m) Chinese regulators may suspend trading in Chinese issuers (or permit such issuers to suspend trading) during market disruptions, and that such suspensions may be widespread. In addition, certain securities are, or may in the future become, restricted, and a Fund may be forced to sell such restricted security and incur a loss as a result.
In addition, there also exists control on foreign investment in the PRC and limitations on repatriation of invested capital. Under the FII program, there are certain regulatory restrictions particularly on aspects including (without limitation to) investment scope, repatriation of funds, foreign shareholding limit and account structure. Although the relevant FII regulations have recently been revised to relax certain regulatory restrictions on the onshore investment and capital management by FIIs (including but not limited to removing investment quota limit and simplifying routine repatriation of investment proceeds), it is a very new development therefore subject to uncertainties as to how well it will be implemented in practice, especially at the early stage. On the other hand, the recently amended FII regulations are also enhancing ongoing supervision on FIIs in terms of information disclosure among other aspects. In particular, FIIs are required to procure their underlying clients (such as any Fund investing in PRC securities via FII program) to comply with PRC disclosure of interests rules (e.g., the 5% substantial shareholder reporting obligation and the applicable aggregation with concerted parties and across holdings under various access channels including FII program and Stock Connect (as defined below)) and make the required disclosure on behalf of such underlying investors.
As a result of PRC regulatory requirements, a Fund may be limited in its ability to invest in securities or instruments tied to the PRC and/or may be required to liquidate its holdings in securities or instruments tied to the PRC. Under certain instances such as when the price of the securities is at a low level, the involuntary liquidations may result in losses for a Fund. In addition, securities exchanges in the PRC typically have the right to suspend or limit trading in any security traded on the relevant exchange. The PRC government or relevant PRC regulators may also implement policies that may adversely affect the PRC financial markets. Such suspensions, limitations or policies may have a negative impact on the performance of a Fund's investments.
Although the PRC has experienced a relatively stable political environment in recent years, there is no guarantee that such stability will be maintained in the future.
The PRC is ruled by the Communist Party. Investments in the PRC are subject to risks associated with greater governmental control over and involvement in the economy. Unlike in the United States, the PRC's currency is not determined by the market, but is instead managed at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency, which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. The PRC also may restrict the free conversion of its currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. Currency repatriation restrictions may have the effect of making securities and instruments tied to the PRC relatively illiquid, particularly in connection with redemption requests. In addition, the government of the PRC exercises significant control over economic growth through direct and heavy involvement in resource allocation and monetary policy, control over payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and provision of preferential treatment to particular industries and/or companies. Economic reform programs in the PRC have contributed to growth, but there is no guarantee that such reforms will continue.
The PRC has historically been prone to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, and the region's economy may be affected by such environmental events in the future. A Fund's investment in the PRC is, therefore, subject to the risk of such events. In addition, the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan is particularly sensitive, and hostilities between the PRC and Taiwan may present a risk to a Fund's investments in the PRC.
The application of tax laws (e.g., the imposition of withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments) or confiscatory taxation may also affect a Fund's investment in the PRC. Because the rules governing taxation of investments in securities and instruments economically tied to the PRC are not always clear, PIMCO may provide for capital gains taxes on Funds investing in such securities and instruments by reserving both realized and unrealized gains from disposing or holding securities and instruments economically tied to the PRC. This approach is based on
12
current market practice and PIMCO's understanding of the applicable tax rules. Changes in market practice or understanding of the applicable tax rules may result in the amounts reserved being too great or too small relative to actual tax burdens.
In addition, because the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board are generally restricted from inspecting the audit work and practices of registered accountants in the PRC, there is the risk that material accounting and financial information about PRC issuers may be unavailable or unreliable.
Investing through Stock Connect. Certain Funds may invest in eligible securities ("Stock Connect Securities") listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange ("SSE") or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange ("SZSE") through the Shanghai - Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the Shenzhen - Hong Kong Stock Connect program (collectively, "Stock Connect"). Stock Connect allows non-Chinese investors (such as the Funds) to purchase certain PRC-listed equities via brokers in Hong Kong. Although Stock Connect is the first program allowing non-Chinese investors to trade Chinese equities without a license, purchases of securities through Stock Connect are subject to market-wide daily quota limitations, which may prevent a Fund from purchasing Stock Connect securities when it is otherwise advantageous to do so. Once such daily quota on SSE or SZSE is used up, acceptance of the corresponding buy orders on SSE or SZSE (as applicable) will be immediately suspended and no further buy orders will be accepted for the remainder of the trading day. Buy orders which have been accepted will not be affected by the using up of the daily quota, while sell orders will continue to be accepted An investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict a Fund's ability to invest in China A-shares through Stock Connect and to enter into or exit trades where it is advantageous to do so on the same trading day. Because Stock Connect trades are routed through Hong Kong brokers and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Stock Connect is affected by trading holidays in either the PRC or Hong Kong, and there are trading days in the PRC when Stock Connect investors will not be able to trade. As a result, prices of Stock Connect may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through Stock Connect. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through Stock Connect. The applicable rules as well as trading, settlement and information technology ("IT") systems required to operate Stock Connect are continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through Stock Connect could be disrupted.
Stock Connect is subject to regulations by both Hong Kong and the PRC. Regulators in both jurisdictions are allowed to suspend Stock Connect trading; Chinese regulators may also suspend trading in Chinese issuers (or permit such issuers to suspend trading) during market disruptions, and such suspensions may be widespread. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities under Stock Connect, operational arrangements or other limitations. Stock Connect transactions are not covered by investor protection programs of either the Hong Kong, Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, although any default by a Hong Kong broker should be subject to established Hong Kong law. In the PRC, Stock Connect securities are held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as the Fund) by the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited ("HKSCC") as nominee. While Chinese regulators have affirmed that the ultimate investors hold a beneficial interest in Stock Connect securities, the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested. In addition, courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership and the law surrounding beneficial ownership will continue to evolve. A Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting Stock Connect securities due to time constraints or for other operational reasons. Similarly, a Fund will not be able to vote in shareholders' meetings except through HKSCC and will not be able to attend shareholders' meetings. Stock Connect trades are settled in Renminbi (RMB), the Chinese currency, and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed.
Stock Connect trades are either subject to certain pre-trade requirements or must be placed in special segregated accounts that allow brokers to comply with these pre-trade requirements by confirming that the selling shareholder has sufficient Stock Connect securities to complete the sale. If a Fund does not utilize a special segregated account, a Fund will not be able to sell the shares on any trading day where it fails to comply with the pre-trade checks. In addition, these pre-trade requirements may, as a practical matter, limit the number of brokers that a Fund may use to execute trades. While the Fund may use special segregated accounts in lieu of the pre-trade check, relevant market practice with respect to special segregated accounts is continuing to evolve.
Investing through CIBM Direct. To the extent permissible by the relevant PRC regulations or authorities, the Funds may also directly invest in permissible products (which include cash bonds) traded on China inter-bank bond
13
market ("CIBM") in compliance with the relevant rules issued by the People's Bank of China ("PBOC", including its Shanghai Head Office) in 2016 including the Announcement No.3 and its implementing rules ("CIBM Direct Rules"). An onshore trading and settlement agent shall be engaged by PIMCO as the manager of the Fund to make the filing on behalf of the relevant Fund and conduct trading and settlement agency services for the Fund. PBOC will exercise on-going supervision on the onshore settlement agent and the Fund's trading under the CIBM Direct Rules and may take relevant administrative actions such as suspension of trading and mandatory exit against the Fund and/or PIMCO in the event of any incompliance with the CIBM Direct Rules. The CIBM Direct Rules are relatively new and are still subject to continuous evolvement, which may adversely affect the Fund's capability to invest in the CIBM. A Fund will be tested for compliance with investment limitations for instruments traded on CIBM (including instruments traded through both CIBM Direct and the Bond Connect Program) prior to the trade. Therefore, a Fund will not be in violation of an investment limitation if the Fund submits a trade for an instrument traded on CIBM and the trade is not completed until the following day if the Fund was in compliance with the applicable limitation at the time of the initial compliance test. Similarly, a Fund will not be in violation of an investment limitation if the Fund submits a trade for two complementary instruments (such as a foreign currency transaction and a bond) traded on CIBM and one of the trades is not completed until the following day if the Fund was in compliance with the applicable percentage limitation for both instruments at the time of the initial compliance test.
CIBM Direct RFQ Trading. In September 2020, CIBM direct RFQ trading service was launched by the National Interbank Funding Center ("CFETS"). Under such service, foreign investors under CIBM Direct may solicit cash bond trading with domestic market makers by requesting for quotation ("RFQ") and confirm the trades in CFETS system. As a novel arrangement under CIBM Direct, CIBM direct RFQ trading may be subject to further adjustments and uncertainties in implementation, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund's investment to the extent the Fund transacts via CIBM direct RFQ trading mechanism.
Investing through Bond Connect. In addition to the risks described under "Foreign Securities" and "Investments in the People's Republic of China," there are risks associated with a Fund's investment in Chinese government bonds and other PRC-based debt instruments traded on the CIBM through the Bond Connect program. The Bond Connect refers to the arrangement between Hong Kong and PRC that enables the PRC and overseas investors to trade various types of debt securities in each other's bond markets through connection between the relevant respective financial infrastructure institutions. Trading through Bond Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect a Fund's investments and returns. Investments made through Bond Connect are subject to order, clearance and settlement procedures that are relatively untested in the PRC, which could pose risks to a Fund. Furthermore, securities purchased via Bond Connect will be held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as a Fund) via a book entry omnibus account in the name of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit maintained with a PRC-based custodian (either the China Central Depository & Clearing Co. ("CDCC") or the Shanghai Clearing House ("SCH")). A Fund's ownership interest in Bond Connect securities will not be reflected directly in book entry with CDCC or SCH and will instead only be reflected on the books of its Hong Kong sub-custodian. This recordkeeping system also subjects a Fund to various risks, including the risk that the Fund may have a limited ability to enforce rights as a bondholder as well as the risks of settlement delays and counterparty default of the Hong Kong sub-custodian. While the ultimate investors hold a beneficial interest in Bond Connect securities, the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested and courts in the PRC have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership. As such, a Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting its rights as a bondholder, such as timely payment of distributions, due to time constraints or for other operational reasons. Bond Connect trades are settled in RMB and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, securities purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules.
A primary feature of Bond Connect is the application of the home market's laws and rules applicable to investors in Chinese fixed-income instruments. Therefore, a Fund's investments in securities via Bond Connect are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through Bond Connect. A Fund will not benefit from access to Hong Kong investor compensation funds, which are set up to protect against defaults of trades, when investing through Bond Connect. Bond Connect is only available on days when markets in both the PRC and Hong Kong are open. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Bond Connect may fluctuate at times when a Fund is unable to add to or exit its position and, therefore, may limit the Fund's ability to trade when it would be otherwise attractive to do so. Finally, uncertainties in the PRC tax rules governing taxation of
14
income and gains from investments via Bond Connect could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. The withholding tax treatment of dividends and capital gains payable to overseas investors currently is unsettled.
The Bond Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. In addition, the trading, settlement and IT systems required for non-Chinese investors in Bond Connect are relatively new and continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through Bond Connect could be disrupted. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. In addition, the application and interpretation of the laws and regulations of Hong Kong and the PRC, and the rules, policies or guidelines published or applied by relevant regulators and exchanges in respect of the Bond Connect program are uncertain, and they may have a detrimental effect on a Fund's investments and returns.
Variable Interest Entities. Certain Funds may obtain exposure to companies based or operated in the PRC by investing through legal structures known as variable interest entities ("VIEs"). Because of Chinese governmental restrictions on non-Chinese ownership of companies in certain industries in the PRC, certain Chinese companies have used VIEs to facilitate foreign investment without distributing direct ownership of companies based or operated in the PRC. In such cases, the Chinese operating company establishes an offshore company, and the offshore company enters into contractual arrangements (such as powers of attorney, equity pledge agreements and other services or business cooperation agreements) with the operating company. These contractual arrangements are intended to give the offshore company the ability to exercise power over and obtain economic rights from the operating company. Shares of the offshore company, in turn, are listed and traded on exchanges outside of the PRC and are available to non-Chinese investors such as a Fund. This arrangement allows non-Chinese investors in the offshore company to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese company without direct equity ownership in the Chinese company.
Although VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and regulators in the PRC, VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law. There is a risk that the PRC may cease to tolerate VIEs at any time or impose new restrictions on the structure, in each case either generally or with respect to specific industries, sectors or companies. Investments involving a VIE may also pose additional risks because such investments are made through a company whose interests in the underlying operating company are established through contract rather than through equity ownership. For example, in the event of a dispute, the offshore company's contractual claims with respect to the operating company may be deemed unenforceable in the PRC, thus limiting (or eliminating) the remedies and rights available to the offshore company and its investors. Such legal uncertainty may also be exploited against the interests of the offshore company and its investors. Further, the interests of the equity owners of the operating company may conflict with the interests of the investors of the offshore company, and the fiduciary duties of the officers and directors of the operating company may differ from, or conflict with, the fiduciary duties of the officers and directors of the offshore company. Foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including offshore companies that utilize a VIE structure, also could face delisting or other ramifications for failure to meet the requirements of the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board or other United States regulators. Any of the foregoing risks and events could negatively impact a Fund's performance.
Foreign Currency Transactions
A Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency options and foreign currency futures contracts and related options (see "Derivative Instruments"), and may engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time or through forward currency contracts ("forwards"). The Funds may engage in these transactions in order to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities. The Funds also may use foreign currency options and foreign currency forward contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. Since some foreign exchange transactions for the Funds are directed to the Funds' custodian for execution, execution of such transactions may be better or worse than comparable transactions effected by other intermediaries.
A forward involves an obligation to purchase or sell a certain amount of a specific currency at a future date, which may be three business days or more from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts may be bought or sold to protect a Fund against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar or to increase exposure to a particular foreign currency. Open positions in forwards used for non-hedging purposes will be covered by the
15
segregation or "earmarking" of assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO, and are marked-to-market daily. Certain forward contracts that are not required to "cash settle" may be treated as such for asset segregation or "earmarking" purposes when a Fund has entered into a contractual arrangement with its counterparty to require the trade to be closed out or cash settled prior to or in lieu of physical settlement. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds' asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein. Although, when used for hedging, forwards are intended to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currencies, at the same time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currencies increase. Forwards are used primarily to adjust the foreign exchange exposure of a Fund with a view to protecting the outlook, and the Funds might be expected to enter into such contracts under the following circumstances:
Lock In.When the Sub-Adviser desires to lock in the U.S. dollar price on the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency.
Cross Hedge.If a particular currency is expected to decrease against another currency, a Fund may sell the currency expected to decrease and purchase a currency which is expected to increase against the currency sold in an amount approximately equal to some or all of the Fund's portfolio holdings denominated in the currency sold.
Direct Hedge.If the Sub-Adviser wants to eliminate substantially all of the risk of owning a particular currency, and/or if the Sub-Adviser thinks that a Fund can benefit from price appreciation in a given country's bonds but does not want to hold the currency, it may employ a direct hedge back into the U.S. dollar. In either case, a Fund would enter into a forward contract to sell the currency in which a portfolio security is denominated and purchase U.S. dollars at an exchange rate established at the time it initiated the contract. The cost of the direct hedge transaction may offset most, if not all, of the yield advantage offered by the foreign security, but a Fund would hope to benefit from an increase (if any) in value of the bond.
Proxy Hedge.The Sub-Adviser might choose to use a proxy hedge, which may be less costly than a direct hedge. In this case, a Fund, having purchased a security, will sell a currency whose value is believed to be closely linked to the currency in which the security is denominated. Interest rates prevailing in the country whose currency was sold would be expected to be closer to those in the United States and lower than those of securities denominated in the currency of the original holding. This type of hedging entails greater risk than a direct hedge because it is dependent on a stable relationship between the two currencies paired as proxies and the relationships can be very unstable at times.
Costs of Hedging.When a Fund purchases a foreign bond with a higher interest rate than is available on U.S. bonds of a similar maturity, the additional yield on the foreign bond could be substantially reduced or lost if the Fund were to enter into a direct hedge by selling the foreign currency and purchasing the U.S. dollar. This is what is known as the "cost" of hedging. Proxy hedging attempts to reduce this cost through an indirect hedge back to the U.S. dollar.
It is important to note that hedging costs are treated as capital transactions and are not, therefore, deducted from a Fund's dividend distribution and are not reflected in its yield. Instead, such costs will, over time, be reflected in a Fund's net asset value per share.
The forecasting of currency market movement is extremely difficult, and whether any hedging strategy will be successful is highly uncertain. Moreover, it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward contract. Accordingly, a Fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such transaction) if the Sub-Adviser's predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate. Also, foreign currency transactions, like currency exchange rates, can be affected unpredictably by intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments. Such events may prevent or restrict a Fund's ability to enter into foreign currency transactions, force the Fund to exit a foreign currency transaction at a disadvantageous time or price or result in penalties for the Fund, any of which may result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, the use of cross-hedging transactions may involve special risks, and may leave a Fund in a less advantageous position than if such a hedge had not been established. Because foreign currency forward contracts are
16
privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that a Fund will have the flexibility to roll-over a foreign currency forward contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the other party to the contract will perform its services thereunder.
Under definitions adopted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and SEC, many non-deliverable foreign currency forwards are considered swaps for certain purposes, including the determination of whether such instruments need to be exchange-traded and centrally cleared as discussed further in "Risks of Potential Government Regulation of Derivatives." These changes are expected to reduce counterparty risk as compared to bilaterally negotiated contracts.
The Funds may hold a portion of their assets in bank deposits denominated in foreign currencies, so as to facilitate investment in foreign securities as well as to protect against currency fluctuations and the need to convert such assets into U.S. dollars (thereby also reducing transaction costs). To the extent these monies are converted back into U.S. dollars, the value of the assets so maintained will be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations.
Tax Consequences of Hedging.Under applicable tax law, a Fund may be required to limit its gains from hedging in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options. Although a Fund is expected to comply with such limits, the extent to which these limits apply is subject to tax regulations as yet unissued. Hedging also may result in the application of the mark-to-market and straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). Those provisions could result in an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a Fund and could affect whether dividends paid by the Fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income.
Foreign Currency Exchange-Related Securities
Foreign currency warrants.Foreign currency warrants such as Currency Exchange Warrants ("CEWs") are warrants which entitle the holder to receive from their issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S. dollars) which is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and based on the exchange rate between a specified foreign currency and the U.S. dollar as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a specified date and time. Foreign currency warrants have been issued in connection with U.S. dollar-denominated debt offerings by major corporate issuers in an attempt to reduce the foreign currency exchange risk which, from the point of view of prospective purchasers of the securities, is inherent in the international fixed-income marketplace. Foreign currency warrants may attempt to reduce the foreign exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event that the U.S. dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the Japanese yen or the euro. The formula used to determine the amount payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a particular direction (e.g., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or indexed). Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with which they may be offered, and may be listed on exchanges. Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. In the case of any exercise of warrants, there may be a time delay between the time a holder of warrants gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate relating to exercise is determined, during which time the exchange rate could change significantly, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any remaining "time value" of the warrants (i.e., the difference between the current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, in the case the warrants were "out-of-the-money," in a total loss of the purchase price of the warrants. Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are not standardized foreign currency options issued by the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"). Unlike foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants is generally considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving
17
significantly larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from complex political or economic factors.
Principal exchange rate linked securities.Principal exchange rate linked securities ("PERLs") are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a particular foreign currency at or about that time. The return on "standard" PERLs is enhanced if the foreign currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the U.S. dollar, and is adversely affected by increases in the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar; "reverse" PERLs are like the "standard" securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the U.S. dollar and adversely impacted by increases in the value of foreign currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made in U.S. dollars at rates that reflect the degree of foreign currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLs may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity.
Performance indexed paper.Performance indexed paper ("PIPs") is U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain foreign exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on PIPs is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a designated currency as of or about that time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity.
Borrowing
Except as described below, a Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. This means that, in general, a Fund may borrow money from banks for any purpose in an amount up to 1/3 of the Fund's total assets. A Fund also may borrow money for temporary administrative purposes in an amount not to exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
Specifically, provisions of the 1940 Act require a Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary administrative purposes. Any borrowings for temporary administrative purposes in excess of 5% of a Fund's total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, a Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.
A Fund also may enter into certain transactions, including reverse repurchase agreements, mortgage dollar rolls and sale-buybacks, that can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing or financing transaction by the Fund. As discussed below, under current regulatory requirements, to the extent a Fund covers its commitment under a reverse repurchase agreement (or economically similar transaction) by the segregation or "earmarking" of assets, equal in value to the amount of the Fund's commitment to repurchase, such an agreement will not be considered a "senior security" by the Fund and therefore will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Fund. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds' asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased. The Funds also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
18
The Funds may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, mortgage dollar rolls and economically similar transactions. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a portfolio-eligible security by a Fund to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, coupled with its agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and price. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund continues to receive any principal and interest payments on the underlying security during the term of the agreement. A Fund typically will segregate or "earmark" assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO equal (on a daily mark-to-market basis) to its obligations under reverse repurchase agreements. However, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities retained by a Fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. With respect to reverse repurchase agreements in which banks are counterparties, a Fund may treat such transactions as bank borrowings, which would be subject to the Fund's limitations on borrowings. Such treatment would, among other things, restrict the aggregate of such transactions (plus any other borrowings) to one-third of a Fund's total assets.
A "mortgage dollar roll" is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement in certain respects. In a "dollar roll" transaction a Fund sells a mortgage-related security, such as a security issued by GNMA, to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase a similar security (but not the same security) in the future at a pre-determined price. A "dollar roll" can be viewed, like a reverse repurchase agreement, as a collateralized borrowing in which a Fund pledges a mortgage-related security to a dealer to obtain cash. Unlike in the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the dealer with which a Fund enters into a dollar roll transaction is not obligated to return the same securities as those originally sold by the Fund, but only securities which are "substantially identical." To be considered "substantially identical," the securities returned to a Fund generally must: (1) be collateralized by the same types of underlying mortgages; (2) be issued by the same agency and be part of the same program; (3) have a similar original stated maturity; (4) have identical net coupon rates; (5) have similar market yields (and therefore price); and (6) satisfy "good delivery" requirements, meaning that the aggregate principal amounts of the securities delivered and received back must be within a specified percentage of the initial amount delivered.
A Fund's obligations under a dollar roll agreement must be covered by segregated or "earmarked" liquid assets equal in value to the securities subject to repurchase by the Fund. As with reverse repurchase agreements, to the extent that positions in dollar roll agreements are not covered by segregated or "earmarked" liquid assets at least equal to the amount of any forward purchase commitment, such transactions would be subject to the Funds' restrictions on borrowings. Furthermore, because dollar roll transactions may be for terms ranging between one and six months, dollar roll transactions may be deemed "illiquid" and subject to a Fund's overall limitations on investments in illiquid securities. Please refer to "Illiquid Investments" below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.
The Funds also may effect simultaneous purchase and sale transactions that are known as "sale-buybacks." A sale-buyback is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement, except that in a sale-buyback, the counterparty that purchases the security is entitled to receive any principal or interest payments made on the underlying security pending settlement of the Fund's repurchase of the underlying security. A Fund's obligations under a sale-buyback typically would be offset by liquid assets equal in value to the amount of the Fund's forward commitment to repurchase the subject security.
It is possible that changing government regulation may affect a Fund's use of these strategies. Changes in regulatory requirements concerning margin for certain types of financing transactions, such as repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and borrowing, could impact a Fund's ability to utilize these investment strategies and techniques.
Derivative Instruments
In pursuing its objective, a Fund may, to the extent permitted by its investment objectives and policies, purchase and sell (write) both put options and call options on securities, swap agreements, recovery locks, securities indexes, commodity indexes and foreign currencies, and enter into interest rate, foreign currency, index and commodity futures contracts and purchase and sell options on such futures contracts ("futures options") for hedging purposes, to seek to replicate the composition and performance of a particular index, or as part of its overall investment strategies. The Funds also may purchase and sell foreign currency options for purposes of increasing exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. The Funds also may enter into swap agreements with respect to interest rates, commodities, and indexes of securities or commodities, and to the extent it may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, may enter into swap agreements with respect to foreign
19
currencies. The Funds may invest in structured notes. If other types of financial instruments, including other types of options, futures contracts, or futures options are traded in the future, a Fund also may use those instruments, provided that the Board of Trustees determines that their use is consistent with the Fund's investment objective.
The value of some derivative instruments in which the Funds invest may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like the other investments of the Funds, the ability of a Fund to successfully utilize these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of the Sub-Adviser to forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. If the Sub-Adviser incorrectly forecasts such factors and has taken positions in derivative instruments contrary to prevailing market trends, the Funds could be exposed to additional, unforeseen risks, including the risk of loss.
The Funds might not employ any of the strategies described herein, and no assurance can be given that any strategy used will succeed. If the Sub-Adviser incorrectly forecasts interest rates, market values or other economic factors in using a derivatives strategy for a Fund, the Fund might have been in a better position if it had not entered into the transaction at all. Also, suitable derivatives transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The use of these strategies involves certain special risks, including a possible imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of derivative instruments and price movements of related investments. While some strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in related investments or otherwise. This is due, in part, to the possible inability of a Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that otherwise would be favorable or the possible need to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time because the Fund is required to maintain asset coverage or offsetting positions in connection with transactions in derivative instruments and the possible inability of the Fund to close out or to liquidate its derivatives positions. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds' asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein. In addition, a Fund's use of such instruments may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed upon distribution at ordinary income tax rates) than if it had not used such instruments. For Funds that gain exposure to an asset class using derivative instruments backed by a collateral portfolio of fixed income instruments, changes in the value of the fixed income instruments may result in greater or lesser exposure to that asset class than would have resulted from a direct investment in securities comprising that asset class.
Participation in the markets for derivative instruments involves investment risks and transaction costs to which a Fund may not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The skills needed to successfully execute derivative strategies may be different from those needed for other types of transactions. If the Fund incorrectly forecasts the value and/or creditworthiness of securities, currencies, interest rates, counterparties or other economic factors involved in a derivative transaction, the Fund might have been in a better position if the Fund had not entered into such derivative transaction. In evaluating the risks and contractual obligations associated with particular derivative instruments, it is important to consider that certain derivative transactions may be modified or terminated only by mutual consent of the Fund and its counterparty and certain derivative transactions may be terminated by the counterparty or the Fund, as the case may be, upon the occurrence of certain Fund-related or counterparty-related events, which may result in losses or gains to the Fund based on the market value of the derivative transactions entered into between the Fund and the counterparty. In addition, such early terminations may result in taxable events and accelerate gain or loss recognition for tax purposes. It may not be possible for a Fund to modify, terminate, or offset the Fund's obligations or the Fund's exposure to the risks associated with a derivative transaction prior to its termination or maturity date, which may create a possibility of increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity to the Fund. Upon the expiration or termination of a particular contract, a Fund may wish to retain its position in the derivative instrument by entering into a similar contract, but may be unable to do so if the counterparty to the original contract is unwilling or unable to enter into the new contract and no other appropriate counterparty can be found, which could cause the Fund not to be able to maintain certain desired investment exposures or not to be able to hedge other investment positions or risks, which could cause losses to the Fund. Furthermore, after such an expiration or termination of a particular contract, a Fund may have fewer counterparties with which to engage in additional derivative transactions, which could lead to potentially greater counterparty risk exposure to one or more counterparties and which could increase the cost of entering into certain derivatives. In such cases, the Fund may lose money.
A Fund may engage in investment strategies, including the use of derivatives, to, among other things, generate current, distributable income, even if such strategies could potentially result in declines in the Fund's net asset value. A
20
Fund's income and gain-generating strategies, including certain derivatives strategies, may generate current income and gains taxable as ordinary income sufficient to support distributions, even in situations when the Fund has experienced a decline in net assets due to, for example, adverse changes in the broad U.S. or non-U.S. securities markets or the Fund's portfolio of investments, or arising from its use of derivatives. Consequently, Fund shareholders may receive distributions subject to tax at ordinary income rates at a time when their investment in the Fund has declined in value, which may be economically similar to a taxable return of capital.
The tax treatment of certain derivatives may be open to different interpretations. Any recharacterization of payments made or received by a Fund pursuant to derivatives potentially could affect the amount, timing or characterization of Fund distributions. In addition, the tax treatment of such investment strategies may be changed by regulation or otherwise.
Options on Securities and Indexes.A Fund may, to the extent specified herein or in the Prospectus, purchase and sell both put and call options on equity or other securities (including securities to be purchased in when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions) or indexes in standardized contracts traded on foreign or domestic securities exchanges, boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on NASDAQ or on an OTC market, and agreements, sometimes called cash puts, which may accompany the purchase of a new issue of bonds from a dealer.
An option on a security (or index) is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or the cash value of an option that is on an index or cash-settled) at a specified exercise price often at any time during the term of the option for American options or only at expiration for European options. The writer of an option on a security that requires physical delivery has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price (in the case of a call) or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security (in the case of a put). Certain put options written by a Fund, which counterparties may use as a source of liquidity, may be structured to have an exercise price that is less than the market value of the underlying securities that would be received by the Fund. Upon exercise, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the index or security or cash-settled option on a security and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the option. (An index is designed to reflect features of a particular financial or securities market, a specific group of financial instruments or securities, or certain economic indicators.)
A Fund will "cover" its obligations when it writes call options or put options. In the case of a call option on a debt obligation or other security that requires physical delivery, the option is covered if the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or other assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO, in such amount are segregated by its custodian or "earmarked") upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by a Fund. A call option on a security is also "covered" if a Fund does not hold the underlying security or have the right to acquire it, but the Fund segregates or "earmarks" assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO in an amount equal to the value of the underlying security (in the case of an option that requires physical delivery) or to the Fund's net obligation (in the case of an option that requires cash settlement, including an option on an index and any option with respect to which the Fund has entered into a contractual arrangement with a third party broker-dealer or counterparty that requires cash settlement), minus any collateral deposited with a broker-dealer or other financial institution, on a mark-to-market basis (a so-called "naked" call option).
A call option is also covered if a Fund holds a call on the same index or security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated or "earmarked" liquid assets. A put option on a security or an index is covered if a Fund segregates or "earmarks" liquid assets equal to the exercise price. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same security or index as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated or "earmarked" liquid assets. Obligations under written call and put options so covered will not be construed to be "senior securities" for purposes of the Fund's investment restrictions concerning senior securities and borrowings. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Fund's asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.
21
If an option written by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid. Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange, underlying security or index, exercise price, and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires.
A Fund may sell put or call options it has previously purchased, which could result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount realized on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put or call option which is sold. Prior to exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series. A Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option, or, if it is more, the Fund will realize a capital loss. If the premium received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, the Fund will realize a capital gain or, if it is less, the Fund will realize a capital loss. The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or index, and the time remaining until the expiration date.
The premium paid for a put or call option purchased by a Fund is an asset of the Fund. The premium received for an option written by a Fund is recorded as a deferred credit. The value of an option purchased or written is marked-to-market daily and is valued at the closing price on the exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing price is available, at the mean between the last bid and ask prices.
The Funds may write covered straddles consisting of a combination of a call and a put written on the same underlying security. A straddle will be covered when sufficient liquid assets are deposited to meet a Fund's immediate obligations. A Fund may use the same liquid assets to cover both the call and put options where the exercise price of the call and put are the same, or where the exercise price of the call is higher than that of the put. In such cases, a Fund will also segregate or "earmark" liquid assets equivalent to the amount, if any, by which the put is "in the money." As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Fund's asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.
Risks Associated with Options on Securities and Indexes.There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities and on indexes. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
The writer of an American option often has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. To the extent a Fund writes a put option, the Fund has assumed the obligation during the option period to purchase the underlying investment from the put buyer at the option's exercise price if the put buyer exercises its option, regardless of whether the value of the underlying investment falls below the exercise price. This means that a Fund that writes a put option may be required to take delivery of the underlying investment and make payment for such investment at the exercise price. This may result in losses to the Fund and may result in the Fund holding the underlying investment for some period of time when it is disadvantageous to do so.
If a put or call option purchased by a Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price (in the case of a put), or remains less than or equal to the exercise price (in the case of a call), the Fund will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security.
22
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund seeks to close out an option position. If a Fund were unable to close out an option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless.
If trading were suspended in an option purchased by a Fund, the Fund would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it has purchased. Except to the extent that a call option on an index written by the Fund is covered by an option on the same index purchased by the Fund, movements in the index may result in a loss to the Fund; however, such losses may be mitigated by changes in the value of the Fund's securities during the period the option was outstanding.
To the extent that a Fund writes a call option on a security it holds in its portfolio and intends to use such security as the sole means of "covering" its obligation under the call option, the Fund has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price during the option period, but, as long as its obligation under such call option continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. Under current regulatory requirements, if a Fund were unable to close out such a call option, the Fund would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise.
Futures Contracts and Futures Options.A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a security or other asset for a set price on a future date. These contracts are traded on exchanges, so that, in most cases, a party can close out its position on the exchange for cash, without delivering the underlying security or other underlying asset. An option on a futures contract gives the holder of the option the right to buy or sell a position in a futures contract from or to the writer of the option, at a specified price and on or before a specified expiration date.
The Funds may invest in futures contracts and futures options with respect to, but not limited to, interest rates and security indexes. To the extent that a Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, it also may invest in foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon.
An interest rate, foreign currency or index futures contract provides for the future sale or purchase of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which a party agrees to pay or receive an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes as well as financial instruments and foreign currencies, including, but not limited to: the S&P 500; the S&P Midcap 400; the Nikkei 225; the Markit CDX credit index; the iTraxx credit index; U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates of deposit; the Australian dollar; the Canadian dollar; the British pound; the Japanese yen; the Swiss franc; the Mexican peso; and certain multinational currencies, such as the euro. It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Certain futures contracts on indexes, financial instruments or foreign currencies may represent new investment products that lack performance track records.
A Fund may purchase and write call and put futures options, as specified for that Fund in the Prospectus. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes (discussed above). A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true. A call option is "in the money" if the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option exceeds the exercise price. A put option is "in the money" if the exercise price exceeds the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option.
Commodity Pool Operators and Commodity Trading Advisors. PIMCO is registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator ("CPO"). However, PIMCO, with respect to the Funds, has filed a notice of eligibility with the National Futures Association to claim an exclusion from the definition of the term CPO under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended ("CEA") and, therefore, PIMCO is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO under the CEA and the rules thereunder. To remain eligible for the exclusion, each of the Funds will have to adhere to the CFTC's regulations that subject registered investment companies and their investment advisers to regulation by the
23
CFTC if the registered investment company invests more than a prescribed level of its liquidation value in futures, options on futures, most swaps, or other financial instruments regulated under the CEA, and the rules thereunder ("commodity interests"), or if the Fund markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. These limitations may restrict a Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategy, increase the costs of implementing its strategy, increase expenses of the Fund, and/or adversely affect the Fund's total return. In the event that a Fund's investments in commodity interests are not within the thresholds set forth in the exclusion, PIMCO may be required to register as a CPO and/or "commodity trading advisor" with the CFTC with respect to that Fund. In this case, such Fund's expenses may increase, adversely affecting that Fund's total return. Additionally, under CFTC rules, certain mandated disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping obligations will apply to the Adviser with respect to the Funds.
To the extent any Funds are, or become, ineligible to claim an exclusion from CFTC regulation, these Funds may consider steps in order to continue to qualify for exemption from CFTC regulation, or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation.
Limitations on Use of Futures and Futures Options.A Fund that may use futures and futures options will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO ("initial margin"). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. Margin requirements on foreign exchanges may be different than U.S. exchanges. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to a Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. A Fund expects to earn interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day a Fund pays or receives cash, called "variation margin," equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as "marking-to-market." Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily net asset value, a Fund will mark-to-market its open futures positions.
A Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions held by a Fund. Customer account agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Such transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency which is segregated in an account at a futures commission merchant ("FCM") registered with the CFTC. In the United States, counterparty risk may be reduced as creditors of an FCM cannot have a claim to Fund assets in the segregated account. Portability of exposure reduces risk to the Fund. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are generally exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives unless the parties have agreed to a separate arrangement in respect of portfolio margining.
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities or commodities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by purchasing an offsetting futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument with the same delivery date. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
When purchasing a futures contract that cash settles, a Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO that, when added to the amounts deposited with a FCM as margin, are equal to the daily marked-to-market net obligation (if any) of the futures contract. Alternatively, a Fund may "cover" its position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund.
24
When selling a futures contract that cash settles, a Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO that are equal to the daily marked-to-market net obligation (if any) of the futures contract. Alternatively, a Fund may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract (or, in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a volatility substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets with the Trust's custodian).
With respect to futures contracts that "physically settle," a Fund may cover the open position by setting aside or "earmarking" liquid assets in an amount equal to the full notional value of the futures contract. By setting aside or "earmarking" assets equal to only its net obligation under cash-settled futures, a Fund will have the ability to utilize these contracts to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate or "earmark" assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contract. Futures contracts that are not required to "cash settle" may be treated as such for asset segregation or "earmarking" purposes when a Fund has entered into a contractual arrangement with a third party FCM to require the trade to be closed out or cash settled prior to or in lieu of physical settlement.
When selling a call option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO that, when added to the amounts deposited with a FCM as margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract underlying the call option. Alternatively, a Fund may cover its position by entering into a long position in the same futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option, by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by holding a separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract at a price not higher than the strike price of the call option sold by the Fund.
When selling a put option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO that equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit. Alternatively, a Fund may cover the position either by entering into a short position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put option permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike price of the purchased put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put option sold by the Fund.
To the extent that securities with maturities greater than one year are used to segregate or "earmark" liquid assets to cover a Fund's obligations under futures contracts and related options, such use will not eliminate the risk of a form of leverage, which may tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio, and may require liquidation of portfolio positions when it is not advantageous to do so. However, any potential risk of leverage resulting from the use of securities with maturities greater than one year may be mitigated by limiting the overall duration of the Fund's portfolio securities. Thus, the use of a longer-term security may require a Fund to hold offsetting short-term securities to balance the Fund's portfolio such that the Fund's duration does not exceed the maximum permitted for the Fund in the Prospectus.
As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds' asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.
The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company also may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into futures, futures options and forward contracts. See "Taxation."
Risks Associated with Futures and Futures Options.There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options as hedging techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. There can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund securities being hedged. In addition, there are significant differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given hedge not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures and futures options on securities, including technical influences in futures trading and futures options, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the
25
exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.
Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to that in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a Fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of such futures will not vary in direct proportion to the value of such Fund's holdings of U.S. Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when a Fund seeks to close out a futures or a futures option position, and that Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is closed. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.
Additional Risks of Options on Securities, Futures Contracts and Futures Options.Options on securities, futures contracts and futures options may be traded on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign (non-U.S.) securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign (non-U.S.) political, legal and economic factors; (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions; (iii) delays in a Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign (non-U.S.) markets during non-business hours in the United States; (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States; and (v) lesser trading volume.
Swap Agreements and Options on Swap Agreements.The Funds may engage in swap transactions, including, but not limited to, swap agreements on interest rates or security indexes and specific securities. To the extent a Fund may invest in foreign (non-U.S.) currency-denominated securities, it also may invest in currency exchange rate swap agreements. The Funds also may enter into options on swap agreements ("swaptions").
A Fund may enter into swap transactions for any legal purpose consistent with its investment objectives and policies, such as attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in a more cost efficient manner.
OTC swap agreements are bilateral contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard OTC swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign (non-U.S.) currency, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. A "quanto" or "differential" swap combines both an interest rate and a currency transaction. Certain swap agreements, such as interest rate swaps, are traded on exchanges and cleared through central clearing counterparties. Other forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified
26
rate, or "floor"; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. A total return swap agreement is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of underlying assets, which may include a single stock, a basket of stocks, or a stock index during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets.
The Funds also may enter into combinations of swap agreements in order to achieve certain economic results. For example, a Fund may enter into two swap transactions, one of which offsets the other for a period of time. After the offsetting swap transaction expires, the Fund would be left with the economic exposure provided by the remaining swap transaction. The intent of such an arrangement would be to lock in certain terms of the remaining swap transaction that a Fund may wish to gain exposure to in the future without having that exposure during the period the offsetting swap is in place.
The Funds also may enter into swaptions. A swaption is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Funds may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions.
Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When a Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.
A Fund also may enter into forward volatility agreements, also known as volatility swaps. In a volatility swap, the counterparties agree to make payments in connection with changes in the volatility (i.e., the magnitude of change over a specified period of time) of an underlying reference instrument, such as a currency, rate, index, security or other financial instrument. Volatility swaps permit the parties to attempt to hedge volatility risk and/or take positions on the projected future volatility of an underlying reference instrument. For example, a Fund may enter into a volatility swap in order to take the position that the reference instrument's volatility will increase over a particular period of time. If the reference instrument's volatility does increase over the specified time, the Fund will receive a payment from its counterparty based upon the amount by which the reference instrument's realized volatility level exceeds a volatility level agreed upon by the parties. If the reference instrument's volatility does not increase over the specified time, the Fund will make a payment to the counterparty based upon the amount by which the reference instrument's realized volatility level falls below the volatility level agreed upon by the parties. Payments on a volatility swap will be greater if they are based upon the mathematical square of volatility (i.e., the measured volatility multiplied by itself, which is referred to as "variance"). This type of a volatility swap is frequently referred to as a variance swap. The Funds may engage in variance swaps.
Most types of swap agreements entered into by a Fund will calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Consequently, a Fund's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A Fund's current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation or "earmarking" of assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO. Under current regulatory guidance, obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be "senior securities" for purposes of a Fund's investment restriction concerning senior securities. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Fund's asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.
A Fund also may enter into OTC and cleared credit default swap agreements. A credit default swap agreement may reference one or more debt securities or obligations that are not currently held by a Fund. The protection "buyer" in an OTC credit default swap contract is generally obligated to pay the protection "seller" an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract until a credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has
27
occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the "par value" (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount if the swap is cash settled. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer may receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, a Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
The spread of a credit default swap is the annual amount the protection buyer must pay the protection seller over the length of the contract, expressed as a percentage of the notional amount. When spreads rise, market-perceived credit risk rises and when spreads fall, market-perceived credit risk falls. Wider credit spreads and decreasing market values, when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the credit soundness of the issuer of the reference obligation and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. For credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities and credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values, as well as the annual payment rate, serve as an indication of the current status of the payment/performance risk.
Credit default swap agreements sold by a Fund may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk (with respect to OTC credit default swaps) and credit risk. A Fund will enter into uncleared credit default swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. A buyer generally also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the seller. In addition, there may be disputes between the buyer and seller of a credit default swap agreement or within the swaps market as a whole as to whether a credit event has occurred or what the payment should be. Such disputes could result in litigation or other delays, and the outcome could be adverse for the buyer or seller. The Fund's obligations under a credit default swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund). Under current regulatory requirements, in connection with credit default swaps in which a Fund is the buyer, the Fund will segregate or "earmark" cash or assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO, or enter into certain offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the Fund's exposure (any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed by the Fund to any counterparty), on a marked-to-market basis. Under current regulatory requirements, in connection with credit default swaps in which a Fund is the seller, the Fund will segregate or "earmark" cash or assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the swap (minus any amounts owed to the Fund). Such segregation or "earmarking" will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction and will limit any potential leveraging of the Fund's portfolio. Such segregation or "earmarking" will not limit the Fund's exposure to loss.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain standardized OTC derivative instruments that the CFTC and SEC have defined as "swaps." The CFTC has implemented mandatory exchange-trading and clearing requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act and the CFTC continues to approve contracts for central clearing. Uncleared swaps are subject to certain margin requirements that mandate the posting and collection of minimum margin amounts on certain uncleared swaps transactions, which may result in the Fund and its counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared swaps than would otherwise be the case. These amounts beyond coverage of daily exposure, if any, may (or if required by law, will) be segregated with a third-party custodian. To the extent a Fund is required by regulation to post additional collateral beyond coverage of daily exposure, it could potentially incur costs, including in procuring eligible assets to meet collateral requirements, associated with such posting. PIMCO will continue to monitor developments in this area, particularly to the extent regulatory changes affect the Funds' ability to enter into swap agreements.
Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements or swaptions will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the Sub-Adviser's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received
28
under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Funds will enter into OTC swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Internal Revenue Code may limit the Funds' ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is subject to increasing regulations, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including additional government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques, risk analyses, and tax planning different from those associated with traditional investments. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the reference asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. Because OTC swap agreements are bilateral contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and because they may have remaining terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid and subject to regulatory limitations on investments in illiquid investments. Please refer to "Illiquid Investments" below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. To the extent that a swap is not liquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
Like most other investments, swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a Fund's interest. A Fund bears the risk that the Sub-Adviser will not accurately forecast future market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for the Fund. If the Sub-Adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for a Fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
A Fund also may enter into recovery locks. A recovery lock is an agreement between two parties that provides for a fixed payment by one party and the delivery of a reference obligation, typically a bond, by the other party upon the occurrence of a credit event, such as a default, by the issuer of the reference obligation. Recovery locks are used to "lock in" a recovery amount on the reference obligation at the time the parties enter into the agreement. In contrast to a credit default swap where the final settlement amount may be dependent on the market price for the reference obligation upon the credit event, a recovery lock fixes the settlement amount in advance and is not dependent on the market price of the reference obligation at the time of the credit event. Unlike certain other types of derivatives, recovery locks generally do not involve upfront or periodic cash payments by either of the parties. Instead, payment and settlement occurs after there has been a credit event. If a credit event does not occur prior to the termination date of a recovery lock, the agreement terminates and no payments are made by either party. A Fund may enter into a recovery lock to purchase or sell a reference obligation upon the occurrence of a credit event.
Recovery locks are subject to the risk that the Sub-Adviser will not accurately forecast the value of a reference obligation upon the occurrence of a credit event. For example, if a Fund enters into a recovery lock and agrees to deliver a reference obligation in exchange for a fixed payment upon the occurrence of a credit event, the value of the reference obligation or eventual recovery on the reference obligation following the credit event may be greater than the fixed payment made by the counterparty to the Fund. If this occurs, the Fund will incur a loss on the transaction. In addition to general market risks, recovery locks are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. The market for recovery locks is relatively new and is smaller and less liquid than the market for credit default swaps and other derivatives. Elements of judgment may play a role in determining the value of a recovery lock. It may not be possible to enter into a recovery lock at an advantageous time or price. A Fund will only enter into recovery locks with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness.
A Fund's obligations under a recovery lock will be determined daily. In connection with recovery locks in which a Fund is the seller, under current regulatory requirements, the Fund will segregate or "earmark" cash or assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO, or enter into certain offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the Fund's obligations, on a mark-to-market basis. In connection with recovery locks in which a Fund is the buyer, the Fund will segregate or "earmark" cash or assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO or enter into offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the fixed payment amount of the recovery lock (minus any amounts owed to the Fund, if applicable).
29
Such segregation or "earmarking" will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction and will limit any potential leveraging of the Fund's portfolio.
Synthetic Equity Swaps.The Funds may also enter into synthetic equity swaps, in which one party to the contract agrees to pay the other party the total return earned or realized on a particular "notional amount" of value of an underlying equity security including any dividends distributed by the underlying security. The other party to the contract makes regular payments, typically at a fixed rate or at a floating rate based on LIBOR or other variable interest rate based on the notional amount. Similar to currency swaps, synthetic equity swaps are generally entered into on a net basis, which means the two payment streams are netted out and a Fund will either pay or receive the net amount. A Fund may enter into a synthetic equity swap instead of purchasing the reference security when the synthetic equity swap provides a more efficient or less expensive way of gaining exposure to a security compared with a direct investment in the security.
Correlation Risk for the Funds.In certain cases, the value of derivatives may not correlate perfectly, or at all, with the value of the assets, reference rates or indexes they are designed to closely track. There are a number of factors which may prevent a fund, or derivatives or other strategies used by a fund, from achieving desired correlation with an index. These may include, but are not limited to: (i) the impact of fund fees, expenses and transaction costs, including borrowing and brokerage costs/bid-ask spreads, which are not reflected in index returns; (ii) differences in the timing of daily calculations of the value of an index and the timing of the valuation of derivatives, securities and other assets held by a fund and the determination of the net asset value of fund shares; (iii) disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for derivative instruments or securities in which a fund invests; (iv) a fund having exposure to or holding less than all of the securities in the underlying index and/or having exposure to or holding securities not included in the underlying index; (v) large or unexpected movements of assets into and out of a fund (due to share purchases or redemptions, for example), potentially resulting in the fund being over- or under-exposed to the index; (vi) the impact of accounting standards or changes thereto; (vii) changes to the applicable index that are not disseminated in advance; (viii) a possible need to conform a fund's portfolio holdings to comply with investment restrictions or policies or regulatory or tax law requirements; and (ix) fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Risks of Potential Government Regulation of Derivatives.It is possible that additional government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures, options and swap agreements, and regulation of certain market participants' use of the same, may limit or prevent a Fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent a Fund from being able to achieve its investment objective. It is impossible to fully predict the effects of past, present or future legislation and regulation by multiple regulators in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse. It is possible that legislative and regulatory activity could limit or restrict the ability of a Fund to use certain instruments as a part of its investment strategy.
There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in the Funds or the ability of the Funds to continue to implement their investment strategies. The futures, options and swaps markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. In addition, the SEC, CFTC and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation or reduction of speculative position limits, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading. The regulation of futures, options and swaps transactions in the United States is a changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. The CFTC and various exchanges have rules limiting the maximum net long or short positions which any person or group may own, hold or control in any given futures contract or option on such futures contract. PIMCO will need to consider whether the exposure created under these contracts might exceed the applicable limits in managing the Funds, and the limits may constrain the ability of the Fund to use such contracts. In addition, the CFTC in October 2020 adopted amendments to its position limits rules that establish certain new and amended position limits for 25 specified physical commodity futures and related options contracts traded on exchanges, other futures contracts and related options directly or indirectly linked to such 25 specified contracts, and any OTC transactions that are economically equivalent to the 25 specified contracts. PIMCO will need to consider whether the exposure created under these contracts might exceed the new and amended limits in anticipation of the applicable compliance dates, and the limits may constrain the ability of a Fund to use such contracts. The amendments also modify the bona fide hedging exemption for which certain swap dealers are currently eligible, which could limit the amount of speculative OTC transaction capacity each such swap dealer would have available for the Funds prior to the applicable compliance date.
30
In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act sets forth a legislative framework for OTC derivatives, including financial instruments, such as swaps, in which the Funds may invest. Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act makes broad changes to the OTC derivatives market, grants significant authority to the SEC and the CFTC to regulate OTC derivatives and market participants, and requires clearing and exchange trading of many OTC derivatives transactions.
Provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act include capital and margin requirements and the mandatory use of clearinghouse mechanisms for many OTC derivative transactions. The CFTC, SEC and other federal regulators have adopted the rules and regulations enacting the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. However, swap dealers, major market participants and swap counterparties are experiencing, and will continue to experience, new and additional regulations, requirements, compliance burdens and associated costs. The Dodd-Frank Act and the rules promulgated thereunder may negatively impact a Fund's ability to meet its investment objective either through limits or requirements imposed on it or upon its counterparties. In particular, new position limits imposed on a Fund or its counterparties may impact that Fund's ability to invest in futures, options and swaps in a manner that efficiently meets its investment objective. In addition, and as described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Fund's asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein. New requirements, even if not directly applicable to the Funds, including margin requirements, changes to the CFTC speculative position limits regime and mandatory clearing, may increase the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
Bank Capital Securities
The Funds may invest in bank capital securities. Bank capital securities are issued by banks to help fulfill their regulatory capital requirements. There are two common types of bank capital: Tier I and Tier II. Bank capital is generally, but not always, of investment grade quality. Tier I securities often take the form of common and non-cumulative preferred securities. Tier II securities are commonly thought of as hybrids of debt and preferred securities, are often perpetual (with no maturity date), callable and, under certain conditions, allow for the issuer bank to withhold payment of interest until a later date. Subject to certain regulatory requirements, both Tier I and Tier II securities may include trust preferred securities. As a general matter, trust preferred securities are being phased out as Tier I and Tier II capital of banking organizations unless they qualify for grandfather treatment.
Trust Preferred Securities
The Funds may invest in trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities have the characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred securities. Generally, trust preferred securities are issued by a trust that is wholly-owned by a financial institution or other corporate entity, typically a bank holding company. The financial institution creates the trust and owns the trust's common securities. The trust uses the sale proceeds of its common securities to purchase subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt. The trust uses the funds received to make dividend payments to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The primary advantage of this structure is that the trust preferred securities are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes and as equity for the calculation of capital requirements.
Trust preferred securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated issuer. Typical characteristics include long-term maturities, early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the financial institution. The market value of trust preferred securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and subject to restrictions on resale. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of trust preferred securities and the ability of holders, such as a Fund, to sell their holdings. In identifying the risks of the trust preferred securities, the Sub-Adviser will look to the condition of the financial institution as the trust typically has no business operations other than to issue the trust preferred securities. If the financial institution defaults on interest payments to the trust, the trust will not be able to make dividend payments to holders of its securities, such as a Fund.
31
As a result of trust preferred securities being phased out of Tier I and Tier II capital of banking organizations, a Fund's ability to invest in trust preferred securities may be limited. This may impact a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs")
MLPs are limited partnerships in which ownership units are publicly traded. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the partnership. Investments in MLPs are generally subject to many of the risks that apply to partnerships. For example, holders of the units of MLPs may have limited control and limited voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. There may be fewer corporate protections afforded investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. Conflicts of interest may exist among unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of an MLP, including those arising from incentive distribution payments. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. Investments held by MLPs may be considered to be illiquid and subject to regulatory limitations on investments in illiquid investments. Please refer to "Illiquid Investments" below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. MLP units may trade infrequently and in limited volume, and they may be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
Exchange-Traded Notes
Exchange-traded notes ("ETNs") are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")) during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day's market benchmark or strategy factor.
ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. A Fund's decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.
ETNs are also subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how the Funds characterize and treat ETNs for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs.
An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form.
The market value of ETN shares may differ from their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETN shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.
32
Illiquid Investments
In accordance with Rule 22e-4 (the "Liquidity Rule") under the 1940 Act, each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in "illiquid investments" that are assets. For these purposes, "illiquid investments" are investments that cannot reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.
For each Fund, each portfolio investment must be classified at least monthly into one of four liquidity categories (highly liquid, moderately liquid, less liquid and illiquid), which are defined pursuant to the Liquidity Rule. Such classification is to be made using information obtained after reasonable inquiry and taking into account relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations. Moreover, in making such classification determinations, a Fund determines whether trading varying portions of a position in a particular portfolio investment or asset class, in sizes that the Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, is reasonably expected to significantly affect its liquidity, and if so, the Fund takes this determination into account when classifying the liquidity of that investment. The Funds may be assisted in classification determinations by one or more third-party service providers. Assets classified according to this process as "illiquid investments" are those subject to the 15% limit on illiquid investments.
Repurchase Agreements
Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, which involve an agreement to purchase a security and to sell that security back to the original seller at the Fund's cost of purchasing the security plus interest within a specified time. If the party agreeing to repurchase should default, the Fund may seek to sell the securities which it holds. This could involve procedural costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value should fall below their repurchase price. Please refer to "Illiquid Investments" above for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.
Loans of Portfolio Securities
For the purpose of achieving income, each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions, provided: (i) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities, cash or cash equivalents (negotiable certificates of deposits, bankers' acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to 102% of the market value (plus accrued interest) of the securities loaned or 105% of the market value (plus accrued interest) of the securities loaned if the borrowed securities are principally cleared and settled outside of the U.S.; (ii) the Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of the securities loaned; (iii) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (iv) the aggregate market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed 33 1∕3% of the total assets of the Fund (including the collateral received with respect to such loans). Each Fund's performance will continue to reflect the receipt of either interest through investment of cash collateral by the Fund in permissible investments, or a fee, if the collateral is U.S. Government securities. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights in the collateral or delay in recovery of the collateral should the borrower fail to return the securities loaned or become insolvent. The Funds may pay lending fees to the party arranging the loan. Cash collateral received by a Fund in securities lending transactions may be invested in short-term liquid fixed income instruments or in money market or short-term funds, or similar investment vehicles, including affiliated money market or short-term funds. A Fund bears the risk of such investments.
Investments in Business Development Companies ("BDCs")
The Funds may invest in BDCs, which typically operate to invest in, or lend capital to, early stage-to-mature private companies as well as small public companies. BDCs are regulated under the 1940 Act and are generally taxed as regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code. BDCs realize operating income when their investments are sold off or as income is received in connection with lending, and therefore maintain complex organizational, operational, tax and compliance requirements. For tax purposes, BDCs generally intend to qualify for taxation as regulated investment companies. To so qualify, BDCs must satisfy certain asset diversification and source of income tests and must generally distribute at least 90% of their taxable earnings as dividends. Under the 1940 Act, BDCs are also required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies in
33
which a BDC may invest, and therefore there is a risk that investors may not be able to make a fully informed decision. In addition, investments made by BDCs are typically illiquid and may be difficult to value. A BDC may only incur indebtedness in amounts such that the BDC's asset coverage, subject to certain conditions, equals at least 150% after such incurrence. These limitations on asset mix and leverage may prohibit the way that the BDC raises capital.
Investment Companies
The Funds may invest in the securities of other investment companies (including money market funds) to the extent allowed by law. Under Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, each Fund's investment in other investment companies is limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company; (ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company; and (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Fund's investment in units or shares of investment companies and other open-ended collective investment vehicles will be limited to 10% of the Fund's net assets. To the extent allowed by law or regulation, each Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies that are money market funds, including those advised by PIMCO or otherwise affiliated with PIMCO, in excess of the limits discussed above. Other investment companies in which a Fund invests can be expected to incur fees and expenses for operations, such as advisory fees and supervisory and administrative fees, that would be in addition to those fees and expenses incurred by the Fund.
As certain affiliated funds of funds may invest in a Fund beyond the limits discussed above, the Funds may not acquire securities of other registered open-end investment companies in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, thus limiting the Fund's investment flexibility. In addition, as discussed in more detail in the "Regulatory Risk" section below, certain regulatory changes adopted by the SEC may further limit the Funds' investment flexibility.
Because certain affiliated funds of funds, including series of the Trust, PIMCO Funds and PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, may invest a significant portion of their assets in the Funds, the affiliated funds of funds may be the predominant or sole shareholders of a particular Fund. In such circumstances investment decisions made with respect to the affiliated funds of funds could, under certain circumstances, negatively impact the Funds.
For instance, the affiliated funds of funds may purchase and redeem shares of a Fund as part of a reallocation or rebalancing strategy, which may result in the Fund having to sell securities or invest cash when it otherwise would not do so. Such transactions could increase a Fund's transaction costs and accelerate the realization of taxable income if sales of securities resulted in gains.
Government Intervention in Financial Markets
Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs and dramatically lower interest rates. For example, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Congress has approved stimulus intended to offset the severity and duration of the adverse economic effects of COVID-19 and related disruptions in economic and business activity. Many central banks across Europe, Asia and elsewhere have similarly announced and/or adopted economic relief packages. The introduction and adoption of these packages could cause market disruption and volatility. In addition, the end of any such program could cause market downturns, disruptions and volatility, particularly if markets view the ending as premature.
In addition, instability in the financial markets during and after the 2008-2009 financial downturn also led the U.S. Government and governments across the world to take a number of actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Most significantly, the U.S. Government has enacted a broad-reaching regulatory framework over the financial services industry and consumer credit markets. Federal, state, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which a Fund itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
34
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of a Fund's portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose a Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund. A Fund has established procedures to assess the liquidity of portfolio holdings and to value instruments for which market prices may not be readily available. PIMCO will monitor developments and seek to manage the Funds in a manner consistent with achieving each Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
The value of a Fund's holdings is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic disturbances based on unknown weaknesses in the markets in which a Fund invests. In the event of such a disturbance, issuers of securities held by a Fund may experience significant declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business operations or other government intervention. In addition, it is not certain that the U.S. Government will intervene in response to a future market disturbance and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted. It is difficult for issuers to prepare for the impact of future financial downturns, although companies can seek to identify and manage future uncertainties through risk management programs.
Inflation and Deflation
The Funds may be subject to inflation and deflation risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the present value of assets or income of a Fund will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the present value of money. A Fund's dividend rates or borrowing costs, where applicable, may also increase during periods of inflation. This may further reduce Fund performance. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time creating an economic recession, which could make issuer default more likely and may result in a decline in the value of a Fund's assets. Generally, securities issued in emerging markets are subject to a greater risk of inflationary or deflationary forces, and more developed markets are better able to use monetary policy to normalize markets.
Regulatory Risk
Financial entities, such as investment companies and investment advisers, are generally subject to extensive government regulation and intervention. Government regulation and/or intervention may change the way a Fund is regulated, affect the expenses incurred directly by the Fund and the value of its investments, and limit and/or preclude a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. Government regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences. Moreover, government regulation may have unpredictable and unintended effects. Many of the changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act could materially impact the profitability of the Funds and the value of assets they hold, expose the Funds to additional costs, require changes to investment practices, and adversely affect the Funds' ability to pay dividends. For example, the Volcker Rule's restrictions on proprietary trading have negatively impacted fixed income market making capacity, which resulted in reduced liquidity in certain fixed income markets. Other regulations, such as the Risk Retention Rules, have increased costs for certain securitization transactions. Additional legislative or regulatory actions to address perceived liquidity or other issues in fixed income markets generally, or in particular markets such as the municipal securities market, may alter or impair the Funds' ability to pursue their investment objectives or utilize certain investment strategies and techniques. While there continues to be uncertainty about the full impact of these and other regulatory changes, it is the case that the Funds will be subject to a more complex regulatory framework, and may incur additional costs to comply with new requirements as well as to monitor for compliance in the future.
Actions by governmental entities may also impact certain instruments in which a Fund invests. For example, certain instruments in which a Fund may invest rely in some fashion upon LIBOR. LIBOR is an average interest rate, determined by the ICE Benchmark Administration, that banks charge one another for the use of short-term money. On July 27, 2017, the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), the United Kingdom's financial regulatory body and regulator of LIBOR, announced that after 2021 it will cease its active encouragement of banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR due to the absence of an active market for interbank unsecured lending and other reasons. On March 5, 2021, the ICE Benchmark Administration ("IBA"), the administrator of LIBOR, announced that it will cease publication of many of its LIBOR settings after December 31, 2021, and that it will cease publication of certain commonly-used tenors of U.S. dollar LIBOR after June 30, 2023. While the FCA may consult on the issue of requiring the IBA to produce certain LIBOR tenors on a synthetic basis, it has announced that
35
all 35 LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator or will no longer be representative as of the dates published by the IBA. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued guidance encouraging market participants to adopt alternatives to LIBOR in new contracts as soon as practicable and no later than December 31, 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate (e.g., the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR and measures the cost of overnight borrowings through repurchase agreement transactions collateralized with U.S. Treasury securities). Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on a Fund or on certain instruments in which a Fund invests can be difficult to ascertain, and they may vary depending on factors that include, but are not limited to: (i) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts and (ii) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. For example, certain of a Fund's investments may involve individual contracts that have no existing fallback provision or language that contemplates the discontinuation of LIBOR, and those investments could experience increased volatility or reduced liquidity as a result of the transition process. In addition, interest rate provisions included in such contracts may need to be renegotiated in contemplation of the transition away from LIBOR. The transition may also result in a reduction in the value of certain instruments held by a Fund or a reduction in the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to a Fund.
In October 2020, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover transactions reflected in the Funds' asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein. The final rule requires a Fund to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limits and derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a Fund satisfies a "limited derivatives users" exception that is included in the final rule. Under the final rule, when a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating a Fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a Fund satisfies the limited derivatives users exception, but for funds subject to the VaR testing requirement, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the new rule regarding the use of securities lending collateral that may limit a Fund's securities lending activities. Compliance with these new requirements will be required after an eighteen-month transition period. Following the compliance date, these requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivatives, and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. PIMCO cannot predict the effects of these regulations on the Funds. PIMCO intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Funds in a manner consistent with achieving the Funds' investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
In October 2020, the SEC adopted certain regulatory changes and took other actions related to the ability of registered investment companies to invest in other registered investment companies. These changes include, among other things, the adoption of Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act (the "Fund of Funds Rule"), the rescission of Rule 12d1-2 under the 1940 Act, and the withdrawal of certain related exemptive relief and no-action assurances. Such changes could adversely impact the investment strategies and operations of the Funds, as well as Funds serving as underlying funds of affiliated funds of funds or third-party funds of funds.
In December 2020, the SEC adopted a rule for the fair valuation of fund investments. The new rule sets forth requirements for good faith determinations of fair value, establish conditions under which a market quotation is considered readily available for purposes of the definition of "value" under the 1940 Act, and the SEC noted that this definition will apply in all contexts under the 1940 Act. The SEC adopted an eighteen-month transition period beginning from the effective date for both the new rule and the associated new recordkeeping requirements. The impact of the new rule on the Funds is uncertain at this time.
36
CSDR Related Risk
The European Union has adopted a settlement discipline regime under Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 and the Settlement Discipline RTS as they may be modified from time to time ("CSDR"), which will have phased compliance dates. It aims to reduce the number of settlement fails that occur in EEA central securities depositories ("CSDs") and address settlement fails where they occur. The key elements of the regime are: (i) mandatory buy-ins - if a settlement fail continues for a specified period of time after the intended settlement date, a buy-in process must be initiated to effect the settlement; (ii) cash penalties - EEA CSDs are required to impose cash penalties on participants that cause settlement fails and distribute these to receiving participants; and (iii) allocations and confirmations - EEA investment firms are required to take measures to prevent settlement fails, including putting in place arrangements with their professional clients to communicate securities allocations and transaction confirmations.
These requirements apply to transactions in transferable securities (e.g., shares and bonds), money market instruments, units in funds and emission allowances that are to be settled via an EEA CSD and, in the case of cash penalties and buy-in requirements only, are admitted to trading or traded on an EEA trading venue or cleared by an EEA central counterparty.
The implementation of the CSDR settlement discipline regime for the Funds that enter into in-scope transactions may result in increased operational and compliance costs being borne directly or indirectly by the Funds. CSDR may also affect liquidity and increase trading costs associated with relevant securities. If in-scope transactions are subject to additional expenses and penalties as a consequence of the CSDR settlement discipline regime, such expenses and penalties may be charged to the relevant Fund depending upon their characterization under the Fund's Advisory Contract and Supervision and Administration Agreement (each defined below).
Liquidation of Funds
The Board of Trustees of the Trust may determine to close and/or liquidate a Fund at any time, which may have adverse tax consequences to shareholders. In the event of the liquidation of a Fund, shareholders will receive a liquidating distribution in cash or in-kind equal to their proportionate interest in the Fund. The value of an investment in a Fund, and any subsequent distribution in the event of a termination, will be subject to market conditions at that time. A liquidating distribution would generally be a taxable event to shareholders, resulting in a gain or loss for tax purposes, depending upon a shareholder's basis in his or her shares of the Fund. A shareholder of a liquidating Fund will not be entitled to any refund or reimbursement of expenses borne, directly or indirectly, by the shareholder (such as Fund operating expenses), and a shareholder may receive an amount in liquidation less than the shareholder's original investment.
It is the intention of any Fund expecting to close or liquidate to retain its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code during the liquidation period and, therefore, not to be taxed on any of its net capital gains realized from the sale of its assets or ordinary income earned that it timely distributes to shareholders. In the unlikely event that a Fund should lose its status as a regulated investment company during the liquidation process, the Fund would be subject to taxes which would reduce any or all of the types of liquidating distributions.
Participation in Litigation or Arbitration Proceedings
PIMCO, in its judgment and discretion and based on the considerations deemed by PIMCO to be relevant, may believe that it is in the best interests of a Fund to initiate or settle a claim or join a class of plaintiffs pursuing a claim as lead plaintiff (or opt out of a class and pursue a claim directly). Similarly, PIMCO may determine not to take or not to recommend any such action. To the extent that a Fund has liquidated, PIMCO will generally not take or recommend any such action. Subject to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, PIMCO may, on behalf of a Fund, directly initiate or participate in litigation or an arbitration proceeding as a named plaintiff or claimant. Pursuant to such procedures, PIMCO may, without limitation, (i) engage legal counsel for a Fund and/or cause a Fund to pay fair and reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with investigating the validity of a potential claim (or performing other due diligence relating to a potential claim) or taking any actions considered by PIMCO to be necessary or appropriate (a) to protect or preserve a Fund's rights or interests in connection with (1) defending a claim made against a Fund and (2) initiating or otherwise engaging in preliminary measures intended to facilitate possible future litigation or arbitration or otherwise support a judicial decision favorable to the Fund and (b) to preserve the Fund's ability to bring a claim and to prevent the expiration of an applicable statute of limitations; and (ii) on behalf of
37
a Fund that is not acting or seeking to act as a named plaintiff or claimant, (a) give direction to a third party (such as trustees or service providers), (b) cause the Fund to advance fair and reasonable legal fees and expenses to such third party, and/or (c) indemnify, on behalf of the Fund, such third party for its fair and reasonable fees and expenses, in each such case in connection with litigation or a claim concerning the Fund's investment and pursuant to the terms of the investment (including, without limitation, as a result of the Fund's holding of a certificate issued by a trust where the trustee or other service provider to the trust is commencing litigation or pursuing a claim on behalf of the trust). PIMCO may also vote for or authorize a settlement relating to litigation or a claim described in subparagraph (ii) above. Pursuant to the Board approved procedures, a Fund may directly bear a portion or all of the fees associated with the actions described above.
Fund Operations
Operational Risk.An investment in a Fund, like any fund, can involve operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors, human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third-party service providers. The occurrence of any of these failures, errors or breaches could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage or other events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Fund. While the Funds seek to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there may still be failures that could cause losses to a Fund.
Market Disruptions Risk.The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including those arising from war, terrorism, market manipulation, government interventions, defaults and shutdowns, political changes or diplomatic developments, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics) and natural/environmental disasters, which can all negatively impact the securities markets and cause a Fund to lose value. These events can also impair the technology and other operational systems upon which the Funds' service providers, including PIMCO as the Funds' investment adviser, rely, and could otherwise disrupt the Funds' service providers' ability to fulfill their obligations to the Funds.
The recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19) has caused volatility, severe market dislocations and liquidity constraints in many markets, including markets for the securities the Funds hold, and may adversely affect the Funds' investments and operations. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted in travel restrictions and disruptions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, event and service cancellations or interruptions, disruptions to business operations (including staff furloughs and reductions) and supply chains, and a reduction in consumer and business spending, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economy. These disruptions have led to instability in the market place, including equity and debt market losses and overall volatility, and the jobs market. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, the financial well-being and performance of individual issuers, borrowers and sectors and the health of the markets generally in potentially significant and unforeseen ways. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses, such as COVID-19, in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems. This crisis or other public health crises may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally.
The foregoing could lead to a significant economic downturn or recession, increased market volatility, a greater number of market closures, higher default rates and adverse effects on the values and liquidity of securities or other assets. Such impacts, which may vary across asset classes, may adversely affect the performance of the Funds. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in the Funds being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or to accurately price their investments. These and other developments may adversely affect the liquidity of the Funds' holdings (see "Liquidity Risk" in the Prospectus for further details).
Cyber Security Risk.As the use of technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the Funds have become potentially more susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional cyber events from outside threat actors or internal resources that may, among other things, cause a Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption and/or destruction or lose operational capacity, result in the unauthorized release or other misuse of
38
confidential information, or otherwise disrupt normal business operations. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to a Fund's digital information systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) and may come from multiple sources, including outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users) or cyber extortion, including exfiltration of data held for ransom and/or "ransomware" attacks that renders systems inoperable until ransom is paid, or insider actions). In addition, cyber security breaches involving a Fund's third party service providers (including but not limited to advisers, sub-advisers, administrators, transfer agents, custodians, vendors, suppliers, distributors and other third parties), trading counterparties or issuers in which a Fund invests can also subject a Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Cyber security breaches have the potential to interfere with the processing of Authorized Participant transactions and shareholder transactions in Fund shares on an exchange. Moreover, cyber security breaches involving trading counterparties or issuers in which a Fund invests could adversely impact such counterparties or issuers and cause the Fund's investment to lose value.
Cyber security failures or breaches may result in financial losses to a Fund and its shareholders. These failures or breaches may also result in disruptions to business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with a Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value, process shareholder transactions or otherwise transact business with shareholders; impediments to trading; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines; penalties; third party claims in litigation; reputational damage; reimbursement or other compensation costs; additional compliance and cyber security risk management costs and other adverse consequences. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future.
Like with operational risk in general, the Funds have established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security. However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Funds do not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which a Fund may invest, trading counterparties or third party service providers to the Funds. Such entities have experienced cyber attacks and other attempts to gain unauthorized access to systems from time to time, and there is no guarantee that efforts to prevent or mitigate the effects of such attacks or other attempts to gain unauthorized access will be successful. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Funds and their shareholders may suffer losses as a result of a cyber security breach related to the Funds, their service providers, trading counterparties or the issuers in which a Fund invests.
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Investment Restrictions
The investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental policies of each Fund and may not be changed with respect to a Fund without shareholder approval by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund.
(1)
A Fund may not concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is used in the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time, except that a Fund will concentrate to approximately the same extent that its Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of such particular industry or group of industries.
(2)
A Fund may not, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer, except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies (whether registered or excluded from registration under Section 3(c) of the 1940 Act), if, as a result (i) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. For the purpose of this restriction, each state and each separate political subdivision, agency, authority or instrumentality of such state, each multi-state agency or authority, and each guarantor, if any, are treated as separate issuers of Municipal Bonds.
(3)
A Fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, although it may purchase or sell securities or instruments secured by real estate or interests therein or representing interests in real estate, and may make, purchase or sell real estate mortgage loans, or purchase or sell securities or instruments issued by issuers which invest, deal or otherwise engage in real estate or interests therein.
39
(4)
A Fund may invest in commodities only as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund. This restriction shall not prohibit a Fund, subject to restrictions described in the Prospectus and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information, from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by commodities or purchasing, selling or entering into futures contracts, options on futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currency options, hybrid instruments, or any interest rate or securities-related or foreign currency-related hedging instrument, including swap agreements and other derivative instruments, subject to compliance with any applicable provisions of the federal securities or commodities laws.
(5)
A Fund may borrow money or issue any senior security, only as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
(6)
A Fund may make loans, only as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
(7)
A Fund may not act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws.
(8)
Notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or limitation, it is a fundamental policy of each Fund that it may pursue its investment objective by investing in one or more underlying investment companies or vehicles that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions
Each Fund's investment objective, as set forth in the Prospectus under the heading "Investment Objective," is nonfundamental and may be changed by the Trust's Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. Each Fund is also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies (which may be changed by the Trust's Board of Trustees without shareholder approval) relating to the investment of its assets and activities.
(A)
A Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets, as determined pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and the Fund's procedures adopted thereunder.
(B)
A Fund may not purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but it may make margin deposits in connection with covered transactions in options, futures, options on futures and short positions. For purposes of this restriction, the posting of margin deposits or other forms of collateral in connection with swap agreements is not considered purchasing securities on margin.
(C)
A Fund may not maintain a short position, or purchase, write or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads or combinations thereof, except on such conditions as may be set forth in the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information.
(D)
The Trust has adopted the following non-fundamental investment policy that may be changed on 60 days' notice to shareholders: Each Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its total assets (exclusive of collateral held from securities lending) in the component securities of that Fund's Underlying Index.
In addition to Non-Fundamental Investment Restriction (D), each Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in instruments that are not component securities of that Fund's Underlying Index, but which the Sub-Adviser believes will help the Fund meet its investment objective.
For purposes of the Funds' investment policies and restrictions, the Funds may value derivative instruments at market value, notional value or full exposure value (i.e., the sum of the notional amount for the contract plus the market value), or any combination of the foregoing (e.g., notional value for purposes of calculating the numerator and market value for purposes of calculating the denominator for compliance with a particular policy or restriction). For example, a Fund may value credit default swaps at full exposure value for purposes of the Fund's credit quality guidelines because such value in general better reflects the Fund's actual economic exposure during the term of the credit default swap agreement. As a result, a Fund may, at times, have notional exposure to an asset class (before netting) that is greater or less than the stated limit or restriction noted in the Fund's prospectus. In this context, both the notional amount and the market value may be positive or negative depending on whether the Fund is selling or buying protection through the credit default swap. The manner in which certain securities or other instruments are valued by the Funds for purposes of applying investment policies and restrictions may differ from the manner in which those investments are valued by other types of investors.
40
Under the 1940 Act, a "senior security" does not include any promissory note or evidence of indebtedness where such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made. A loan is presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within sixty days and is not extended or renewed. To the extent that borrowings for temporary administrative purposes exceed 5% of the total assets of a Fund, such excess shall be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement.
As noted above, a Fund may enter into certain transactions that can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing or financing transaction by the Fund. In such event, a Fund covers its commitment under such transactions by segregating or "earmarking" assets. In addition to covering such commitments in the manner described above, with respect to forwards, futures contracts, options and swaps that are required to cash settle (i.e., where physical delivery of the underlying reference asset is not permitted), a Fund is permitted to segregate or "earmark" liquid assets equal to a Fund's daily mark-to-market net obligation under the instrument, if any, rather than the instrument's full notional value (i.e., the market value of the reference asset underlying the forward or derivative). By doing so, such instruments will not be considered a "senior security" by the Fund. By segregating or "earmarking" liquid assets equal to only its net mark-to-market obligation under forwards or derivatives that are required to cash settle, a Fund will have the ability to utilize such instruments to a greater extent than if a Fund were required to segregate or "earmark" liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the instrument. As described above, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds' asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.
Pursuant to policies adopted by the Funds' Board of Trustees, purchased OTC options and the assets used as cover for OTC options written by a Fund may be treated as liquid. Please refer to "Illiquid Investments" above for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. It is noted that, while regulatory guidance indicates that assets used for cover may be considered "encumbered," the liquidity classification of assets used for cover is not affected by their status as being used for cover.
Each Fund interprets its policy with respect to concentration in a particular industry under Fundamental Investment Restriction 1, above, to apply to direct investments in the securities of issuers in a particular industry, and to any other investments, such as certain derivatives, that may properly be assigned to a particular industry, as defined by the Trust. For purposes of this restriction, a foreign government is considered to be an industry. Currency positions are not considered to be an investment in a foreign government for industry concentration purposes. Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities are not subject to a Fund's industry concentration restrictions, by virtue of the exclusion from that test available to all U.S. Government securities. Similarly, Municipal Bonds (as defined in the applicable prospectus) issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies and authorities are not subject to a Fund's industry concentration restrictions.
A Fund may invest in certain derivative instruments which, while representing a relatively small amount of the Fund's net assets, provide a greater amount of economic exposure to a particular industry. To the extent that a Fund obtains economic exposure to a particular industry in this manner, it may be subject to similar risks of concentration in that industry as if it had invested in the securities of issuers in that industry directly.
For purposes of applying the Funds' policy with respect to diversification under Fundamental Investment Restriction 2, above, traditional bond insurance on a security will not be treated as a separate security, and the insurer will not be treated as a separate issuer of the security. Therefore, the Funds' policy with respect to diversification does not limit the percentage of a Fund's assets that may be invested in securities insured by a single bond insurer.
Under the Funds' policy under Fundamental Investment Restriction 3, above, where a Fund purchases a loan or other security secured by real estate or interests therein or representing interests in real estate, in the event of a subsequent default, foreclosure, or similar event, the Fund may take possession of and hold the underlying real estate in accordance with its rights under the initial security and subsequently sell or otherwise dispose of such real estate.
Each Fund interprets its policy with respect to the purchase and sale of commodities or commodities contracts under Fundamental Investment Restriction 4 above to permit the Fund, subject to the Fund's investment objectives and general investment policies (as stated in the Prospectus and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information), to invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, commodity futures contracts and options thereon,
41
commodity-related swap agreements, hybrid instruments, and other commodity-related derivative instruments and to permit the Fund to make direct investments in commodities as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.
The Funds interpret their policies with respect to borrowing and lending to permit such activities as may be lawful for the Funds, to the full extent permitted by the 1940 Act or by exemption from the provisions therefrom pursuant to exemptive order of the SEC. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC on November 19, 2001, the Funds may enter into transactions with respect to the investment of daily cash balances of the Funds in shares of PIMCO-sponsored money market and/or short-term bond funds. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the Funds, along with other registered investment companies in the PIMCO Funds family, may engage in interfund lending transactions, to the extent such participation is consistent with each Fund's investment objective and investment policies. As part of the interfund lending program, certain PIMCO-sponsored money market and short-term bond funds will have the ability to lend to certain other PIMCO-sponsored non-money market and non-short-term bond funds, as detailed in the exemptive relief (the "Interfund Lending Program").
Any loan made through the Interfund Lending Program would be preferable to borrowing from a bank from the perspective of a borrowing fund and more beneficial than an alternative short-term investment from the perspective of a lending fund. The term of an interfund loan is limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days. In addition, an interfund loan is callable with one business day's notice. All loans are for temporary cash management or emergency purposes and the interest rates to be charged will be the average of the overnight repurchase agreement rate and the bank loan rate.
The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. No fund may borrow more than the amount permitted by its investment limitations and all loans are subject to numerous conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all participating funds. The interfund lending facility is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Board.
No borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the interfund loan could be called on one day's notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an interfund loan is not available. If a borrowing fund is unable to repay the loan when due, a delay in repayment to the lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity for the lending fund.
Unless otherwise indicated, all limitations applicable to Fund investments (as stated above and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information or in the Prospectus) apply only at the time of investment. Any subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the Fund's total assets will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment. In the event that ratings services assign different ratings to the same security, the Sub-Adviser will use the highest rating as the credit rating for that security.
From time to time, a Fund may voluntarily participate in actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as the Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders ("Voluntary Action"). Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under this "Investment Restrictions" section or any percentage investment limitation of the 1940 Act or rules thereunder, if a Fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Voluntary Action, and the Fund will exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments and after announcement of the offering, the Fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.
Unless otherwise indicated, all percentage limitations on Fund investments (as stated throughout this Statement of Additional Information or in the Prospectus) that are not: (i) specifically included in this "Investment Restrictions" section or (ii) imposed by the 1940 Act, rules thereunder, the Internal Revenue Code or related regulations (the "Elective Investment Restrictions"), will apply only at the time of investment unless the acquisition is a Voluntary Action. In addition and notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this policy, certain Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions, as noted above, are also considered Elective Investment Restrictions. The percentage
42
limitations and absolute prohibitions with respect to Elective Investment Restrictions are not applicable to a Fund's acquisition of securities or instruments through a Voluntary Action. Certain percentage limitations or absolute prohibitions stated in certain Elective Investment Restrictions by their terms apply only with respect to specific securities or instruments as opposed to asset classes or economic exposures represented by such securities or instruments; for purposes of applying such limitations or prohibitions, the Funds may not count investments in derivatives or other instruments that are not the specific securities or instruments limited or prohibited by the express terms of the Elective Investment Restriction. In such cases, a Fund may obtain greater economic exposure to asset classes represented by such specific securities or instruments because such exposure is not restricted by the express terms of the Elective Investment Restriction.
A Fund may engage in roll-timing strategies where the Fund seeks to extend the expiration or maturity of a position, such as a forward contract, futures contract or to-be-announced ("TBA") transaction, on an underlying asset by closing out the position before expiration and contemporaneously opening a new position with respect to the same underlying asset that has substantially similar terms except for a later expiration date. Such "rolls" enable the Fund to maintain continuous investment exposure to an underlying asset beyond the expiration of the initial position without delivery of the underlying asset. Similarly, as certain standardized swap agreements transition from OTC trading to mandatory exchange-trading and clearing due to the implementation of Dodd-Frank Act regulatory requirements, a Fund may "roll" an existing OTC swap agreement by closing out the position before expiration and contemporaneously entering into a new exchange-traded and cleared swap agreement on the same underlying asset with substantially similar terms except for a later expiration date. These types of new positions opened contemporaneous with the closing of an existing position on the same underlying asset with substantially similar terms are collectively referred to as "Roll Transactions." Elective Investment Restrictions (defined in the preceding paragraph), which normally apply at the time of investment, do not apply to Roll Transactions (although Elective Investment Restrictions will apply to the Fund's entry into the initial position). In addition and notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this policy, those Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions that are considered Elective Investment Restrictions for purposes of the policy on Voluntary Actions (described in the preceding paragraph) are also Elective Investment Restrictions for purposes of this policy on Roll Transactions. The Funds will test for compliance with Elective Investment Restrictions at the time of a Fund's initial entry into a position, but the percentage limitations and absolute prohibitions set forth in the Elective Investment Restrictions are not applicable to a Fund's subsequent acquisition of securities or instruments through a Roll Transaction.
Recently finalized Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") rules include mandatory margin requirements for the TBA market that require a Fund to post collateral in connection with their TBA transactions. There is no similar requirement applicable to a Fund's TBA counterparties. The required collateralization of TBA trades could increase the cost of TBA transactions to a Fund and impose added operational complexity.
A Fund's investment policies, limitations, or practices are applicable "normally" or under "normal circumstances" or "normal market conditions" (as stated above and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information or in the Prospectus). Pursuant to the discretion of PIMCO and the Sub-Adviser, these investment policies, limitations, or practices may not apply during periods of abnormal purchase or redemption activity or during periods of unusual or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. Such market, economic or political conditions may include periods of abnormal or heightened market volatility, strained credit and/or liquidity conditions, or increased governmental intervention in the markets or industries. During such periods, a Fund may not invest according to its principal investment strategies or in the manner in which its name may suggest, and may be subject to different and/or heightened risks. It is possible that such unusual or adverse conditions may continue for extended periods of time.
Underlying Indexes
Each Fund tracks a particular index ("Underlying Index") constructed by the Index Provider.
RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Funds
The Underlying Index for each RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Fund is constructed by the Index Provider using a rules-based approach to construct factor portfolios within the Underlying Index. The universe for the Underlying Index construction process starts with all common equity securities traded on primary exchanges, and preferred shares in countries where preferred shares are economically equivalent to common, which meet and pass minimum liquidity and investability (capacity) requirements, issued by companies that are assigned to countries by the Index Provider. The
43
rulebook dated August 2021 indicates that there are 23 developed market countries and 25 emerging market countries eligible for inclusion. The Index Provider assigns companies to countries and promulgates that assignment to securities. Eligible securities are then determined by selecting companies based on fundamental weight, calculated using four accounting measures from company financial statements: (i) de-levered sales, calculated as company sales averaged over the past five years multiplied by the ratio of average equity to average assets; (ii) cash flow, taken as the company operating cash flow averaged over the past five years; (iii) dividend plus buybacks, calculated using the average dividends paid and share buybacks over the past five years; and (iv) book value, taken as the most recent company book value. At each annual reconstitution, companies that rank in the top 86% of cumulative fundamental weight constitute the large-mid company universe. Companies that rank in the top 98% by fundamental weight, excluding companies in the top 86%, within each region constitute the small company universe.
The Underlying Indexes consist of "factor portfolios," which emphasize the following factors:
Underlying Index
Factor Portfolios
RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Index
Value, low volatility, quality, momentum
RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index
Value, low volatility, quality, momentum, size
RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Index
Value, low volatility, quality, momentum, size
The value factor emphasizes companies with high ratio of company fundamental weight to its market capitalization weight. For each region and size group indicated in the rulebook, the ratio of fundamental weight to market capitalization weight for each stock is calculated as described above. Eligible securities are then ranked in descending order by the ratio, the top 25% by cumulative adjusted fundamental weight are selected for inclusion, subject to a minimum of 15 stocks. Selected companies are then re-weighted by their adjusted fundamental weight subject to the application of liquidity limits and maximum stock weight of 5% for all regions, except for the U.K. region at 15%. The minimum stock weight is 0.05%. Stocks below the minimum weight are removed and the excess weights are distributed across the remaining stocks in the index.
The low volatility factor emphasizes companies with low risk measure calculated as the variance of a company's daily excess return over five years explained by global, local country groups, and global industry excess returns. For each region and size group indicated in the rulebook, a risk measure for each stock is calculated as described below. Eligible securities are then ranked in ascending order of risk measure, the top 25% by cumulative adjusted fundamental weight are selected for inclusion, subject to a minimum of 15 stocks. Selected companies are then re-weighted by their adjusted fundamental weight subject to the application of liquidity limits and maximum stock weight of 5%, except for the U.K. region at 15%. The minimum stock weight is 0.05%. Stocks below the minimum weight are removed and the excess weights are distributed across the remaining stocks in the index.
The risk measure referenced above is calculated as the variance of a stock's excess return that is explained by a three-factor regression model, as further described in the rulebook. The excess return is the daily local currency return minus the return investing in local currency for the business days that are common to each component of regression. The linear regression is calculated over the five-year estimation period. A minimum of 510 daily return observations are required for the calculation of the company level risk metric and therefore for the company to be eligible for inclusion in the index.
The quality factor emphasizes companies that are high in Profitability and low in Investment Spending. For each region and size group indicated in the rulebook, a quality measure for each stock is calculated as described below. Eligible securities are then ranked in descending order by quality measure, the top 25% by cumulative adjusted fundamental weight are selected for inclusion, subject to a minimum of 15 stocks. Selected companies are then re-weighted by their adjusted fundamental weight subject to the application of liquidity limits and maximum stock weight of 5% for all regions, except for the U.K. region at 15%. The minimum stock weight is 0.05%. Stocks below the minimum weight are removed and the excess weights are distributed across the remaining stocks in the index.
The quality measure referenced above is the average of Profitability minus the average of Investment. Profitability is the average of the z-scores (a commonly used method for normalizing data in order to combine it with other data) of ROA, ROE and operating profitability. Investment is the average of the z-scores of asset growth and book growth. The outliers of the variables are winsorized (that is, subjected to a statistical method for limiting extreme
44
values in order to reduce their effect) prior to the z-score calculation. ROA is calculated as the ratio of net income before extraordinary items to assets. ROE is calculated as the ratio of net income before extraordinary items to equity book value. Operating profitability is the ratio of operating income minus interest to equity book value. Asset growth is the ratio of current year assets minus previous year assets to previous year assets. Book growth is the ratio of current book value minus previous year book value to previous year book value. To avoid foreign exchange impact during the security selection process, the above variables are calculated using the fundamental data in the company's reporting currency.
The momentum factor emphasizes stocks with high momentum. For each region and size group indicated in the rulebook, a momentum measure for each stock is calculated as described below. Eligible securities are then ranked in descending order by momentum measure, the top 50% by cumulative adjusted capitalization weight are selected for inclusion, subject to a minimum of 15 stocks. Selected companies are then re-weighted by their adjusted fundamental weight subject to the application of liquidity limits and maximum stock weight of 5% for all regions, except for the U.K. region at 15%. The minimum stock weight is 0.05%. Stocks below the minimum weight are removed and the excess weights are distributed across the remaining stocks in the index.
The momentum measure referenced above is the average of the z-scores for standard momentum, idiosyncratic momentum and fresh momentum. A company's stock excess return is used in calculating momentum. The excess return is the company's daily local currency return minus the return investing in cash for the day. The outliers of the calculated momentums are winsorized prior to the z-score calculation. Standard momentum is momentum investing based on a stock's recent excess return, which is the past 12 month excess return excluding the most recent month return. The time period for excess return is from trading day -365 calendar days to trading -30 calendar days. Idiosyncratic momentum accounts for a stock's market exposure by comparing its standard momentum to the beta-forecasted value. Market returns are hedged market returns on the cap-weighted market index for the given company, which are adjusted in the calculation by a corresponding factor sensitivity on that market. The time period for local excess return and the regression calculation for the factor sensitivity is from trading day -365 calendar days to trading -30 calendar days. Fresh momentum is the reversal adjusted measure that indicates if the momentum of a stock is building or diminishing by comparing standard momentum to the previous year's momentum.
The size factor is the equal weight of the small company portions of the other four factors. After the aggregation, liquidity limits are applied to the stock weights. The minimum stock weight is 0.05%. Stocks below the minimum weight are removed and the excess weights are distributed across the remaining stocks in the index.
A company's fundamental weight may be adjusted by a "free float factor", which is the ratio of the total market capitalization of the shares of the company in free float to the total market capitalization of the company.
The Underlying Indexes dynamically allocate to each factor at each quarterly rebalance. Dynamic allocation starts with an equal weighting to each factor plus an additional weight, which is based on a calculation of a factor's momentum and long-term reversal signal relative to the other factors. Additional weights to a particular factor are capped at a maximum of 15% and minimum of -15% relative to equal weighting.
Each factor (other than momentum) is reconstituted annually on the last business day of March and rebalanced on a quarterly staggered basis on the last business day of March, June, September and third Friday of December. For example, a single factor will be divided into four identical tranches. At the first quarterly rebalance, the first tranche (i.e., 25% of the factor) is rebalanced, but the remaining three tranches (i.e., the other 75% of the factor) are not rebalanced and will continue to drift until the next quarterly rebalance. At the next quarterly rebalance, the second tranche is rebalanced while the other three tranches (including the tranche that was rebalanced at the prior quarter-end) are not rebalanced. This staggered rebalancing is intended to diversify risk and decrease market impact. The momentum factor, unlike the other factors, is reconstituted and fully rebalanced quarterly. At each quarterly rebalance, trading controls are implemented to minimize turnover.
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
The Underlying Index for the PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF is constructed by the Index Provider using a rules-based approach within publicly traded U.S. equities to create an integrated ESG strategy which overweights companies that rate well across various ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) themes and excludes companies with a major involvement in industries such as tobacco, gaming, weapons and fossil fuels. The universe for the
45
Underlying Index construction process starts with all common equity securities traded on U.S. primary exchanges, which meet and pass minimum liquidity and investability (capacity) requirements, issued by companies that are assigned to the United States by the Index Provider.
The Underlying Index uses five signals to determine a company's overall ESG score: environment, social, governance, diversity and financial discipline. The environment, social, governance and diversity scores are determined using data provided by Vigeo Eiris, a third-party ESG data and ratings provider (the "ESG Data Provider"). The ESG Data Provider assesses hundreds of different factors within a framework of sustainability criteria based on international standards in determining the environment, social and governance scores. The ESG Data Provider also considers numerous different metrics relating to gender diversity in determining the diversity scores. The financial discipline score is determined by the Index Provider and is intended to identify companies with high profitability, low investment, low issuance and low accruals.
To construct the Underlying Index, companies are sorted in descending order by their environment, social, governance, diversity and financial discipline scores, respectively. Companies in the bottom 10% by fundamental weight, for each respective signal, are excluded. In addition, companies classified by the ESG Data Provider as having major involvement in the following areas are excluded: tobacco, gambling, weapons-civilian firearms and military, fossil fuels, coal, tar sands and oil shale. Selected companies are weighted by their fundamental weight, adjusted by the companies' respective overall ESG scores. As of September 30, 2021, the Underlying Index consisted of 284 Component Securities.
The portfolio of the Underlying Index is reconstituted annually on the last business day of March and rebalanced on a quarterly staggered basis on the last business day of March, June, September and third Friday of December. For example, the model portfolio will be divided into four identical tranches. At the first quarterly rebalance, the first tranche (i.e., 25% of the portfolio) is rebalanced, but the remaining three tranches (i.e., the other 75% of the portfolio) are not rebalanced and will continue to drift until the next quarterly rebalance. At the next quarterly rebalance, the second tranche is rebalanced while the other three tranches (including the tranche that was rebalanced at the prior quarter-end) are not rebalanced. This staggered rebalancing is intended to diversify risk and decrease market impact of trading.
Additional Information about the Underlying Indexes
Solactive AG is the Underlying Index calculator and benchmark administrator. The value of an Underlying Index is calculated on each day on which the U.S. market or U.K. market is open for trading (for purposes of this section only, "Business Day") based on the prices on the respective Exchanges on which the component securities of such index ("Component Securities") are listed. For each update, the most recent prices of all Component Securities are used. Prices of Component Securities not listed in U.S. Dollars are converted using spot foreign exchange rates quoted by Reuters. The daily index closing value is calculated using WM/Reuters closing spot rates from 4:00 pm London time. Should there be no current price available on Reuters, the most recent price or the Trading Price (as defined below) on Reuters for the preceding Trading Day (as defined below) is used in the calculation. The Underlying Index is calculated continuously every Business Day from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm, CET, with updates every 15 seconds. In the event that data cannot be provided to Reuters or to the pricing services of Boerse Stuttgart AG the Underlying Index cannot be distributed. Any incorrect calculation is adjusted on a retrospective basis. At the time of the calculation and publication of the Underlying Index, the prices used for the calculation may already have changed.
A committee (the "Committee") composed of staff from Solactive AG is responsible for any amendments to the rules; provided that the starting universe for the composition of an Underlying Index and its relevant specifications are established by the Index Provider. The future composition of any Underlying Index is determined on the last business day of February, May, August and November according to the procedures outlined in the Underlying Index rulebook. The Committee shall decide about the future composition of the Underlying Index in the event that any Extraordinary Events (as defined below) should occur and the implementation of any necessary adjustments. Notwithstanding the above, Solactive AG may consult the Index Provider for decisions regarding the composition of an Underlying Index. Members of the Committee can recommend changes to the guideline and submit them to the Committee for approval.
All specifications and information relevant for calculating the Underlying Indexes are made available on the http://www.solactive.de web page and sub-pages.
46
With regard to a Component Security, the "Trading Price" in respect of a Trading Day is the closing price on this Trading Day determined in accordance with the Exchange regulations. If the Exchange has no closing price for a Component Security, the Underlying Index calculator shall determine the Trading Price and the time of the quote for the share in question in a manner that appears reasonable to the Underlying Index calculator.
A "Trading Day" is, in relation to the Underlying Index or a Component Security, a Trading Day on the Exchange (or a day that would have been such a day if a market disruption had not occurred), excluding days on which trading may be ceased prior to the normal Exchange closing time. The Underlying Index calculator is ultimately responsible as to whether a certain day is a Trading Day with regard to the Underlying Index or a Component Security.
An "Extraordinary Event" is
A merger
A takeover bid
A delisting
The nationalization of a company
Insolvency
The Trading Price for a Component Security on the day the Extraordinary Event came into effect is the last available market price for this Component Security quoted on the Exchange on the day the event came into effect (or, if a market price is not available for the day the event came into effect, the last available market price quoted on the Exchange on a day specified as appropriate by the Underlying Index calculator), as determined by the Underlying Index calculator, and this price is used as the Trading Price of the particular Component Security until the end of the day on which the composition of the Underlying Index is next set.
In the event of the insolvency of an issuer of a Component Security, the Component Security shall remain in the Underlying Index until the next rebalancing day. As long as a market price for the affected Component Security is available on a Business Day, this shall be applied as the Trading Price for this Component Security on the relevant Business Day, as determined in each case by the Underlying Index calculator. If a market price is not available on a Business Day the Trading Price for this Component Security is set to zero. The Committee may also decide to eliminate the respective Component Security at an earlier point in time prior to the next rebalancing day. The procedure in this case is identical to an elimination due to an Extraordinary Event.
A Component Security is "delisted" if the Exchange announces pursuant to the Exchange regulations that the listing of, the trading in or the issuing of public quotes on the Component Security at the Exchange has ceased immediately or will cease at a later date, for whatever reason (provided delisting is not because of a Merger or a Takeover Bid), and the Component Security is not immediately listed, traded or quoted again on an exchange, trading, or listing system, acceptable to the Underlying Index calculator.
"Insolvency" occurs with regard to a Component Security if (A) all shares of the respective issuer must be transferred to a trustee, liquidator, insolvency administrator, or a similar public officer as result of a voluntary or compulsory liquidation, insolvency or winding-up proceedings, or comparable proceedings affecting the issuer of the Component Security, or (B) the holders of the shares of this issuer are legally enjoined from transferring the shares.
A "Takeover Bid" is a bid to acquire, an exchange offer or any other offer or act of a legal person that results in the related legal person acquiring as part of an exchange or otherwise more than 10% and less than 100% of the voting shares in circulation from the issuer of the Component Security or the right to acquire these shares, as determined by the Underlying Index calculator based on notices submitted to public or self-regulatory authorities or other information considered by the Underlying Index calculator to be relevant.
With regard to a Component Security, a "Merger" is: 1. a change in the security class or a conversion of this share class that results in a transfer or an ultimate definite obligation to transfer all the shares in circulation to another legal person; 2. a merger (either by acquisition or through forming a new structure) or a binding obligation on the part of the issuer to exchange shares with another legal person (except in a merger or share exchange under which the issuer of this Component Security is the acquiring or remaining company and which does not involve a change in security class
47
or a conversion of all the shares in circulation); 3. a takeover offer, exchange offer, other offer or another act of a legal person for the purposes of acquiring or otherwise obtaining from the issuer 100% of the shares issued that entails a transfer or the irrevocable obligation to transfer all shares (with the exception of shares which are held and controlled by the legal person); or 4. a merger (either by acquisition or through forming a new structure) or a binding obligation on the part of the issuer of the share or its subsidiaries to exchange shares with another legal person, whereby the issuer of the share is the acquiring or remaining company and it does not involve a change in the class or a conversion of the all shares issued, but the shares in circulation directly prior to such an event (except for shares held and controlled by the legal person) represent in total less than 50% of the shares in circulation directly subsequent to such an event.
The "Merger Date" is the date on which a Merger is concluded or the date specified by the Underlying Index calculator if such a date cannot be determined under the law applicable to the Merger.
"Nationalization" is a process whereby all shares or the majority of the assets of the issuer of the shares are nationalized or are expropriated or otherwise must be transferred to public bodies, authorities, or institutions.
For purposes of this section only, "Exchange" is, in respect of an Underlying Index and every Component Security, the respective primary exchange where the Component Security has its primary listing. The Committee may decide to declare a different stock exchange the "Exchange" for trading reasons, even if the company is only listed there via a Stock Substitute. "Stock Substitute" includes, in particular, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs).
Neither the Index Provider nor Solactive AG is affiliated with the Trust, PIMCO, PIMCO Investments LLC, or their affiliates. PIMCO has entered into a license agreement with the Index Provider to use each Underlying Index. The license agreement allows the Trust to use the Underlying Indexes at no charge to the Trust. See the Prospectus for additional disclaimers relating to the Underlying Indexes.
Management Of The Trust
Trustees and Officers
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees. Subject to the provisions of the Trust Instrument, its By-Laws and Delaware law, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") has all powers necessary and convenient to carry out this responsibility, including the election and removal of the Trust's officers.
Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight Function
The Board is currently composed of eight Trustees, six of whom are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as that term is defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) ("Independent Trustees"). The Trustees meet periodically throughout the year to discuss and consider matters concerning the Trust and to oversee the Trust's activities, including its investment performance, compliance program and risks associated with its activities.
Peter G. Strelow, a Managing Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer of PIMCO, and therefore an "interested person" of the Trust, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board has established four standing committees to facilitate the Trustees' oversight of the management of the Trust: an Audit Committee, a Valuation Oversight Committee, an Investment Performance Committee and a Governance and Nominating Committee. The scope of each Committee's responsibilities is discussed in greater detail below. Ronald C. Parker is the Lead Independent Trustee of the Trust. The Lead Independent Trustee's duties and responsibilities include serving as chair of, and leading and facilitating discussions at, executive sessions of the Independent Trustees and acting as chair at Board or Committee meetings in the absence of the Chairman of the Board or other currently-appointed chair; coordinating with the Independent Trustees and the Trust's management to discuss recommendations for Board meeting agendas; reviewing, and providing input to the Trust's management as appropriate regarding, whether agenda objectives are being met; and acting generally as spokesperson for the Independent Trustees on external matters, provided that if another Independent Trustee is deemed to be more qualified or better able to address a particular matter, such other Independent Trustee shall serve as spokesperson in connection with such matter. In addition, the Chairs of the Audit Committee, Investment Performance Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee and Valuation Oversight Committee, each of whom is an Independent Trustee, act as liaisons between the Independent Trustees and the Trust's
48
management between Board meetings and, with management, are involved in the preparation of agendas for Board and Committee meetings, as applicable.
The Board believes that, as Chairman, Mr. Strelow provides skilled executive leadership to the Trust. Further, the Board believes that an interested Chairman performs an essential liaison function between the Trust and PIMCO, its investment manager. The Board believes that its governance structure allows all of the Independent Trustees to participate in the full range of the Board's oversight responsibilities. The Board reviews its structure regularly as part of its annual self-evaluation. The Board has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate in light of the characteristics and circumstances of the Trust because it allocates areas of responsibility among the Committees and the Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The Board considered, among other things, the role of PIMCO in the day-to-day management of the Trust's affairs; the extent to which the work of the Board is conducted through the Committees; the number of portfolios that comprise the Trust and other trusts in the fund complex overseen by members of the Board; the variety of asset classes those portfolios include; the net assets of each Fund, the Trust and the fund complex; and the management, distribution and other service arrangements of each Fund, the Trust and the fund complex.
In its oversight role, the Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, policies and procedures designed to address risks associated with the Trust's activities. In addition, PIMCO and the Trust's other service providers have adopted policies, processes and procedures to identify, assess and manage risks associated with the Trust's activities. The Trust's senior officers, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") and Treasurer, PIMCO portfolio management personnel and other senior personnel of PIMCO, the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm (the "independent auditors") and personnel from the Trust's third-party service providers make periodic reports to the Board and its Committees with respect to a variety of matters, including matters relating to risk management.
Qualifications of the Trustees
The charts below identify the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
Trustees of the Trust
Name, Year of Birth
and Position
Held with Trust*
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served†
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
Other Public Company
and Investment Company
Directorships Held by
Trustee During the
Past 5 Years
Interested Trustees1
Peter G. Strelow (1970)
Chairman of the Board
and Trustee
02/2019 to present
Managing Director
and Co-Chief
Operating Officer,
PIMCO. Senior Vice
President of the Trust,
PIMCO Equity Series
VIT, PIMCO Funds,
PIMCO Variable
Insurance Trust and
PIMCO ETF Trust,
PIMCO Managed
Accounts Trust,
PIMCO-Sponsored
Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored
Closed-End Funds.
Formerly, Chief
Administrative
Officer, PIMCO.
149
Chairman and Trustee,
PIMCO Equity Series
VIT, PIMCO Funds,
PIMCO Variable
Insurance Trust,
PIMCO ETF Trust.
49
Name, Year of Birth
and Position
Held with Trust*
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served†
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
Other Public Company
and Investment Company
Directorships Held by
Trustee During the
Past 5 Years
Kimberley G. Stafford
(1978)
Trustee
02/2021 to present
Managing Director,
Global Head of
Product Strategy,
PIMCO; and Member
of Executive
Committee, PIMCO.
Formerly, Head of
Asia-Pacific, Global
Head of Consultant
Relations and Head of
US Institutional and
Alternatives Sales,
PIMCO.
149
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance
Trust, PIMCO ETF
Trust.
Independent Trustees
George E. Borst (1948)
Trustee
05/2019 to present
Executive Advisor,
McKinsey &
Company; Formerly,
Executive Advisor,
Toyota Financial
Services; and CEO,
Toyota Financial
Services.
149
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance and
PIMCO ETF Trust;
Director, MarineMax
Inc.
Jennifer Holden Dunbar
(1963)
Trustee
02/2016 to present
Managing Director,
Dunbar Partners, LLC
(business consulting
and investments).
Formerly, Partner,
Leonard Green &
Partners, L.P.
149
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance and
PIMCO ETF Trust;
Director, PS Business
Parks; Director, Big 5
Sporting Goods
Corporation.
Kym M. Hubbard (1957)
Trustee
05/2019 to present
Formerly, Global
Head of Investments,
Chief Investment
Officer and Treasurer,
Ernst & Young.
149
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance and
PIMCO ETF Trust;
Director, State Auto
Financial Corporation.
Gary F. Kennedy (1955)
Trustee
05/2019 to present
Formerly, Senior Vice
President, General
Counsel and Chief
Compliance Officer,
American Airlines and
AMR Corporation
(now American
Airlines Group).
149
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance and
PIMCO ETF Trust.
50
Name, Year of Birth
and Position
Held with Trust*
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served†
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
Other Public Company
and Investment Company
Directorships Held by
Trustee During the
Past 5 Years
Peter B. McCarthy
(1950)
Trustee
09/2011 to present
Formerly, Assistant
Secretary and Chief
Financial Officer,
United States
Department of
Treasury; Deputy
Managing Director,
Institute of
International Finance.
149
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance and
PIMCO ETF Trust.
Ronald C. Parker (1951)
Lead Independent
Trustee
02/2016 to present
Lead Independent
Trustee
05/2019 to present
Director of Roseburg
Forest Products
Company. Formerly,
Chairman of the
Board, The Ford
Family Foundation;
and President, Chief
Executive Officer,
Hampton Affiliates
(forestry products).
149
Lead Independent
Trustee, PIMCO Equity
Series VIT, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance and
PIMCO ETF Trust.
(*)
Unless otherwise noted, the information for the individuals listed is as of September 30, 2021.
(†)
Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
(1)
Each of Ms. Stafford and Mr. Strelow is an "interested person" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) because of their affiliations with PIMCO.
The Board has determined that each of the Trustees is qualified to serve as a Trustee of the Trust, based on a review of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each Trustee, including those listed in the table above. The Board has taken into account each Trustee's commitment to the Board and participation in Board and committee meetings throughout his or her tenure on the Board. The following is a summary of qualifications, experiences and skills of each Trustee (in addition to the principal occupation(s) during the past five years noted in the table above) that support the conclusion that each individual is qualified to serve as a Trustee.
Mr. Strelow's position as a Managing Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer of PIMCO, his former positions as Chief Administrative Officer of PIMCO and as President of the Trust, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds, give him valuable experience with the day-to-day management of the Trust as well as other funds within the fund complex, enabling him to provide essential management input to the Board.
Ms. Stafford's position as a Managing Director of PIMCO and as a Member of its Executive Committee give her valuable experience with the day-to-day management of the operation of the Trust as well as other funds within the fund complex, enabling her to provide essential management input to the Board.
Mr. Borst served in multiple executive positions at a large automotive corporation. Mr. Borst has prior financial experience from his oversight of the chief financial officer, treasury, accounting and audit functions of that automotive corporation. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of a credit company. Additionally, Mr. Borst has prior experience as a board member of a corporation. He also has valuable experience as a Trustee of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series VIT since 2019.
Ms. Dunbar has financial experience investing and managing private equity fund assets. Additionally, Ms. Dunbar has previously served on the boards of directors of a variety of public and private companies. She currently serves on
51
the boards of directors of two public companies. She also has gained relevant experience as a Trustee of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series VIT since 2016.
Ms. Hubbard has prior financial, operations and management experience as the Global Head of Investments, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer of a large accounting firm. She currently serves on the board of directors of a public company. Additionally, Ms. Hubbard has valuable experience from her service on the board of trustees of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2017, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series VIT since 2019.
Mr. Kennedy served as general counsel, senior vice president and chief compliance officer for a large airline company. He also has experience in management of the airline company's corporate real estate and legal departments. Mr. Kennedy has also gained relevant experience as a Trustee of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series VIT since 2019.
Mr. McCarthy has experience in the areas of financial reporting and accounting, including prior experience as Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of the United States Department of the Treasury. He also served as Deputy Managing Director of the Institute of International Finance, a global trade association of financial institutions. Mr. McCarthy also has significant prior experience in corporate banking. Additionally, Mr. McCarthy has gained valuable experience as a Trustee of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015 and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series VIT since 2011.
Mr. Parker has prior financial, operations and management experience as the President and Chief Executive Officer of a privately held company. He also has investment experience as the Chairman of a family foundation. He also has valuable experience as a Trustee of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2009, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series VIT since 2016.
Executive Officers
Name, Year of Birth and
Position Held with Trust*
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years†
Eric D. Johnson (1970)
President
06/2019 to present
Executive Vice President and Head of Funds Business
Group Americas, PIMCO. President, PIMCO Funds,
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust,
PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts
Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Ryan G. Leshaw (1980)
Chief Legal Officer and
Secretary
08/2021 to present
Executive Vice President and Senior Counsel, PIMCO.
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust and PIMCO
Equity Series VIT. Chief Legal Officer, PIMCO Managed
Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds. Formerly,
Associate, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.
Keisha Audain-Pressley
(1975)**
Chief Compliance
Officer
01/2020 to present
Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance
Officer, PIMCO. Chief Compliance Officer, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF
Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed
Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Joshua D. Ratner
(1976)**
Senior Vice President
05/2019 to present
Executive Vice President and Head of Americas
Operations, PIMCO. Senior Vice President, PIMCO Funds,
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust,
PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts
Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
52
Name, Year of Birth and
Position Held with Trust*
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years†
Peter G. Strelow (1970)
Senior Vice President
06/2019 to present
Managing Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer,
PIMCO. Senior Vice President, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO
Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO
Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust,
PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored
Closed-End Funds. Formerly, Chief Administrative Officer,
PIMCO.
Wu-Kwan Kit (1981)
Assistant Secretary
08/2017 to present
Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, PIMCO.
Assistant Secretary, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable
Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust and PIMCO Equity
Series VIT. Vice President, Senior Counsel and Secretary,
PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored
Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Formerly, Assistant General Counsel, VanEck Associates
Corp.
Jeffrey A. Byer (1976)
Vice President
02/2020 to present
Executive Vice President, PIMCO. Vice President, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF
Trust, PIMCO Equity Series, PIMCO Equity Series VIT,
PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored
Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Elizabeth A. Duggan
(1964)
Vice President
02/2021 to present
Executive Vice President, PIMCO. Vice President, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF
Trust and PIMCO Equity Series VIT.
Mark A. Jelic (1981)
Vice President
08/2021 to present
Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Vice President, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF
Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO-Sponsored
Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Brian J. Pittluck (1977)
Vice President
01/2020 to present
Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Vice President, PIMCO
Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF
Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed
Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Bijal Y. Parikh (1978)
Treasurer
01/2021 to present
Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Treasurer, PIMCO Funds,
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust,
PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts
Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Erik C. Brown
(1967)***
Assistant Treasurer
03/2010 to present
Executive Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer,
PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO
ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed
Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Brandon T. Evans
(1982)
Assistant Treasurer
05/2019 to present
Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, Assistant
Treasurer, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance
Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT,
PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored
Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
53
Name, Year of Birth and
Position Held with Trust*
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years†
Colleen D. Miller
(1980)**
Assistant Treasurer
02/2017 to present
Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer,
PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO
ETF Trust and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Deputy
Treasurer, PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust,
PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored
Closed-End Funds.
Jason J. Nagler
(1982)***
Assistant Treasurer
05/2015 to present
Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer,
PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO
ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed
Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and
PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
(*)
Unless otherwise noted, the information for the individuals listed is as of September 30, 2021.
(†)
The term "PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds" as used herein includes: PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PCM Fund Inc., PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund, PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income Fund, PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II and PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc.; the term "PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds" as used herein includes: PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund.
(**)
The address of these officers is Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019.
(***)
The address of these officers is Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, 401 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78701.
Securities Ownership
Listed below for each Trustee is a dollar range of securities beneficially owned in the Funds together with the aggregate dollar range of equity securities in all registered investment companies overseen by the Trustee that are in the same family of investment companies as the Trust as of December 31, 2020.
Name of Trustee
Name of Fund
Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Funds
Aggregate Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in All
Funds Overseen by Trustee
in Family of Investment
Companies
Kimberley G. Stafford*
None
None
Over $100,000
Peter G. Strelow
None
None
Over $100,000
Independent Trustees
George E. Borst
None
None
Over $100,000
Jennifer Holden Dunbar
None
None
Over $100,000
Kym M. Hubbard
None
None
Over $100,000
Gary F. Kennedy
None
None
Over $100,000
Peter B. McCarthy
None
None
Over $100,000
Ronald C. Parker
None
None
Over $100,000
*
Ms. Stafford became a Trustee of the Trust effective February 10, 2021.
54
To the best of the Trust's knowledge, as of September 30, 2021, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the shares of each Fund of the Trust.
Trustee Ownership of the Investment Manager and Principal Underwriter, and Their Control Persons
No Independent Trustee (or his or her immediate family members) had any direct or indirect interest, the value of which exceeds $120,000, in the investment adviser, the principal underwriter of the Trust, or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser or the principal underwriter of the Trust (not including registered investment companies). Set forth in the table below is information regarding each Independent Trustee's (and his or her immediate family members') share ownership in securities of the investment adviser of the Trust, the principal underwriter of the Trust, and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust (not including registered investment companies), as of December 31, 2020.
Name of Independent Trustee
Name of Owners
and Relationships
to Trustee
Company
Title of Class
Value of
Securities
Percent
of Class
George E. Borst
None
None
None
None
None
Jennifer Holden Dunbar
None
None
None
None
None
Kym M. Hubbard
None
None
None
None
None
Gary F. Kennedy
None
None
None
None
None
Peter B. McCarthy
None
None
None
None
None
Ronald C. Parker
None
None
None
None
None
No Independent Trustee or immediate family member has during the two most recently completed calendar years had any securities interest in the principal underwriter of the Trust or the investment adviser or their affiliates (other than the Trust). No Independent Trustee or immediate family member has during the two most recently completed calendar years had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or series of similar transactions, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, with:
the Funds;
an officer of the Funds;
an investment company, or person that would be an investment company but for the exclusions provided by sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, having the same investment adviser or principal underwriter as the Funds or having an investment adviser or principal underwriter that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds;
an officer or an investment company, or a person that would be an investment company but for the exclusions provided by sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, having the same investment adviser or principal underwriter as the Funds or having an investment adviser or principal underwriter that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds;
the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds;
an officer of the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds;
a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds; or
an officer of a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds.
With respect to the persons listed in the bullet points above, no Independent Trustee or immediate family member has during the two most recently completed calendar years had any direct or indirect relationship, the value of which exceeds $120,000, wherein the relationship included:
55
(i)
Payments for property or services to or from any such person;
(ii)
Provision of legal services to any such person;
(iii)
Provision of investment banking services to any such person; and
(iv)
Any consulting or other relationship that is substantially similar in nature and scope to the relationships listed in (i) through (iii) above.
Standing Committees
The Committee membership for each Committee and other information below is listed as of June 30, 2021. However, the members of any Committee may be changed by the Board of Trustees from time to time.
The Trust has a standing Audit Committee that consists of all of the Independent Trustees (Msses. Dunbar and Hubbard and Messrs. Borst, Kennedy, McCarthy (Chair) and Parker). The Audit Committee's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, (i) assisting the Board's oversight of the integrity of the Trust's financial statements, the Trust's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications and independence of the Trust's independent auditors, and the performance of such firm; (ii) overseeing the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; (iii) overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Trust's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; and (iv) acting a liaison between the Trust's independent auditors and the full Board. The Audit Committee also reviews both the audit and non-audit work of the Trust's independent auditors, submits a recommendation to the Board of Trustees as to the selection of an independent auditor, and reviews generally the maintenance of the Trust's records and the safekeeping arrangement of the Trust's custodian. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, there were four meetings of the Audit Committee.
The Board of Trustees has formed a Valuation Oversight Committee who has been delegated responsibility by the Board for overseeing determination of the fair value of each Fund's portfolio securities and other assets on behalf of the Board in accordance with the Fund's valuation procedures. The Valuation Oversight Committee reviews and approves procedures for the fair valuation of each Fund's portfolio securities and periodically reviews information from PIMCO regarding fair value determinations made pursuant to Board-approved procedures, and makes related recommendations to the full Board and assists the full Board in resolving particular fair valuation and other valuation matters. In certain circumstances as specified in the Trust's valuation policies, the Valuation Oversight Committee may also determine the fair value of portfolio holdings after consideration of all relevant factors, which determinations shall be reported to the full Board of Trustees. The Valuation Oversight Committee consists of Msses. Dunbar and Hubbard (Chair) and Messrs. Borst, Kennedy, McCarthy, Parker and Strelow. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, there were four meetings of the Valuation Oversight Committee.
The Trust has also formed an Investment Performance Committee, which meets periodically to review and assess the investment performance of the Fund. The Investment Performance Committee meets with and receives periodic reports from representatives of the investment adviser or investment manager regarding the Funds' investment objectives, strategies, performance and outlook. The Investment Performance Committee consists of Msses. Dunbar (Chair) and Hubbard and Messrs. Borst, Kennedy, McCarthy, Parker and Strelow. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, there were three meetings of the Investment Performance Committee.
The Trust also has a Governance and Nominating Committee, which is responsible, among other things, for the promotion of sound governance practices and for the selection and nomination of candidates to serve as Trustees of the Trust. Only Independent Trustees may serve as members of the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee currently consists of Messrs. Borst, Kennedy (Chair), McCarthy and Parker and Msses. Dunbar and Hubbard. Prior to November 6, 2018, the Governance and Nominating Committee comprised all of the Trustees, but only members of the Committee who were Independent Trustees voted on the nomination of Independent Trustee candidates.
The Governance and Nominating Committee has established a policy, effective February 13, 2019, whereby the Chairman of the Board will serve for a term that is not longer than five years from the date of appointment. Upon a vote of the majority of the Trustees, such Chairman may serve up to two additional consecutive five-year terms.
The Governance and Nominating Committee has a policy in place for considering trustee candidates recommended by shareholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee may consider potential trustee candidates
56
recommended by shareholders provided that the proposed candidates: (i) satisfy any minimum qualifications of the Trust for its Trustees and (ii) are not "interested persons" of the Trust or the investment adviser within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Governance and Nominating Committee will not consider submissions in which the Nominating Shareholder is the trustee candidate.
Any shareholder (a "Nominating Shareholder") submitting a proposed trustee candidate must continuously own as of record, or beneficially through a financial intermediary, shares of the Trust having a net asset value of not less than $25,000 during the two-year period prior to submitting the proposed trustee candidate. Each of the securities used for purposes of calculating this ownership must have been held continuously for at least two years as of the date of the nomination. In addition, such securities must continue to be held through the date of the special meeting of shareholders to elect trustees. All trustee candidate submissions by Nominating Shareholders must be received by the Fund by the deadline for submission of any shareholder proposals which would be included in the Fund's proxy statement for the next special meeting of shareholders of the Fund.
Nominating Shareholders must substantiate compliance with these requirements at the time of submitting their proposed trustee nominee to the attention of the Trust's Secretary. Notice to the Trust's Secretary should be provided in accordance with the deadline specified above and include, (i) the Nominating Shareholder's contact information; (ii) the number of Fund shares which are owned of record and beneficially by the Nominating Shareholder and the length of time which such shares have been so owned by the Nominating Shareholder; (iii) a description of all arrangements and understandings between the Nominating Shareholder and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the submission is being made and a description of the relationship, if any, between the Nominating Shareholder and the trustee candidate; (iv) the trustee candidate's contact information, age, date of birth and the number of Fund shares owned by the trustee candidate; (v) all information regarding the trustee candidate's qualifications for service on the Board of Trustees as well as any information regarding the trustee candidate that would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for elections of trustees required by Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), had the trustee candidate been nominated by the Board; (vi) whether the Nominating Shareholder believes the trustee candidate would or would not be an "interested person" of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act and a description of the basis for such belief; and (vii) a notarized letter executed by the trustee candidate, stating his or her intention to serve as a nominee and be named in the Fund's proxy statement, if nominated by the Board of Trustees, and to be named as a trustee if so elected.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, there were three meetings of the Governance and Nominating Committee.
Trustee Retirement Policy
The Board has in place a retirement policy for all Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, that seeks to balance the benefits of the experience and institutional memory of existing Trustees against the need for fresh perspectives, and to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Board. No Independent Trustee shall continue service as a Trustee beyond the first Board meeting occurring after his or her 76th birthday, provided that this policy may be waived or modified from time to time at the discretion of the Governance and Nominating Committee. The continued appropriateness of the retirement policy is reviewed from time to time by the Governance and Nominating Committee.
Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation received by the Trustees for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021:
Name and Position
Aggregate
Compensation
from Trust1
Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued As
Part of Funds Expenses
Total Compensation
from Trust and Fund
Complex Paid to Trustees
George E. Borst, Trustee
$65,850
N/A
$458,375
Jennifer Holden Dunbar, Trustee
$65,850
N/A
$458,375
Kym M. Hubbard, Trustee
$65,100
N/A
$451,375
Gary F. Kennedy, Trustee
$65,100
N/A
$451,375
Peter B. McCarthy, Trustee
$68,650
N/A
$478,375
57
Name and Position
Aggregate
Compensation
from Trust1
Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued As
Part of Funds Expenses
Total Compensation
from Trust and Fund
Complex Paid to Trustees
Ronald C. Parker, Trustee
$68,650
N/A
$478,375
(1)
The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation before deferral with respect to the Trust's fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser
PIMCO, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as investment manager to the Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement ("Investment Management Agreement") between PIMCO and the Trust. PIMCO is located at 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. As of September 30, 2021, PIMCO had approximately $2.20 trillion of assets under management and $1.66 trillion of third-party assets under management.
PIMCO is a majority owned subsidiary of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. ("Allianz Asset Management") with minority interests held by Allianz Asset Management of America LLC, by Allianz Asset Management U.S. Holding II LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company, and by certain current and former officers of PIMCO. Allianz Asset Management was organized as a limited partnership under Delaware law in 1987. Through various holding company structures, Allianz Asset Management is majority owned by Allianz SE.
Allianz SE is a European based, multinational insurance and financial services holding company and a publicly traded German company.
The general partner of Allianz Asset Management has substantially delegated its management and control of Allianz Asset Management to a Management Board. The Management Board of Allianz Asset Management is comprised of John C. Maney.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, there are currently no significant institutional shareholders of Allianz SE. Absent an SEC exemption or other regulatory relief, the Funds generally are precluded from effecting principal transactions with brokers that are deemed to be affiliated persons of the Funds, the Manager or the Sub-Adviser, and the Funds' ability to purchase securities being underwritten by an affiliated broker or a syndicate including an affiliated broker is subject to restrictions. Similarly, the Funds' ability to utilize the affiliated brokers for agency transactions is subject to the restrictions of Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act. PIMCO does not believe that the restrictions on transactions with the affiliated brokers described above will materially adversely affect its ability to provide services to the Funds, the Funds' ability to take advantage of market opportunities, or the Funds' overall performance.
PIMCO has engaged Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, to serve as sub-adviser to the Funds pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between PIMCO and Parametric, as amended ("Sub-Advisory Agreement"). Parametric serves its clients through offices located in Seattle, Minneapolis, Boston, New York City, and Westport, Connecticut. Parametric is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, a publicly held company that is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol MS. Parametric's direct owner is Eaton Vance Acquisitions LLC, a privately held subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.
PIMCO employs Parametric to provide sub-advisory services to the Funds pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Parametric is responsible for providing, subject to the supervision of PIMCO, investment advisory services to the Funds, including execution of all portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds necessary to invest the assets of each Fund in the component securities of its Underlying Index. Parametric is not compensated directly by the Funds, but is paid by PIMCO.
Under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Parametric is obligated to provide investment advisory services to the Funds in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Funds for two years from its effective date, and thereafter on a yearly basis provided such continuance is approved annually with respect to each such Fund: (i) by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Board of Trustees; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the independent Trustees. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, with respect to the applicable Fund by: (i) a vote of the majority of such Fund's outstanding voting securities; (ii) a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees
58
upon 60 days' written notice to Parametric; (iii) PIMCO upon 60 days' written notice to Parametric; or (iv) Parametric upon 60 days' written notice to the Trust. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement
Each Fund pays for the advisory and supervisory and administrative services it requires under what is essentially an all-in fee structure.
Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, PIMCO is obligated to manage the Funds in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. PIMCO also furnishes to the Board of Trustees, which has overall responsibility for the business and affairs of the Trust, periodic reports on the investment performance of each Fund. The investment advisory services of PIMCO to the Trust are not exclusive under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement. PIMCO is free to, and does, render investment advisory services to others.
Following the expiration of the two year period commencing with the effectiveness of the Investment Management Agreement, it will continue in effect on a yearly basis provided such continuance is approved annually: (i) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Board of Trustees; and (ii) by a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Trustees or the shareholders of the Trust, or by PIMCO, on 60 days' written notice by either party to the contract and will terminate automatically if assigned.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, PIMCO also provides the Funds with certain supervisory, administrative and shareholder services necessary for Fund operations and is responsible for the supervision of other Fund service providers ("Supervisory and Administrative Services"). PIMCO may in turn use the facilities or assistance of its affiliates to provide certain Supervisory and Administrative Services on terms agreed between PIMCO and such affiliates. The Supervisory and Administrative Services provided by PIMCO include but are not limited to: (1) shareholder servicing functions, including preparation of shareholder reports and communications; (2) regulatory compliance, such as reports and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions; and (3) general supervision of the operations of the Funds, including coordination of the services performed by the Funds' transfer agent, custodian, legal counsel, independent registered public accounting firm, and others. PIMCO (or an affiliate of PIMCO) also furnishes the Funds with office space facilities required for conducting the business of the Funds, and pays the compensation of those officers, employees and Trustees of the Trust affiliated with PIMCO. In addition, PIMCO, at its own expense, arranges for the provision of legal, audit, custody, transfer agency and other services for the Funds, and is responsible for the costs of registration of the Trust's shares, the printing of the Prospectus and shareholder reports for current shareholders, the Listing Exchange fees and the Underlying Index licensing fees.
PIMCO employs Parametric to provide sub-advisory services to the Funds pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Parametric is responsible for providing, subject to the supervision of PIMCO, investment advisory services to the Funds, including execution of all portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds necessary to invest the assets of each Fund in the component securities of its Underlying Index. Parametric is not compensated directly by the Funds, but is paid by PIMCO.
Under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Parametric is obligated to provide advice to the Funds in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Funds for two years from its effective date, and thereafter on a yearly basis provided such continuance is approved annually with respect to each such Fund: (i) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Board of Trustees; and (ii) by a majority of the independent Trustees. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, with respect to the applicable Fund by: (i) a vote of the majority of such Fund's outstanding voting securities; (ii) a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees upon 60 days' written notice; (iii) PIMCO upon 60 days' written notice; or (iv) Parametric upon 60 days' written notice. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
59
Management Fee Rates
PIMCO has contractually agreed to provide the foregoing services, and to bear these expenses, at the following rates (each expressed as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis):
Fund(*)
Management
Fee Rate
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
0.49%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
0.39%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
0.29%
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
0.29%
(*)
As disclosed in the Funds' Prospectus, the Funds may invest in certain PIMCO-advised money market funds and/or short-term bond funds ("Central Funds"), to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder or exemptive relief therefrom. The Central Funds are registered investment companies created for use solely by the Funds and certain other series of registered investment companies advised by PIMCO, in connection with their cash management activities. The Central Funds do not pay an investment advisory fee to PIMCO in return for providing investment advisory services. However, when investing in a Central Fund, each such Fund ("Investing Fund") has agreed that 0.005% of the advisory fee that such Investing Fund is currently obligated to pay to PIMCO under its investment advisory contract will be designated as compensation for the investment advisory services PIMCO provides to the applicable Central Fund. While the full impact of the Fund of Funds Rule and related regulatory changes is not yet known, these developments could affect the Funds' ability to utilize the Central Funds. This could adversely impact the Funds' investment strategies and operations. The Fund of Funds Rule and related regulatory changes are discussed in more detail above in the "Investment Objectives and Policies - Regulatory Risk" section.
Except for the expenses paid by PIMCO, the Trust bears all costs of its operations. The Funds are responsible for: (i) salaries and other compensation or expenses of any of the Trust's executive officers and employees who are not officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners or employees of PIMCO or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) taxes and governmental fees; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions and other portfolio transaction expenses; (iv) costs of borrowing money, including interest expenses; (v) securities lending fees and expenses; (vi) fees and expenses of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of PIMCO or the Trust, and any counsel retained exclusively for their benefit; (vii) extraordinary expenses, including costs of litigation and indemnification expenses; and (viii) expenses, such as organizational expenses, which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management Fee Payments
The management fees paid by each Fund that was operational during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows.
Fund
Year Ended
6/30/2021
Year Ended
6/30/2020
Year Ended
6/30/2019
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
$3,194,685
$2,624,710
$1,791,491
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
264,894
146,448
123,576
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
177,277
291,677
229,965
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
36,944
21,547(1)
N/A(1)
(1)
The PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF commenced operations on December 18, 2019.
Management Fees Waived
PIMCO has contractually agreed, through October 31, 2022, to waive its management fee, or reimburse each Fund, to the extent that the Fund's organizational expenses, pro rata share of expenses related to obtaining or maintaining a Legal Entity Identifier and pro rata share of Trustee fees exceed 0.0049% (the "Expense Limit") (calculated as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets). The Expense Limitation Agreement will automatically renew for one-year terms unless PIMCO provides written notice to the Trust at least 30 days prior to the end of the then current term. In any month in which the investment management agreement is in effect, PIMCO is entitled to reimbursement by each Fund of any portion of the management fee waived or reimbursed as set forth above (the "Reimbursement Amount") during the previous thirty-six months, provided that such amount paid to PIMCO will
60
not: 1) together with any organizational expenses, pro rata share of expenses related to obtaining or maintaining a Legal Entity Identifier and pro rata Trustee fees, exceed, for such month, the Expense Limit (or the amount of the expense limit in place at the time the amount being recouped was originally waived if lower than the Expense Limit); 2) exceed the total Reimbursement Amount; or 3) include any amounts previously reimbursed to PIMCO.
Management fees waived during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Fund
Year Ended
6/30/21
Year Ended
6/30/20
Year Ended
6/30/19
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
$45,738
$33,896
$27,705
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
3,320
2,681
2,374
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
3,441
7,631
5,748
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
843
78,014(1)
N/A(1)
(1)
The PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF commenced operations on December 18, 2019.
Management fees, which had been waived, that were recouped during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Fund
Year Ended
6/30/21
Year Ended
6/30/20
Year Ended
6/30/19
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
$31,947
$26,247
$17,915
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
3,328
1,840
1,553
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
2,995
4,928
3,886
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
624
122(1)
N/A(1)
(1)
The PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF commenced operations on December 18, 2019.
PIMCO Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Authority for voting proxies has been delegated to Parametric. Parametric has adopted written proxy voting policies and procedures ("Parametric Proxy Voting Policy") as required by Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act, which it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that Parametric votes proxies in the best interests of its clients. Under the Parametric Proxy Voting Policy, written Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines") govern proxy voting in connection with management proposal and shareholder proposals. Parametric will generally vote proxies in accordance with the Guidelines, which are set and annually reviewed by Parametric's Stewardship Committee. Additionally, the Guidelines provide that Parametric will "take no action" when it is determined that voting the proxy will result in share blocking, which prevents Parametric from trading that specific security for a period of time prior to the next annual meeting, or if the economic effect on shareholders' interests or the value of the portfolio holdings is indeterminable or insignificant. Parametric has established a Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee") to oversee and monitor the firm's proxy voting practices. The Committee, which meets on a quarterly basis, generally consists of portfolio management, investment strategy and compliance personnel, will identify and actively monitor potential material conflicts of interest that may compromise Parametric's ability to vote a proxy issue in the best interest of clients. The Parametric Proxy Voting Coordinator (the "Coordinator"), a member of the Parametric Investment Strategy team, compares each proxy to the list of potentially conflicted companies provided by the Compliance department. If a potential conflict does not fall under the coverage of the Guidelines, it is reported to the Director of Responsible Investing (the "Director"). If the Director determines the proxy does not fall under the Guidelines, it will be escalated to the Committee. If the Committee determines a material conflict exists and a proposal is not addressed by the Guidelines, it will make a good faith determination as how to vote the proxy (which may include voting abstain on the proposal not covered by the Guidelines). The Committee will provide appropriate instructions to the Coordinator.
Information about how PIMCO voted a Fund's proxies for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30th (Form N-PX) will be available no later than the following August 31st, without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds at 1-888-400-4ETF (1-888-400-4383), on the Funds' website at www.pimcoetfs.com and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
61
Portfolio MANAGER
Other Accounts Managed
The portfolio manager who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds also manages other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts, as indicated in the table below. The following table identifies, as of June 30, 2021: (i) the portfolio manager of the Funds; (ii) the number of other registered investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager (exclusive of the Funds); and (iii) the total assets of such other companies, vehicles and accounts, and the number and total assets of such other companies, vehicles and accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on performance. The Funds managed by the portfolio manager, including each Fund's total assets, are listed in the footnotes following the table.
Total Number
of Accounts
Total Assets
of All Accounts
(in $millions)
Number of
Accounts Paying a
Performance Fee
Total Assets
of Accounts Paying
a Performance Fee
(in $millions)
Thomas Seto(1)
Registered Investment Companies
40
31,623.41
0
0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
7
1,674.36
0
0
Other Accounts
55,725
190,322.97
0
0
1
Mr. Seto manages the PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF ($494.4 million), PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF ($89 million), PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF ($82.7 million), and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF ($20.6 million).
Conflicts of Interest
It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of the Fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the Funds and other accounts he/she advises. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the Fund and the other accounts, a portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the Funds. In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may compensate the investment adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account. The existence of such a performance-based fee may create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. Whenever conflicts of interest arise, the portfolio manager will endeavor to exercise his/her discretion in a manner that he/she believes is equitable to all interested persons. Parametric has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts, including a code of ethics and policies which govern Parametric's trading practices, including among other things the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocation, cross trades and best execution.
Cross Trades.A potential conflict of interest may arise in instances where a Fund buys an instrument from Funds or other accounts managed by PIMCO (each a "Client," and collectively, the "Clients") or sells an instrument to a Client (each, a "cross trade"). Such conflicts of interest may arise, among other reasons, as a result of PIMCO representing the interests of both the buying party and the selling party in the cross trade or because the price at which the instrument is bought or sold through a cross trade may not be as favorable as the price that might have been obtained had the trade been executed in the open market. PIMCO effects cross trades when appropriate pursuant to procedures adopted under applicable rules and SEC guidance. Among other things, such procedures require that the cross trade is consistent with the respective investment policies and investment restrictions of both parties and is in the best interests of both the buying and selling accounts.
Investment Opportunities.A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager's management of a number of accounts with varying investment guidelines. Often, an investment opportunity may be suitable for one or more Clients, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for all accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Fund and another Client. PIMCO has
62
adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time. PIMCO seeks to allocate orders across eligible Client accounts with similar investment guidelines and investment styles fairly and equitably, taking into consideration relevant factors including, among others, applicable investment restrictions and guidelines, regulatory requirements, risk tolerances and available cash. As part of PIMCO's trade allocation process, portions of new fixed income investment opportunities are distributed among Client account categories where the relevant portfolio managers seek to participate in the investment. Those portions are then further allocated among the Client accounts within such categories pursuant to PIMCO's trade allocation policy. Portfolio managers managing quantitative strategies and specialized accounts, such as those focused on international securities, mortgage-backed securities, bank loans, or other specialized asset classes, will likely receive an increased distribution of new fixed income investment opportunities where the investment involves a quantitative strategy or specialized asset class that matches the investment objective or focus of the Client account category.
Any particular allocation decision among Client accounts may be more or less advantageous to any one Client or group of Clients, and certain allocations will, to the extent consistent with PIMCO's fiduciary obligations, deviate from a pro rata basis among Clients in order to address for example, differences in legal, tax, regulatory, risk management, concentration, exposure, Client guideline limitations and/or mandate or strategy considerations for the relevant Clients. PIMCO may determine that an investment opportunity or particular purchases or sales are appropriate for one or more Clients, but not appropriate for other Clients, or are appropriate or suitable for, or available to, Clients but in different sizes, terms, or timing than is appropriate or suitable for other Clients. For example, some Clients have higher risk tolerances than other Clients, such as private funds, which, in turn, allows PIMCO to allocate a wider variety and/or greater percentage of certain types of investments (which may or may not outperform other types of investments) to such Clients. Those Clients receiving an increased allocation as a result of the effect of their respective risk tolerance may be Clients that pay higher investment management fees or that pay incentive fees. In addition, certain Client account categories focusing on certain types of investments or asset classes will be given priority in new issue distribution and allocation with respect to the investments or asset classes that are the focus of their investment mandate. Legal, contractual, or regulatory issues and/or related expenses applicable to PIMCO or one or more Clients may result in certain Clients not receiving securities that may otherwise be appropriate for them or may result in PIMCO selling securities out of Client accounts even if it might otherwise be beneficial to continue to hold them. Additional factors that are taken into account in the distribution and allocation of investment opportunities to Client accounts include, without limitation: ability to utilize leverage and risk tolerance of the Client account; the amount of discretion and trade authority given to PIMCO by the Client; availability of other similar investment opportunities; the Client account's investment horizon and objectives; hedging, cash and liquidity needs of the portfolio; minimum increments and lot sizes; and underlying benchmark factors. Given all of the foregoing factors, the amount, timing, structuring, or terms of an investment by a Client, including a Fund, may differ from, and performance may be lower than, investments and performance of other Clients, including those that may provide greater fees or other compensation (including performance-based fees or allocations) to PIMCO. PIMCO has also adopted additional procedures to complement the general trade allocation policy that are designed to address potential conflicts of interest due to the side-by-side management of the Funds and certain pooled investment vehicles, including investment opportunity allocation issues.
From time to time, PIMCO may take an investment position or action for one or more Clients that may be different from, or inconsistent with, an action or position taken for one or more other Clients having similar or differing investment objectives. These positions and actions may adversely impact, or in some instances may benefit, one or more affected Clients (including Clients that are PIMCO affiliates) in which PIMCO has an interest, or which pays PIMCO higher fees or a performance fee. For example, a Client may buy a security and another Client may establish a short position in that same security. The subsequent short sale may result in a decrease in the price of the security that the other Client holds. Similarly, transactions or investments by one or more Clients may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of another Client.
When PIMCO implements for one Client a portfolio decision or strategy ahead of, or contemporaneously with, similar portfolio decisions or strategies of another Client, market impact, liquidity constraints or other factors could result in one or more Clients receiving less favorable trading results, the costs of implementing such portfolio decisions or strategies could be increased or such Clients could otherwise be disadvantaged. On the other hand, potential conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding a Client may benefit other Clients. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position for a Client may decrease the price of the same
63
security sold short by (and therefore benefit) other Clients, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position in a security for a Client may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) other Clients.
Under certain circumstances, a Client may invest in a transaction in which one or more other Clients are expected to participate, or already have made or will seek to make, an investment. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law, a Client may also engage in investment transactions that may result in other Clients being relieved of obligations, or that may cause other Clients to divest certain investments (e.g., a Client may make a loan to, or directly or indirectly acquire securities or indebtedness of, a company that uses the proceeds to refinance or reorganize its capital structure, which could result in repayment of debt held by another Client). Such Clients (or groups of Clients) may have conflicting interests and objectives in connection with such investments, including with respect to views on the operations or activities of the issuer involved, the targeted returns from the investment and the timeframe for, and method of, exiting the investment. When making such investments, PIMCO may do so in a way that favors one Client over another Client, even if both Clients are investing in the same security at the same time. Certain Clients may invest on a "parallel" basis (i.e., proportionately in all transactions at substantially the same time and on substantially the same terms and conditions). In addition, other accounts may expect to invest in many of the same types of investments as another account. However, there may be investments in which one or more of such accounts does not invest (or invests on different terms or on a non-pro rata basis) due to factors such as legal, tax, regulatory, business, contractual or other similar considerations or due to the provisions of a Client's governing documents. Decisions as to the allocation of investment opportunities among such Clients present numerous conflicts of interest, which may not be resolved in a manner that is favorable to a Client's interests. To the extent an investment is not allocated pro rata among such entities, a Client could incur a disproportionate amount of income or loss related to such investment relative to such other Client.
In addition, Clients may invest alongside one another in the same underlying investments or otherwise pursuant to a substantially similar investment strategy as one or more other Clients. In such cases, certain Clients may have preferential liquidity and information rights relative to other Clients holding the same investments, with the result that such Clients will be able to withdraw/redeem their interests in underlying investments in priority to Clients who may have more limited access to information or more restrictive withdrawal/redemption rights. Clients with more limited information rights or more restrictive liquidity may therefore be adversely affected in the event of a downturn in the markets.
Further, potential conflicts may be inherent in PIMCO's use of multiple strategies. For example, conflicts will arise in cases where different Clients invest in different parts of an issuer's capital structure, including circumstances in which one or more Clients may own private securities or obligations of an issuer and other Clients may own or seek to acquire private securities of the same issuer. For example, a Client may acquire a loan, loan participation or a loan assignment of a particular borrower in which one or more other Clients have an equity investment, or may invest in senior debt obligations of an issuer for one Client and junior debt obligations or equity of the same issuer for another Client.
PIMCO may also, for example, direct a Client to invest in a tranche of a structured finance vehicle, such as a CLO or CDO, where PIMCO is also, at the same or different time, directing another Client to make investments in a different tranche of the same vehicle, which tranche's interests may be adverse to other tranches. PIMCO may also cause a Client to purchase from, or sell assets to, an entity, such as a structured finance vehicle, in which other Clients may have an interest, potentially in a manner that will have an adverse effect on the other Clients. There may also be conflicts where, for example, a Client holds certain debt or equity securities of an issuer, and that same issuer has issued other debt, equity or other instruments that are owned by other Clients or by an entity, such as a structured finance vehicle, in which other Clients have an interest.
In each of the situations described above, PIMCO may take actions with respect to the assets held by one Client that are adverse to the other Clients, for example, by foreclosing on loans, by putting an issuer into default, or by exercising rights to purchase or sell to an issuer, causing an issuer to take actions adverse to certain classes of securities, or otherwise. In negotiating the terms and conditions of any such investments, or any subsequent amendments or waivers or taking any other actions, PIMCO may find that the interests of a Client and the interests of one or more other Clients could conflict. In these situations, decisions over items such as whether to make the investment or take an action, proxy voting, corporate reorganization, how to exit an investment, or bankruptcy or similar matters (including, for example, whether to trigger an event of default or the terms of any workout) may result
64
in conflicts of interest. Similarly, if an issuer in which a Client and one or more other Clients directly or indirectly hold different classes of securities (or other assets, instruments or obligations issued by such issuer or underlying investments of such issuer) encounters financial problems, decisions over the terms of any workout will raise conflicts of interests (including, for example, conflicts over proposed waivers and amendments to debt covenants). For example, a debt holder may be better served by a liquidation of the issuer in which it may be paid in full, whereas an equity or junior bond holder might prefer a reorganization that holds the potential to create value for the equity holders. In some cases PIMCO may refrain from taking certain actions or making certain investments on behalf of Clients in order to avoid or mitigate certain conflicts of interest or to prevent adverse regulatory or other effects on PIMCO, or may sell investments for certain Clients (in each case potentially disadvantaging the Clients on whose behalf the actions are not taken, investments not made, or investments sold). In other cases, PIMCO may not refrain from taking actions or making investments on behalf of certain Clients that have the potential to disadvantage other Clients. In addition, PIMCO may take actions or refrain from taking actions in order to mitigate legal risks to PIMCO or its affiliates or its Clients even if disadvantageous to a Client's account. Moreover, a Client may invest in a transaction in which one or more other Clients are expected to participate, or already have made or will seek to make, an investment.
Additionally, certain conflicts may exist with respect to portfolio managers who make investment decisions on behalf of several different types of Clients. Such portfolio managers may have an incentive to allocate trades, time or resources to certain Clients, including those Clients who pay higher investment management fees or that pay incentive fees or allocations, over other Clients. These conflicts may be heightened with respect to portfolio managers who are eligible to receive a performance allocation under certain circumstances as part of their compensation.
From time to time, PIMCO personnel may come into possession of material non-public information ("MNPI") which, if disclosed, might affect an investor's decision to buy, sell or hold a security. Should a PIMCO employee come into possession of MNPI with respect to an issuer, he or she generally will be prohibited from communicating such information to, or using such information for the benefit of, Clients, which could limit the ability of Clients to buy, sell or hold certain investments, thereby limiting the investment opportunities or exit strategies available to Clients. In addition, holdings in the securities or other instruments of an issuer by PIMCO or its affiliates may affect the ability of a Client to make certain acquisitions of or enter into certain transactions with such issuer. PIMCO has no obligation or responsibility to disclose such information to, or use such information for the benefit of, any person (including Clients).
PIMCO maintains one or more restricted lists of companies whose securities are subject to certain trading prohibitions due to PIMCO's business activities. PIMCO may restrict trading in an issuer's securities if the issuer is on a restricted list or if PIMCO has MNPI about that issuer. In some situations, PIMCO may restrict Clients from trading in a particular issuer's securities in order to allow PIMCO to receive MNPI on behalf of other Clients. A Client may be unable to buy or sell certain securities until the restriction is lifted, which could disadvantage the Client. PIMCO may also be restricted from making (or divesting of) investments in respect of some Clients but not others. In some cases PIMCO may not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions, or may otherwise restrict or limit its advice relating to certain securities if a security is restricted due to MNPI or if PIMCO is seeking to limit receipt of MNPI.
PIMCO may conduct litigation or engage in other legal actions on behalf of one or more Clients. In such cases, Clients may be required to bear certain fees, costs, expenses and liabilities associated with the litigation. Other Clients that are or were investors in, or otherwise involved with, the subject investments may or may not (depending on the circumstances) be parties to such litigation actions, with the result that certain Clients may participate in litigation actions in which not all Clients with similar investments may participate, and such non-participating Clients may benefit from the results of such litigation actions without bearing or otherwise being subject to the associated fees, costs, expenses and liabilities. PIMCO, for example, typically does not pursue legal claims on behalf of its separate accounts. Furthermore, in certain situations, litigation or other legal actions pursued by PIMCO on behalf of a Client may be brought against or be otherwise adverse to a portfolio company or other investment held by a Client.
The foregoing is not a complete list of conflicts to which PIMCO or Clients may be subject. PIMCO seeks to review conflicts on a case-by-case basis as they arise. Any review will take into consideration the interests of the relevant Clients, the circumstances giving rise to the conflict, applicable PIMCO policies and procedures, and applicable laws. Clients (and investors in the Funds) should be aware that conflicts will not necessarily be resolved in favor of their interests and may in fact be resolved in a manner adverse to their interests. PIMCO will attempt to resolve such matters fairly, but even so, matters may be resolved in favor of other Clients which pay PIMCO higher fees or performance fees or in which PIMCO or its affiliates have a significant proprietary interest. There can be no
65
assurance that any actual or potential conflicts of interest will not result in a particular Client or group of Clients receiving less favorable investment terms in or returns from certain investments than if such conflicts of interest did not exist.
Conflicts like those described above may also occur between Clients, on the one hand, and PIMCO or its affiliates, on the other. These conflicts will not always be resolved in favor of the Client. In addition, because PIMCO is affiliated with Allianz, a large multi-national financial institution, conflicts similar to those described above may occur between clients of PIMCO and PIMCO's affiliates or accounts managed by those affiliates. Those affiliates (or their clients), which generally operate autonomously from PIMCO, may take actions that are adverse to PIMCO's Clients. In many cases PIMCO will have limited or no ability to mitigate those actions or address those conflicts, which could adversely affect Client performance. In addition, certain regulatory or internal restrictions may prohibit PIMCO from using certain brokers or investing in certain companies (even if such companies are not affiliated with Allianz) because of the applicability of certain laws and regulations or internal Allianz policies applicable to PIMCO, Allianz SE or their affiliates. An account's willingness to negotiate terms or take actions with respect to an investment may also be, directly or indirectly, constrained or otherwise impacted to the extent Allianz SE, PIMCO, and/or their affiliates, directors, partners, managers, members, officers or personnel are also invested therein or otherwise have a connection to the subject investment (e.g., serving as a trustee or board member thereof).
Certain service providers to the Funds are expected to be owned by or otherwise related to or affiliated with a Client, and in certain cases, such service providers are expected to be, or are owned by, employed by, or otherwise related to, PIMCO, Allianz SE, their affiliates and/or their respective employees, consultants and other personnel. PIMCO may, in its sole discretion, determine to provide, or engage or recommend an affiliate of PIMCO to provide, certain services to the Funds, instead of engaging or recommending one or more third parties to provide such services. Subject to the governance requirements of a particular fund and applicable law, PIMCO or its affiliates, as applicable, will receive compensation in connection with the provision of such services. As a result, PIMCO faces a conflict of interest when selecting or recommending service providers for the Funds. Fees paid to an affiliated service provider will be determined in PIMCO's commercially reasonable discretion, taking into account the relevant facts and circumstances, and consistent with PIMCO's responsibilities. Although PIMCO has adopted various policies and procedures intended to mitigate or otherwise manage conflicts of interest with respect to affiliated service providers, there can be no guarantee that such policies and procedures (which may be modified or terminated at any time in PIMCO's sole discretion) will be successful.
Portfolio Manager Compensation
Compensation for Parametric's investment professionals is not based directly on investment performance or assets managed, but rather on the overall performance of responsibilities for all accounts managed. In this way, the interests of portfolio managers are aligned with the interests of investors without providing incentive to take undue or insufficient investment risk. It also removes a potential motivation for fraud. Violations of Parametric's policies would be a contributing factor when evaluating an employee's discretionary bonus.
Compensation Structure - Compensation of investment professionals has three primary components: (1) a base salary; (2) an annual cash bonus; and (3) annual equity-based compensation for eligible employees.
Parametric's investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to Parametric employees. Compensation is reviewed on an annual basis. Stock-based compensation awards and adjustments in base salary and bonuses are typically paid and/or put into effect at, or shortly after, the firm's fiscal year-end, October 31.
Method to Determine Compensation - Parametric seeks to compensate investment professionals commensurate with responsibilities and performance while remaining competitive with other firms within the investment management industry.
Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of Parametric and its parent company, Eaton Vance Corp. While the salaries of investment professionals are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate from year-to-year, based on changes in financial performance and other factors. Parametric also offers opportunities to move within the organization, as well as incentives to grow within the organization by promotion.
66
Additionally, Parametric participates in compensation surveys that benchmark salaries against other firms in the industry. This data is for confidential and is reviewed, along with a number of other factors, so that compensation remains competitive with other firms in the industry.
Securities Ownership
To the best of the Trust's knowledge, the table below shows the dollar range of shares of the Funds beneficially owned as of June 30, 2021 by the portfolio manager of the Funds.
Portfolio Manager
Funds Managed
by Portfolio Manager
Dollar Range
of Shares Owned
Seto
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor
Emerging Markets Equity ETF
None
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor
International Equity ETF
None
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor
U.S. Equity ETF
None
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
None
Creations and Redemptions
The Trust issues and sells shares of the Funds only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor (as defined below), without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form as described in the Participant Agreement (as defined below), on any Business Day (as defined below). The following table sets forth the number of shares of a Fund that constitute a Creation Unit for such Fund:
Fund
Creation Unit Size
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
200,000
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
200,000
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
100,000
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
50,000
In its discretion, PIMCO reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of a Fund's shares that constitute a Creation Unit. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of a Fund, and to make a corresponding change in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, in the event that the per share price in the secondary market rises (or declines) to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Fund may sell or redeem shares in less than Creation Unit quantities on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion or liquidation, and is not limited to transactions with Authorized Participants under these circumstances.
A "Business Day" with respect to the Funds is each day the NYSE is open, which excludes weekends and the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Orders from Authorized Participants to create or redeem Creation Units will only be accepted on a Business Day.
The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than its regularly scheduled closing time. The Trust reserves the right to reprocess creation and redemption transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than a Fund's official closing NAV (as each may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) Authorized Participants based on the official closing NAV. The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which creation and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC.
67
Distributor
PIMCO Investments LLC (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter of the Trust's shares pursuant to a distribution contract ("Distribution Contract") with the Trust, which is subject to annual approval by the Board of Trustees. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIMCO and an indirect subsidiary of Allianz Asset Management. The Distributor does not participate in the distribution of non-PIMCO managed products. Furthermore, representatives of the Distributor may also be employees or associated persons of PIMCO. Because of these affiliations with PIMCO, the interests of the Distributor may conflict with the interests of Fund shareholders. Additionally, certain representatives of the Distributor ("Account Managers") may receive differing levels of compensation from the sale of various PIMCO products, which may create further conflicts of interest. Levels of compensation for Account Managers do not vary by share class within a PIMCO product, regardless of class differences relating to distribution-related fees, for sales at approved financial firms. Levels of compensation for Account Managers do not vary across products eligible for commissions that fall into a strategy bucket described below (i.e., Equity, Short Term, etc., other than certain PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust ("PVIT") and PIMCO Equity Series VIT ("PESVIT") sales). Account Managers are eligible to receive compensation, ascending generally by product type, with respect to sales of the following: PVIT and PESVIT Funds, Short Term Strategies, Select Strategies, and Equity Strategies (each as defined, from time to time, by the Distributor). For certain Account Managers, compensation payable on PVIT and PESVIT Funds equals compensation payable on Short Term Strategies, while, for others, compensation payable on Select Strategies may equal compensation payable on Equity Strategies in certain instances (based on overall Select Strategy sales levels, which vary based on volume). Additionally, Account Managers may receive commissions from the sale of PIMCO closed-end funds and discretionary special bonuses from the sale of certain products such as PIMCO exchange-traded funds, which may offer higher or lower sales-related compensation than the product types noted above. Account Managers eligible for such variable compensation may have a particular incentive to promote, recommend, or solicit the sale of particular Funds over other Funds or products, or other products over Funds of the Trust, which may give rise to a conflict of interest. Where such compensation is based on sales performance, the relevant metric is gross sales (with certain adjustments, including for certain redemptions), which may give the Account Manager a financial interest to market, recommend, or solicit a sale or holding (i.e., refraining from redeeming), if applicable, of certain products. Additionally, from time to time Account Managers may receive discretionary compensation based on sales and/or job performance. Where discretionary compensation is based on job performance, the Distributor uses metrics which are generally indicative of the Account Manager's success in the areas of, among others, financial professional satisfaction and Account Manager product knowledge, responsiveness, and/or effectiveness. Under policies applicable to all Account Managers, no Account Manager is permitted to promote, recommend, or solicit the sale of one product over another solely because that product will provide higher revenue or compensation to PIMCO, the Distributor, or to the Account Manager.
The Distributor, located at 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA. All account inquiries should be mailed to the Trust's Transfer Agent, and should not be mailed to the Distributor.
The Distribution Contract is terminable with respect to a Fund without penalty, at any time, by such Fund by not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor upon not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the Trust. The Distributor distributes Creation Units for the Funds and does not maintain a secondary market in shares of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Trust shares.
Following the expiration of the two-year period commencing with the effectiveness of the Distribution Contract, the Distribution Contract will continue in effect with respect to each Fund for successive one-year periods, provided that each such continuance is specifically approved: (i) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Contract, the Investment Management Agreement or the Distribution and/or Servicing Plans (if any) described below; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the entire Board of Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. If the Distribution Contract is terminated (or not renewed) with respect to one or more Funds, it may continue in effect with respect to any Fund as to which it has not been terminated (or has been renewed).
68
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units, after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks the Creation Units down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, generally are required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to shares of the Funds are reminded that, pursuant to Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Listing Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the Listing Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is available only with respect to transactions on an exchange.
Fund Deposit
The consideration for purchase of Creation Units may consist of: (i) Deposit Securities and the Cash Component, or, alternatively; (ii) the Cash Deposit. Together, the Deposit Securities and Cash Component or, alternatively, the Cash Deposit, constitute the "Fund Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund.
In the event a Fund requires Deposit Securities in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the portfolio of securities comprising the Deposit Securities may be different than the portfolio of securities such Fund will deliver upon redemption of Fund shares.
In the event a Fund requires Deposit Securities and a Cash Component in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the function of the Cash Component is to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Component would be an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the "Deposit Amount," which is an amount equal to the value of the Deposit Securities, as determined by the Trust on the prior Business Day. If the Cash Component is a positive number (the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant. The Cash Component may also include a "Dividend Equivalent Payment," which enables each Fund to make a complete distribution of dividends on the next dividend payment date, and is an amount equal, on a per Creation Unit basis, to the dividends on all the securities held by the Fund with ex-dividend dates within the accumulation period for such distribution (the "Accumulation Period"), net of expenses and liabilities for such period, as if all of the securities had been held by the Fund for the entire Accumulation Period. The Accumulation Period begins on the ex-dividend date for each Fund and ends on the next ex-dividend date.
The Sub-Adviser, through the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC"), makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business (subject to amendments) on the Listing Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m.,
69
Eastern time), the identity and the required number of each Deposit Security and the amount of the Cash Component (or Cash Deposit) to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information from the end of the previous Business Day).
The Deposit Securities and Cash Component (or Cash Deposit) are subject to any adjustments, as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of a particular Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities and Cash Component (or Cash Deposit) is made available.
The identity and amount of the Deposit Securities and Cash Component (or Cash Deposit) changes pursuant to the changes in the composition of a Fund's portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments are reflected from time to time by the Sub-Adviser with a view to the investment objective of that Fund. The composition of the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component (or Cash Deposit) may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the component securities of a Fund's Underlying Index.
The Trust may require the substitution of an amount of cash (a "cash-in-lieu" amount), or the substitution of a security, to replace any Deposit Security of a Fund that is a non-deliverable instrument. The amount of cash, or the value of the substituted security, contributed will be equivalent to the value of the instrument listed as a Deposit Security, as determined by the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a "cash-in-lieu" amount, or the substitution of a security, to be added to replace any Deposit Security. The Trust may permit a "cash-in-lieu" amount, or the substitution of a security, for any reason at the Trust's sole discretion but is not required to do so. The adjustments to the proportions of Deposit Securities described above will reflect changes known to PIMCO, on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the composition of the Underlying Index or resulting from stock splits and other corporate actions.
Procedures for Creating Creation Units
To be eligible to place orders with the Transfer Agent (defined below) and to create a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be: (i) a "Participating Party," i.e. a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process"), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant, and must have executed an agreement with the Distributor (and accepted by the Transfer Agent), with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units ("Participant Agreement") (discussed below). A Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement is referred to as an "Authorized Participant." All shares of the Funds, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of its nominee for the account of a DTC Participant.
Except as described below, and in all cases subject to the terms of the applicable Participant Agreement, all standard orders to create Creation Units of a Fund must be received by the Transfer Agent no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the Listing Exchange ("Closing Time") (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) in each case on the date such order is placed for creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of such Fund as next determined after receipt of an order in proper form. Orders requesting a change in the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component (or Cash Deposit) as disseminated through NSCC for that Business Day (collectively, "Non-Standard Orders"), generally must be received by the Transfer Agent no later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern time. On days when the Listing Exchange closes earlier than normal (such as the day before a holiday), standard orders to create Creation Units must be placed by the earlier closing time and Non-Standard Orders to create Creation Units generally must be received no later than one (1) hour prior to the earlier closing time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust may, but is not required to, permit Non-Standard Orders until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, or until the market close (in the event the Listing Exchange closes early). The date on which an order to create Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant through the Transfer Agent's electronic order system or by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Transfer Agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Transfer Agent or an Authorized Participant.
All investor orders to create Creation Units shall be placed with an Authorized Participant in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, an Authorized Participant may request that an investor make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to an order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and, therefore, orders to
70
create Creation Units of a Fund will have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant. In such cases, there may be additional charges to such investor. A limited number of broker-dealers are expected to execute a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants are expected to have international capabilities.
Creation Units may be created in advance of the receipt by a Fund of all or a portion of the Fund Deposit. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will remain liable for the full deposit of the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit and will be required to post collateral with the Fund consisting of cash at least equal to a percentage of the marked-to-market value of such missing portion(s) that is specified in the Participant Agreement. The Fund may use such collateral to buy the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit at any time and will subject such Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such missing portion(s) and the value of such collateral. The Fund will have no liability for any such shortfall. The Fund will return any unused portion of the collateral to the Authorized Participant once the entire Fund Deposit has been properly received by the Transfer Agent and deposited into the Trust.
Orders for Creation Units that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Securities and Cash Component.
Orders to create Creation Units of a Fund may be placed through the Clearing Process utilizing procedures applicable to domestic funds for domestic securities ("Domestic Funds") (see "Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process") or outside the Clearing Process utilizing the procedures applicable to either Domestic Funds or foreign funds for foreign securities ("Foreign Funds") (see "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Domestic Funds" and "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds"). In the event that a Fund includes both domestic and foreign securities, the time for submitting orders is as stated in the "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds" and "Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds" sections below.
Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process
Generally, the "Settlement Date" for the Funds is the second (2nd) Business Day after the Transmittal Date ("T") with respect to creations and redemptions, whether in exchange for securities or cash.
The Participant Agreement authorizes the Transfer Agent to transmit to NSCC on behalf of the Participating Party such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Participating Party's creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions from the Transfer Agent to NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to transfer the requisite Deposit Securities (or contracts to purchase such Deposit Securities that are expected to be delivered in a "regular way" manner by the second (2nd) Business Day) and the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information as may be required by the Transfer Agent and the Distributor as set forth in the Participant Agreement. An order to create Creation Units of the Funds through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Transfer Agent on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Transfer Agent not later than the Order Cutoff Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. All orders are subject to acceptance by the Distributor.
Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Domestic Funds
Fund Deposits created outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units of a Fund to be effected outside the Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of Deposit Securities and the Cash Component. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the applicable Fund by no later than 1:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered Deposit Securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and
71
binding. For Fund Deposits consisting of cash, the amount of cash must be transferred directly to the Custodian (defined below) through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date. An order to create Creation Units of a Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Transfer Agent on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Transfer Agent not later than the Order Cutoff Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Transfer Agent does not receive both the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component at least one (1) Business Day prior to the Settlement Date, such order will be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Transfer Agent, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit, as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the applicable Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the second (2nd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Transfer Agent.
Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside the Clearing Process (through a DTC participant) and in circumstances in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit Securities to create Creation Units. See "Creation Transaction Fee" section below.
Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds
The Transfer Agent will inform the Distributor, PIMCO and the Custodian upon receipt of a creation order. The Custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate sub-custodian. For each Fund, the Custodian will cause the sub-custodian of such Fund to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, in the case of a permitted or required cash purchase or "cash-in-lieu" amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local custodian. Except for creation orders for the PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF, the Trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the creation transaction fee described below.
Once the Transfer Agent has accepted a creation order, the Transfer Agent will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of a Fund, at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. The Transfer Agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of such order.
Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component and applicable transaction fee have been completed. When the sub-custodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant sub-custodian, the Distributor and PIMCO will be notified of such delivery and the Transfer Agent will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
Acceptance of Creation Orders
The Trust and the Distributor reserve the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order transmitted to it in respect of a Fund, for example if: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of such Fund; (iii) the Fund Deposit delivered is not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Sub-Adviser, as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would have certain adverse tax consequences to such Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or PIMCO, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners of such Fund; (vii) the value of Creation Units to be created exceeds a purchase authorization limit afforded to the Authorized Participant by the Trust and the Authorized Participant has not deposited an amount in excess of such purchase authorization with the Custodian prior to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time, on the Transmittal Date; or (viii) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Distributor, PIMCO or the Sub-Adviser make it, for all practical purposes, impossible to process creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, facsimile and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, PIMCO, the Sub-Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, the Clearing Process, Federal Reserve, the Transfer Agent or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Transfer Agent shall notify the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of
72
the creator of a Creation Unit of its rejection of the order of such person. Neither the Trust, Transfer Agent, Distributor, PIMCO nor the Sub-Adviser are under any duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
All questions as to the number of shares of Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility, and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered and the amount and form of the Cash Component or Cash Deposit, as applicable, shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.
Creation Transaction Fee
A purchase transaction fee may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units of shares. An Authorized Participant submitting a creation order may be assessed a variable charge on its order up to a maximum amount as indicated in the table below. Authorized Participants will bear the costs of transferring Fund Deposits to the Trust. Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged fees for such services. The table below sets forth the standard and variable creation transaction fees for the Funds. However, the Custodian may increase the standard creation transaction fee for administration and settlement of Non-Standard Orders requiring additional administrative processing by the Custodian.
Funds
Standard Creation
Transaction Fee*
Maximum Variable
Charge for Creations**
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
$2,250
3.00%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
$5,000
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
$2,250
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
$500
*
Applicable to in-kind purchases only.
**
As a percentage of the net asset value per Creation Unit purchased, inclusive of the standard creation transaction fee (if imposed).
The standard creation transaction fee applies to any Creation Unit purchase that includes in-kind securities and is a fixed amount. The variable creation transaction fee may be imposed up to the maximum amount indicated in the table above. Actual transaction costs may vary depending on the time of day a purchase order is received or the nature of the securities to be purchased. PIMCO may adjust the Transaction Fee to ensure that a Fund collects the extra expenses associated with brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred by the Fund to acquire a Deposit Security not part of the Fund Deposit from the Authorized Participant.
Each Fund reserves the right to not impose a standard or variable creation transaction fee or to vary the amount of the variable creation transaction fee imposed, up to the maximum amount listed above, depending on the materiality of the Fund's actual transaction costs incurred in purchasing securities with the cash received (in the case of a variable creation transaction fee) or where PIMCO believes that not imposing the standard or variable creation transaction fee or varying the variable creation transaction fee would be in a Fund's and the Fund's shareholders' best interests. Considerations relevant to this determination include secondary market trading, Fund strategy, efficient rebalancing of the Funds in connection with an Underlying Index rebalancing and any other considerations PIMCO deems relevant to its determination of a Fund's and the Fund's shareholders' best interests. To the extent a creation transaction fee is not charged, certain costs may be borne by the Fund.
Redemption of Creation Units
Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form on a Business Day and only through a Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. The Funds will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units (except each Fund may redeem shares in amounts less than a Creation Unit on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion or liquidation). Beneficial owners must accumulate enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Authorized Participants should expect to
73
incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit. All redemptions are subject to the procedures contained in the applicable Participant Agreement.
With respect to a Fund, the Sub-Adviser, through the NSCC, makes available immediately prior to the opening of business on the Listing Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day, the identity of each Fund's securities and/or an amount of cash that will be delivered in exchange for a redemption request received in proper form (as described below) on that day. A Fund's securities received on redemption ("Fund Securities") may include securities in different proportions than securities of the Underlying Index or may include securities not currently represented in the Underlying Index. Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities that are used for the creation of Creation Units.
Unless cash-only redemptions are available or specified for a Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will generally consist of Fund Securities - as announced on the Business Day of the request for a redemption order received in proper form - plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less a redemption transaction fee, if applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust will substitute a "cash-in-lieu" amount, or another security, to replace any Fund Security that is a non-deliverable instrument. The Trust may permit a "cash-in-lieu" amount, or the substitution of a security, for any other reason at the Trust's sole discretion, but is not required to do so. The amount of cash, or the value of the substituted security, paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the instrument listed as a Fund Security, as determined by the Trust. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference is required to be made by an Authorized Participant.
Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws, and each Fund reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash, or to substitute securities, to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemption or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant, or a beneficial owner of shares for which it is acting, subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular Fund Security included in the redemption of a Creation Unit, may be paid an equivalent amount of cash or securities. This would specifically prohibit delivery of Fund Securities that, in reliance upon Rule 144A under the 1933 Act are not registered, to a redeeming beneficial owner of shares that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming beneficial owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash or securities payment.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities it owns or determination of the Fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC.
With respect to the Foreign Funds, foreign (non-U.S.) securities will settle in accordance with the normal rules of settlement of such securities in the applicable foreign (non-U.S.) market. Accordingly, the Settlement Date for certain foreign (non-U.S.) securities included in the Fund Securities for the Foreign Funds may be up to fifteen (15) days after the Transmittal Date for redemptions.
Redemption Transaction Fee
A redemption transaction fee may be imposed to offset transfer and other transaction costs. An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption order may be assessed a variable charge on its order up to a maximum amount as indicated in the table below. Authorized Participants will bear the costs of transferring Fund Securities or cash from the Trust to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged fees for such services. A DTC Participant may be required to pay a higher transaction fee than would have been charged had the redemption been effected through the NSCC Clearing Process. The table below sets forth the standard and variable redemption transaction fees for the Funds. However, the Custodian may increase the standard redemption transaction fee for administration and settlement of Non-Standard Orders requiring additional administrative processing by the Custodian.
74
Funds
Standard Redemption
Transaction Fee*
Maximum Variable
Charge for Redemptions**
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
$2,250
2.00%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
$5,000
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
$2,250
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
$500
*
Applicable to in-kind redemptions only.
**
As a percentage of the net asset value per Creation Unit redeemed, inclusive of the standard redemption transaction fee (if imposed).
The standard redemption transaction fee applies to any Creation Unit redemption that includes in-kind securities and is a fixed amount. The variable redemption transaction fee may be imposed up to the maximum amount indicated in the table above. Actual transaction costs may vary depending on the time of day a redemption order is received or the nature of the securities to be sold. PIMCO may adjust the transaction fee to ensure that a Fund collects the extra expenses associated with brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred by the Fund to acquire a Deposit Security not part of the Fund Deposit from the Authorized Participant.
Each Fund reserves the right to not impose a standard or variable redemption transaction fee or to vary the amount of the variable redemption transaction fee imposed, up to the maximum amount listed above, depending on the materiality of the Fund's actual transaction costs incurred in selling securities to raise the cash amount redeemed (in the case of a variable redemption transaction fee) or where PIMCO believes that not imposing the standard or variable redemption transaction fee or varying the variable redemption transaction fee would be in a Fund's and the Fund's shareholders' best interests. Considerations relevant to this determination include secondary market trading, Fund strategy, efficient rebalancing of the Funds in connection with an Underlying Index rebalancing and any other considerations PIMCO deems relevant to its determination of a Fund's and the Fund's shareholders' best interests. To the extent a redemption transaction fee is not charged, certain costs may be borne by the Fund.
Placement of Redemption Orders Using Clearing Process
Orders to redeem Creation Units of a Fund through the Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement. An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund using the Clearing Process is deemed received on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund using the Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Fund after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. Orders requesting a change in the Fund Securities as disseminated through NSCC for that Business Day, a substitution of a "cash-in-lieu" amount or an all-cash payment (collectively, "Non-Standard Orders"), generally must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. On days when the Listing Exchange closes earlier than normal (such as the day before a holiday), orders to redeem Creation Units must be placed by the earlier closing time and cash redemption orders generally must be received by the Transfer Agent no later than one (1) hour prior to the earlier closing time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust may, but is not required to, permit Non-Standard Orders until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, or until the market close (in the event the Listing Exchange closes early). The requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered in a "regular way" manner) and the applicable cash payment will be transferred by the second (2nd) Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received.
An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that it (or its client) (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Fund shares to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) the Fund shares to be redeemed have not been loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such Fund shares to the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from an Authorized Participant in connection with higher levels of redemption
75
activity and/or a short interest in a Fund. If the Trust determines, based on information available to the Trust when a redemption request is submitted by an Authorized Participant, that: (i) the short interest of the Fund in the marketplace is greater than or equal to 100%; and (ii) the orders in the aggregate from all Authorized Participants redeeming Fund shares on a Business Day represent 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, such Authorized Participant will be required to verify to the Trust the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption. If, after receiving notice of the verification requirement, the Authorized Participant does not sufficiently verify the accuracy of its representations, as determined by the Trust, that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption in accordance with this requirement, its redemption request will be considered not to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.
In the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be redeemed to the Transfer Agent, on behalf of a Fund, the Transfer Agent will nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value (marked-to-market daily) at least equal to 115% of the value of the missing shares. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately-available funds and shall be held by the Transfer Agent and marked-to-market daily, and that the fees of the Transfer Agent in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Trust is permitted, on behalf of the Funds, to purchase the missing shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component underlying such shares at any time without notice to the Authorized Participant and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Cash Component and the value of the collateral.
The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and/or Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by the Transfer Agent according to the NAV calculation set forth under "Net Asset Value" below, computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Transfer Agent by a DTC Participant by the specified time on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the applicable Fund are delivered to the Transfer Agent prior to 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the Settlement Date, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by the Transfer Agent on such Transmittal Date. A redemption order must be submitted in proper form. If the requisite number of shares of the applicable Fund are not delivered by 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the Settlement Date, such Fund will not release the Fund Securities for delivery unless collateral is posted in the amount of 115% of the missing shares (marked-to-market daily).
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process-Domestic Funds
Orders to redeem Creation Units of a Fund outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units of a Fund to be effected outside the Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that redemption of Creation Units of the Fund will instead be effected through transfer of Creation Units of the Fund directly through DTC. An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Transfer Agent on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is preceded or accompanied by the requisite number of shares of Creation Units specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Transfer Agent no later than 1:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
After the Transfer Agent has deemed an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process received, the Transfer Agent will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund Securities), which are expected to be delivered within two (2) Business Days and the cash redemption payment to the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the second (2nd) Business Day following the Transmittal Date on which such redemption order is deemed received by the Transfer Agent. Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside the Clearing Process. See "Redemption Transaction Fee" section above.
76
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process-Foreign Funds
Arrangements satisfactory to the Trust must be in place for the Participating Party to transfer the Creation Units through DTC on or before the settlement date. Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and a Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits or requires cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash.
In connection with taking delivery of shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its right to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.
Regular Foreign Holidays.The Foreign Funds generally intend to effect deliveries of Creation Units and Fund Securities on a basis of "T" plus two (2) Business Days (i.e., days on which the Listing Exchange is open) ("T+2"). In connection with redemptions, the Foreign Funds may effect deliveries of certain Fund Securities on a basis other than T+2 in order to accommodate local holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates or under certain other circumstances. The ability of the Foreign Funds to effect in-kind redemptions within two (2) Business Days of receipt of an order in good form is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the order to the date of delivery of certain Fund Securities (as applicable), there are no days that are holidays in the applicable foreign market. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable foreign market that are not holidays observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle, with respect to the affected Fund Securities, may be extended by the number of such intervening holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Foreign Funds from delivering certain Fund Securities within normal settlement periods. The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring Fund Securities to redeeming Authorized Participants, coupled with foreign market holiday schedules, will require a delivery process longer than seven (7) calendar days for the Foreign Funds, in certain circumstances. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods. The timing of settlement may also be affected by the proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as "informal holidays" (e.g., days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays or changes in local securities delivery practices. Because the portfolio securities of the Foreign Funds may trade on days that the Listing Exchange is closed or on days that are not Business Days for the Funds, Authorized Participants may not be able to redeem their shares of a Fund, or to purchase and sell shares of a Fund on the Listing Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Distribution and Servicing (12b-1) Plan
The Trust has adopted a Distribution and Servicing (12b-1) Plan (the "12b-1 Plan") with respect to shares of the Funds to permit the implementation of the Funds' method of distribution. However, no 12b-1 Plan fee is currently charged to the Funds, and there are no plans in place to impose a 12b-1 Plan fee.
Under the terms of the 12b-1 Plan, the Trust is permitted to compensate, out of a Fund's assets, in amounts up to an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Fund's shares, financial intermediaries for costs and expenses incurred in connection with the distribution and marketing of the shares and/or the provision of certain shareholder services to its customers that invest in shares of such Fund. Such services may include, but are not limited to, the following: marketing and promotional services including advertising; providing facilities to answer questions from prospective investors about the Funds; receiving and answering correspondence or responding to shareholder inquiries, including requests for prospectuses and statements of additional information; preparing, printing and delivering prospectuses and shareholder reports to prospective shareholders; complying with federal and state securities laws pertaining to the sale of shares; and assisting investors in completing application forms and selecting account options.
77
Fees paid pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan may be paid for shareholder services and the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and therefore may constitute "service fees" for purposes of applicable rules of the FINRA. The 12b-1 Plan has been adopted in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and will be administered in accordance with the provisions of that rule.
The 12b-1 Plan provides that it may not be amended to materially increase the costs which shareholders may bear under the 12b-1 Plan without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund and by vote of a majority of both: (i) the Trustees of the Trust; and (ii) those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or any agreements related to it (the "Disinterested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the 12b-1 Plan and any related amendments. The 12b-1 Plan provides that it may not take effect until approved by vote of a majority of both: (i) the Trustees of the Trust; and (ii) the Disinterested Trustees defined above.
Following the expiration of the one-year period commencing with the effectiveness of the 12b-1 Plan, the 12b-1 Plan shall continue in effect so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees and the Disinterested Trustees defined above. The 12b-1 Plan provides that any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees, and the Board of Trustees shall review at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Rules of the FINRA limit the amount of distribution fees that may be paid by management investment companies. "Service fees," defined to mean fees paid for providing shareholder services or the maintenance of accounts (but not transfer agency services) are not subject to the limits. The Trust believes that some, if not all, of the fees paid pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan will qualify as "service fees" and therefore will not be limited by FINRA rules which limit distribution fees. However, service fees are limited by FINRA rules that limit service fees to 0.25% of a Fund's average annual net assets.
In addition, the Distributor, PIMCO and their affiliates also may make payments out of their own resources, at no cost to the Funds, to financial intermediaries for services which may be deemed to be primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Funds. The payments described in this section may be significant to the payors and the payees.
Additional Information About the Shares
Financial Intermediary Compensation.
Revenue Sharing/Marketing Support. The Distributor or PIMCO (for purposes of this subsection only, collectively, "PIMCO") makes payments and provides other incentives to financial firms as compensation for services such as providing the Funds with "shelf space," or a higher profile for the financial firms' financial professionals and their customers, placing the Funds on the financial firms' preferred or recommended fund list or otherwise identifying the Funds as being part of a complex to be accorded a higher degree of marketing support than complexes whose distributor or investment adviser is not making such payments, granting PIMCO access to the financial firms' financial professionals (including through the firms' intranet websites or other proprietary communications systems and channels) in order to promote the Funds, promotions in communications with financial firms' customers such as in the firms' internet websites or in customer newsletters, providing assistance in training and educating the financial firms' personnel, and furnishing marketing support and other specified services. The actual services provided, and the payments made for such services, vary from firm to firm. These payments may be significant to the financial firms.
A number of factors are considered in determining the amount of these additional payments to financial firms. On some occasions, such payments may be conditioned upon levels of sales, including the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares of a Fund and/or all of the Funds and/or other funds sponsored by PIMCO together, during a specified period of time. PIMCO also makes payments to one or more financial firms based upon factors such as the amount of assets a financial firm's clients have invested in the Funds and the quality of the financial firm's relationship with PIMCO and/or its affiliates.
The additional payments described above are made from PIMCO's (or its affiliates') own assets (and sometimes, therefore referred to as "revenue sharing") pursuant to agreements with financial firms and do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a Fund's shares or the amount a Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales.
78
These payments may be made to financial firms (as selected by PIMCO) that have sold significant amounts of shares of the Funds or other PIMCO-sponsored funds. In certain cases, the payments described above may be subject to minimum payment levels or vary based on the management fee or total expense ratio of the relevant Fund(s).
Model Portfolios. Payments for revenue sharing, in certain circumstances, may also be made to financial firms in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by PIMCO, such as through inclusion of such model portfolios on a financial firm's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be flat fee payments for "platform support" as defined below, or other payments in the form of a flat fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets a financial firm's clients have invested in the Funds, the management fee, the total expense ratio (not including interest expense), or sales of the Funds in such PIMCO-developed models. Some financial firms also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, Funds and investment strategies to PIMCO in exchange for a fee.
Ticket Charges. In addition to the payments described above, PIMCO makes payments to financial firms in connection with certain transaction fees (also referred to as "ticket charges") incurred by the financial firms.
Event Support; Other Non-Cash Compensation; Charitable Contributions. In addition to the payments described above, PIMCO pays and/or reimburses, at its own expense, financial firms' sponsorship and/or attendance at conferences, seminars or informational meetings (which may include events held through video technology, to the extent permitted by applicable regulation) ("event support"), provides financial firms or their personnel with occasional tickets to events or other entertainment (which, in some instances, is held virtually), meals and small gifts and pays or provides reimbursement for reasonable travel and lodging expenses for attendees of PIMCO educational events ("other non-cash compensation"), and makes charitable contributions to valid charitable organizations at the request of financial firms ("charitable contributions") to the extent permitted by applicable law, rules and regulations.
Visits; Training; Education. In addition to the payments described above, wholesale representatives and employees of PIMCO or its affiliates visit financial firms on a regular basis to educate financial professionals and other personnel about the Funds and to encourage the sale or recommendation of Fund shares to their clients. PIMCO may also provide (or compensate consultants or other third parties to provide) other relevant training and education to a financial firm's financial professionals and other personnel.
Platform Support; Consultant Services. PIMCO also may make payments or reimbursements to financial firms or their affiliated companies, which may be used for their platform development, maintenance, improvement and/or the availability of services including, but not limited to, platform education and communications, relationship management support, development to support new or changing products, eligibility for inclusion on sample fund line-ups, trading or order taking platforms and related infrastructure/technology and/or legal, risk management and regulatory compliance infrastructure in support of investment-related products, programs and services (collectively, "platform support"). Such payments typically relate to the amount of assets a financial firm's clients have invested in the Funds or other PIMCO-advised funds. In certain instances, platform support payments are made for the purpose of supporting services provided by a financial firm's servicing of shareholder accounts, including, but not limited to, handling toll-free telephone inquiries, processing shareholder communications, and providing information to shareholders on their investments. Subject to applicable law, PIMCO and its affiliates may also provide investment advisory services to financial firms and their affiliates and may execute brokerage transactions on behalf of the Funds with such financial firms' affiliates. These financial firms or their affiliates may, in the ordinary course of their financial firm business, recommend that their clients utilize PIMCO's investment advisory services or invest in the Funds or in other products sponsored or distributed by PIMCO or its affiliates. Although platform support payments are not primarily intended to compensate financial firms for distribution of Fund shares or to encourage the sale of Fund shares, these payments may provide an additional incentive to certain financial firms to actively promote the sale of Fund shares and retain positions in the Funds in anticipation of increasing or retaining platform support payments. In addition, PIMCO may pay investment consultants or their affiliated companies for certain services including technology, operations, tax, or audit consulting services and may pay such firms for PIMCO's attendance at investment forums sponsored by such firms (collectively, "consultant services").
Data. PIMCO also may make payments or reimbursements to financial firms or their affiliated companies for various studies, surveys, industry data, research and information about, and contact information for, particular financial professionals who have sold, or may in the future sell, shares of the Funds or other PIMCO-advised funds (i.e.,
79
"data"). Such payments may relate to the amount of assets a financial firm's clients have invested in the Funds or other PIMCO-advised funds.
Payments. Payments for items including event support, platform support, data and consultant services (but not including certain account services, discussed below), as well as revenue sharing, are, in certain circumstances, bundled and allocated among these categories in PIMCO's discretion. The financial firms receiving such bundled payments may characterize or allocate the payments differently from PIMCO's internal allocation. In addition, payments made by PIMCO to a financial firm and allocated by PIMCO to a particular category of services can in some cases result in benefits related to, or enhance the eligibility of PIMCO or a Fund to receive, services provided by the financial firm that may be characterized or allocated to one or more other categories of services.
As of September 30, 2021, PIMCO anticipates that the firms that will receive the additional payments for marketing support, shelf space or other services as described above include:


Brinker Capital Investments LLC
Envestnet Asset Management, Inc.
Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, LLC
Interactive Brokers LLC
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
National Financial Services, LLC
Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC
Pershing LLC
Riskalyze, Inc.
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
PIMCO expects that additional firms may be added to this list from time to time or may receive one-time payments without anticipation of receiving future additional payments.
Subject to applicable law, PIMCO and its affiliates may also provide investment advisory services to financial firms and their affiliates and may execute brokerage transactions on behalf of the Funds with such financial firms' affiliates. These financial firms or their affiliates may, in the ordinary course of their financial firm business, recommend that their clients utilize PIMCO's investment advisory services or invest in the Funds or in other products sponsored or distributed by PIMCO or its affiliates.
If investment advisers, distributors or affiliated persons of funds make payments and provide other incentives in differing amounts, financial firms and their financial professionals may have financial incentives for recommending a particular fund over other funds. You should review carefully any disclosure by the financial firm or plan recordkeepers as to its compensation.
No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Financial firms may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of Fund shares for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their financial firm to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Financial firms may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and net capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.
Request for Multiple Copies of Shareholder Documents
To reduce expenses, it is intended that only one copy of a Fund's Prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report, when available, will be mailed to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please contact the financial intermediary through which you hold your shares.
80
Portfolio Transactions And Brokerage
Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions
Parametric is responsible for effecting all portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds. Parametric has a fiduciary obligation to act, at all times, in the best interest of its clients and to seek best overall execution in client trading. The firm generally has the authority to execute a trade through any broker-dealer, dealer and/or exchange it deems appropriate, and may negotiate commission and similar fees and expenses. To guide investment personnel in seeking best execution, Parametric only uses brokers or counterparties which have been pre-approved by the firm's Best Execution Committees. Parametric does not consider the promotion or sale of mutual funds or other products affiliated with or managed by Parametric or its affiliates when selecting brokers to execute client transactions. Parametric carefully monitors and evaluates transaction costs and the quality of execution across all strategies and client portfolios. Parametric utilizes the services of third-party service providers to assist with best execution analysis. In analyzing best overall execution, Parametric considers various factors, including but not limited to: specific market and trading impact, number of shares being traded, share price, trading costs, exchange costs, and other material inputs.
Parametric always seeks to effect transactions at the price and commission that provide the most favorable total overall cost or proceeds reasonably attainable given the circumstances. Parametric may consider various factors when selecting a broker-dealer, including but not limited to: the nature of the portfolio transaction; the size of the transaction; the execution, clearing and settlement capabilities of the broker-dealer; the broker-dealer's experience and ability to place difficult trades; access to markets; the reputation, financial strength and stability of the broker-dealer; availability of alternative trading platforms; the desired timing of the transaction; and confidentiality. Parametric tracks trade order volumes and commissions paid to approved brokers for use in evaluating the firm's trading practices and for client reporting purposes.
Parametric may aggregate or "block" trades if, in Parametric's reasonable judgment, such aggregation may result in an overall economic benefit to each participating client's account, taking into consideration the more advantageous purchase or selling price, brokerage commissions, and the execution capabilities of the selected broker-dealer. By aggregating trades for multiple client accounts into a larger, single block order, Parametric seeks to ensure that participating client accounts receive the same execution price. In addition, Parametric may be able to obtain a better execution price and more favorable trade execution for all participating client accounts.
Brokerage and Research Services
Parametric does not enter into soft dollar agreements to pay for research and does not otherwise allocate brokerage commissions to pay for research or other products or services. In connection with seeking best execution, Parametric will send trades to brokers that provide brokerage services that directly relate to the execution of trades and satisfy the temporal standard under Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act. These brokerage services include trading software used to route orders electronically to market centers and the provision of fixed connections used to electronically effect securities transactions. These brokerage services are provided at no cost to Parametric. These brokerage services are used for trading for any client, regardless of the selection of broker. Parametric will only continue to use such services if it is satisfied that access to the resources does not increase client costs directly or indirectly.
SEC rules require that commissions paid to an affiliated broker-dealer, or PIMCO, by a Fund on exchange transactions not exceed "usual and customary brokerage commissions." The rules define "usual and customary" commissions to include amounts that are "reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time." The Funds did not pay any commissions to affiliated brokers during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Brokerage Commissions Paid
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the following amount of brokerage commissions was paid by each operational Fund:
81
Fund
Year Ended
06/30/2021
Year Ended
06/30/2020
Year Ended
06/30/2019
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
$1,252,943
$898,903
$413,132
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
31,710
13,623
8,398
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
10,423
11,810
9,709
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
1,268
1,079(1)
N/A(1)
(1)
The PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF commenced operations on December 18, 2019.
Holdings of Securities of the Trust's Regular Brokers and Dealers
The following table indicates the value of each operational Fund's aggregate holdings, in thousands, of the securities of its regular brokers or dealers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity
ETF
Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.
$820
SG AMERICAS SECURITIES
650
Barclays, Inc.
157
RBC Capital Markets LLC
135
Nomura Securities International Inc.
118
UBS Securities LLC
101
RBS Securities, Inc.
72
BNP Paribas Securities Corp.
41
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
$800
Wells Fargo & Co.
476
Goldman Sachs & Co.
400
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
202
Banc of America Securities LLC
135
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
58
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. Exchange-Traded Fund
Wells Fargo & Co.
$890
Banc of America Securities LLC
622
Goldman Sachs & Co.
321
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
320
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
172
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
172
BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC
136
State Street Bank & Trust Co.
13
Portfolio Trading by Authorized Participants
When creation or redemption transactions consist of cash, the transactions may require the Fund to contemporaneously transact with broker-dealers for purchases or sales of portfolio securities, as applicable. Depending on the timing of the transactions and certain other factors, such transactions may be placed with the purchasing or redeeming Authorized Participant in its capacity as a broker-dealer or with its affiliated broker-dealer and conditioned upon an agreement with the Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer to transact at guaranteed prices in order to reduce transaction costs incurred as a consequence of settling creations or redemptions in cash rather than in-kind.
Specifically, following a Fund's receipt of a creation or redemption order, to the extent such purchases or redemptions consist of a cash portion, the Fund may enter an order with the Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer to purchase or sell the portfolio securities, as applicable. Such Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer will be required to guarantee that the Fund will achieve execution of its order at a price at least as favorable to the Fund as the Fund's valuation of the portfolio securities used for purposes of calculating the NAV applied to the creation or redemption transaction giving rise to the order. Whether the execution of the order is at a
82
price at least as favorable to the Fund will depend on the results achieved by the executing firm and will vary depending on market activity, timing and a variety of other factors.
An Authorized Participant is required to deposit an amount with the Fund in order to ensure that the execution of the order on the terms noted above will be honored on orders arising from creation transactions executed by an Authorized Participant or its affiliate as broker-dealer. If the broker-dealer executing the order achieves executions in market transactions at a price equal to or more favorable than a Fund's valuation of the portfolio securities, the Fund receives the benefit of the favorable executions and the deposit is returned to the Authorized Participant. If, however, the broker-dealer executing the order is unable to achieve a price at least equal to a Fund's valuation of the securities, the Fund retains the portion of the deposit equal to the full amount of the execution shortfall (including any taxes, brokerage commissions or other costs) and may require the Authorized Participant to deposit any additional amount required to cover the full amount of the actual execution transaction.
An Authorized Participant agrees to pay the shortfall amount in order to ensure that a guarantee on execution will be honored for brokerage orders arising from redemption transactions executed by an Authorized Participant or its affiliate as broker-dealer. If the broker-dealer executing the order achieves executions in market transactions at a price equal to or more favorable than the Fund's valuation of the portfolio securities, the Fund receives the benefit of the favorable executions. If, however, the broker-dealer is unable to achieve executions in market transactions at a price at least equal to the Fund's valuation of the securities, the Fund will be entitled to the portion of the offset equal to the full amount of the execution shortfall (including any taxes, brokerage commissions or other costs).
Portfolio Turnover
A change in the securities held by a Fund is known as "portfolio turnover." PIMCO manages the Funds without regard generally to restrictions on portfolio turnover. See "Taxation" below. Trading in equity securities involves the payment of brokerage commissions, which are transaction costs paid by a Fund. Trading in fixed income securities does not generally involve the payment of brokerage commissions, but does involve indirect transaction costs. The use of futures contracts may involve the payment of commissions to futures commission merchants. High portfolio turnover (e.g., greater than 100%) involves correspondingly greater expenses to a Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities. The higher the rate of portfolio turnover of a Fund, the higher these transaction costs borne by the Fund generally will be. Such sales may result in realization of taxable capital gains (including short-term capital gains which generally would be taxed at ordinary income tax rates when distributed to shareholders).
The portfolio turnover rate of a Fund is calculated by dividing: (a) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the particular fiscal year by; (b) the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the particular fiscal year. In calculating the rate of portfolio turnover, there is excluded from both (a) and (b) all securities, including options, whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition were one year or less and any short sales that the Fund does not intend to maintain for more than one year. Proceeds from short sales and assets used to cover short positions undertaken are included in the amounts of securities sold and purchased, respectively, during the year. Portfolio turnover rates for each Fund that was operational as of the Trust's most recent fiscal year end are provided in the Prospectus under the caption "Financial Highlights."
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Policies and Procedures Generally.The Trust has adopted portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures to govern the disclosure of the securities holdings of the Funds (the "Disclosure Policy"). The Disclosure Policy is designed to protect the confidentiality of the Funds' non-public portfolio holdings information, to prevent the selective disclosure of such information, and to ensure compliance by PIMCO and the Funds with the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder and general principles of fiduciary duty. PIMCO serves as investment adviser to various funds, including other exchange-traded funds, that may have investment objectives, strategies and portfolio holdings that are substantially similar to or overlap with those of the Funds, and in some cases, these funds may publicly disclose portfolio holdings on a more frequent basis than is required for the Funds. For example, portfolio holdings for PIMCO advised actively managed exchange-traded funds are required, by the terms of the applicable SEC exemptive relief, to be publicly disclosed each business day. Similarly, PIMCO serves as an investment adviser to separate accounts that may have investment objectives, strategies and portfolio holdings that are substantially similar to or overlap with those of the Funds, and the separate account holdings that are disclosed to the
83
client or others under the terms of the client's investment management agreement could be similar or identical to Fund holdings and could be disclosed to such clients more frequently than Fund portfolio holdings are publicly disclosed. As a result, it is possible that other market participants may use such information for their own benefit, which could negatively impact the Funds' execution of purchase and sale transactions.
Monitoring and Oversight.The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") is responsible for ensuring that PIMCO has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the Disclosure Policy and, to the extent the CCO considers necessary, the CCO shall monitor PIMCO's compliance with its policies and procedures.
Any exceptions to the Disclosure Policy may be made only if approved by the CCO upon determining that the exception is in the best interests of the Fund. The CCO must report any exceptions made to the Disclosure Policy to the Trust's Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Quarterly Disclosure.The Funds will publicly disclose the complete schedule of each Fund's holdings, as reported on a fiscal quarter-end basis, by making the information publicly available in a manner consistent with requirements established by the SEC. You may view a Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recently completed quarter online at http://www.pimco.com, or obtain a copy of the schedule by calling PIMCO at 1-866-746-2606. This information will be available no earlier than the day on which it is transmitted to shareholders in the Funds' annual and semiannual reports, or filed with and made publicly available by with the SEC on Form N-PORT, which will occur on or about the sixtieth day after a fiscal quarter's end.
The Funds file portfolio holdings information with the SEC on Form N-PORT within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Funds' complete schedules of securities holdings as of the end of each fiscal quarter will be made available to the public on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Defaulted/Distressed Securities.PIMCO may, in its discretion, publicly disclose portfolio holdings information at any time with respect to securities held by the Funds that are in default, distressed, or experiencing a negative credit event. Any such disclosure will be broadly disseminated via PIMCO's website at http://www.pimco.com or by similar means.
Daily Disclosure.On each Business Day, before commencement of trading in shares on a national securities exchange (as defined by Section 2(a)(26) of the 1940 Act), PIMCO will disclose on its website the identities and quantities of each Fund's portfolio holdings.
Confidential Dissemination of Portfolio Holdings Information.No disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information may be made to any third party except as set forth in the Disclosure Policy. This prohibition does not apply to information sharing with (i) the Funds' service providers, such as the Funds' investment adviser, sub-advisers (if any), distributor, custodian, transfer agent, administrator, sub-administrator (if any), accountant, counsel, securities class action claims services administrator, financial printer, proxy voting agent, lender, intraday NAV calculation agent; (ii) portfolio managers of PIMCO-sponsored funds of funds; (iii) PIMCO affiliates, service providers to PIMCO or service providers to PIMCO affiliates who may perform services or assist PIMCO in the performance of services for or on behalf of a Fund; (iv) and other select third party service providers (collectively, the "Service Providers"), who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities. Such Service Providers are subject to duties of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on information such as non-public portfolio holdings, imposed by law and/or contract.
Each Fund or PIMCO may, to the extent permitted under applicable law, distribute non-public portfolio holdings information, to (i) certain third parties that have a legitimate business purpose in receiving such information, including, but not limited to, fund analysts and rating and ranking organizations, pricing information vendors, analytical service providers, banks or other third parties providing financing to a Fund, certain platform providers, investment management trade associations and potential Service Providers, or (ii) a redeeming shareholder effecting a redemption-in-kind from one of the Funds as may be permitted by PIMCO from time to time; provided, however, that any recipient of non-public portfolio holdings information pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to a confidentiality agreement meeting the requirements of the Disclosure Policy.
84
The distribution of non-public portfolio holdings information pursuant to the foregoing paragraph must be authorized by an officer of the Trust after determining the requested disclosure is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and after consulting with and receiving approval from PIMCO's legal department. The Disclosure Policy does not require a delay between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed; however, any recipient of non-public information will be subject to a confidentiality agreement that contains, at a minimum, provisions specifying that: (1) the Funds' non-public information provided is the confidential property of the Funds and may not be used for any purpose except in connection with the provision of services to the Funds or for an agreed-upon legitimate business purpose and, in particular, that such information may not be traded upon; (2) except to the extent contemplated by the Disclosure Policy, the recipient of the non-public information agrees to limit access to the information to its employees, advisors, representatives, and agents who are subject to a duty to keep and treat such information as confidential; and (3) upon written request from the Funds or PIMCO, the recipient of the non-public information shall promptly return or destroy the information, except as otherwise required by applicable law or such recipient's record retention policies and procedures. Neither the Funds nor PIMCO may receive compensation or consideration in connection with the distribution of non-public portfolio holdings information.
A Fund or PIMCO may also, to the extent permitted under applicable law, confirm the absence of one or more particular portfolio holdings to third parties that have a legitimate business purpose in receiving such information, to the extent such information relates to compliance by a Fund with a legal or regulatory requirement. Disclosure of such information does not constitute disclosure of portfolio holdings information under the Disclosure Policy.
Non-Specific Information.Under the Disclosure Policy, the Funds or PIMCO may distribute non-specific information about the Funds and/or summary information about the Funds at any time. Such information will not identify any specific portfolio holding, but may reflect, among other things, the quality or character of a Fund's holdings.
Required Disclosures.No provision of the Disclosure Policy is intended to restrict or prevent the disclosure of portfolio holdings information as may be required by applicable state or federal law, which are requested by governmental authorities or in connection with litigation involving a Fund's current or past portfolio holdings.
Large Trade Notifications
A Fund or its agent may from time to time receive notice that a current or prospective Authorized Participant will place an order for the purchase or redemption of a large number of Creation Units. The Fund may determine to enter into portfolio transactions in anticipation of that order, even though the order will not be placed or processed until the following Business Day, as applicable. This practice provides for a closer correlation between the time Authorized Participants place purchase or redemption orders and the time a Fund enters into portfolio transactions based on those orders, and permits the Fund to be more fully invested in investment securities, in the case of purchase orders, and to more orderly liquidate its investment positions, in the case of redemptions. On the other hand, the current or prospective Authorized Participant may not ultimately place or process the order. In this case, a Fund may be required to borrow assets to settle the portfolio transactions entered into in anticipation of that order, and would therefore incur borrowing costs. The Funds may also suffer investment losses on those portfolio transactions. Conversely, the Funds would benefit from any earnings and investment gains resulting from such portfolio transactions.
Net Asset Value
Net asset value is determined as indicated under "How Net Asset Value Is Determined" in the Prospectus. Net asset value will be determined on each Business Day. On any Business Day when the NYSE closes trading early, the Funds may close trading early and determine net asset value as of an earlier time.
Portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. Market value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales prices are reported, as is the case for most securities traded OTC, on the basis of either: (i) the mean between representative bid and ask quotations obtained from a quotation reporting system or from established market makers; or (ii) prices (including evaluated prices) supplied by a Fund's approved pricing services, quotation reporting systems and other third-party sources (together, "Pricing Services"). For exchange-traded securities, market value also may be determined on the basis of the exchange's Official Closing Price or Settlement instead of the last reported sales prices. Certain exchange-traded equity options may be valued using evaluations from Pricing Services. Fixed income securities,
85
including those to be purchased under firm commitment agreements, are normally valued on the basis of quotes obtained from brokers and dealers or prices provided by Pricing Services, which may take into account appropriate factors such as, without limitation, institutional-sized trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data.
Taxation
The following summarizes certain additional federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders. The discussion is for general information only and does not purport to consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that might be relevant to beneficial owners of shares of the Funds. The discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, existing regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change, which change could be retroactive. The discussion applies only to beneficial owners of Fund shares in whose hands such shares are capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code, and may not apply to certain types of beneficial owners of shares (such as insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, and broker-dealers) who may be subject to special rules. Persons who may be subject to tax in more than one country should consult the provisions of any applicable tax treaty to determine the potential tax consequences to them. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Fund shares, as well as the tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, foreign country, or other taxing jurisdiction. The discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
Each Fund intends to qualify annually and either has elected or will elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company, each Fund generally must, among other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, net income from certain "qualified publicly traded partnerships," or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies ("Qualifying Income Test"); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of certain controlled issuers in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more "qualified publicly traded partnerships"; and (c) distribute in each taxable year dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 90% of its investment company taxable income (which includes dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains in excess of any net long-term capital losses), determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction, and (ii) 90% of its tax exempt interest, net of expenses allocable thereto. The Treasury Department is authorized to promulgate regulations under which gains from foreign currencies (and options, futures, and forward contracts on foreign currency) would constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test only if such gains are directly related to investing in securities. To date, such regulations have not been issued.
If a Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, a Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and reduced rates of taxation on qualified dividend income in the case of individuals. In addition, a Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
As a regulated investment company, a Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital gains (any net long-term capital gains in excess of the sum of net short-term capital losses and capital loss carryovers from prior years) reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends, if any, that it distributes as dividends to its shareholders on a timely basis. Each Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net capital gains. In addition, amounts not distributed by a Fund on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement may be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax. Unless an applicable exception applies, to avoid the tax,
86
a Fund must distribute dividends in respect of each calendar year to its shareholders of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (and adjusted for certain ordinary losses) generally for the twelve-month period ending on October 31, and (3) all ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during such years and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. To avoid application of the excise tax, each Fund generally intends, to the extent necessary, to make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution requirement. However, each Fund reserves the right to retain a portion of its earnings and be subject to excise tax on such earnings. A distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of the calendar year if it is declared by a Fund in October, November, or December of that year to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following calendar year. Such distributions will be taxable to shareholders (other than those not subject to federal income tax) in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.
Distributions
All dividends and distributions of a Fund, other than exempt-interest dividends discussed below, whether received in shares or cash, generally are taxable and must be reported on each shareholder's federal income tax return. Dividends paid out of a Fund's investment company taxable income will be taxable to a U.S. shareholder as ordinary income. Distributions received by tax-exempt shareholders will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent permitted under the applicable tax exemption.
Although all or a portion of the dividends paid by certain Funds may qualify for the deduction for dividends received by certain U.S. corporations and/or the reduced tax rate for individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers on certain "qualified dividend income," it is not expected that any such portion would be significant. Dividends paid by certain other Funds generally are not expected to qualify for the deduction for dividends received by corporations and/or the reduced tax rate for individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers on certain "qualified dividend income." Distributions of net capital gains, if any, reported as capital gain dividends, are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held a Fund's shares and are not eligible for the dividends received deduction. Any distributions that are not from a Fund's investment company taxable income or net realized capital gains may be characterized as a return of capital to shareholders or, in some cases, as capital gain. The tax treatment of dividends and distributions paid by the Funds will be the same whether a shareholder reinvests them in additional shares or elects to receive them in cash. The maximum individual rate applicable to "qualified dividend income" and long-term capital gains is generally either 15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual's income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Any Fund's participation in a securities lending transaction may affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions derived from such transaction to shareholders. In this case, amounts derived by a Fund in place of dividends earned on a security during the period that such security was not directly held by the Fund may not give rise to qualified dividend income or the deduction for dividends received by certain corporations.
An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person's "modified adjusted gross income" (in the case of an individual) or "adjusted gross income" (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
In taxable years when a Fund distributes amounts in excess of its earnings and profits, such distributions may be treated in part as a return of capital. A return of capital is not taxable to a shareholder and has the effect of reducing the shareholder's basis in the shares.
The tax treatment of income, gains and losses attributable to foreign currencies (and derivatives on such currencies), and various other special tax rules applicable to certain financial transactions and instruments could affect the amount, timing and character of a Fund's distributions. In some cases, these tax rules could also result in a retroactive change in the tax character of prior distributions and may also possibly cause all, or a portion, of prior distributions to be reclassified as returns of capital for tax purposes.
Sales of Shares
Upon the disposition of shares of a Fund (whether by redemption, sale or exchange), a shareholder may realize a gain or loss. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder's hands, and
87
will be long-term or short-term generally depending upon the shareholder's holding period for the shares. Any loss realized on a disposition will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on a disposition of shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of capital gain dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such shares. Additionally, any loss realized upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares with a tax holding period of six months or less may be disallowed to the extent of any distributions treated as exempt-interest dividends with respect to such shares. If a Fund redeems a shareholder in-kind rather than in cash, the shareholder would realize the same gain or loss as if the shareholder had been redeemed in cash. Further, the shareholder's basis in the securities received in the in-kind redemption would be the securities' fair market value on the date of the in-kind redemption.
The Internal Revenue Code requires reporting of adjusted cost basis information for covered securities, which generally include shares of a regulated investment company acquired after January 1, 2012, to the IRS and to taxpayers. Shareholders should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
Potential Pass-Through of Tax Credits
If a Fund invests in Build America Bonds, created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as amended, or any other qualified tax credit bonds, the investment will result in taxable income to such Fund. The applicable Fund may elect to pass through to shareholders the applicable interest income and available tax credits, in which case shareholders will be required to report both the interest income and tax credits as taxable income. Shareholders may be able to claim the tax credits on their federal tax returns against their income tax, including alternative minimum tax, liability. However, such tax credits are generally not refundable. There is no assurance that a Fund will elect to pass through any such income and credits.
Backup Withholding
A Fund may be required to withhold up to 24% of all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal tax liability.
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts, and Swap Agreements
Some of the options, futures contracts, forward contracts, and swap agreements used by the Funds may be considered "section 1256 contracts." Any gains or losses on section 1256 contracts are generally considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40") although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed in the Internal Revenue Code) are "marked-to-market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss.
Generally, the hedging transactions and certain other transactions in options, futures and forward contracts undertaken by a Fund, may result in "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In some cases, the straddle rules also could apply in connection with swap agreements. The straddle rules may affect the amount, timing and character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund. In addition, losses realized by a Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the Fund's taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures, forward contracts, and swap agreements to a Fund are not entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund which generally would be taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
A Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Internal Revenue Code which are applicable to straddles. If a Fund makes any of the elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses
88
from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which generally will be taxed to shareholders either as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.
Rules governing the tax aspects of swap agreements are in a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly, while the Funds intend to account for such transactions in a manner they deem to be appropriate, the IRS might not accept such treatment. If it did not, the status of a Fund as a regulated investment company might be affected. The Trust intends to monitor developments in this area.
Certain requirements that must be met under the Internal Revenue Code in order for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company, including the qualifying income and diversification requirements applicable to a Fund's assets may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, and swap agreements.
In addition, the use of swaps or other derivatives could adversely affect the character (capital gain vs. ordinary income) of the income recognized by the Funds for federal income tax purposes, as well as the amount and timing of such recognition, as compared to a direct investment in underlying securities, and could result in a Fund's recognition of income prior to the receipt of any corresponding cash. As a result of the use of swaps and derivatives, a larger portion of a Fund's distributions may be treated as ordinary income than would have been the case if the Fund did not enter into such swaps or derivatives. The tax treatment of swap agreements and other derivatives may also be affected by future legislation or Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect the character, timing and/or amount of a Fund's taxable income or gains and distributions made by a Fund.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
The Funds may invest in the stock of foreign corporations which may be classified under the Internal Revenue Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC for a taxable year if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. If a Fund receives a so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may be subject to tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding income is distributed by the Fund to stockholders. In general, under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which the Fund held the PFIC stock. A Fund itself will be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so allocated to prior taxable years and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC stock are treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
A Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC stock. Under an election that currently is available in some circumstances, a Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether distributions are received from the PFIC in a given taxable year. If this election were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. Alternatively, another election may be available that would involve marking to market a Fund's PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year, with the result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized and reported as ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of PFIC shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included in income with respect to such shares in prior taxable years. If this election were made, tax at the Fund level under the PFIC rules would generally be eliminated, but the Fund could, in limited circumstances, incur nondeductible interest charges. A Fund's intention to qualify annually as a regulated investment company may limit its elections with respect to PFIC shares.
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the character of gains and the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income with respect to PFIC shares, and may subject a Fund itself
89
to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be distributed to shareholders and generally will be taxed to shareholders either as ordinary income or long-term capital gain may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.
Foreign Currency Transactions
Under the Internal Revenue Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues income or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain other instruments or contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the instrument, security or contract and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These foreign currency gains and losses, referred to under the Internal Revenue Code as "section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of a Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income. A Fund's foreign currency losses are generally treated as realized losses for reporting purposes but may decrease a Fund's taxable income and may cause a Fund's distributions to shareholders to be reported as returns of capital for income tax purposes.
Foreign Taxation
Income and gains recognized by the Funds from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. In addition, PIMCO intends to manage the Funds with the intention of minimizing foreign taxation in cases where it is deemed prudent to do so. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations or foreign governments, the Fund will be eligible to elect to "pass-through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder subject to tax generally will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund, and the shareholder may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it (subject to limitations) as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether any foreign income or related foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass-through" for that taxable year.
Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to such shareholder's total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of a Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to such Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. Furthermore, any amounts received by a Fund in place of dividends earned and any related withholding taxes incurred on a security while such security was subject to a securities loan, respectively, will not qualify as foreign income and will not qualify as a foreign tax paid by such Fund and, therefore, will not be able to be passed through to shareholders even if the Fund satisfies the requirements described above. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. Shareholders may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Various other limitations, including a minimum holding period requirement, apply to limit the credit and/or deduction for foreign taxes for purposes of regular federal tax and/or alternative minimum tax.
Original Issue Discount and Market Discount
Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities may be treated as a dividend for federal income tax purposes.
90
Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of such income
A Fund generally will be required to distribute dividends to shareholders representing discount on debt securities that is currently includable in income, even though cash representing such income may not have been received by the Fund. Cash to pay such dividends may be obtained from sales proceeds of securities held by the Fund.
Investments in REITs and REMICs
Some of the Funds may invest in REITs. Such investments in REIT equity securities may require a Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund's investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings; if the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income. Individuals (and certain other non-corporate entities) are generally eligible for a 20% deduction with respect to taxable ordinary REIT dividends. Applicable Treasury regulations allow a Fund to pass through to its shareholders such taxable ordinary REIT dividends. Accordingly, individual (and certain other non-corporate) shareholders of a Fund that have received such taxable ordinary REIT dividends may be able to take advantage of this 20% deduction with respect to any such amounts passed through.
As discussed above, a Fund or some of the REITs in which a Fund may invest may be permitted to hold senior or residual interests in REMICs or debt or equity interests in TMPs. Under Treasury regulations not yet issued, but that may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund's income from a REIT that is attributable to the REIT's residual interest in a REMIC or a TMP (referred to in the Internal Revenue Code as an "excess inclusion") will be subject to federal income tax in all events. These regulations are expected to provide that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as a Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by shareholders, with the same consequences as if shareholders held the related REMIC residual or TMP interest directly.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI") to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax.
If at any time during any taxable year a "disqualified organization" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company earning excess inclusion income, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. It is not expected that a substantial portion of a Fund's assets will be residual interests in REMICs. Additionally, the Funds do not intend to invest in REITs in which a substantial portion of the assets will consist of residual interests in REMICs.
91
Uncertain Tax Consequences
A Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for the Fund. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Funds to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that they distribute sufficient income that they do not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Constructive Sales
Certain rules may affect the timing and character of gain if a Fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its risk of loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If a Fund enters into certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical property, a Fund would be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and would be subject to tax on any gain (but not loss) from the constructive sale. The character of gain from a constructive sale would depend upon a Fund's holding period in the property. Loss from a constructive sale would be recognized when the property was subsequently disposed of, and its character would depend on a Fund's holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
IRAs and Other Retirement Plans
If you invest in a Fund through an IRA or other retirement plan, you should consult with your own tax adviser on the applicable rules for such IRA or retirement plan with respect to plan qualification requirements, limits on contributions and distributions, and required distributions from IRAs and retirement plans. As an example, there could be tax penalties on distributions from an IRA or other retirement plan prior to age 59 1/2. Certain minimum distribution requirements may also apply to IRAs or other retirement plans that, among other things, require you to begin receiving distributions by April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which you reach age 72. Failure to follow these requirements and other applicable requirements may result in significant additional taxes and penalties. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with these and other requirements.
Non-U.S. Shareholders
Withholding of Income Tax on Dividends: Under U.S. federal tax law, dividends paid on shares beneficially held by a person who is a "foreign person" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, are, in general, subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% of the gross dividend, which may, in some cases, be reduced by an applicable tax treaty. However, if the dividends are effectively connected with the conduct by the beneficial holder of a trade or business in the United States, the dividend will generally be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates. Distributions of long-term net realized capital gains generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax.
A Fund may invest in the securities of corporations that invest in U.S. real property, including U.S. REITs. The sale or other disposition of a U.S. real property interest ("USRPI") by a Fund, a U.S. REIT, or a U.S. real property holding corporation in which the Fund invests may trigger special tax consequences to the Fund's non-U.S. shareholders. The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, as amended ("FIRPTA"), makes non-U.S. persons subject to U.S. tax on the sale or other disposition of a USRPI as if such person was a U.S. person. Such gain is sometimes referred to as FIRPTA gain. The Internal Revenue Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of FIRPTA gain by certain regulated investment companies received from U.S. REITs. Because each Fund expects to invest less than 50% of its assets at all times, directly or indirectly, in USRPIs, each Fund expects that neither gain on the sale or redemption of Fund shares nor Fund dividends and distributions would be subject to FIRPTA reporting and any related tax withholding.
A Fund is generally able to report certain distributions to non-U.S. shareholders as being derived from certain net interest income or net short-term capital gains and such reported distributions are generally not subject to U.S. tax withholding. However, distributions that are derived from other sources, such as dividends on corporate stock, foreign
92
currency gains, foreign source interest, and ordinary income from swaps or investments in PFICs, would still be subject to U.S. tax withholding when distributed to non-U.S. shareholders. Moreover, in the case of Fund shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld amounts even if a Fund reported all or a portion of a distribution as exempt from U.S. tax withholding. Affected non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts. There can be no assurance as to the amount of distributions that would not be subject to U.S. tax withholding when paid to non-U.S. shareholders.
The Funds are required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of taxable dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Funds to enable the Funds to determine whether withholding is required.
Income Tax on Sale of a Fund's shares: Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of such shares unless: (i) the shares in question are effectively connected with a permanent establishment in the United States of the beneficial holder and such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States; or (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.
State and Local Tax: A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred above.
Estate and Gift Taxes: Upon the death of a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person, such shares will be deemed to be property situated within the United States and may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax. If at the time of death the deceased holder is a resident of a foreign country and not a citizen or resident of the United States, such tax will be imposed at graduated rates from 18% to 40% on the total value (less allowable deductions and allowable credits) of the decedent's property situated within the United States. In general, there is no gift tax on gifts of shares by a beneficial holder who is a foreign person.
The availability of reduced U.S. taxation pursuant to any applicable treaties depends upon compliance with established procedures for claiming the benefits thereof and may further, in some circumstances, depend upon making a satisfactory demonstration to U.S. tax authorities that a foreign investor qualifies as a foreign person under U.S. domestic tax law and such treaties.
Other Taxation
Distributions also may be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes, depending on each shareholder's particular situation. Under the laws of various states, distributions of investment company taxable income generally are taxable to shareholders even though all or a substantial portion of such distributions may be derived from interest on certain federal obligations which, if the interest were received directly by a resident of such state, would be exempt from such state's income tax ("qualifying federal obligations"). However, some states may exempt all or a portion of such distributions from income tax to the extent the shareholder is able to establish that the distribution is derived from qualifying federal obligations. Moreover, for state income tax purposes, interest on some federal obligations generally is not exempt from taxation, whether received directly by a shareholder or through distributions of investment company taxable income (for example, interest on FNMA Certificates and GNMA Certificates). Each Fund will provide information annually to shareholders indicating the amount and percentage of the Fund's dividend distribution that is attributable to interest on federal obligations, and will indicate to the extent possible from what types of federal obligations such dividends are derived. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund.
93
Other Information
Capitalization
The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 each. The Board of Trustees may establish additional series (with different investment objectives and fundamental policies) at any time in the future. Establishment and offering of additional series will not alter the rights of the Trust's shareholders. When issued, shares are fully paid, non-assessable, redeemable and freely transferable. Shares do not have preemptive rights or subscription rights. In liquidation of a Fund, each shareholder is entitled to receive his or her pro rata share of the net assets of the Fund.
Under Delaware law, shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. In addition, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of the Trust.
Voting Rights
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of Trust shareholders to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It is not anticipated that the Trust will hold shareholders' meetings unless required by law or the Declaration of Trust. In this regard, the Trust will be required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on the Board of Trustees if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Trust. In addition, the Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a person serving as Trustee at any shareholder meeting. The Trustees are required to call a meeting of shareholders if requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than ten percent of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
The Trust's shares do not have cumulative voting rights, so that the holder of more than 50% of the outstanding shares may elect the entire Board of Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees. In addition, to the extent the Funds own shares of a money market fund or short-term bond fund pursuant to the November 19, 2001 SEC exemptive order discussed above, the Funds will vote such shares in proportion to the votes of all other shareholders of the respective money market or short-term bond fund. If such money market or short-term bond fund has no other shareholders except the Funds and other PIMCO-advised funds, the Funds will vote such shares in proportion to the votes of the respective Fund's shareholders on the proposal, or if such Fund's shareholders are not solicited for their vote on the same proposal, such Fund will vote such shares in proportion to the votes of all other shareholders of the respective money market or short-term bond fund.
Pursuant to the terms of the Participant Agreement, an Authorized Participant, to the extent that it is a beneficial owner of Fund shares, will irrevocably appoint the Distributor as its attorney and proxy with full authorization and power to vote (or abstain from voting) its beneficially owned Fund shares. The Distributor intends to vote (or abstain from voting) the Authorized Participant's beneficially owned Fund shares in the same proportion as the votes (or abstentions) of all other shareholders of such Fund on any matter submitted to the vote of shareholders of such Fund.
Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share (with proportionate voting for fractional shares). As used in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information, the phrase "vote of a majority of the outstanding shares" of a Fund (or the Trust) means the vote of the lesser of: (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund (or the Trust) present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund (or the Trust).
The Trust or a Fund may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees or the affirmative vote of a supermajority of the holders of the Trust or such Fund entitled to vote on termination. Although the shares are not automatically redeemable upon the occurrence of any specific event, the Trust's organizational documents provide that the Board will have the unrestricted power to alter the number of shares in a Creation Unit. In the event of a termination of the Trust or a Fund, the Board, in its sole discretion, could determine to permit the shares to be redeemable in aggregations smaller than Creation Units or to be individually redeemable. In such circumstance, the Trust may make redemptions in-kind, for cash or for a combination of cash or securities.
94
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
Although the Trust does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership of shares nominally held by DTC, the name and percentage ownership of each DTC participant that owned of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund, as of October 6, 2021, is set forth below.
FUND NAME
REGISTRATION
PERCENTAGE OF
OUTSTANDING
SHARES OF
FUND OWNED OF
RECORD
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging
Markets Equity ETF
STATE STREET BANK & TRUST
1776 HERITAGE DRIVE
NORTH QUINCY, MA 02171
48.88%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging
Markets Equity ETF
PERSHING LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY, NJ 07399-000
10.87%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging
Markets Equity ETF
FIFTH THIRD BANK
38 FOUNTAIN SQUARE PLAZA
CINCINNATI, OH 45263
8.00%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging
Markets Equity ETF
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
200 LIBERTY ST, ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
7.91%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging
Markets Equity ETF
TD AMERITRADE INC
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
7.73%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging
Markets Equity ETF
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
5.29%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor
International Equity ETF
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
200 LIBERTY ST, ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
57.93%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor
International Equity ETF
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
20.44%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor U.S.
Equity ETF
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
200 LIBERTY ST, ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
72.15%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor U.S.
Equity ETF
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
8.97%
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor U.S.
Equity ETF
SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY/C/O/ GWP
1 FREEDOM VALLEY DR
OAKS PA 19456-9989
5.51%
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
57.31%
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
ALLIANZ FUND INVESTMENTS, INC.
5701 GOLDEN HILLS DRIVE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55416
17.91%
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
TD AMERITRADE INC
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
8.10%
95
FUND NAME
REGISTRATION
PERCENTAGE OF
OUTSTANDING
SHARES OF
FUND OWNED OF
RECORD
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
MERRILL LYNCH PROFESSIONAL
CLEARING CORP.
222 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NY 10038
7.21%
Code of Ethics
The Trust, PIMCO , Parametric and the Distributor each has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act. These Codes of Ethics permit personnel, subject to the Codes of Ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund, and such personnel do, from time to time, invest in securities held by the Funds.
Securities Depository for Shares of the Funds
Shares of the Funds are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants ("DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities' certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the NYSE and the FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of a Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee as the registered holder of all shares of the Trust. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of a Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.
96
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants. DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares of the Trust at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.
Disclaimers
The Funds are not sponsored, promoted, offered, sold or supported in any other manner by RAFI Indices, LLC or any of its affiliates, licensors or contractors (the "RAFI Parties") nor do any of the RAFI Parties offer any express or implicit guarantee, warranty or assurance either with regard to the results of using the RAFI Indexes or the Index prices at any time or in any other respect. The RAFI Indexes are calculated and published by the RAFI Parties. The RAFI Parties use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that each RAFI Index is calculated correctly. None of the RAFI Parties shall be liable for any error, omission, inaccuracy, incompleteness, delay, or interruption in the RAFI Indexes or any data related thereto or have any obligation to point out errors in the RAFI Indexes to any person. Neither publication of the RAFI Indexes by the RAFI Parties nor the licensing of the RAFI Indexes or RAFI Index trademark for the purpose of use in connection with the Funds constitutes a recommendation by any of the RAFI Parties to invest in nor does it in any way represent an assurance, endorsement or opinion of any of the RAFI Parties with regard to any investment in the Funds. The trade name RAFI™ is a registered trademark of Research Affiliates, LLC in the U.S. and other countries.
Shares of the Funds are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by NYSE Arca. NYSE Arca makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Funds to track the investment results of an Underlying Index or the ability of an Underlying Index to track fixed income performance. NYSE Arca is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the compilation or the calculation of an Underlying Index, nor in the determination of the timing of, prices of or quantities of shares of the Funds to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. NYSE Arca has no obligation or liability to owners of shares of the Funds in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of shares of the Funds. NYSE Arca does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of an Underlying Index or any data included therein. NYSE Arca makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust, on behalf of the Funds as licensee, licensee's customers and counterparties, owners of shares of the Funds or any other person or entity, from the use of an Underlying Index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use.
NYSE Arca makes no express or implied warranties and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to an Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall NYSE Arca have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
Custodian and Transfer Agent
State Street Bank & Trust Co., State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as custodian for assets of the Funds and transfer agent for the shares of the Funds.
Securities Lending Agent
Securities Finance Trust Company ("Securities Lending Agent") serves as the securities lending agent for the Funds. The Securities Lending Agent administers the Funds' securities lending program, providing services to the Funds that include: marketing the Funds' available securities for securities lending purposes, soliciting bids from potential borrowers of Fund securities, making recommendations regarding lending opportunities, entering into participant agreements with borrowers, monitoring the daily value of the loaned securities and directing the delivery of additional collateral, negotiating rebates to be paid to borrowers, and investing cash collateral received in connection
97
with loaned securities in accordance with specific instructions provided by the Funds. For each Fund that engaged in securities lending during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, the table below sets forth the income from, and fees and compensation paid in connection with, such Fund's securities lending activities for the Fund's most recent fiscal year.
Fees and/or Compensation for Securities Lending Activities and Related Services:
Fund
Gross Income
from Securities
Lending Activities
Fees Paid
to Securities
Lending Agent from
a Revenue Split
Rebates Paid
to Borrowers
Aggregate Fees/
Compensation for
Securities
Lending
Activities
Net Income
from Securities
Lending
Activities
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor Emerging Markets
Equity ETF
$266,200.01
$29,148.27
$301.39
$29,449.66
$236,750.34
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor International Equity
ETF
10,771.35
1,076.57
5.67
1,082.24
9,689.11
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic
Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF
2,029.96
218.75
0.00
218.75
1,811.21
PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF
18.76
2.80
0.00
2.80
15.97
During the Funds' most recent fiscal year, the Funds did not pay separate cash collateral management fees, administrative fees, fees for indemnification, or other fees relating to the Funds' securities lending activities that are not reflected above.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 1300, Kansas City, Missouri 64106-2197, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provides audit services, tax assistance and consultation in connection with review of SEC and IRS filings.
Legal Counsel
Dechert LLP, 1900 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1110, passes upon certain legal matters in connection with the shares offered by the Trust, and also acts as legal counsel to the Trust.
Registration Statement
This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not contain all of the information included in the Trust's registration statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to the securities offered hereby, certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The registration statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined at the offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
Statements contained herein and in the Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
Financial Statements
Audited financial statements for the Trust as of June 30, 2021, including the notes thereto, and the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust's June 30, 2021 Annual Reports.
RAFI00SAI_042922
98