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Putnam
Focused Equity
Fund


Prospectus


12 | 30 | 23








FUND SYMBOLS CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS R6 CLASS Y
PGIAX PGIVX PGIEX PGIOX PGWTX PGILX




Fund summary 2
What are the fund’s main investment strategies and related risks? 7
Who oversees and manages the fund? 14
How does the fund price its shares? 16
How do I buy fund shares? 17
How do I sell or exchange fund shares? 25
Policy on excessive short-term trading 29
Distribution plans and payments to dealers 31
Fund distributions and taxes 33
Financial highlights 35
Appendix 39




Investment Category: Blend

This prospectus explains what you should know about this mutual fund before you invest. Please read it carefully.

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor has the SEC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.



 

Fund summary

Goal

Putnam Focused Equity Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and expenses

The following tables describe the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 17 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to the fund’s prospectus, and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Share class Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)
Class A 5.75% 1.00%*
Class B None 5.00%**
Class C None 1.00%***
Class R None None
Class R6 None None
Class Y None None

Annual fund operating expenses
(expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Share class Management fees Distribution and service (12b-1) fees Other
expenses
Total annual fund operating
expenses
Class A 0.62% 0.25% 0.28% 1.15%
Class B 0.62% 1.00% 0.28% 1.90%
Class C 0.62% 1.00% 0.28% 1.90%
Class R 0.62% 0.50% 0.28% 1.40%
Class R6 0.62% 0.12% 0.74%
Class Y 0.62% 0.28% 0.90%
* Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.
** This charge is phased out over six years.
*** This charge is eliminated after one year.
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Example

The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Share class 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
Class A $685 $919 $1,172 $1,892
Class B $693 $897 $1,226 $2,027
Class B (no redemption) $193 $597 $1,026 $2,027
Class C $293 $597 $1,026 $2,027
Class C (no redemption) $193 $597 $1,026 $2,027
Class R $143 $443 $766 $1,680
Class R6 $76 $237 $411 $918
Class Y $92 $287 $498 $1,108

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 20%.

Investments, risks, and performance

Investments

We invest mainly in equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies that we believe have favorable investment potential. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in equity investments, including common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

The fund is “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund. The fund expects to concentrate its investments in a limited number of issuers.

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Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of investments in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including general economic, political or financial market conditions, investor sentiment and market perceptions, government actions, geopolitical events or changes, outbreaks of infectious illnesses or other widespread public health issues, and factors related to a specific issuer, geography, industry or sector. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings, may negatively impact the fund’s performance, and may exacerbate other risks to which the fund is subject. Companies whose stocks we believe are undervalued by the market may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their stocks to be out of favor. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. The fund will be more susceptible to these risks than other funds because it concentrates its investments in a limited number of issuers or sectors, and the fund may perform poorly as a result of adverse developments affecting those issuers or sectors. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies.

As a non-diversified fund, the fund invests in fewer issuers and is more vulnerable than a more broadly diversified fund to fluctuations in the values of the securities it holds.

There is no guarantee that the investment techniques, analyses, or judgments that we apply in making investment decisions for the fund will produce the intended outcome or that the investments we select for the fund will perform as well as other securities that were not selected for the fund. We, or the fund’s other service providers, may experience disruptions or operating errors that could negatively impact the fund.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Performance

The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. Before June 24, 2019, the fund was managed with a materially different investment strategy and may have achieved materially different performance results under its current investment strategy from that shown for periods before this date. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.

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Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Year-to-date performance through 9/30/23 13.93%

Best calendar quarter 6/30/20 22.95%

Worst calendar quarter 3/31/20 -21.68%

p5el8proreturnschart.jpg

Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/23
13.93%
Best calendar quarter
Q2 2020
22.95%
Worst calendar quarter
Q1 2020
-21.68%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ended 12/31/22)

Share class 1 year 5 years 10 years
Class A before taxes -19.27% 4.94% 10.37%
Class A after taxes on distributions -20.58% 3.46% 8.34%
Class A after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares -10.63% 3.48% 7.68%
Class B before taxes -19.02% 5.07% 10.36%
Class C before taxes -15.79% 5.40% 10.36%
Class R before taxes -14.57% 5.93% 10.75%
Class R6 before taxes* -14.02% 6.61% 11.39%
Class Y before taxes -14.15% 6.45% 11.30%
S&P 500® Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) -18.11% 9.42% 12.56%
Putnam Focused Equity Linked Benchmark** (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) -18.11% 7.07% 9.96%
* Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (5/22/18) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.
** The Putnam Focused Equity Linked Benchmark represents performance of the MSCI World Industrials Index (ND) from the inception date of the fund, December 18, 2008, through June 23, 2019 and performance of the S&P 500® Index from June 24, 2019 forward.
After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Class B and C share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
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Your fund’s management

Investment advisor

Putnam Investment Management, LLC

Portfolio managers

Jacquelyne Cavanaugh
Portfolio Manager, Analyst, portfolio manager of the fund since 2020

Joshua Fillman
Portfolio Manager, Analyst, portfolio manager of the fund since 2021

Walter Scully
Portfolio Manager, Analyst, portfolio manager of the fund since 2020

Sub-advisors

Putnam Investments Limited*

The Putnam Advisory Company, LLC*

* Though the investment advisor has retained the services of both Putnam Investments Limited (PIL) and The Putnam Advisory Company, LLC (PAC), PIL and PAC do not currently manage any assets of the fund.

On May 31, 2023, Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin Resources”) and Great-West Lifeco Inc., the parent company of Putnam U.S. Holdings I, LLC (“Putnam Holdings”), announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for a subsidiary of Franklin Resources to acquire Putnam Holdings in a stock and cash transaction.

As part of this transaction, Putnam Investment Management, LLC (“Putnam Management”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Putnam Holdings and investment manager to the Putnam family of funds (the “Putnam Funds”), including your fund, would become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. Subject to such approvals and the satisfaction of these conditions, the transaction is currently expected to be consummated in the fourth quarter of 2023 or early 2024.

Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, consummation of the transaction will result in the automatic termination of the investment management contract between each Putnam Fund and Putnam Management and any related sub-management and sub-advisory contracts, where applicable. In anticipation of this automatic termination, on June 23, 2023, the Board of Trustees of the Putnam Funds approved a new investment management contract between each Putnam Fund and Putnam Management (and new sub-management and sub-advisory contracts, if applicable), which were, or will be, presented to the shareholders of each Putnam Fund for their approval at shareholder meetings in October 2023 or at any adjourned sessions of such meetings. Proxy solicitation materials related to these meetings have been made available to shareholders that held shares of the fund at the close of business on July 24, 2023.

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Purchase and sale of fund shares

You can open an account, purchase and/or sell fund shares, or exchange them for shares of another Putnam fund by contacting your financial professional or by calling Putnam Investor Services at 1-800-225-1581. Purchases of class B shares are closed to new and existing investors except by exchange from class B shares of another Putnam fund or through dividend and/or capital gains reinvestment.

When opening an account, you must complete and mail a Putnam account application, along with a check made payable to the fund, to: Putnam Investments, P.O. Box 219697, Kansas City, MO 64121-9697. The minimum initial investment of $500 is currently waived, although Putnam reserves the right to reject initial investments under $500 at its discretion. There is no minimum for subsequent investments.

You can sell your shares back to the fund or exchange them for shares of another Putnam fund any day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. Shares may be sold or exchanged by mail, by phone, or, for exchanges only, online at putnam.com. Some restrictions may apply.

Tax information

The fund’s distributions will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains unless you hold the shares through a tax-advantaged arrangement, in which case you will generally be taxed only upon withdrawal of monies from the arrangement.

Financial intermediary compensation

If you purchase the fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank or financial professional), the fund and its related companies may pay that intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. Please bear in mind that these payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other intermediary to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your advisor or visit your advisor’s website for more information.

What are the fund’s main investment strategies and related risks?

This section contains greater detail on the fund’s main investment strategies and the related risks you would face as a fund shareholder. It is important to keep in mind that risk and reward generally go hand in hand; the higher the potential reward, the greater the risk.

As mentioned in the fund summary, we pursue the fund’s goal by investing mainly in equity securities (growth or value or both) of large and midsize companies.

The fund is “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund. A fund that makes large investments in fewer issuers (as the fund currently does) is more vulnerable than a more broadly diversified fund to fluctuations in the values of the securities it holds.

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The fund may hold sizeable percentages of its assets in cash or short-term instruments that can be used to pursue favorable investment opportunities. Large cash positions may dampen results, and may prevent the fund from achieving its goals.

For all of these reasons, an investment in the fund may fluctuate in value to a greater degree, and have a greater degree of risk, than a fund that does not employ these investment strategies.

The value of a company’s stock may also 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 or inflation 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 and other debt. For this reason, the value of a company’s stock will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects.

Growth stocks — Stocks of companies we believe are fast-growing may trade at a higher multiple of current earnings than other stocks. The values of these stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings or to heightened levels of inflation than the values of other stocks. If our assessment of the prospects for a company’s earnings growth is wrong, or if our judgment of how other investors will value the company’s earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or may not approach the value that we have placed on it. In addition, growth stocks, at times, may not perform as well as value stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

Value stocks — Companies whose stocks we believe are undervalued by the market may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their stocks to be out of favor. If our assessment of a company’s

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prospects is wrong, or if other investors do not similarly recognize the value of the company, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or may not approach the value that we have placed on it. In addition, value stocks, at times, may not perform as well as growth stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

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Some of these risks may also apply to some extent to U.S.-traded investments that are denominated in foreign currencies, investments in U.S. companies that are traded in foreign markets, or investments in U.S. companies that have significant foreign operations.

Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The successful use of derivatives depends on our ability to manage these sophisticated instruments. Some derivatives are “leveraged,” which means they provide the fund with investment exposure greater than the value of the fund’s investment in the derivatives. As a result,

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these derivatives may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to the fund. The risk of loss from certain short derivative positions is theoretically unlimited. The value of derivatives may move in unexpected ways due to unanticipated market movements, the use of leverage, imperfect correlation between the derivative instrument and the reference asset, or other factors, especially in unusual market conditions, and volatility in the value of derivatives could adversely impact the fund’s returns, obligations and exposures.

Other risks arise from the potential inability to terminate or sell derivative positions. Derivatives may be subject to liquidity risk due to the fund’s obligation to make payments of margin, collateral, or settlement payments to counterparties. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the fund’s derivative positions. In fact, certain over-the-counter instruments (investments not traded on an exchange) may not be liquid. Over-the-counter instruments also involve the risk that the other party to the derivative transaction may not be willing or able to meet its obligations with respect to the derivative transaction. The risk of a party failing to meet its obligations may increase if the fund has significant exposure to that counterparty. Derivative transactions may also be subject to operational risk, including due to documentation and settlement issues, system failures, inadequate controls and human error, and legal risk due to insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or issues with respect to the legality or enforceability of the derivative contract. For further information about additional types and risks of derivatives, see Miscellaneous Investments, Investment Practices and Risks in the SAI.

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epidemics and pandemics); and factors related to a specific issuer, geography, industry or sector. Foreign financial markets have their own market risks, and they may be more or less volatile than U.S. markets and may move in different directions. During a general downturn in financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. During those periods, the fund may experience high levels of shareholder redemptions, and may have to sell securities at times when it would otherwise not do so, and at unfavorable prices. These risks may be exacerbated during economic downturns or other periods of economic stress.

The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to contain its spread have resulted in, among other effects, significant market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, significant changes in fiscal and monetary policies, and economic downturns and recessions. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively affected, and may continue to negatively affect, the global economy, the economies of the United States and other individual countries, the financial performance of individual issuers, sectors, industries, asset classes, and markets, and the value, volatility, and liquidity of particular securities and other assets. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also are likely to exacerbate other risks that apply to the fund, including the risks disclosed in this prospectus, which could negatively impact the fund’s performance and lead to losses on your investment in the fund. The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

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providers, may experience disruptions or operating errors that could negatively impact the fund. Although service providers may have operational risk management policies and procedures and take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to disruptions and operating errors, it may not be possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

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Who oversees and manages the fund?

The fund’s Trustees

As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you have certain rights and protections, including representation by a Board of Trustees. The Putnam Funds’ Board of Trustees oversees the general conduct of the fund’s business and represents the interests of the Putnam fund shareholders. At least 75% of the members of the Putnam Funds’ Board of Trustees are independent, which means they are not officers of the fund or affiliated with Putnam Investment Management, LLC (Putnam Management).

The Trustees periodically review the fund’s investment performance and the quality of other services such as administration, custody, and investor services. At least annually, the Trustees review the fees paid to Putnam Management and its affiliates for providing or overseeing these services, as well as the overall level of the fund’s operating expenses. In carrying out their responsibilities, the Trustees are assisted by an administrative staff, auditors and legal counsel that are selected by the Trustees and are independent of Putnam Management and its affiliates.

Contacting the fund’s Trustees

Address correspondence to:
The Putnam Funds Trustees
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110

The fund’s investment manager

The Trustees have retained Putnam Management, which has managed mutual funds since 1937, to be the fund’s investment manager, responsible for making investment decisions for the fund and managing the fund’s other affairs and business.

The basis for the Trustees’ approval of the fund’s management contract and the sub-management and sub-advisory contracts described below is discussed in the fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2023.

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The fund pays a monthly management fee to Putnam Management. The fee is calculated by applying a rate to the fund’s average net assets for the month. The rate is based on the monthly average of the aggregate net assets of other open-end funds sponsored by Putnam Management (excluding net assets of such funds that are invested in, or that are invested in by, other such funds to the extent necessary to avoid “double counting” of those assets), and generally declines as the aggregate net assets increase.

The fund paid Putnam Management a management fee (after any applicable waivers) of 0.62% of average net assets for the fund’s last fiscal year.

Putnam Management’s address is 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.

Putnam Management has retained its affiliate PIL to make investment decisions for such fund assets as may be designated from time to time for its management by Putnam Management. PIL is not currently managing any fund assets. If PIL were to manage any fund assets, Putnam Management (and not the fund) would pay a quarterly sub-management fee to PIL for its services at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average net asset value (NAV) of any fund assets managed by PIL. PIL, which provides a full range of international investment advisory services to institutional clients, is located at 16 St James’s Street, London, England, SW1A 1ER.

Putnam Management and PIL have retained their affiliate PAC to make investment decisions for such fund assets as may be designated from time to time for its management by Putnam Management. PAC is not currently managing any fund assets. If PAC were to manage any fund assets, Putnam Management or PIL, as applicable (and not the fund), would pay a quarterly sub-advisory fee to PAC for its services at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average NAV of any fund assets managed by PAC. PAC, which provides financial services to institutions and individuals through separately-managed accounts and pooled investment vehicles, has its headquarters at 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, with additional investment management personnel located in Singapore.

Pursuant to these arrangements, Putnam investment professionals who are based in foreign jurisdictions may serve as portfolio managers of the fund or provide other investment services, consistent with local regulations.

Portfolio managers Joined fund Employer Positions over past five years
Jacquelyne Cavanaugh 2020 Putnam Management 2012 - Present Portfolio Manager, Analyst
Joshua Fillman 2021 Putnam Management 2013 - Present Portfolio Manager, Analyst
Walter Scully 2020 Putnam Management 1996 - Present Portfolio Manager, Analyst
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The SAI provides information about these individuals’ compensation, other accounts managed by these individuals and these individuals’ ownership of securities in the fund.

How does the fund price its shares?

The price of the fund’s shares is based on its NAV. The NAV per share of each class equals the total value of its assets, less its liabilities, divided by the number of its outstanding shares. Shares are only valued as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE each day the exchange is open.

The fund values its investments for which market quotations are readily available at market value. It values all other investments and assets at their fair value, which may differ from recent market prices. For example, the fund may value a stock traded on a U.S. exchange at its fair value when the exchange closes early or trading in the stock is suspended. It may also value a stock at fair value if recent transactions in the stock have been very limited or if, in the case of a security traded on a market that closes before the NYSE closes, material information about the issuer becomes available after the close of the relevant market.

The fund translates prices for its investments quoted in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, which are generally determined as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time each day the NYSE is open. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar may affect the fund’s NAV. Because foreign markets may be open at different times than the NYSE, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders are not able to buy or sell them.

Many securities markets and exchanges outside the U.S. close before the close of the NYSE, and the closing prices for securities in those markets or exchanges may not reflect events that occur after the close but before the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE. As a result, the fund has adopted fair value pricing procedures, which, among other things, require the fund to fair value foreign equity securities if there has been a movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specified threshold that may change from time to time. As noted above, the value determined for an investment using the fund’s fair value pricing procedures may differ from recent market prices for the investment. Although the threshold may be revised from time to time and the number of days on which the fair value prices will be used will depend on market activity, it is possible that fair value prices will be used by the fund to a significant extent. As noted above, the value determined for an investment using the fund’s fair value pricing procedures may differ from recent market prices for the investment.

The fund’s most recent NAV is available on Putnam Investments’ website at putnam.com/individual or by contacting Putnam Investor Services at 1-800-225-1581.

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How do I buy fund shares?

Opening an account

You can open a fund account and purchase class A, B and C shares by contacting your financial representative or Putnam Investor Services at 1-800-225-1581 and obtaining a Putnam account application. Purchases of class B shares are closed to new and existing investors except by exchange from class B shares of another Putnam fund or through dividend and/or capital gains reinvestment. The completed application, along with a check made payable to the fund, must then be returned to Putnam Investor Services at the following address:

Putnam Investments
P.O. Box 219697
Kansas City, MO 64121-9697

You can open a fund account with as little as $500. The minimum investment is waived if you make regular investments weekly, semi-monthly or monthly through automatic deductions from your bank checking or savings account. Although Putnam is currently waiving the minimum, it reserves the right to reject initial investments under the minimum at its discretion.

The fund sells its shares at the offering price, which is the NAV plus any applicable sales charge (class A shares only). Your financial representative or Putnam Investor Services generally must receive your completed buy order before the close of regular trading on the NYSE for your shares to be bought at that day’s offering price.

If you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan that offers the fund, please consult your employer for information on how to purchase shares of the fund through the plan, including any restrictions or limitations that may apply.

Federal law requires mutual funds to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies investors opening new accounts. Investors must provide their full name, residential or business address, Social Security or tax identification number, and date of birth. Entities, such as trusts, estates, corporations and partnerships must also provide additional identifying documentation. For trusts, the fund must obtain and verify identifying information for each trustee listed in the account registration. For certain legal entities, the fund must also obtain and verify identifying information regarding beneficial owners and/or control persons. The fund is unable to accept new accounts if any required information is not provided. If Putnam Investor Services cannot verify identifying information after opening your account, the fund reserves the right to close your account at the then-current NAV, which may be more or less than your original investment, net of any applicable sales charges. Putnam Investor Services may share identifying information with third parties for the purpose of verification subject to the terms of Putnam’s privacy policy.

Also, the fund may periodically close to new purchases of shares or refuse any order to buy shares if the fund determines that doing so would be in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.

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Purchasing additional shares

Once you have an existing account, you can make additional investments at any time in any amount in the following ways:

Which class of shares is best for me?

This prospectus offers you three classes of fund shares: A, B and C. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may also choose class R or R6 shares, and certain investors described below may also choose class Y or R6 shares. Purchases of class B shares are closed to new and existing investors except by exchange from class B shares of another Putnam fund or through dividend and/or capital gains reinvestment.

Each share class represents investments in the same portfolio of securities, but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, as illustrated in the Fund summary — Fees and expenses section, allowing you and your financial representative to choose the class that best suits your investment needs. When you purchase shares of the fund, you must choose a share class. Deciding which share class best suits your situation depends on a number of factors that you should discuss with your financial representative, including:

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Here is a summary of the differences among the classes of shares

Class A shares

Class B shares

Class C shares

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Services or the financial intermediary, which may be shorter or longer than eight years. Investors should consult their financial representative for more information about their eligibility for class C share conversion.

Class R shares (available only to employer-sponsored retirement plans)

Class R6 shares (available only to investors listed below)

employer-sponsored retirement plans that are clients of third-party administrators (including affiliates of Putnam) that have entered into agreements with Putnam;
investors purchasing shares through an asset-based fee program that is sponsored by a registered broker-dealer or other financial institution;
investors purchasing shares through a commission-based platform of a registered broker-dealer or other financial institution that charges you additional fees or commissions, other than those described in the prospectus and statement of additional information, and that has entered into an agreement with Putnam Retail Management to offer class R6 shares through such a program;
corporations, endowments, foundations and other institutional investors that have been approved by Putnam;
unaffiliated investment companies (whether registered or private) that have been approved by Putnam; and
health savings accounts (HSAs) purchasing shares through a registered broker-dealer or other financial institution.
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Class Y shares (available only to investors listed below)

employer-sponsored retirement plans that are clients of third-party administrators (including affiliates of Putnam) that have entered into agreements with Putnam;
bank trust departments and trust companies that have entered into agreements with Putnam and offer institutional share class pricing to their clients;
corporate individual retirement accounts (IRAs) administered by Putnam, if another retirement plan of the sponsor is eligible to purchase class Y shares;
college savings plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code;
other Putnam funds and Putnam investment products;
investors purchasing shares through an asset-based fee program that is sponsored by a registered broker-dealer or other financial institution;
investors purchasing shares through a commission-based platform of a registered broker-dealer or other financial institution that charges you additional fees or commissions, other than those described in the prospectus and SAI, and that has entered into an agreement with Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership (PRM) to offer class Y shares through such a program;
clients of a financial representative who are charged a fee for consulting or similar services;
corporations, endowments, foundations, and other institutional investors that have been approved by Putnam;
unaffiliated investment companies (whether registered or private) that have been approved by Putnam;
current and retired Putnam employees and their immediate family members (including an employee’s spouse, domestic partner, fiancé(e), or other family members who are living in the same household) as well as, in each case, Putnam-offered health savings accounts, IRAs, and other similar tax-advantaged plans solely owned by the foregoing individuals; current and retired directors of Putnam Investments, LLC; current and retired Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company employees; and current and retired Trustees of the fund. Upon the departure of any member of this group of individuals from Putnam, Great-West Life & Annuity
Prospectus    21



 



Insurance Company, or the fund’s Board of Trustees, the member’s class Y shares convert automatically to class A shares, unless the member’s departure is a retirement, as determined by Putnam in its discretion for employees and directors of Putnam and employees of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and by the Board of Trustees in its discretion for Trustees; provided that conversion will not take place with respect to class Y shares held by former Putnam employees and their immediate family members in health savings accounts where it is not operationally practicable due to platform or other limitations; and

personal and family member IRAs of registered representatives and other employees of broker-dealers and other financial institutions having a sales agreement with Putnam Retail Management, if (1) the registered representative or other employee is the broker of record or financial representative for the account, (2) the broker-dealer or other financial institution’s policies prohibit the use of class A shares or other classes of fund shares that pay 12b-1 fees in such accounts to avoid potential prohibited transactions under Internal Revenue Service rules due to the account owners’ status as “disqualified persons” under those rules, and (3) the broker-dealer or other financial institution has an agreement with Putnam Retail Management related to the use of class Y shares in these accounts.

Trust companies or bank trust departments that purchased class Y shares for trust accounts may transfer them to the beneficiaries of the trust accounts, who may continue to hold them or exchange them for class Y shares of other Putnam funds. Defined contribution plans (including corporate IRAs) that purchased class Y shares under prior eligibility criteria may continue to purchase class Y shares.

Initial sales charges for class A shares

Class A sales charge as a percentage of*:
Amount of purchase at offering price ($) Net amount invested Offering price**
Under 50,000 6.10% 5.75%
50,000 but under 100,000 4.71 4.50
100,000 but under 250,000 3.63 3.50
250,000 but under 500,000 2.56 2.50
500,000 but under 1,000,000 2.04 2.00
1,000,000 and above NONE NONE
* Because of rounding in the calculation of offering price and the number of shares purchased, actual sales charges you pay may be more or less than these percentages.
** Offering price includes sales charge.
22     Prospectus



 



Reducing your class A sales charge

The fund offers two principal ways for you to qualify for discounts on initial sales charges on class A shares, often referred to as “breakpoint discounts”:

To calculate the total value of your existing accounts and any linked accounts, the fund will use the higher of (a) the current maximum public offering price of those shares or (b) if you purchased the shares after December 31, 2007, the initial value of the total purchases, or, if you held the shares on December 31, 2007, the market value at maximum public offering price on that date, in either case, less the market value on the applicable redemption date of any of those shares that you have redeemed.

Account types that may be linked with each other to obtain breakpoint discounts using the methods described above include:

In order to obtain a breakpoint discount, you should inform your financial representative at the time you purchase shares of the existence of other accounts or purchases that are eligible to be linked for the purpose of calculating the initial sales

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charge. The fund or your financial representative may ask you for records or other information about other shares held in your accounts and linked accounts, including accounts opened with a different financial representative. Restrictions may apply to certain accounts and transactions. Further details about breakpoint discounts can be found on Putnam Investments’ website at putnam.com/individual by selecting Pricing and performance from the Products drop-down menu, and then About fund costs, and in the SAI.

Different financial intermediaries may impose different sales charges. Please refer to the Appendix for the sales charge or CDSC waivers that are applicable to each Specified Intermediary.

Class A shares

The following categories of investors are eligible to purchase class A shares without payment of a sales charge:

(i) current and former Trustees of the fund, their family members, business and personal associates; current and former employees of Putnam Management and certain current and former corporate affiliates, their family members, business and personal associates; employer-sponsored retirement plans for the foregoing; and partnerships, trusts or other entities in which any of the foregoing has a substantial interest;
(ii) clients of administrators or other service providers of employer-sponsored retirement plans (for purposes of this waiver, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs) (not applicable to tax-exempt funds);
(iii) registered representatives and other employees of broker-dealers having sales agreements with Putnam Retail Management; employees of financial institutions having sales agreements with Putnam Retail Management or otherwise having an arrangement with any such broker-dealer or financial institution with respect to sales of fund shares; and their immediate family members (spouses and children under age 21, including step-children and adopted children);
(iv) a trust department of any financial institution purchasing shares of the fund in its capacity as trustee of any trust (other than a tax-qualified retirement plan trust), through an arrangement approved by Putnam Retail Management, if the value of the shares of the fund and other Putnam funds purchased or held by all such trusts exceeds $1 million in the aggregate;
24     Prospectus



 



(v) clients of (i) broker-dealers, financial institutions, financial intermediaries or registered investment advisors that charge a fee for advisory or investment services or (ii) broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with Putnam Retail Management to offer shares through a retail self-directed brokerage account with or without the imposition of a transaction fee;
(vi) college savings plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and
(vii) shareholders reinvesting the proceeds from a Putnam Corporate IRA Plan distribution into a nonretirement plan account.

Administrators and other service providers of employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to enter into contractual arrangements with Putnam Investor Services in order to offer and hold fund shares. Administrators and other service providers of employer-sponsored retirement plans seeking to place trades on behalf of their plan clients should consult Putnam Investor Services as to the applicable requirements.

Class A, Class B and Class C shares

A CDSC is waived in the event of a redemption under the following circumstances:

(i) a withdrawal from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”) of up to 12% of the net asset value of the account (calculated as set forth in the SAI);
(ii) a redemption of shares that are no longer subject to the CDSC holding period therefor;
(iii) a redemption of shares that were issued upon the reinvestment of distributions by the fund;
(iv) a redemption of shares that were exchanged for shares of another Putnam fund, provided that the shares acquired in such exchange or subsequent exchanges (including shares of a Putnam money market fund or Putnam Ultra Short Duration Income Fund) will continue to remain subject to the CDSC, if applicable, until the applicable holding period expires; and
(v) in the case of individual, joint or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act accounts, in the event of death or post-purchase disability of a shareholder, for the purpose of paying benefits pursuant to tax-qualified retirement plans (“Benefit Payments”), or, in the case of living trust accounts, in the event of the death or post-purchase disability of the settlor of the trust.

Additional information about reductions and waivers of sales charges, including deferred sales charges, is included in the SAI. You may consult your financial representative or Putnam Retail Management for assistance.

How do I sell or exchange fund shares?

You can sell your shares back to the fund or exchange them for shares of another Putnam fund any day the NYSE is open, either through your financial representative or directly to the fund.

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If you redeem your shares shortly after purchasing them, your redemption payment for the shares may be delayed until the fund collects the purchase price of the shares, which may be up to 7 calendar days after the purchase date.

Regarding exchanges, not all Putnam funds offer all classes of shares or may be open to new investors. If you exchange shares otherwise subject to a deferred sales charge, the transaction will not be subject to the deferred sales charge. When you redeem the shares acquired through the exchange, however, the redemption may be subject to the deferred sales charge, depending upon when and from which fund you originally purchased the shares. The deferred sales charge will be computed using the schedule of any fund into or from which you have exchanged your shares that would result in your paying the highest deferred sales charge applicable to your class of shares. For purposes of computing the deferred sales charge, the length of time you have owned your shares will be measured from the date of original purchase, unless you originally purchased the shares from another Putnam fund that does not directly charge a deferred sales charge, in which case the length of time you have owned your shares will be measured from the date you exchange those shares for shares of another Putnam fund that does charge a deferred sales charge, and will not be affected by any subsequent exchanges among funds.

26     Prospectus



 



The fund also reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange privilege, limit the amount or number of exchanges or reject any exchange. The fund into which you would like to exchange may also reject your exchange. These actions may apply to all shareholders or only to those shareholders whose exchanges Putnam Management determines are likely to have a negative effect on the fund or other Putnam funds. Consult Putnam Investor Services before requesting an exchange. Ask your financial representative or Putnam Investor Services for prospectuses of other Putnam funds. Some Putnam funds are not available in all states.

Deferred sales charges for class B, class C and certain class A shares

If you sell (redeem) class B shares within six years of purchase, you will generally pay a deferred sales charge according to the following schedule:

Year after purchase 1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
Charge 5% 4% 3% 3% 2% 1% 0%

A deferred sales charge of 1.00% will apply to class C shares if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class A shares that are part of a purchase of $1 million or more (other than by an employer-sponsored retirement plan) will be subject to a 1.00% deferred sales charge if redeemed within twelve months of purchase.

Deferred sales charges will be based on the lower of the shares’ cost and current NAV. Shares not subject to any charge will be redeemed first, followed by shares held longest. You may sell shares acquired by reinvestment of distributions without a charge at any time.

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more than seven days, as permitted by federal securities law. Under normal market conditions, the fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests by using holdings of cash and cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. Under stressed market conditions, the fund may also satisfy redemption requests by borrowing under the fund’s lines of credit or interfund lending arrangements. For additional information regarding the fund’s lines of credit and interfund lending arrangements, please see the SAI.

To the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, the fund reserves the right to satisfy all or a portion of a redemption request by distributing securities or other property in lieu of cash (“in-kind” redemptions), under both normal and stressed market conditions. The fund generally expects to use in-kind redemptions only in stressed market conditions or stressed conditions specific to the fund, such as redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the fund’s net assets in order to minimize the effect of the large redemption on the fund and its remaining shareholders. The fund will not use in-kind redemptions for retail investors who hold shares of the fund through a financial intermediary. Any in-kind redemption will be effected through a pro rata distribution of all publicly traded portfolio securities or securities for which quoted bid prices are available, subject to certain exceptions. The securities distributed in an in-kind redemption will be valued in the same manner as they are valued for purposes of computing the fund’s net asset value. Once distributed in-kind to an investor, securities may increase or decrease in value before the investor is able to convert them into cash. Any transaction costs or other expenses involved in liquidating securities received in an in-kind redemption will be borne by the redeeming investor. The fund has committed, in connection with an election under Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to pay all redemptions of fund shares by a single shareholder during any 90-day period in cash, up to the lesser of (i) $250,000 or (ii) 1% of the fund’s net assets measured as of the beginning of such 90-day period. For information regarding procedures for in-kind redemptions, please contact Putnam Retail Management. You will not receive interest on uncashed redemption checks.

28     Prospectus



 



are worth currently). It is your responsibility to maintain a correct address for your account, to keep your account active by contacting Putnam Investor Services by mail, by telephone or through Putnam Investor Services’ website, www.putnam.com, and to cash promptly all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. The fund and Putnam Investor Services, Putnam Management, and their respective affiliates will not be liable to fund shareholders or their representatives for good faith efforts to comply with state escheatment laws.

Policy on excessive short-term trading

When the fund invests in foreign securities, its performance may be adversely impacted and the interests of longer-term shareholders may be diluted as a result of time-zone arbitrage, a short-term trading practice that seeks to exploit changes in the value of the fund’s investments that result from events occurring after the close of the foreign markets on which the investments trade, but prior to the later close of trading on the NYSE, the time as of which the fund determines its NAV. If an arbitrageur is successful, he or she may dilute the interests of other shareholders by trading shares at prices that do not fully reflect their fair value.

Because the fund invests in securities that may trade infrequently or may be more difficult to value, such as securities of smaller companies, it may be susceptible to trading by short-term traders who seek to exploit perceived price inefficiencies in the fund’s investments. In addition, the market for securities of smaller companies may at times show “market momentum,” in which positive or negative performance may continue from one day to the next for reasons unrelated to the fundamentals of the issuer. Short-term traders may seek to capture this momentum by trading frequently in the fund’s shares, which will reduce the fund’s performance and may dilute the interests of other shareholders. Because securities of smaller companies may be less liquid than securities of larger companies, the fund may also be unable to buy or sell these securities at desirable prices when the need arises (for example, in response to volatile cash flows caused by short-term trading). Similar risks may apply if the fund holds other types of less liquid securities, including below-investment-grade bonds.

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investments under some circumstances. In addition, Putnam Management monitors activity in those shareholder accounts about which it possesses, or otherwise obtains, the necessary information in order to detect excessive short-term trading patterns and takes steps to deter excessive short-term traders.

30     Prospectus



 



In particular, many purchase, redemption and exchange orders are received from financial intermediaries that hold omnibus accounts with the fund. Omnibus accounts are accounts in which shares are held in the name of a financial intermediary, such as a retirement plan sponsor, broker, adviser, or third-party administrator or recordkeeper, on behalf of its clients or participants, who are the beneficial owners of the fund shares held in the omnibus account. Putnam Management monitors cash flows into and out of the fund on an ongoing basis. If cash flows or other information indicate that excessive short-term trading may be taking place within an omnibus account, Putnam Management will contact the financial intermediary that maintains the omnibus account to obtain information about trading activity of the beneficial owners and attempt to identify and remedy any excessive trading. However, Putnam Management’s ability to monitor and deter excessive short-term traders in omnibus accounts ultimately depends on the capabilities and cooperation of the financial intermediaries that maintain the omnibus accounts. Financial intermediaries may impose different or additional limits on short-term trading.

Distribution plans and payments to dealers

Putnam funds are distributed primarily through dealers (including any broker, dealer, bank, bank trust department, registered investment advisor, financial planner, retirement plan administrator, and any other institution having a selling, services, or any similar agreement with Putnam Retail Management or one of its affiliates). In order to pay for the marketing of fund shares and services provided to shareholders, the fund has adopted distribution and service (12b-1) plans, which increase the annual operating expenses you pay each year in certain share classes, as shown in the table of annual fund operating expenses in the section Fund summary — Fees and expenses. Putnam Retail Management and its affiliates also make additional payments to dealers that do not increase your fund expenses, as described below.

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Putnam Retail Management and its affiliates also pay additional compensation to selected dealers in recognition of their marketing support and/or program servicing (each of which is described in more detail below). These payments may create an incentive for a dealer firm or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the fund or other Putnam funds to its customers. These additional payments are made by Putnam Retail Management and its affiliates and do not increase the amount paid by you or the fund as shown under Fund summary — Fees and expenses.

The additional payments to dealers by Putnam Retail Management and its affiliates are generally based on one or more of the following factors: average net assets of a fund attributable to that dealer, sales or net sales of a fund attributable to that dealer, or reimbursement of ticket charges (fees that a dealer firm charges its representatives for effecting transactions in fund shares), or on the basis of a negotiated lump sum payment for services provided.

Marketing support payments are generally available to most dealers engaging in significant sales of Putnam fund shares. These payments are individually negotiated with each dealer firm, taking into account the marketing support services provided by the dealer, including business planning assistance, educating dealer personnel about the Putnam funds and shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the dealer’s preferred or recommended fund company list, access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the dealer, market data, as well as the size of the dealer’s relationship with Putnam Retail Management. Although the total amount of marketing support payments made to dealers in any year may vary, on average, the aggregate payments are not expected, on an annual basis, to exceed 0.085% of the average net assets of Putnam’s retail mutual funds attributable to the dealers.

Program servicing payments, which are paid in some instances to dealers in connection with investments in the fund through dealer platforms and other investment programs, are not expected, with certain limited exceptions, to exceed 0.20% of the total assets in the program on an annual basis. These payments are made for program or platform services provided by the dealer, including shareholder recordkeeping, reporting, or transaction processing, as well as services rendered in connection with dealer platform development and maintenance, fund/investment selection and monitoring, or other similar services.

You can find a list of all dealers to which Putnam made marketing support and/or program servicing payments in 2022 in the SAI, which is on file with the SEC and is also available on Putnam’s website at putnam.com. You can also find other details in the SAI about the payments made by Putnam Retail Management and its affiliates and the services provided by your dealer. Your dealer may charge you fees or commissions in addition to those disclosed in this prospectus. You can also ask your dealer about any payments it receives from Putnam Retail Management and its affiliates and any services your dealer provides, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.

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Fund distributions and taxes

The fund normally distributes any net investment income and any net realized capital gains annually. You may choose to reinvest distributions from net investment income, capital gains or both in additional shares of your fund or other Putnam funds, or you may receive them in cash in the form of a check or an electronic deposit to your bank account. If you do not select an option when you open your account, all distributions will be reinvested. If you choose to receive distributions in cash, but correspondence from the fund or Putnam Investor Services is returned as “undeliverable,” the distribution option on your account may be converted to reinvest future distributions in the fund. You will not receive interest on uncashed distribution checks.

For shares purchased through your employer’s retirement plan, the terms of the plan will govern how the plan may receive distributions from the fund.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of net investment income are generally taxable to you as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than by how long you have owned (or are deemed to have owned) your shares. Distributions that the fund properly reports to you as gains from investments that the fund owned for more than one year are generally taxable to you as long-term capital gains includible in net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates. Distributions of gains from investments that the fund owned for one year or less are generally taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions that the fund properly reports to you as “qualified dividend income” are taxable at the reduced rates applicable to your net capital gain provided that both you and the fund meet certain holding period and other requirements. Distributions are taxable in the manner described in this paragraph whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares of this fund or other Putnam funds.

Distributions by the fund to retirement plans that qualify for tax-advantaged treatment under federal income tax laws will not be taxable. Special tax rules apply to investments through such plans. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the suitability of the fund as an investment through such a plan and the tax treatment of distributions (including distributions of amounts attributable to an investment in the fund) from such a plan.

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Unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (such as an IRA), you should consider avoiding a purchase of fund shares shortly before the fund makes a distribution because doing so may cost you money in taxes. Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the fund before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid). Contact your financial representative or Putnam to find out the distribution schedule for your fund.

The fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes. In that case, the fund’s return on those investments would be decreased. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to these foreign taxes. In addition, the fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the fund’s distributions.

The fund’s use of derivatives, if any, may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders and, therefore, may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

Any gain resulting from the sale or exchange of your shares generally also will be subject to tax.

The above is a general summary of the tax implications of investing in the fund. Please refer to the SAI for further details. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your own tax situation, including possible foreign, state and local taxes.

Information about the Summary Prospectus, Prospectus, and SAI

The summary prospectus, prospectus, and SAI for a fund provide information concerning the fund. The summary prospectus, prospectus, and SAI are updated at least annually and any information provided in a summary prospectus, prospectus, or SAI can be changed without a shareholder vote unless specifically stated otherwise. The summary prospectus, prospectus, and the SAI are not contracts between the fund and its shareholders and do not give rise to any contractual rights or obligations or any shareholder rights other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.

34     Prospectus



 



Financial highlights

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the fund’s recent financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. Before June 24, 2019, the fund was managed with a materially different investment strategy and may have achieved materially different results under its current investment strategy from those shown for periods before this date. Information for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 through August 31, 2023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and information for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 was audited by the fund’s previous independent public accounting firm. The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report and the fund’s financial statements are included in the fund’s annual report to shareholders, which is available upon request.

Prospectus    35



 



Financial highlights

(For a common share outstanding throughout the period)




INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Period ended          Net asset value, beginning of period Net investment income (loss) a Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments Total from investment operations From
net investment income
From
net realized gain on investments
Total
distributions
Net asset value, end of period Total return at net asset value (%) b Net assets, end of period (in thousands) Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) c Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) Portfolio turnover (%)
Class A
August 31, 2023 $25.93 .13 3.36 3.49 (.54) (1.05) (1.59) $27.83 14.45 $442,601 1.15 .52 20
August 31, 2022 30.72 .17 (2.52) (2.35) (.01) (2.43) (2.44) 25.93 (8.42) 411,469 1.14 d .60 19
August 31, 2021 24.12 .11 6.49 6.60 30.72 27.36 456,675 1.15 e,f .41 e 77
August 31, 2020 21.69 .05 2.87 2.92 (.49) (.49) 24.12 13.62 390,813 1.32 e .22 e 294
August 31, 2019 22.88 .15 .16 .31 (1.50) (1.50) 21.69 3.09 116,776 1.28 e .68 e 229
Class B
August 31, 2023 $23.43 (.06) 3.04 2.98 (.24) (1.05) (1.29) $25.12 13.59 $4,116 1.90 (.28) 20
August 31, 2022 28.19 (.05) (2.27) (2.32) (.01) (2.43) (2.44) 23.43 (9.11) 9,968 1.89 d (.21) 19
August 31, 2021 22.31 (.10) 5.98 5.88 28.19 26.36 20,123 1.90 e,f (.38) e 77
August 31, 2020 20.24 (.11) 2.67 2.56 (.49) (.49) 22.31 12.80 26,938 2.07 e (.55) e 294
August 31, 2019 21.63 (.04) .15 .11 (1.50) (1.50) 20.24 2.30 6,152 2.03 e (.21) e 229
Class C
August 31, 2023 $23.48 (.06) 3.04 2.98 (.26) (1.05) (1.31) $25.15 13.57 $29,605 1.90 (.27) 20
August 31, 2022 28.24 (.06) (2.26) (2.32) (.01) (2.43) (2.44) 23.48 (9.09) 51,468 1.89 d (.22) 19
August 31, 2021 22.34 (.10) 6.00 5.90 28.24 26.41 110,048 1.90 e,f (.39) e 77
August 31, 2020 20.27 (.14) 2.70 2.56 (.49) (.49) 22.34 12.78 158,407 2.07 e (.68) e 294
August 31, 2019 21.66 (.04) .15 .11 (1.50) (1.50) 20.27 2.29 15,011 2.03 e (.22) e 229
Class R
August 31, 2023 $25.37 .06 3.28 3.34 (.48) (1.05) (1.53) $27.18 14.13 $7,391 1.40 .26 20
August 31, 2022 30.17 .10 (2.46) (2.36) (.01) (2.43) (2.44) 25.37 (8.62) 7,174 1.39 d .35 19
August 31, 2021 23.75 .04 6.38 6.42 30.17 27.03 8,030 1.40 e,f .14 e 77
August 31, 2020 21.41 g 2.83 2.83 (.49) (.49) 23.75 13.37 8,363 1.57 e e,h 294
August 31, 2019 22.67 .16 .08 .24 (1.50) (1.50) 21.41 2.79 5,904 1.53 e .74 e 229
Class R6
August 31, 2023 $26.76 .24 3.46 3.70 (.65) (1.05) (1.70) $28.76 14.87 $20,877 .74 .92 20
August 31, 2022 31.50 .29 (2.59) (2.30) (.01) (2.43) (2.44) 26.76 (8.03) 17,415 .74 d 1.00 19
August 31, 2021 24.64 .22 6.64 6.86 31.50 27.84 20,768 .75 e,f .80 e 77
August 31, 2020 22.05 .15 2.93 3.08 (.49) (.49) 24.64 14.13 18,333 .87 e .69 e 294
August 31, 2019 23.14 .23 .18 .41 (1.50) (1.50) 22.05 3.51 6,378 .87 e 1.07 e 229
Class Y
August 31, 2023 $26.55 .20 3.44 3.64 (.61) (1.05) (1.66) $28.53 14.73 $107,108 .90 .76 20
August 31, 2022 31.32 .24 (2.57) (2.33) (.01) (2.43) (2.44) 26.55 (8.18) 113,376 .89 d .85 19
August 31, 2021 24.53 .17 6.62 6.79 31.32 27.68 134,722 .90 e,f .64 e 77
August 31, 2020 22.00 .10 2.92 3.02 (.49) (.49) 24.53 13.88 152,930 1.07 e .43 e 294
August 31, 2019 23.13 .16 .21 .37 (1.50) (1.50) 22.00 3.33 30,518 1.03 e .75 e 229

See notes to financial highlights at the end of this section.

36    Prospectus Prospectus    37



 



Financial highlights (Continued)

Before June 24, 2019, the fund was managed with a materially different investment strategy and may have achieved materially different performance results under its current strategy from that shown for periods before this date.
a Per share net investment income has been determined on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
b Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
c Includes amounts paid through expense offset and/or brokerage service arrangements, if any. Also excludes acquired fund fees and expenses, if any.
d Includes one-time proxy cost of 0.01%.
e Reflects an involuntary contractual expense limitation in effect during the period. As a result of such limitation the expenses of each class reflect a reduction of the following amounts:
Percentage of average net assets
August 31, 2021 0.01%
August 31, 2020 0.20
August 31, 2019 0.32


f Includes one-time merger costs which amounted to less than 0.01% as a percentage of average net assets.
g Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
h Amount represents less than 0.01% of average net assets.
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Appendix

Financial intermediary specific sales charge waiver information

As described in the prospectus, class A shares may be subject to an initial sales charge and class B and C shares may be subject to a CDSC. Certain financial intermediaries may impose different initial sales charges or waive the initial sales charge or CDSC in certain circumstances. This Appendix details the variations in sales charge waivers by financial intermediary. Not all financial intermediaries specify financial intermediary-specific sales charge waiver categories for every share class. For information about sales charges and waivers available for share classes other than those listed below, please see the section “Additional reductions and waivers of sales charges” in the prospectus. You should consult your financial representative for assistance in determining whether you may qualify for a particular sales charge waiver.

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL

Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:

The following information applies to class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI:

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D.A. DAVIDSON & CO. (“D.A. DAVIDSON”)

Shareholders purchasing fund shares including existing fund shareholders through a D.A. Davidson platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or SAI.

Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at D.A. Davidson

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at D.A. Davidson

Front-end sales charge discounts available at D.A. Davidson: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent

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EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. (“EDWARD JONES”)

Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones

The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:

Effective on or after January 1st, 2024, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Putnam funds, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.

Breakpoints

Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)

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Letter of Intent (“LOI”)

Sales Charge Waivers

Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:

The redemption and repurchase occur in the same account.
The redemption proceeds are used to process an: IRA contribution, excess contributions, conversion, recharacterizing of contributions, or distribution, and the repurchase is done in an account within the same pricing groups for ROA.
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) Waivers

If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:

Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones

Minimum Purchase Amounts

Minimum Balances

A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI

Exchanging Share Classes

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

Effective September 29, 2023, if you purchase or hold fund shares through an applicable J.P. Morgan Securities LLC brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers), share class

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conversion policy and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Class C to Class A share conversion

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the same fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC’s policies and procedures.

CDSC waivers on Class A and C Shares available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Front-end load discounts available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC: breakpoints, rights of accumulation & letters of intent

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Morgan Securities LLC (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC (“JANNEY”)

Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney

CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney

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Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

* Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”

MERRILL LYNCH

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account held at Merrill Lynch will be eligible only for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or SAI. It is your responsibility to notify your financial representative at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying you for sales charge waivers or discounts.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available through Merrill Lynch

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CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available through Merrill Lynch

Front-end Sales Charge Discounts available through Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

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MORGAN STANLEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management:

OPPENHEIMER & CO. INC. (“OPCO”)

Effective September 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO

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CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO

Front-end Sales Charge Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints & Rights of Accumulation

RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC., RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND EACH ENTITY’S AFFILIATES (“RAYMOND JAMES”)

Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James

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CDSC Waivers on Classes A, B and C shares available at Raymond James

Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. (“BAIRD”)

Effective September 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird brokerage account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.

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Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A shares Available at Baird

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C shares Available at Baird

Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulation

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)

Effective September 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.

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Front-end Sales Charge Waiver on Class A Shares

Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in this prospectus or SAI will continue to apply for eligible shareholders.

Class A Sales Charge Waivers Available Only Through Specified Intermediaries

As described in the prospectus, class A shares may be purchased at net asset value without payment of a sales charge through a broker-dealer, financial institution, or financial intermediary that has entered into an agreement with Putnam Retail Management to offer shares through a retail self-directed brokerage account with or without the imposition of a transaction fee.

The following intermediaries have entered into such an agreement:

National Financial Services LLC
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
TD Ameritrade, Inc. and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Interactive Brokers LLC
Vanguard Marketing Corporation
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
E*Trade Securities LLC

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Make the most of your Putnam privileges

The following services are available to you as a Putnam mutual fund shareholder.

Systematic investment plan

Invest as much as you wish. The amount you choose will be automatically transferred weekly, semi-monthly or monthly from your checking or savings account.

Systematic withdrawal

Make regular withdrawals monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually from your Putnam mutual fund account.

Systematic exchange

Transfer assets automatically from one Putnam account to another on a regular, prearranged basis.

Exchange privilege

Exchange money between Putnam funds. The exchange privilege allows you to adjust your investments as your objectives change. A signature guarantee is required for exchanges of more than $500,000 and shares of all Putnam funds may not be available to all investors.

Investors may not maintain, within the same fund, simultaneous plans for systematic investment or exchange (into the fund) and systematic withdrawal or exchange (out of the fund). These privileges are subject to change or termination.

Many of these services can be accessed online at putnam.com.

For more information about any of these services and privileges, call your financial representative or a Putnam customer service representative toll-free at 1-800-225-1581.

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Putnam family of funds

The following is a list of Putnam’s open-end mutual funds offered to the public. Investors should carefully consider the investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses of a fund before investing. For a prospectus, or a summary prospectus if available, containing this and other information for any Putnam fund or product, contact your financial professional or call Putnam Investor Services at 1-800-225-1581. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Growth

Growth Opportunities Fund
Small Cap Growth Fund
Sustainable Future Fund
Sustainable Leaders Fund

Blend

Core Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Focused Equity Fund
Focused International Equity Fund
International Capital
Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Research Fund

Value

International Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund
Small Cap Value Fund

Income

Convertible Securities Fund
Core Bond Fund
Diversified Income Trust
Floating Rate Income Fund
Global Income Trust
Government Money Market Fund*
High Yield Fund
Income Fund
Money Market Fund**
Mortgage Opportunities Fund
Mortgage Securities Fund
Short Duration Bond Fund
Ultra Short Duration Income Fund

*You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.

**You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.

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Tax-exempt

Intermediate-Term Municipal
Income Fund
Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
Strategic Intermediate Municipal Fund
Tax Exempt Income Fund
Tax-Free High Yield Fund

State tax-exempt income funds†:
California, Massachusetts, Minnesota,
New Jersey, New York, Ohio,
and Pennsylvania

Global Sector

Global Health Care Fund
Global Technology Fund

Asset Allocation

George Putnam Balanced Fund

Global Asset Allocation Funds —
three investment portfolios
that spread your money across a
variety of stocks, bonds, and money
market investments.

Dynamic Asset Allocation
Balanced Fund

Dynamic Asset Allocation
Conservative Fund

Dynamic Asset Allocation
Growth Fund

Multi Asset Income Fund 

Retirement Advantage Maturity Fund—
fund with managed allocations to other
Putnam mutual funds.

Sustainable Retirement Maturity Fund

fund with managed allocations to Putnam
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that focus
on investments with positive sustainability
and/or environmental, social and
governance (“ESG”) characteristics

 

Putnam Target Date Funds
Retirement Advantage Funds portfolios
with adjusting allocations to to other
Putnam mutual funds, becoming more
conservative over time.

Retirement Advantage 2065 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2055 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2050 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2045 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2040 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2035 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2030 Fund
Retirement Advantage 2025 Fund

Putnam Target Date Funds
Sustainable Retirement Funds portfolios
with adjusting allocations to Putnam ETFs
that focus on investments with positive
sustainability and/or ESG characteristics,
becoming more conservative over time.

Sustainable Retirement 2065 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2060 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2055 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2050 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2045 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2040 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2035 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2030 Fund
Sustainable Retirement 2025 Fund

† Not available in all states.

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For more information about
Putnam Focused Equity Fund

The fund’s SAI and annual and semiannual reports to shareholders include additional information about the fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, which means it is part of this prospectus for legal purposes. The fund’s annual report discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. You may get free copies of these materials, request other information about any Putnam fund, or make shareholder inquiries, by contacting your financial representative, by visiting Putnam’s website at putnam.com/individual, or by calling Putnam toll-free at 1-800-225-1581. You may access reports and other information about the fund on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may get copies of this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected]. You may need to refer to the fund’s file number.

Putnam Investments
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
1-800-225-1581

Address correspondence to:

Putnam Investments
P.O. Box 219697
Kansas City, MO 64121-9697

putnam.com





File No. 811-07513 SP624 333332 12/23