PIMCO Funds

Statement of Additional Information

July 31, 2020 (as supplemented October 20, 2020)

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus, and should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses of PIMCO Funds (the “Trust”), as described below and as supplemented from time to time.

The Trust is an open-end management investment company (“mutual fund”) currently consisting of 77 separate portfolios (each such portfolio discussed in this Statement of Additional Information is referred to herein as a “Fund” and collectively as the “Funds”). The Trust offers up to eight classes of shares of each of its Funds.

Certain Funds’ Institutional Class, Class M, I-2, I-3, Administrative Class, Class A, Class C, Class C-2 and Class R shares, as applicable, are offered through the Asset Allocation Funds Prospectus, Bond Funds Prospectus, Credit Bond Funds Prospectus, Equity-Related Strategy Funds Prospectus, International Bond Funds Prospectus, Municipal Value Funds Prospectus, Quantitative Strategies Prospectus, Real Return Strategy Funds Prospectus, Short Duration Strategy Funds Prospectus and Tax-Efficient Strategy Funds Prospectus, each dated July 31, 2020, and the ESG Income Fund Prospectus dated August 20, 2020, each as supplemented from time to time (each a “Prospectus,” collectively the “Prospectuses”). A copy of the Prospectuses may be obtained free of charge at the address and telephone number listed below.

 

Inst.

M

I-2

I-3

Admin.

A

C

C-2

R

PIMCO All Asset Fund

PAAIX

-

PALPX

PAANX

PAALX

PASAX

PASCX

-

PATRX

PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund

PAUIX

-

PAUPX

PAUNX

-

PAUAX

PAUCX

-

-

PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

PCIMX

-

PCIPX

-

-

PCMBX

PCFCX

-

-

PIMCO California Municipal Bond Fund

PCTIX

-

PCTPX

-

-

PCTTX

PCTGX

-

-

PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income Fund

PCDIX

-

PCDPX

-

-

PCDAX

-

-

-

PIMCO Climate Bond Fund

PCEIX

-

PCEPX

PCEWX

-

PCEBX

PCECX

-

-

PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS® Strategy Fund

PCLIX

-

PCLPX

PCLNX

PCPSX

PCLAX

PCPCX

-

-

PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund®

PCRIX

-

PCRPX

PCRNX

PCRRX

PCRAX

PCRCX

-

PCSRX

PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond Fund

PCARX

-

PPCRX

-

-

PZCRX

PCCRX

-

-

PIMCO Diversified Income Fund

PDIIX

-

PDVPX

PDNIX

PDAAX

PDVAX

PDICX

-

-

PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund

PFIUX

-

PUCPX

PFNUX

-

PUBAX

PUBCX

-

PUBRX

PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond Fund

PELBX

-

PELPX

PELNX

-

PELAX

PELCX

-

-

PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund

PEBIX

-

PEMPX

PEBNX

-

PAEMX

PEBCX

-

-

PIMCO Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund

PEMIX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Inst.

M

I-2

I-3

Admin.

A

C

C-2

R

PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments Fund

PLMIX

-

PLMPX

-

-

PLMAX

-

-

-

PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund

PFSIX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO ESG Income Fund

PEGIX

-

PEGPX

PEGQX

-

PEGAX

PEGBX

-

-

PIMCO Extended Duration Fund

PEDIX

-

PEDPX

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Global Advantage® Strategy Bond Fund

PSAIX

-

-

-

-

PGSAX

-

-

-

PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (Unhedged)

PIGLX

-

-

-

PADMX

PAGPX

-

-

-

PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)

PGBIX

-

PGNPX

-

PGDAX

PAIIX

PCIIX

-

-

PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund

PGAIX

-

PGAPX

-

-

PGMAX

PGMCX

-

-

PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities Fund

PDMIX

-

PPGNX

PANNX

-

PAGNX

PCGNX

-

-

PIMCO Government Money Market Fund

PGYXX

PGFXX

PGPXX

-

PGOXX

AMAXX

AMGXX

-

-

PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund

GCMVX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund

GCMFX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund

GNMVX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund

GNMFX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO High Yield Fund

PHIYX

-

PHLPX

PHNNX

PHYAX

PHDAX

PHDCX

-

PHYRX

PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund

PHMIX

-

PYMPX

-

-

PYMAX

PYMCX

-

-

PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund

PHSIX

-

PHSPX

PHFNX

-

PHSAX

PHSCX

-

-

PIMCO Income Fund

PIMIX

-

PONPX

PIPNX

PIINX

PONAX

PONCX

-

PONRX

PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund

PIRMX

-

PPRMX

-

-

PZRMX

-

-

-

PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged)

PFUIX

-

PFUPX

PFUNX

PFUUX

PFUAX

PFRCX

-

-

PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)

PFORX

-

PFBPX

PFONX

PFRAX

PFOAX

PFOCX

-

PFRRX

PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Bond Fund

PIGIX

-

PBDPX

PCNNX

PGCAX

PBDAX

PBDCX

-

-

PIMCO Long Duration Total Return Fund

PLRIX

-

PLRPX

-

-

PLRAX

PLRCX

-

-

PIMCO Long-Term Credit Bond Fund

PTCIX

-

PLCPX

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund

PRAIX

-

PRTPX

-

-

-

-

-

-

Inst.

M

I-2

I-3

Admin.

A

C

C-2

R

PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund

PGOVX

-

PLTPX

-

PLGBX

PFGAX

PFGCX

-

-

PIMCO Low Duration Fund

PTLDX

-

PLDPX

PTLNX

PLDAX

PTLAX

PTLCX

PLCCX

PLDRX

PIMCO Low Duration Fund II

PLDTX

-

-

-

PDFAX

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund

PLDIX

-

PLUPX

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund

PFIIX

-

PFTPX

PFNIX

-

PFIAX

PFNCX

PLDCX

PIMCO Moderate Duration Fund

PMDRX

-

PMOPX

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund

PTRIX

-

PMRPX

PSANX

-

PMRAX

PMRCX

-

-

PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund

PMZIX

-

PMZPX

PMZNX

-

PMZAX

PMZCX

-

-

PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund

PXAIX

-

PXAPX

-

-

PXAAX

-

-

-

PIMCO Municipal Bond Fund

PFMIX

-

PMUPX

-

-

PMLAX

PMLCX

-

-

PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

PMNIX

-

PMNPX

-

-

PMNTX

PMNNX

-

-

PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund

PNYIX

-

PNYPX

-

-

PNYAX

PBFCX

-

-

PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund

PFINX

-

PFPNX

PFNNX

-

PFANX

PFCJX

-

-

PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund

PFATX

-

-

-

-

PTFAX

-

-

-

PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund

PEFIX

-

PEFPX

-

-

PEFFX

PEFCX

-

-

PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund

PXTIX

-

PIXPX

PXTNX

PXTAX

PIXAX

PIXCX

-

-

PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund

PTSIX

-

PTIPX

-

-

PTSOX

-

-

-

PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund

PCFIX

-

PCCPX

-

-

PCFAX

PCFEX

-

-

PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund

PWLIX

-

PWLMX

-

-

PWLBX

PWLEX

-

-

PIMCO Real Return Fund

PRRIX

-

PRLPX

PRNPX

PARRX

PRTNX

PRTCX

-

PRRRX

PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Fund

PRRSX

-

PETPX

PNRNX

-

PETAX

PETCX

-

-

PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund

PSRIX

-

PSRPX

-

-

PSRZX

PSRWX

-

-

PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund

PAIDX

PAMSX

PAIPX

PANDX

PAIQX

PAIAX

-

-

-

PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Fund

PSDIX

-

PSDPX

-

-

PSDAX

PSDCX

PCCMX

-

PIMCO Short-Term Fund

PTSHX

-

PTSPX

PTSNX

PSFAX

PSHAX

PFTCX

-

PTSRX

PIMCO StocksPLUS® Absolute Return Fund

PSPTX

-

PTOPX

PSPNX

-

PTOAX

PSOCX

-

-

PIMCO StocksPLUS® Fund

PSTKX

-

PSKPX

PSTNX

PPLAX

PSPAX

PSPCX

-

PSPRX

PIMCO StocksPLUS® International Fund (Unhedged)

PSKIX

-

PPLPX

PSKNX

-

PPUAX

PPUCX

-

-

Inst.

M

I-2

I-3

Admin.

A

C

C-2

R

PIMCO StocksPLUS® International Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)

PISIX

-

PIUHX

PISNX

-

PIPAX

PIPCX

-

-

PIMCO StocksPLUS® Long Duration Fund

PSLDX

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PIMCO StocksPLUS® Short Fund

PSTIX

-

PSPLX

PSNNX

-

PSSAX

PSSCX

-

-

PIMCO StocksPLUS® Small Fund

PSCSX

-

PCKPX

PSNSX

PCKTX

PCKAX

PCKCX

-

-

PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund

PUTIX

-

PUTPX

-

-

ATMAX

ATMCX

-

-

PIMCO Total Return Fund

PTTRX

-

PTTPX

PTTNX

PTRAX

PTTAX

PTTCX

-

PTRRX

PIMCO Total Return Fund II

PMBIX

-

PMTPX

-

PRADX

-

-

-

-

PIMCO Total Return Fund IV

PTUIX

-

-

-

-

PTUZX

-

-

-

PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund

PTSAX

-

PRAPX

-

PRFAX

PTGAX

PTGCX

-

-

PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund

PQTIX

-

PQTPX

PQTNX

-

PQTAX

-

-

-

Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO” or the “Adviser”), 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660, is the investment adviser to the Funds.

Audited financial statements for the Trust as of March 31, 2020, including the notes thereto, and the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust’s March 31, 2020 Annual Report, which were filed with the SEC in the initial submission and the companion submission. A copy of the Prospectus, Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report (when available) for each Fund may be obtained free of charge at the telephone number and address listed below or by visiting https://www.pimco.com/en-us/product-finder.

PIMCO Funds

Regulatory Document Request

650 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, California 92660

Telephone: 1-888-87PIMCO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

THE TRUST			1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES			3
U.S. Government Securities			5
Municipal Bonds			5
Mortgage-Related Securities and Asset-Backed Securities			17
Real Estate Assets and Related Derivatives			24
Bank Obligations			24
Loans and Other Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments			25
Senior Loans			28
Trade Claims			29
Corporate Debt Securities			29
High Yield Securities (“Junk Bonds”) and Securities of Distressed Companies			30
Creditor Liability and Participation on Creditors Committees			30
Variable and Floating Rate Securities			31
Inflation-Indexed Bonds			31
Event-Linked Exposure			32
Convertible Securities			32
Equity Securities			34
Preferred Securities			35
Depositary Receipts			35
Warrants to Purchase Securities			35
Foreign Securities			36
Foreign Currency Transactions			45
Foreign Currency Exchange-Related Securities			46
Borrowing			47
Commodities			48
Derivative Instruments			49
Structured Products			60
Bank Capital Securities			61
Perpetual Bonds			62
Trust Preferred Securities			62
Exchange-Traded Notes			62
Delayed Funding Loans and Revolving Credit Facilities			63
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions			63
Standby Commitment Agreements			63
Infrastructure Investments			64
Short Sales			64
144A Securities			65
Regulation S Securities			65
Illiquid Investments			65
Repurchase Agreements			66
Loans of Portfolio Securities			66
Investments in Business Development Companies (“BDCs”)			66
Investments in Underlying PIMCO Funds			66
Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)			67
Environment, Social Responsibility and Governance Policies			67
Climate Related Policies			68
Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries			69
Quantitative Investing Risk			70
Government Intervention in Financial Markets			71
Cash Holdings			71
Increasing Government Debt			72
Inflation and Deflation			72
Regulatory Risk			72
Liquidation of Funds			73
Participation in Litigation or Arbitration Proceedings			73

 

i

Fund Operations			74
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS			75
Fundamental Investment Restrictions			75
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions			76
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST			82
Trustees and Officers			82
Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight Function			82
Qualifications of the Trustees			83
Trustees of the Trust			83
Executive Officers			86
Securities Ownership			88
Trustee Ownership of the Investment Adviser and Principal Underwriter, and Their Control Persons			91
Standing Committees			92
Trustee Retirement Policy			94
Compensation Table			94
Investment Adviser			94
Advisory Agreements			95
Advisory Fee Rates			97
Advisory Fee Payments			98
Advisory Fees Waived and Recouped			100
Sub-Advisory Fee Payments			101
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures			101
Fund Administrator			102
Supervisory and Administrative Fee Rates			103
Supervisory and Administrative Fee Payments			106
Supervisory and Administrative Fees Waived and Recouped			107
OTHER PIMCO INFORMATION			110
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS			110
Other Accounts Managed			110
Conflicts of Interest			118
Portfolio Manager Compensation			121
Securities Ownership			123
DISTRIBUTION OF TRUST SHARES			127
Distributor			127
Account Managers’ and Associates’ Compensation			127
Potential Conflicts of Interest			128
Multi-Class Plan			128
Initial Sales Charge and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge			129
Distribution and Servicing Plans for Class A, Class C, Class C-2 and Class R Shares			130
Payments Pursuant to Class A Plan			133
Payments Pursuant to Class C Plan			136
Payments Pursuant to Class C-2 Plan			138
Payments Pursuant to Class R Plan			138
Distribution and Servicing Plan for Administrative Class Shares			139
Payments Pursuant to the Administrative Class Plans			140
Additional Payments to Financial Firms			141
Purchases, Exchanges and Redemptions			144
Exchange Privileges.			162
How to Sell (Redeem) Shares.			164
Custodial Risks for Shares Held Through Third-Party Financial Intermediaries			170
Request for Multiple Copies of Shareholder Documents			170
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE			170
Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions			170
Brokerage and Research Services			171
Brokerage Commissions Paid			171
Gurtin Portfolio Transactions			174

 

ii

Holdings of Securities of the Trust’s Regular Brokers and Dealers			175
Portfolio Turnover			187
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings			188
Large Trade Notifications			190
NET ASSET VALUE			190
TAXATION			191
Distributions			193
Sales of Shares			195
Potential Pass-Through of Tax Credits			196
Backup Withholding			196
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts, and Swap Agreements			196
Short Sales			197
Passive Foreign Investment Companies			197
Foreign Currency Transactions			197
Foreign Taxation			197
Original Issue Discount and Market Discount			198
Investments in REITs and REMICs			198
Uncertain Tax Consequences			199
Constructive Sales			199
IRAs and Other Retirement Plans			199
Non-U.S. Shareholders			199
Other Taxation			200
OTHER INFORMATION			200
Capitalization			200
Information on PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)			201
Voting Rights			202
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities			203
Code of Ethics			313
Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent			313
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm			313
Counsel			313
Registration Statement			313
Financial Statements			313

 

iii

THE TRUST

The Trust is an open-end management investment company (“mutual fund”) currently consisting of separate investment portfolios, including:

 

PIMCO All Asset Fund PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund PIMCO California Municipal Bond Fund PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income Fund PIMCO Climate Bond Fund PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS® Strategy Fund PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund® PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond Fund PIMCO Diversified Income Fund PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond Fund PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund PIMCO Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments Fund PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund PIMCO ESG Income Fund PIMCO Extended Duration Fund PIMCO Global Advantage® Strategy Bond Fund PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (Unhedged) PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities Fund PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund PIMCO Government Money Market Fund PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund PIMCO High Yield Fund PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund PIMCO Income Fund PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged) PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Bond Fund PIMCO Long Duration Total Return Fund PIMCO Long-Term Credit Bond Fund PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund PIMCO Low Duration Fund PIMCO Low Duration Fund II PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund PIMCO Moderate Duration Fund PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund		PIMCO Municipal Bond Fund PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund PIMCO Real Return Fund PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Fund PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Fund PIMCO Short-Term Fund PIMCO StocksPLUS® Absolute Return Fund PIMCO StocksPLUS® Fund PIMCO StocksPLUS® International Fund (Unhedged) PIMCO StocksPLUS® International Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) PIMCO StocksPLUS® Long Duration Fund PIMCO StocksPLUS® Short Fund PIMCO StocksPLUS® Small Fund PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund PIMCO Total Return Fund PIMCO Total Return Fund II PIMCO Total Return Fund IV PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund

As of July 31, 2020, the following Funds are diversified: PIMCO All Asset Fund, PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund, PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, PIMCO California Municipal Bond Fund, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Climate Bond Fund, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond Fund, PIMCO Diversified Income Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund, PIMCO

Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund, PIMCO Extended Duration Fund, PIMCO Global Advantage^® Strategy Bond Fund, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities Fund, PIMCO Government Money Market Fund, PIMCO High Yield Fund, PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund, PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund, PIMCO Income Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund, PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged), PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Bond Fund, PIMCO Long Duration Total Return Fund, PIMCO Long-Term Credit Bond Fund, PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund, PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund, PIMCO Low Duration Fund, PIMCO Low Duration Fund II, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund, PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund, PIMCO Moderate Duration Fund, PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund, PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund, PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund, PIMCO Municipal Bond Fund, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund, PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund, PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund, PIMCO Real Return Fund, PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Fund, PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund, PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund, PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Short-Term Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Absolute Return Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International Fund (Unhedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Long Duration Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Small Fund, PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund, PIMCO Total Return Fund, PIMCO Total Return Fund II, PIMCO Total Return Fund IV, PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund.

 

2

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The investment objectives and general investment policies of each Fund are described in the Prospectuses. Consistent with each Fund’s investment policies, each Fund may invest in “Fixed Income Instruments,” which are defined in the Prospectuses. Additional information concerning the characteristics of certain of the Funds’ investments, strategies and risks is set forth below.

The PIMCO All Asset and PIMCO All Asset All Authority Funds, which are separate Funds, invest substantially all of their assets in other series of the Trust, (except the PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund, PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund and each other), as well as in actively managed or smart beta funds (including mutual funds or exchange-traded funds) of PIMCO ETF Trust and PIMCO Equity Series, each an affiliated open-end management investment company. The other Funds in which the PIMCO All Asset and PIMCO All Asset All Authority Funds invest are referred to in this Statement of Additional Information as “Underlying PIMCO Funds.” By investing in Underlying PIMCO Funds, the PIMCO All Asset Fund, PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund and any other funds of funds managed by PIMCO that invest all or a significant portion of their assets in certain or all of the Underlying PIMCO Funds, as specified in each Fund’s Prospectus (together with the PIMCO All Asset and PIMCO All Asset All Authority Funds, the “PIMCO Funds of Funds”), may have indirect exposure to some or all of the securities and instruments described below depending upon how their assets are allocated among the Underlying PIMCO Funds. Because the PIMCO Funds of Funds invest substantially all or a significant portion of their assets in certain or all of the Underlying PIMCO Funds, investment decisions made with respect to the PIMCO Funds of Funds could, under certain circumstances, negatively impact the Underlying PIMCO Funds, including with respect to the expenses and investment performance of the Underlying PIMCO Funds. Similarly, certain funds managed by investment advisers affiliated with PIMCO (“Affiliated Funds of Funds”) may invest some or all of their assets in the Underlying PIMCO Funds, and investment decisions made with respect to Affiliated Funds of Funds similarly could, under certain circumstances, negatively impact the Underlying PIMCO Funds, including with respect to the expenses and investment performance of the Underlying PIMCO Funds. Please see “Investments in Underlying PIMCO Funds” below for more information regarding potential risks related to the Underlying PIMCO Funds.

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset and PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Funds may also invest in certain Underlying PIMCO Funds, as specified in each Fund’s Prospectus. However, the PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund may also invest in a combination of affiliated and unaffiliated funds, which may or may not be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), Fixed Income Instruments, equity securities, forwards and derivatives, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or exemptive relief therefrom.

The PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^® may pursue its investment objective by investing in the PIMCO Cayman Commodity Fund I Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “CRRS Subsidiary”). The CRRS Subsidiary is advised by PIMCO, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the CRRS Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. The Fund and CRRS Subsidiary may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the CRRS Subsidiary will comply with asset segregation or “earmarking” requirements to the same extent as the Fund. By investing in the CRRS Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the CRRS Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the CRRS Subsidiary are generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. See below “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries” for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s CRRS Subsidiary.

The PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the PIMCO Cayman Commodity Fund II Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “GCAA Subsidiary”). The GCAA Subsidiary is advised by PIMCO, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the GCAA Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. The Fund and GCAA Subsidiary may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the GCAA Subsidiary will comply with asset segregation or “earmarking” requirements to the same extent as the Fund. By investing in the GCAA Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the GCAA Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the GCAA Subsidiary are generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the

Fund. See below “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries” for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s GCAA Subsidiary.

The PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the PIMCO Cayman Commodity Fund III Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “CPS Subsidiary”). The CPS Subsidiary is advised by PIMCO, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the CPS Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. The Fund and CPS Subsidiary may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the CPS Subsidiary will comply with asset segregation or “earmarking” requirements to the same extent as the Fund. By investing in the CPS Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the CPS Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the CPS Subsidiary are generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. See below “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries” for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s CPS Subsidiary.

The PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the PIMCO Cayman Commodity Fund VII, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “IRMA Subsidiary”). The IRMA Subsidiary is advised by PIMCO, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the IRMA Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. The Fund and IRMA Subsidiary may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the IRMA Subsidiary will comply with asset segregation or “earmarking” requirements to the same extent as the Fund. By investing in the IRMA Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the IRMA Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the IRMA Subsidiary are generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. See below “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries” for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s IRMA Subsidiary.

The PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the PIMCO Cayman Commodity Fund VIII, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “MF Subsidiary,” together with the CRRS Subsidiary, the GCAA Subsidiary, the CPS Subsidiary and the IRMA Subsidiary, the “Commodities Subsidiaries”). The MF Subsidiary is advised by PIMCO, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the MF Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-linked swap agreements and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. The Fund and MF Subsidiary may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the MF Subsidiary will comply with asset segregation or “earmarking” requirements to the same extent as the Fund. By investing in the MF Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the MF Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the MF Subsidiary are generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. See below “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries” for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s MF Subsidiary.

The PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “CSF Subsidiary,” together with the Commodities Subsidiaries, the “Subsidiaries”). The CSF Subsidiary is advised by PIMCO, and has the same investment objective and will generally be subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund; however, the CSF Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in Regulation S securities. The Fund and CSF Subsidiary will test for compliance with investment restrictions on a consolidated basis. By investing in the CSF Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the CSF Subsidiary’s investments. The investments held by the CSF Subsidiary are generally similar to those held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. See below “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries” for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s CSF Subsidiary.

Effective March 15, 2019, each Predecessor Gurtin Fund, each a series of Forum Funds II and managed by Gurtin (each, a “Predecessor Gurtin Fund”), was reorganized into a corresponding “shell” series of PIMCO Funds consisting of the PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund (each, a “PIMCO Gurtin Fund”). The reorganization provided for (i) the transfer of all of the assets of each Predecessor Gurtin Fund to its corresponding

 

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PIMCO Gurtin Fund in exchange for Institutional Class shares of the PIMCO Gurtin Fund of equal aggregate net asset value, (ii) the assumption by each PIMCO Gurtin Fund of the known and existing liabilities of its corresponding Predecessor Gurtin Fund, (iii) the distribution by each PIMCO Gurtin Fund of Institutional Class shares of such PIMCO Gurtin Fund to its corresponding Predecessor Gurtin Fund, and (iv) the subsequent termination, dissolution and complete liquidation of each Predecessor Gurtin Fund. The investment objective, investment strategies, and principal investment risks of each Predecessor Gurtin Fund and its corresponding PIMCO Gurtin Fund are substantially similar. The PIMCO Gurtin Funds succeeded to the accounting and performance histories of the Predecessor Gurtin Funds. Certain historical information provided in this SAI for the PIMCO Gurtin Funds, therefore, is that of the corresponding Predecessor Gurtin Fund. The PIMCO Gurtin Funds filed with the IRS an automatic approval request to change fiscal year ends from September 30th to March 31^st, which change became effective on March 31, 2019.

U.S. Government Securities

U.S. Government securities are obligations of and, in certain cases, guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. The U.S. Government does not guarantee the net asset value of the Funds’ shares. Some U.S. Government securities, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”); others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations; and still others, such as securities issued by members of the Farm Credit System, are supported only by the credit of the agency, instrumentality or corporation. U.S. Government securities may include zero coupon securities, which do not distribute interest on a current basis and tend to be subject to greater risk than interest-paying securities of similar maturities.

Securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises may not be guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. GNMA, a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation, is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA and backed by pools of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) include the FNMA and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but its participation certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Instead, they are supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations. Under the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”), FNMA and FHLMC have entered into a joint initiative to develop a common securitization platform for the issuance of a uniform mortgage-backed security (“UMBS”) (the “Single Security Initiative”) that aligns the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. The Single Security Initiative was implemented in June 2019, and the effects it may have on the market for mortgage-backed securities are uncertain.

Municipal Bonds

Each Fund (except the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may invest in securities issued by states, territories, possessions, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states, territories, possessions and multi-state agencies or authorities. It is a policy of each of the PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO New York Municipal Bond, PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds, (each a “Municipal Fund,” and collectively, the “Municipal Funds”) to have at least 80% of its net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes invested in investments, the income of which is exempt from federal income tax (“Municipal Bonds”). In the case of the PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds, the Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of their net assets plus borrowing for investment purposes in investments, the income of which is exempt from federal income tax and California income tax (“California Municipal Bonds”). In the case of the PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund, the Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets plus borrowing for investment purposes in investments, the income of which is exempt from federal income tax and New York income tax. The ability of a Municipal Fund to invest in securities other than Municipal Bonds is limited by a requirement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) that at least 50% of the applicable Municipal Fund’s total assets be invested in Municipal Bonds at the end of each quarter of a Municipal Fund’s tax year.

The PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds may concentrate their investments in California Municipal Bonds and will therefore be exposed to California state-

 

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specific risks. Similarly, the PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund may concentrate its investments in New York Municipal Bonds and therefore will be exposed to New York state-specific risks. State-specific risks are discussed in the “Description of Principal Risks” section of the Prospectuses and in this “Municipal Bonds” section of this Statement of Additional Information. The PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond and PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Funds may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of their total assets in Municipal Bonds of issuers in California and New York. Accordingly, such Funds, to the extent they invest more than 25% in California or New York, will be subject to the applicable state-specific risks discussed in the “Description of Principal Risks” section of the Prospectuses and in this “Municipal Bonds” section of this Statement of Additional Information, but none of these Funds have any present intention to invest more than that amount in a particular state.

Municipal Bonds share the attributes of debt/fixed income securities in general, but are generally issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities. Specifically, California and New York Municipal Bonds generally are issued by or on behalf of the State of California and New York, respectively, and their political subdivisions and financing authorities, and local governments. The Municipal Bonds which the Funds may purchase include general obligation bonds and limited obligation bonds (or revenue bonds), including industrial development bonds issued pursuant to former federal tax law. General obligation bonds are obligations involving the credit of an issuer possessing taxing power and are payable from such issuer’s general revenues and not from any particular source. Limited obligation bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source or annual revenues. Tax-exempt private activity bonds and industrial development bonds generally are also revenue bonds and thus are not payable from the issuer’s general revenues. The credit and quality of private activity bonds and industrial development bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds is the responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor).

Each Fund that may invest in Municipal Bonds, and in particular the Municipal Funds, may invest 25% or more of its total assets in Municipal Bonds that finance similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities, and 25% or more of its total assets in industrial development bonds. A Fund may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political developments if it invests a substantial portion of its assets in the bonds of similar projects or industrial development bonds.

Each Fund that may invest in Municipal Bonds may invest in pre-refunded Municipal Bonds. Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds are tax-exempt bonds that have been refunded to a call date prior to the final maturity of principal, or, in the case of pre-refunded Municipal Bonds commonly referred to as “escrowed-to-maturity bonds,” to the final maturity of principal, and remain outstanding in the municipal market. The payment of principal and interest of the pre-refunded Municipal Bonds held by a Fund is funded from securities in a designated escrow account that holds U.S. Treasury securities or other obligations of the U.S. Government (including its agencies and instrumentalities (“Agency Securities”)). As the payment of principal and interest is generated from securities held in an escrow account established by the municipality and an independent escrow agent, the pledge of the municipality has been fulfilled and the original pledge of revenue by the municipality is no longer in place. The escrow account securities pledged to pay the principal and interest of the pre-refunded Municipal Bond do not guarantee the price movement of the bond before maturity. Issuers of Municipal Bonds refund in advance of maturity the outstanding higher cost debt and issue new, lower cost debt, placing the proceeds of the lower cost issuance into an escrow account to pre-refund the older, higher cost debt. Investments in pre-refunded Municipal Bonds held by a Fund may subject the Fund to interest rate risk, market risk and credit risk. In addition, while a secondary market exists for pre-refunded Municipal Bonds, if a Fund sells pre-refunded Municipal Bonds prior to maturity, the price received may be more or less than the original cost, depending on market conditions at the time of sale. To the extent permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), a Fund’s investment in pre-refunded Municipal Bonds backed by U.S. Treasury and Agency securities in the manner described above, will, for purposes of diversification tests applicable to certain Funds, be considered an investment in the respective U.S. Treasury and Agency securities. Tax legislation in 2017 eliminated the tax exemption for advance refunding of municipal bonds on a go-forward basis.

Under the Internal Revenue Code, certain limited obligation bonds are considered “private activity bonds” and interest paid on such bonds is treated as an item of tax preference for purposes of calculating federal alternative minimum tax liability. The PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income and PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Funds do not intend to invest in securities whose interest is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

Each Fund (except the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may invest in Build America Bonds. Build America Bonds are tax credit bonds created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which authorizes state and local governments to issue Build America Bonds as taxable bonds in 2009 and 2010, without volume limitations, to finance any capital expenditures for which such issuers could otherwise issue traditional tax-exempt bonds. State and local governments may receive a direct federal subsidy payment for a portion of their borrowing costs on Build America Bonds equal to 35% of the total coupon interest paid to investors. The state or local government issuer can elect to either take the federal subsidy or pass the 35% tax credit along to bondholders. A Fund’s investments in Build America Bonds will result in taxable income and the Fund may elect to pass through to shareholders the

 

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corresponding tax credits. The tax credits can generally be used to offset federal income taxes and the alternative minimum tax, but such credits are generally not refundable. Build America Bonds involve similar risks as Municipal Bonds, including credit and market risk. They are intended to assist state and local governments in financing capital projects at lower borrowing costs and are likely to attract a broader group of investors than tax-exempt Municipal Bonds. For example, taxable funds, including Funds other than the Municipal Funds, may choose to invest in Build America Bonds. Although Build America Bonds were only authorized for issuance during 2009 and 2010, the program may have resulted in reduced issuance of tax-exempt Municipal Bonds during the same period. As a result, Funds that invest in tax-exempt Municipal Bonds, such as the Municipal Funds, may have increased their holdings of Build America Bonds and other investments permitted by the Funds’ respective investment objectives and policies during 2009 and 2010. The Build America Bond program expired on December 31, 2010, at which point no further issuance of new Build America Bonds was permitted. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, there is no indication that Congress will renew the program to permit issuance of new Build America Bonds.

The Funds may invest in municipal lease obligations. Municipal leases are instruments, or participations in instruments, issued in connection with lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations of municipalities (“municipal lease obligations”). Although municipal lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the issuing municipality, a lease obligation may be backed by the municipality’s covenant to budget for, appropriate funds for and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain municipal lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose in the relevant years. In deciding whether to purchase a lease obligation, the Funds will assess the financial condition of the borrower or obligor, the merits of the project, the level of public support for the project, other credit characteristics of the obligor, and the legislative history of lease financing in the state. Municipal lease obligations may be less readily marketable than other municipal securities.

Projects financed with certificates of participation generally are not subject to state constitutional debt limitations or other statutory requirements that may apply to other municipal securities. Payments by the public entity on the obligation underlying the certificates are derived from available revenue sources. That revenue might be diverted to the funding of other municipal service projects. Payments of interest and/or principal with respect to the certificates are not guaranteed and do not constitute an obligation of a state or any of its political subdivisions.

Municipal leases may also be subject to “abatement risk.” The leases underlying certain municipal lease obligations may state that lease payments are subject to partial or full abatement. That abatement might occur, for example, if material damage to or destruction of the leased property interferes with the lessee’s use of the property. However, in some cases that risk might be reduced by insurance covering the leased property, or by the use of credit enhancements such as letters of credit to back lease payments, or perhaps by the lessee’s maintenance of reserve monies for lease payments. Gurtin (as defined below) does not evaluate or review insurance policies when determining ratings or making purchase decisions. While the obligation might be secured by the lease, it might be difficult to dispose of that property in case of a default.

The Funds may purchase unrated municipal lease obligations if determined by PIMCO to be of comparable quality to rated securities in which the Fund is permitted to invest. A Fund may also acquire illiquid municipal lease obligations, subject to regulatory limitations on investments in illiquid investments generally. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

The Funds may seek to enhance their yield through the purchase of private placements. These securities are sold through private negotiations, usually to institutions or mutual funds, and may have resale restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable public securities to compensate the investor for their limited marketability. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

Some longer-term Municipal Bonds give the investor the right to “put” or sell the security at par (face value) within a specified number of days following the investor’s request - usually one to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security’s liquidity by shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a price equal to or very close to par. If a demand feature terminates prior to being exercised, a Fund would hold the longer-term security, which could experience substantially more volatility.

The Funds that may invest in Municipal Bonds may invest in municipal warrants, which are essentially call options on Municipal Bonds. In exchange for a premium, municipal warrants give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a Municipal Bond in the future. A Fund may purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an environment where the current issuance of bonds is sharply reduced. Like options, warrants may expire worthless and they may have reduced liquidity. A Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in municipal warrants.

 

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The Funds may invest in Municipal Bonds with credit enhancements such as letters of credit, municipal bond insurance and Standby Bond Purchase Agreements (“SBPAs”). Letters of credit are issued by a third party, usually a bank, to enhance liquidity and ensure repayment of principal and any accrued interest if the underlying Municipal Bond should default. Municipal bond insurance, which is usually purchased by the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental insurance company, provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that the insured bond’s principal and interest will be paid when due. Insurance does not guarantee the price of the bond or the share price of any fund. The credit rating of an insured bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer, based on its claims-paying ability. The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of each insured bond. Although defaults on insured Municipal Bonds have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have met their claims, there is no assurance this will continue. A higher-than-expected default rate could strain the insurer’s loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders. A significant portion of insured Municipal Bonds that have been issued and are outstanding are insured by a small number of insurance companies, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies, such as a credit rating downgrade, could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the Municipal Bonds insured by that insurance company and on the Municipal Bond markets as a whole. Downgrades of certain insurance companies have negatively impacted the price of certain insured Municipal Bonds. Given the large number of potential claims against the insurers of Municipal Bonds, there is a risk that they will not be able to meet all future claims. An SBPA is a liquidity facility provided to pay the purchase price of bonds that cannot be re-marketed. The obligation of the liquidity provider (usually a bank) is only to advance funds to purchase tendered bonds that cannot be remarketed and does not cover principal or interest under any other circumstances. The liquidity provider’s obligations under the SBPA are usually subject to numerous conditions, including the continued creditworthiness of the underlying borrower.

Certain Funds may invest in trust certificates issued in tender option bond programs. In a tender option bond transaction (“TOB”), a tender option bond trust (“TOB Trust”) issues floating rate certificates (“TOB Floater”) and residual interest certificates (“TOB Residual”) and utilizes the proceeds of such issuance to purchase a fixed-rate municipal bond (“Fixed Rate Bond”) that either is owned or identified by a Fund. The TOB Floater is generally issued to third party investors (typically a money market fund) and the TOB Residual is generally issued to the Fund that sold or identified the Fixed Rate Bond. The TOB Trust divides the income stream provided by the Fixed Rate Bond to create two securities, the TOB Floater, which is a short-term security, and the TOB Residual, which is a longer-term security. The interest rates payable on the TOB Residual issued to a Fund bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on the TOB Floater. The interest rate on the TOB Floater is reset by a remarketing process typically every 7 to 35 days. After income is paid on the TOB Floater at current rates, the residual income from the Fixed Rate Bond goes to the TOB Residual. Therefore, rising short-term rates result in lower income for the TOB Residual, and vice versa. In the case of a TOB Trust that utilizes the cash received (less transaction expenses) from the issuance of the TOB Floater and TOB Residual to purchase the Fixed Rate Bond from a Fund, the Fund may then invest the cash received in additional securities, generating leverage for the Fund. Other PIMCO-managed accounts may also contribute municipal bonds to a TOB Trust into which a Fund has contributed Fixed Rate Bonds. If multiple PIMCO-managed accounts participate in the same TOB Trust, the economic rights and obligations under the TOB Residual will be shared among the funds ratably in proportion to their participation in the TOB Trust.

The TOB Residual may be more volatile and less liquid than other municipal bonds of comparable maturity. In most circumstances the TOB Residual holder bears substantially all of the underlying Fixed Rate Bond’s downside investment risk and also benefits from any appreciation in the value of the underlying Fixed Rate Bond. Investments in a TOB Residual typically will involve greater risk than investments in Fixed Rate Bonds.

The TOB Residual held by a Fund provides the Fund with the right to: (1) cause the holders of the TOB Floater to tender their notes at par, and (2) cause the sale of the Fixed-Rate Bond held by the TOB Trust, thereby collapsing the TOB Trust. TOB Trusts are generally supported by a liquidity facility provided by a third party bank or other financial institution (the “Liquidity Provider”) that provides for the purchase of TOB Floaters that cannot be remarketed. The holders of the TOB Floaters have the right to tender their certificates in exchange for payment of par plus accrued interest on a periodic basis (typically weekly) or on the occurrence of certain mandatory tender events. The tendered TOB Floaters are remarketed by a remarketing agent, which is typically an affiliated entity of the Liquidity Provider. If the TOB Floaters cannot be remarketed, the TOB Floaters are purchased by the TOB Trust either from the proceeds of a loan from the Liquidity Provider or from a liquidation of the Fixed Rate Bond.

The TOB Trust may also be collapsed without the consent of a Fund, as the TOB Residual holder, upon the occurrence of certain “tender option termination events” (or “TOTEs”) as defined in the TOB Trust agreements. Such termination events typically include the bankruptcy or default of the municipal bond, a substantial downgrade in credit quality of the municipal bond, or a judgment or ruling that interest on the Fixed Rate Bond is subject to federal income taxation. Upon the occurrence of a termination event, the TOB Trust would generally be liquidated in full with the proceeds typically applied first to any accrued fees owed to the trustee, remarketing agent and liquidity provider, and then to the holders of the TOB Floater up to par plus accrued interest owed on the TOB Floater and a portion of gain share, if any, with the balance paid out to the TOB Residual holder. In the case of a mandatory termination event (“MTE”), after the payment of fees, the TOB Floater holders would be paid before the TOB Residual holders (i.e., the Fund). In contrast, in the case of a TOTE, after payment of fees, the TOB Floater holders and the TOB Residual holders would be paid pro rata in proportion to the respective face values of their certificates.

 

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In December 2013, regulators finalized rules implementing Section 619 (the “Volcker Rule”) and Section 941 (the “Risk Retention Rules”) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). Both the Volcker Rule and the Risk Retention Rules apply to tender option bond programs and place restrictions on the way certain sponsors may participate in tender option bond programs. Specifically, the Volcker Rule generally prohibits banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading or from acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in, or sponsoring, a hedge fund or private equity fund (“covered fund”), subject to certain exemptions and limitations. Tender option bond programs generally are considered to be covered funds under the Volcker Rule, and, thus, may not be sponsored by a banking entity absent an applicable exemption. The Volcker Rule does not provide for any exemption that would allow banking entities to sponsor tender option bonds in the same manner as they did prior to the Volcker Rule’s compliance date, which was July 21, 2017.

The Risk Retention Rules took effect in December 2016 and require the sponsor to a TOB Trust to retain at least five percent of the credit risk of the underlying assets supporting the TOB Trust’s Municipal Bonds. The Risk Retention Rules may adversely affect the Funds’ ability to engage in TOB Trust transactions or increase the costs of such transactions in certain circumstances.

The Funds have restructured their TOB Trusts in conformity with regulatory guidelines. Under the new TOB Trust structure, the Liquidity Provider or remarketing agent will no longer purchase the tendered TOB Floaters, even in the event of failed remarketing. This may increase the likelihood that a TOB Trust will need to be collapsed and liquidated in order to purchase the tendered TOB Floaters. The TOB Trust may draw upon a loan from the Liquidity Provider to purchase the tendered TOB Floaters. Any loans made by the Liquidity Provider will be secured by the purchased TOB Floaters held by the TOB Trust and will be subject to an increased interest rate based on the number of days the loan is outstanding.

The Funds also may invest in participation interests. Participation interests are various types of securities created by converting fixed rate bonds into short-term, variable rate certificates. These securities have been developed in the secondary market to meet the demand for short-term, tax-exempt securities. The Funds will invest only in such securities deemed tax-exempt by a nationally recognized bond counsel, but there is no guarantee the interest will be exempt because the IRS has not issued a definitive ruling on the matter.

Municipal Bonds are subject to credit and market risk. Generally, prices of higher quality issues tend to fluctuate less with changes in market interest rates than prices of lower quality issues and prices of longer maturity issues tend to fluctuate more than prices of shorter maturity issues.

The recent economic downturn and budgetary constraints have made Municipal Bonds more susceptible to downgrade, default and bankruptcy. In addition, difficulties in the Municipal Bond markets could result in increased illiquidity, volatility and credit risk, and a decrease in the number of Municipal Bond investment opportunities. The value of Municipal Bonds may also be affected by uncertainties involving the taxation of Municipal Bonds or the rights of Municipal Bond holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on Municipal Bonds are introduced before Congress from time to time. These legal uncertainties could affect the Municipal Bond market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities.

The Funds may purchase and sell portfolio investments to take advantage of changes or anticipated changes in yield relationships, markets or economic conditions. The Funds also may sell Municipal Bonds due to changes in PIMCO’s evaluation of the issuer or cash needs resulting from redemption requests for Fund shares. The secondary market for Municipal Bonds typically has been less liquid than that for taxable debt/fixed income securities, and this may affect a Fund’s ability to sell particular Municipal Bonds at then-current market prices, especially in periods when other investors are attempting to sell the same securities. Additionally, Municipal Bonds rated below investment grade (i.e., high yield Municipal Bonds) may not be as liquid as higher-rated Municipal Bonds. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of a Municipal Bond and on a Fund’s ability to sell a Municipal Bond in response to changes or anticipated changes in economic conditions or to meet the Fund’s cash needs. Reduced liquidity may also make it more difficult to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing a Fund’s portfolio. For more information on high yield securities please see “High Yield Securities (“Junk Bonds”) and Securities of Distressed Companies” below.

Prices and yields on Municipal Bonds are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money-market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions of the Municipal Bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. A number of these factors, including the ratings of particular issues, are subject to change from time to time. Information about the financial condition of an issuer of Municipal Bonds may not be as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.

Each Fund that may invest in Municipal Bonds may purchase custodial receipts representing the right to receive either the principal amount or the periodic interest payments or both with respect to specific underlying Municipal Bonds. In a typical custodial receipt arrangement, an issuer or third party owner of Municipal Bonds deposits the bonds with a custodian in exchange for two classes of

 

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custodial receipts. The two classes have different characteristics, but, in each case, payments on the two classes are based on payments received on the underlying Municipal Bonds. In no event will the aggregate interest paid with respect to the two classes exceed the interest paid by the underlying Municipal Bond. Custodial receipts are sold in private placements. The value of a custodial receipt may fluctuate more than the value of a Municipal Bond of comparable quality and maturity.

The perceived increased likelihood of default among issuers of Municipal Bonds has resulted in constrained illiquidity, increased price volatility and credit downgrades of issuers of Municipal Bonds. Local and national market forces—such as declines in real estate prices and general business activity—may result in decreasing tax bases, fluctuations in interest rates, and increasing construction costs, all of which could reduce the ability of certain issuers of Municipal Bonds to repay their obligations. Certain issuers of Municipal Bonds have also been unable to obtain additional financing through, or must pay higher interest rates on, new issues, which may reduce revenues available for issuers of Municipal Bonds to pay existing obligations. In addition, events have demonstrated that the lack of disclosure rules in this area can make it difficult for investors to obtain reliable information on the obligations underlying Municipal Bonds. Adverse developments in the Municipal Bond market may negatively affect the value of all or a substantial portion of a fund’s holdings in Municipal Bonds.

Obligations of issuers of Municipal Bonds are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Congress or state legislatures may seek to extend the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or to impose other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal on their Municipal Bonds may be materially affected or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such litigation or conditions may from time to time have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for Municipal Bonds or certain segments thereof, or of materially affecting the credit risk with respect to particular bonds. Adverse economic, business, legal or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of a Fund’s Municipal Bonds in the same manner. In particular, the PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value and PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Funds are subject to the risks inherent in concentrating investment in a particular state or region. The following summarizes information drawn from official statements, and other public documents available relating to issues potentially affecting securities offerings of issuers domiciled in the states of California and New York. Neither the Funds nor PIMCO have independently verified the information, but have no reason to believe that it is substantially different.

From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on certain types of Municipal Bonds. Additionally, certain other proposals have been introduced that would have the effect of taxing a portion of exempt interest and/or reducing the tax benefits of receiving exempt interest. It can be expected that similar proposals may be introduced in the future. As a result of any such future legislation, the availability of such Municipal Bonds for investment by the Funds and the value of such Municipal Bonds held by the Funds may be affected. In addition, it is possible that events occurring after the date of a Municipal Bond’s issuance, or after a Fund’s acquisition of such obligation, may result in a determination that the interest paid on that obligation is taxable, in certain cases retroactively.

California. Each Fund investing in California Municipal Bonds, and in particular the PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds may be particularly affected by political, economic or regulatory developments affecting the ability of California tax-exempt issuers to pay interest or repay principal.

Provisions of the California Constitution and State statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of California governmental entities may impair the ability of California governmental issuers to maintain debt service on their obligations. Future California political and economic developments, constitutional amendments, legislative measures, executive orders, administrative regulations, litigation and voter initiatives as well as environmental events could have an adverse effect on the debt obligations of California issuers. The information set forth below constitutes only a brief summary of a number of complex factors that may impact issuers of California Municipal Bonds. The information is derived from sources that are generally available to investors, including information promulgated by the State’s Department of Finance, the State’s Treasurer’s Office, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. The information is intended to give a recent historical description and is not intended to indicate future or continuing trends in the financial or other positions of California. Such information has not been independently verified by the Funds, and the Funds assume no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of such information. It should be noted that the financial strength of local California issuers and the creditworthiness of obligations issued by local California issuers are not directly related to the financial strength of the State or the creditworthiness of obligations issued by the State, and there is no obligation on the part of the State to make payment on such local obligations in the event of default.

Certain debt obligations held by a Fund may be obligations of issuers that rely in whole or in substantial part on California state government revenues for the continuance of their operations and payment of their obligations. Whether and to what extent the

 

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California Legislature will continue to appropriate a portion of the State’s General Fund to counties, cities and their various entities, which depend upon State government appropriations, is not entirely certain. To the extent local entities do not receive money from the State government to pay for their operations and services, their ability to pay debt service on obligations held by the Funds may be impaired.

Certain tax-exempt securities in which the Funds may invest may be obligations payable solely from the revenues of specific institutions, or may be secured by specific properties, which are subject to provisions of California law that could adversely affect the holders of such obligations. For example, the revenues of California health care institutions may be subject to state laws, and California law limits the remedies of a creditor secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on real property.

California’s economy, the largest state economy in the United States and one of the largest and most diverse in the world, has major components in high technology, trade, entertainment, manufacturing, government, tourism, construction and services, and may be sensitive to economic factors affecting those industries.

California’s fiscal health has improved since the severe recession ended in 2009, which caused large budget deficits. In recent years, the State has paid off billions of dollars of budgetary borrowings, debts and deferrals that were accumulated to balance budgets during the most recent recession and years prior. However, California’s General Fund will be materially adversely impacted by the health-related and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have had a severe impact on the California and national economies and triggered a historic drop and ongoing volatility in the stock market. These efforts are expected to result in significant declines in state revenues from recent levels, as well as increased expenditures required to manage and mitigate COVID-19’s impact. Moreover, there is uncertainty with respect to General Fund cash flow for fiscal year 2019-20 due to the delayed deadlines for filing and payment of personal income, corporation, and sales and use taxes. It is not presently possible to predict the extent of the short- and long-term harm that COVID-19 could cause to California’s economy. A meaningful decline in revenues could negatively impact California’s ability to meet its debt obligations, including with respect to investments held by a Fund.

California’s real gross domestic product (“GDP”) increased by 2.6% in 2019, and totaled more than $3.0 trillion at current prices, making California the fifth largest economy in the world. Despite the increase in the minimum wage, lower-wage sectors, such as leisure and hospitality, and educational and health services continued to grow throughout 2019. However, as more than one-third of California jobs are in sectors that are directly impacted by COVID-19, unemployment is expected to grow significantly. The unemployment rate in April 2020 was 16.4%, and the unemployment rate could peak at around 25%.

The Governor released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-21 on January 10, 2020 (“Governor’s Budget”). The Governor’s Budget focused on building California’s reserves and making investments to help reduce the cost of health care. Previous budgets allocated discretionary resources in excess of constitutional funding requirements, such as those required by Proposition 98, and the Governor’s Budget seeks to increase the level of Proposition 98 funding relative to the previous year.

On May 14, 2020, the Governor revised the projections contained in the Governor’s Budget (“May Revision”), which projections take into account the impact that COVID-19 has had on California’s economy and anticipated revenues. Consistent with California’s constitutional requirement to enact a balanced budget and not issue long-term bonds to finance deficits, the May Revision proposed to cancel new initiatives in Governor’s Budget, cancel and reduce spending included in the budget for fiscal year 2019-20, draw down on reserves, borrow from special funds, and temporarily increase revenues. The May Revision projected total reserves of $5.1billion by the end of fiscal year 2020-21 and $8.4 billion in the Budget Stabilization Account (“BSA”), as required under Proposition 2.

The May Revision projected that General Fund revenues and transfers for fiscal year 2020-21 would be $137.4 billion and expenditures would be $133.9 billion. These expenditure and revenue estimates represent a reduction of $19 billion and $14 billion, respectively, from the amounts anticipated in the Governor’s Budget. The May Revision stated that the General Fund began fiscal year 2019-20 with a surplus balance of $11.3 billion, and projected that the General Fund would begin fiscal year 2020-21 with a surplus of approximately $1.6 billion. The projected fiscal year 2020-21 General Fund revenues and transfers were 0.4% greater than the revised fiscal year 2019-20 estimate of $136.8 billion, while the projected fiscal year 2020-21 expenditures were 8.6% lower than the revised fiscal year 2019-20 estimate of $146.5 billion.

On June 29, 2020, the Governor signed into law the budget for fiscal year 2020-21 (“Enacted Budget”). To address the potential budget deficit resulting from the impacts of COVID-19, the Enacted Budget suspended several ongoing programmatic expenditures enacted in previous budgets and draws down on various reserves. The Enacted Budget projects that General Fund revenues and transfers will be $137.7 billion and expenditures will be $133.9 billion. The Enacted Budget states that the General Fund began fiscal year 2019-20 with a surplus balance of $11.3 billion, and projects that the General Fund will begin fiscal year 2020-21 with a surplus of approximately $2.0 billion. The projected fiscal year 2020-21 General Fund revenues and transfers are 0.1% greater than the

 

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revised fiscal year 2019-20 estimate of $137.6 billion, while the projected fiscal year 2020-21 expenditures are 8.9% lower than the revised fiscal year 2019-20 estimate of $146.9 billion.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (“LAO”), California’s nonpartisan fiscal and policy advisor, released a report on the May Revision that addressed the budgetary issues facing California. The LAO noted that, to address a potential $54.3 billion budget shortfall, the Governor adjusted baseline revenue expectations, used reserves, implemented new revenue generating mechanisms, and reduced spending. The LAO also observed that the May Revision contemplates approximately $8.6 billion in direct COVID-19-related expenditures and conditioned approximately $15 billion in spending on the receipt of certain federal assistance funds. While the LAO acknowledged that the mix of potential solutions would be helpful in addressing the budgetary problems, the LAO cautioned against certain cost shifting mechanisms in the May Revision, such as suspending increases in the rate of payment on certain pension obligations. The LAO also commented that reliance on federal relief funds to fund certain programs would not address long-term budget issues.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) assign ratings to California’s long-term general obligation bonds, which represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal bonds they rate. As of July 13, 2020, California’s general obligation bonds were assigned ratings of Aa2, AA- and AA by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, respectively. The ratings agencies continue to monitor the State’s budget deliberations closely to determine whether to alter the ratings. It should be recognized that these ratings are not an absolute standard of quality, but rather general indicators. Such ratings reflect only the view of the originating rating agencies, from which an explanation of the significance of such ratings may be obtained. There is no assurance that a particular rating will continue for any given period of time or that any such rating will not be revised downward or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of the agency establishing the rating, circumstances so warrant. A downward revision or withdrawal of such ratings, or either of them, may affect the market price of the State municipal obligations in which a Fund invests. Although ratings by credit rating agencies may be considered, Gurtin primarily relies on its internal research and the ratings it assigns to particular obligors of municipal obligations when assessing an obligor’s credit quality.

The State is a party to numerous legal proceedings, many of which normally occur in governmental operations and which, if decided against the State, might require the State to make significant future expenditures or impair future revenue sources.

Constitutional and statutory amendments as well as budget developments may affect the ability of California issuers to pay interest and principal on their obligations. The overall effect may depend upon whether a particular California tax-exempt security is a general or limited obligation bond and on the type of security provided for the bond. It is possible that measures affecting the taxing or spending authority of California or its political subdivisions may be approved or enacted in the future.

New York. Funds investing in New York Municipal Bonds, and in particular the PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund, may be particularly affected by political, economic or regulatory developments affecting the ability of New York tax-exempt issuers to pay interest or repay principal. Investors should be aware that certain issuers of New York tax-exempt securities have at times experienced serious financial difficulties. A reoccurrence of these difficulties may impair the ability of certain New York issuers to maintain debt service on their obligations. The following information provides only a brief summary of the complex factors affecting the financial situation in New York and is derived from sources that are generally available to investors, including the New York State Division of the Budget and the New York City Office of Management and Budget. The information is intended to give a recent historical description and is not intended to indicate future or continuing trends in the financial or other positions of New York. Such information has not been independently verified by the Funds and the Funds assume no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of such information. It should be noted that the creditworthiness of obligations issued by local New York issuers may be unrelated to the creditworthiness of obligations issued by New York City and State agencies, and that there is no obligation on the part of New York State to make payment on such local obligations in the event of default.

Relative to other states, New York has for many years imposed a very high state and local tax burden on residents. The burden of state and local taxation, in combination with the many other causes of regional economic dislocation, has contributed to the decisions of some businesses and individuals to relocate outside of, or not locate within, New York. The economic and financial condition of the State also may be affected by various financial, social, economic, public health, environmental and political factors. For example, the securities industry is more central to New York’s economy than to the national economy, therefore any significant decline in stock market performance could adversely affect the State’s income and employment levels. Furthermore, such financial, social, economic, public health, environmental and political factors can be very complex, may vary from year to year and can be the result of actions taken not only by the State and its agencies and instrumentalities, but also by entities, such as the Federal government, that are not under the control of the State.

New York was one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. Since the outbreak began in early 2020, New York has adopted many restrictive measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 and expand health care system capacity. For example, in March 2020, the Governor issued an executive order requiring all non-essential businesses statewide to close in-office

 

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personnel functions and banning all non-essential gatherings of individuals. In addition, New York implemented a $40 million special emergency appropriation for pandemic response services and expenses. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused in economic activity within New York to decline dramatically, which could lead to a decrease in revenues for the State. It is not presently possible to predict the extent of the short- and long-term harm that COVID-19 could cause to New York’s economy. A meaningful decline in revenues could negatively impact New York’s ability to meet its debt obligations, including with respect to investments held by a Fund.

The fiscal stability of New York State is related to the fiscal stability of the State’s municipalities, its agencies and authorities (which generally finance, construct and operate revenue-producing public benefit facilities). This is due in part to the fact that agencies, authorities and local governments in financial trouble often seek State financial assistance. In the event that New York City or any of its agencies or authorities suffers serious financial difficulty, then the ability of the State, New York City, and the State’s political subdivisions, agencies and authorities to obtain financing in the public credit markets, and the market price of outstanding New York tax-exempt securities, may be adversely affected.

State actions affecting the level of receipts and disbursements, the relative strength of the State and regional economies and actions of the Federal government may create budget gaps for the State. Moreover, even an ostensibly balanced budget may still contain several financial risks. These risks include the impact of broad economic factors, additional spending needs, revenues that may not materialize and proposals to reduce spending or raise revenues that have been previously rejected by the Legislature. To address a potential imbalance in any given fiscal year, the State would be required to take actions to increase receipts and/or reduce disbursements as it enacts the budget for that year. Under the State Constitution, the Governor is required to propose a balanced budget each year. There can be no assurance, however, that the Legislature will enact such proposals or that the State’s actions will be sufficient to preserve budgetary balance in a given fiscal year or to align recurring receipts and disbursements in future fiscal years. The fiscal stability of the State is related to the fiscal stability of its public authorities. Authorities have various responsibilities, including those that finance, construct and/or operate revenue-producing public facilities. Authorities may issue bonds and notes within the amounts and restrictions set forth in their respective legislative authorization.

Authorities are generally supported by revenues generated by the projects financed or operated, such as tolls charged for use of highways, bridges or tunnels; charges for electric power, electric and gas utility services; rentals charged for housing units and charges for occupancy at medical care facilities. In addition, State legislation authorizes several financing techniques for authorities. Also, there are statutory arrangements providing for State local assistance payments otherwise payable to localities, to be made under certain circumstances directly to the authorities. Although the State has no obligation to provide additional assistance to localities whose local assistance payments have been paid to authorities under these arrangements, if local assistance payments are diverted the affected localities could seek additional State assistance. Some authorities also receive monies from State appropriations to pay for the operating costs of certain of their programs.

Over the near and long term, New York State and New York City may face economic problems. New York City accounts for a large portion of the State’s population and personal income, and New York City’s financial health affects the State in numerous ways. Notably, New York City accounts for a significant number of the State’s COVID-19 cases. New York City continues to require significant financial assistance from the State, including to address the ongoing pandemic, and depends on State aid to both enable it to balance its budget and to meet its cash requirements. The State could also be affected by the ability of the City to market its securities successfully in the public credit markets.

In April 2020, the State’s Division of Budget (“DOB”) issued an Enacted Budget Financial Plan related to the State’s enacted budget for FY 2021 (“Enacted Budget”), which includes projections for FYs 2020 through 2024. The DOB estimated that COVID-19 will result in a $60.5 billion decline in State revenues through FY 2024. While the Enacted Budget anticipates that New York will finish FY 2021 with a balanced budget, the State expects that there will be budget deficits in each of FY 2022, 2023, and 2024 even after the implementation of gap-closing measures. A budget gap represents the difference between: (a) the projected General Fund disbursements, including transfers to other funds, needed to maintain anticipated service levels and specific commitments; and (b) the expected level of resources to pay for them.

Estimated total General Fund receipts for the Enacted Budget are projected to be $70.9 billion for FY 2021, a decrease of $8.3 billion, or 10.4%, from FY 2020 results. These receipts consisted of $41.6 billion in personal income tax revenues (a decrease of 17.6% from FY 2020), $12.0 billion in consumption/use tax receipts (a decrease of 15.7% from FY 2020) and $6.5 billion in business tax receipts (an increase of 2.1% from FY 2020). The growth is primarily attributable to growth in corporation franchise tax receipts, driven by higher gross receipts and lower refunds. Against these revenues and transfers, the Enacted Budget included approximately $73.2 billion in General Fund disbursements, representing a decrease of $4.3 billion relative to FY 2020 (a decrease of 5.6%). The amount allocated in the Enacted Budget for local assistance and personal and non-personal service costs declined by 10.5% and 3.3%, respectively, relative to the FY 2020 budget, while the resources allocated to school aid spending grew by $532 million.

 

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The State has experienced a number of natural disasters in recent years, for which the State has received, and anticipates further receipt of, Federal disaster aid. In addition, New York has received $5.1 billion so far from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to help offset increased costs due to COVID-19. However, there can be no assurance that anticipated Federal disaster aid will be provided to the State, or that such Federal disaster aid, if provided, will be for the full amount estimated or on the timeline expected.

The abrupt halt of economic activity in most industries led to layoffs and furloughs throughout the beginning of 2020. While the State projects total nonagricultural employment growth of 0.8% for FY 2020, a decline of 7.0% is expected in FY 2021. Private sector employment is expected to decline by 7.5% in 2020 and recover in 2021 to a growth rate of 3.1%. The State projects that wages will decrease by 7.2% for 2020, accompanied by a decline in total personal income (excluding bonuses) of 2.2%. The State’s unemployment rate as of April 2020 was 15.3%, which was up from 3.9% in April 2019. The State’s unemployment rate was above the national average of 14.7% in April 2020.

There are many factors that pose significant risk to the State’s economy, including, but not limited to, the effects of: national and international events, climate change and extreme weather events; pandemics, epidemics, or other public health emergencies; ongoing financial instability in the Euro Zone; major terrorist events, hostilities or war; changes in consumer confidence, oil supplies and oil prices; cyber security attacks; Federal statutory and regulatory changes concerning financial sector activities; changes concerning financial sector bonus payouts; and shifts in monetary policy affecting interest rates and the financial markets.

The fiscal demands on the State may be affected by the fiscal condition of New York City, which relies in part on State aid to balance its budget and meet its cash requirements, and the City has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, unemployment in the City increased from 4.1% to 14.5%. The unexpected increase in expenses to address the pandemic as well as reduced revenues from decreasing tax collections has had a severe adverse impact on the City’s cash flow and increased pressure on its budget.

New York City’s general debt limit, as provided in the New York State Constitution, is 10 percent of the five-year rolling average of the full value of taxable City real property. As of June 30, 2019, the City’s total debt-incurring power under the general debt limit was approximately $106.2 billion, and the general debt-incurring power was $29.3 billion. The City’s general obligation debt outstanding was $37.5 billion as of June 30, 2019. After including contract and other liability and adjusting for appropriations, the City’s indebtedness that is counted toward the debt limit totaled $76.9 billion as of June 2019.

In addition to general obligation bonds, the City maintains several additional credits, including bonds issued by the New York City Transitional Finance Authority (“NYCTFA”) and Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corporation (“TSASC”). At the end of FY 2019, NYCTFA debt backed by personal income tax revenues accounted for $37.8 billion of debt. In July 2009, the State Legislature granted NYCTFA the authority to issue additional debt for general capital purposes. This additional borrowing above the initial $13.5 billion limit is secured by personal income tax revenues and counted under the City’s general debt limit. In addition to this capacity, the NYCTFA is authorized to issue up to $9.4 billion of Building Aid Revenue Bonds (BARBs) for education purposes. Approximately $8.1 billion of these bonds have been issued as of June 30, 2019. Debt service for these bonds is supported by State building aid revenues. At the end of FY 2019, TSASC debt totaled $1.05 billion. The City’s debt per capita has grown from $4,923 in FY 2000 to $11,559 by FY 2019, an increase of approximately 125%.

As of July 13, 2020 New York State’s general obligation bonds are rated AA+, Aa1, and AA+ by S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, respectively. As of July 13, 2020, New York City’s general obligation debt was rated AA by S&P, Aa1 by Moody’s, and AA by Fitch. Such ratings reflect only the view of the originating rating agencies, from which an explanation of the significance of such ratings may be obtained. There is no assurance that a particular rating will continue for any given period of time or that any such rating will not be revised downward or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of the agency originally establishing the rating, circumstances so warrant. A downward revision or withdrawal of such ratings, or either of them, may have an effect on the market price of the State municipal obligations in which a Fund invests.

Puerto Rico. Each Fund investing in municipal securities issued by Puerto Rico may be particularly affected by political, economic, regulatory or restructuring developments affecting the ability of Puerto Rican municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal.

During the last recession, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (“Commonwealth”) experienced a significant economic downturn. Few signs of improvement have appeared, and any recovery may be slow as the Commonwealth continues to face significant fiscal challenges, including substantial underfunding of the Commonwealth’s retirement systems, sizeable debt service obligations, and a high level of unemployment. Moreover, the high level of public debt in the Commonwealth affects long-term growth prospects and could cause the Commonwealth to experience additional financial hardship. The amount of its outstanding public debt will make it difficult for Puerto Rico to make full repayment. Certain issuers of Puerto Rico municipal securities have failed to make payments on obligations that have come due, and additional missed payments and defaults may be likely to occur in the future. These financial challenges have been compounded by two hurricanes that impacted the Commonwealth in 2017, which caused more than $80 billion

 

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dollars in damage, as well as the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020. As a result of these and other factors, the Commonwealth is facing significant budget shortfalls and the most severe fiscal crisis that it has endured in decades.

On June 30, 2016, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) was signed into law by President Obama. PROMESA established a federally-appointed oversight board (the “Oversight Board”) to oversee the Commonwealth’s financial operations and allows the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities, with approval of the Oversight Board, to file cases to restructure debt and other obligations in a “Title III” proceeding. Title III incorporates many provisions of the federal Bankruptcy Code and incorporates legal mechanisms for a litigation stay and restructuring of pension and debt obligations, among other provisions. Title III petitions were filed for, among others, the Commonwealth, the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation, and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, three of the largest issuers of Commonwealth debt. It is possible that petitions under Title III or other provisions of PROMESA, including Title VI, for additional Commonwealth instrumentalities will be filed in the future. These restructuring proceedings create uncertainty as to the treatment of claims of varying degrees of seniority in the levels and priorities of payment from the affected entities.

There can be no assurances that the Commonwealth will not continue to face severe fiscal stress or that such circumstances will not become even more difficult in the future. Furthermore, there can be no guarantee that future developments will not have a materially adverse impact on the Commonwealth’s finances. Any deterioration in the Commonwealth’s financial condition may have a negative effect on the payment of principal and interest, the marketability, liquidity or value of the securities issued by the Commonwealth, which could reduce the performance of a Fund.

The Commonwealth has faced a number of significant fiscal challenges, including a structural imbalance between its General Fund revenues and expenditures. Such challenges contributed to the passage of PROMESA, which established the Oversight Board and empowered it to approve Puerto Rico’s fiscal plans and budgets. The Oversight Board is comprised of seven members appointed by the President who are nominated through a bipartisan selection process. The budget process requires the Oversight Board, the Governor, and the Commonwealth’s Legislative Assembly to develop a budget that complies with the fiscal plan developed by the Oversight Board and Governor.

The Commonwealth’s Fiscal Plan for FY2021 was certified by the Oversight Board in May 2020, which provided for approximately $9.8 billion in General Fund revenue against $10.3 billion in General Fund appropriations. The Fiscal Plan takes into account the potential impact that COVID-19 could have on Commonwealth’s economy, including reduced income from an enduring spike in unemployment as well as federal relief aid that has been allocated to the Commonwealth. The Fiscal Plan forecasts that the Commonwealth’s unemployment rate will increase to approximately 40% in June 2020 but decrease to approximately 16% by June 2021. Although the federal government has passed several economic relief packages as of the date of this SAI, which would allocate approximately $14 billion to the Commonwealth, there can be no assurances that the relief will be sufficient to address the economic pressure resulting from the spread of COVID-19 or that the relief will have its intended effect.

The Oversight Board certified the Commonwealth’s FY2021 budget on July 1, 2020, which provides for approximately $10.0 billion in General Fund expenditures. The expenditures in the FY2021 budget represent an increase of approximately 10.0% over FY2020 spending levels.

Investors should be aware that Puerto Rico relies heavily on transfers from the federal government related to specific programs and activities in the Commonwealth. These transfers include, among others, entitlements for previously performed services, or those resulting from contributions to programs such as Social Security, Veterans’ Benefits, Medicare and U.S. Civil Service retirement pensions, as well as grants such as Nutritional Assistance Program grants and Pell Grant scholarships for higher education. The Commonwealth also relies heavily on federal relief aid to help respond to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, as well as public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic. There is considerable uncertainty about which federal policy changes may be enacted in the coming years and the economic impact of those changes. Due to the Commonwealth’s dependence on federal transfers, any actions that reduce or alter these transfers may cause increased fiscal stress in Puerto Rico, which may have a negative impact on the value of the Commonwealth’s municipal securities.

The Commonwealth’s retirement systems, which include the Employees Retirement System, the Teachers Retirement System, and the Judiciary Retirement System, are severely underfunded and are projected to deplete their assets in the near future. As of the end of FY2016, the pension systems reported a net pension liability of approximately $44.9 billion. In 2017, the Legislative Assembly enacted laws to reform the operation and funding of the Pension Systems, which eliminated employer contributions. The Commonwealth’s pension systems operate on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, and the General Fund has assumed any payments that the pension systems could not make. As a result, the Commonwealth may have fewer resources funding for other priorities, including payments on its outstanding debt obligations. Alternatively, the Commonwealth may be forced to raise revenue or issue additional debt. Either outcome could increase the pressure on the Commonwealth’s budget, which could have an adverse impact on a Fund’s investments in Puerto Rico.

 

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As of May 30, 2018, the Commonwealth’s consolidated outstanding debt and pension liabilities have grown to over $120 billion, with more than $70 billion in financial debt and more than $50 billion in pension liabilities. In 2017, the Oversight Board filed petitions pursuant to Title III of PROMESA in federal court on behalf the Commonwealth and certain of its instrumentalities, including the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (“COFINA”), the Employee Retirement System, the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority, and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Utility (“PREPA”), to begin proceedings to restructure their outstanding debt. As a result of these petitions, the ability of the creditors of the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities that have filed for Title III to take action with respect to outstanding obligations has been temporarily stayed. The judge assigned to oversee the Title III proceedings initiated a confidential mediation process administered by five federal judges. In addition, the judge has concurrently overseen legal proceedings related to the Title III petitions and mediation, including litigation related to a proposed loan from the Commonwealth to PREPA and whether COFINA bonds were validly issued under the Commonwealth’s constitution.

With respect to the ongoing litigation between the Commonwealth and COFINA, the Oversight Board and the COFINA bondholders reached an agreement in August 2018 to restructure the COFINA bonds into a new issuance of bonds. Under the agreement, the senior and junior COFINA bondholders would be entitled to recover specified percentages of the value of their original investments. The judge overseeing the Title III proceedings approved the Plan of Adjustment on February 4, 2019, which restructures approximately $17.0 billion of COFINA debt and provides the Commonwealth with an average annual savings of $456 million through 2057, an overall savings of approximately 32%. With respect to PREPA’s Title III proceeding, a preliminary agreement has been reached between the PREPA bondholders, on one side and PREPA, the Oversight Board, and Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, on the other side, to restructure the outstanding PREPA bonds. Under the preliminary agreement, PREPA’s obligations with respect to outstanding bonds would be reduced by up to 32.5%. The preliminary agreement is subject to review by the judge overseeing PREPA’s Title III proceedings. The proceedings related to the preliminary agreement were delayed as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. It is not presently possible to predict whether the agreement will be finalized or if there will be any further delays in the proceedings.

In addition to the litigation described above, the Commonwealth, its officials and employees are named as defendants in legal proceedings that occur in the normal course of governmental operations. Some of these proceedings involve claims for substantial amounts, which if decided against the Commonwealth might require the Commonwealth to make significant future expenditures or substantially impair future revenue sources. Because of the prospective nature of these proceedings, it is not presently possible to predict the ultimate outcome of such proceedings, estimate the potential impact on the ability of the Commonwealth to pay debt service costs on its obligations, or determine what impact, if any, such proceedings may have on a Fund’s investments.

In September 2017, two successive hurricanes – Irma and Maria – caused severe damage to Puerto Rico. Hurricane Irma passed to the north of the Commonwealth, but Hurricane Maria made direct landfall, and the damage caused by both storms was extensive. The Commonwealth’s infrastructure was severely damaged by high winds and substantial flooding, and much of the Commonwealth was left without power. Current estimates suggest that Hurricane Maria caused approximately $80 billion in damage and has caused a real decline in gross national product in the year following the storms. In June 2019, President Trump signed a $19 billion disaster relief bill, of which approximately $1 billion would be allocated to the Commonwealth. In addition, while the Commonwealth’s population has declined every year since 2013, the trend was accelerated after the damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria displaced residents.

The damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria is expected to have substantially adverse effects on the Commonwealth’s economy. In addition to diverting funds to relief and recovery efforts, the Commonwealth is expected to lose revenue as a result of decreased tourism and general business operations. There can be no assurances that the Commonwealth will receive the necessary aid to rebuild from the damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and it is not currently possible to predict the long-term impact that Hurricanes Irma and Maria will have on the Commonwealth’s economy. All these developments have a material adverse effect on the Commonwealth’s finances and negatively impact the payment of principal and interest, the marketability, liquidity and value of securities issued by the Commonwealth that are held by the Fund.

In late December 2019 and January 2020, a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 6.4 earthquake, the strongest to hit the island in more than a century, caused an estimated $200 million in damage. The aftershocks from the earthquakes may continue for years, and it is not currently possible to predict the extent of the damage that could arise from any aftershocks. The damage caused by the hurricanes, earthquakes, and the outbreak of COVID-19 is expected to have substantially adverse effects on the Commonwealth’s economy. In addition to diverting funds to relief and recovery efforts, the Commonwealth is expected to lose substantial revenue as a result of decreased tourism (including from travel restrictions), decreased general business operations, and other measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19. There can be no assurances that the Commonwealth will receive the necessary aid to rebuild from the damage or that future catastrophic weather events, natural disasters, or public health emergencies will not cause similar damage. Any such developments could have an adverse effect on the Commonwealth’s finances and negatively impact the payment of principal and interest, the marketability, liquidity, and value of securities issued by the Commonwealth.

 

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As of July 13, 2020, Puerto Rico’s general obligation debt was assigned a credit rating of Ca by Moody’s and D by Fitch. In 2018, S&P discontinued their unenhanced ratings of Puerto Rico’s general obligation debt. As a result, general obligation bonds issued by Puerto Rico are currently considered below-investment-grade securities. These ratings reflect only the views of the respective rating agency, an explanation of which may be obtained from each such rating agency. There is no assurance that these ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by the rating agency if, in the judgment of such rating agency, circumstances so warrant. A downward revision or withdrawal of any such rating may have an adverse effect on the market prices of the securities issued by the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, instrumentalities, and authorities.

Mortgage-Related Securities and Asset-Backed Securities

Mortgage-related securities are interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgage loans, including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Such mortgage loans may include reperforming loans (“RPLs”), which are loans that have previously been delinquent but are current at the time securitized. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. See “Mortgage Pass-Through Securities.” Certain Funds also may invest in debt securities which are secured with collateral consisting of mortgage-related securities (see “Collateralized Mortgage Obligations”). The PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

The financial downturn of the late 2000s adversely affected the market for mortgage-related securities. The downturn saw dramatic declines in the housing market, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, and significant asset write-downs by financial institutions. Between 2008 and 2009, the market for mortgage-related securities (and other asset-backed securities) was particularly adversely impacted by, among other factors, the failure of certain large financial institutions and the events leading to the conservatorship and the control by the U.S. Government of FNMA and FHLMC, as described below. These events, coupled with the general economic downturn, resulted in a substantial level of uncertainty in the financial markets, particularly with respect to mortgage-related investments. There is no assurance that the U.S. Government would take similar or further action to support the mortgage-related securities industry, as it has in the past, should the economy experience another downturn. Further, any future government actions may significantly alter the manner in which the mortgage-related securities market functions. Each of these factors could ultimately increase the risk that a Fund could realize losses on mortgage-related securities.

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Interests in pools of mortgage-related securities differ from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities (such as securities issued by GNMA) are described as “modified pass-through.” These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

The rate of pre-payments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-related security, and may have the effect of shortening or extending the effective duration of the security relative to what was anticipated at the time of purchase. To the extent that unanticipated rates of pre-payment on underlying mortgages increase the effective duration of a mortgage-related security, the volatility of such security can be expected to increase. The residential mortgage market in the United States has experienced in the past, and could experience in the future, difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain of the Funds’ mortgage-related investments. Delinquencies, defaults and losses on residential mortgage loans may increase substantially over certain periods. A decline in or flattening of housing values may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses on residential mortgages. Borrowers with adjustable rate mortgage loans are more sensitive to changes in interest rates, which affect their monthly mortgage payments, and may be unable to secure replacement mortgages at comparably low interest rates. As a result of the 2008 financial crisis, a number of residential mortgage loan originators experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Owing largely to the foregoing, reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for certain mortgage-related securities, which adversely affected the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could recur or worsen in the future.

Agency Mortgage-Related Securities. The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is a wholly owned United States Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (the “FHA”), or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”).

 

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Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. FHLMC was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored corporation that issues Participation Certificates (“PCs”), which are pass-through securities, each representing an undivided interest in a pool of residential mortgages. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

FNMA and FHLMC also securitize RPLs. For example, in FNMA’s case, the RPLs are single-family, fixed rate reperforming loans that generally were previously placed in a mortgage backed securities trust guaranteed by FNMA, purchased from the trust by FNMA and held as a distressed asset after four or more months of delinquency, and subsequently became current (i.e. performing) again. Such RPLs may have exited delinquency through efforts at reducing defaults (e.g., loan modification). In selecting RPLs for securitization, FNMA follows certain criteria related to length of time the loan has been performing, the type of loan (single-family, fixed rate), and the status of the loan as first lien, among other things. FNMA may include different loan structures and modification programs in the future.

On September 6, 2008, FHFA placed FNMA and FHLMC into conservatorship. As the conservator, FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of FNMA and FHLMC and of any stockholder, officer or director of FNMA and FHLMC with respect to FNMA and FHLMC and the assets of FNMA and FHLMC. FHFA selected a new chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors for each of FNMA and FHLMC.

In connection with the conservatorship, the U.S. Treasury entered into a Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement with each of FNMA and FHLMC pursuant to which the U.S. Treasury will purchase up to an aggregate of $100 billion of each of FNMA and FHLMC to maintain a positive net worth in each enterprise. This agreement contains various covenants that severely limit each enterprise’s operations. In exchange for entering into these agreements, the U.S. Treasury received $1 billion of each enterprise’s senior preferred securities and warrants to purchase 79.9% of each enterprise’s common stock. In 2009, the U.S. Treasury announced that it was doubling the size of its commitment to each enterprise under the Senior Preferred Stock Program to $200 billion. The U.S. Treasury’s obligations under the Senior Preferred Stock Program are for an indefinite period of time for a maximum amount of $200 billion per enterprise. In 2009, the U.S. Treasury further amended the Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement to allow the cap on the U.S. Treasury’s funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in FNMA’s and FHLMC’s net worth through the end of 2012. In August 2012, the Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement was further amended to, among other things, accelerate the wind down of the retained portfolio, terminate the requirement that FNMA and FHLMC each pay a 10% dividend annually on all amounts received under the funding commitment, and require the submission of an annual risk management plan to the U.S. Treasury.

FNMA and FHLMC are continuing to operate as going concerns while in conservatorship and each remain liable for all of its obligations, including its guaranty obligations, associated with its mortgage-backed securities. The Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement is intended to enhance each of FNMA’s and FHLMC’s ability to meet its obligations. The FHFA has indicated that the conservatorship of each enterprise will end when the director of FHFA determines that FHFA’s plan to restore the enterprise to a safe and solvent condition has been completed.

Under the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (the “Reform Act”), which was included as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, FHFA, as conservator or receiver, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to FHFA’s appointment as conservator or receiver, as applicable, if FHFA determines, in its sole discretion, that performance of the contract is burdensome and that repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA’s or FHLMC’s affairs. The Reform Act requires FHFA to exercise its right to repudiate any contract within a reasonable period of time after its appointment as conservator or receiver.

FHFA, in its capacity as conservator, has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty obligations of FNMA or FHLMC because FHFA views repudiation as incompatible with the goals of the conservatorship. However, in the event that FHFA, as conservator or if it is later appointed as receiver for FNMA or FHLMC, were to repudiate any such guaranty obligation, the conservatorship or receivership estate, as applicable, would be liable for actual direct compensatory damages in accordance with the provisions of the Reform Act. Any such liability could be satisfied only to the extent of FNMA’s or FHLMC’s assets available therefor.

 

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In the event of repudiation, the payments of interest to holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would be reduced if payments on the mortgage loans represented in the mortgage loan groups related to such mortgage-backed securities are not made by the borrowers or advanced by the servicer. Any actual direct compensatory damages for repudiating these guaranty obligations may not be sufficient to offset any shortfalls experienced by such mortgage-backed security holders.

Further, in its capacity as conservator or receiver, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent. Although FHFA has stated that it has no present intention to do so, if FHFA, as conservator or receiver, were to transfer any such guaranty obligation to another party, holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guaranty obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.

In addition, certain rights provided to holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC under the operative documents related to such securities may not be enforced against FHFA, or enforcement of such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship or any future receivership. The operative documents for FNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities may provide (or with respect to securities issued prior to the date of the appointment of the conservator may have provided) that upon the occurrence of an event of default on the part of FNMA or FHLMC, in its capacity as guarantor, which includes the appointment of a conservator or receiver, holders of such mortgage-backed securities have the right to replace FNMA or FHLMC as trustee if the requisite percentage of mortgage-backed securities holders consent. The Reform Act prevents mortgage-backed security holders from enforcing such rights if the event of default arises solely because a conservator or receiver has been appointed. The Reform Act also provides that no person may exercise any right or power to terminate, accelerate or declare an event of default under certain contracts to which FNMA or FHLMC is a party, or obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of FNMA or FHLMC, or affect any contractual rights of FNMA or FHLMC, without the approval of FHFA, as conservator or receiver, for a period of 45 or 90 days following the appointment of FHFA as conservator or receiver, respectively.

FHFA and the White House have made public statements regarding plans to consider ending the conservatorships of FNMA and FHLMC. In the event that FNMA and FHLMC are taken out of conservatorship, it is unclear how the capital structure of FNMA and FHLMC would be constructed and what effects, if any, there may be on FNMA’s and FHLMC’s creditworthiness and guarantees of certain mortgage-backed securities. It is also unclear whether the U.S. Treasury would continue to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under the Senior Preferred Stock Programs. Should FNMA’s and FHLMC’s conservatorship end, there could be an adverse impact on the value of their securities, which could cause losses to a Fund.

In June 2019, under the Single Security Initiative, FNMA and FHLMC started issuing UMBS in place of their current offerings of TBA-eligible securities. The Single Security Initiative seeks to support the overall liquidity of the TBA market and aligns the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. The effects that the Single Security Initiative may have on the market for TBA and other mortgage-backed securities are uncertain.

Privately Issued Mortgage-Related Securities. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit, which may be issued by governmental entities or private insurers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets the Trust’s investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. The Funds may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the originators/servicers and poolers, PIMCO determines that the securities meet the Trust’s quality standards. Securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not subject to the same underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-related securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying privately issued mortgage-related securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-related securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Mortgage pools underlying privately issued mortgage-related securities more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value ratio mortgages and manufactured housing loans, in addition to commercial mortgages and other types of mortgages where a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee is not available. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a privately-issued

 

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mortgage-related securities pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans are loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.

The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-related securities that are backed by loans that were originated under weak underwriting standards, including loans made to borrowers with limited means to make repayment. A level of risk exists for all loans, although, historically, the poorest performing loans have been those classified as subprime. Other types of privately issued mortgage-related securities, such as those classified as pay-option adjustable rate or Alt-A have also performed poorly. Even loans classified as prime have experienced higher levels of delinquencies and defaults. The substantial decline in real property values across the U.S. has exacerbated the level of losses that investors in privately issued mortgage-related securities have experienced. It is not certain when these trends may reverse. Market factors that may adversely affect mortgage loan repayment include adverse economic conditions, unemployment, a decline in the value of real property, or an increase in interest rates.

Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-related securities held in a Fund’s portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

The Funds may purchase privately issued mortgage-related securities that are originated, packaged and serviced by third party entities. It is possible these third parties could have interests that are in conflict with the holders of mortgage-related securities, and such holders (such as a Fund) could have rights against the third parties or their affiliates. For example, if a loan originator, servicer or its affiliates engaged in negligence or willful misconduct in carrying out its duties, then a holder of the mortgage-related security could seek recourse against the originator/servicer or its affiliates, as applicable. Also, as a loan originator/servicer, the originator/servicer or its affiliates may make certain representations and warranties regarding the quality of the mortgages and properties underlying a mortgage-related security. If one or more of those representations or warranties is false, then the holders of the mortgage-related securities (such as a Fund) could trigger an obligation of the originator/servicer or its affiliates, as applicable, to repurchase the mortgages from the issuing trust.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, many of the third parties that are legally bound by trust and other documents have failed to perform their respective duties, as stipulated in such trust and other documents, and investors have had limited success in enforcing terms. To the extent third party entities involved with privately issued mortgage-related securities are involved in litigation relating to the securities, actions may be taken that are adverse to the interests of holders of the mortgage-related securities, including the Funds. For example, third parties may seek to withhold proceeds due to holders of the mortgage-related securities, including the Funds, to cover legal or related costs. Any such action could result in losses to the Funds.

Mortgage-related securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Funds’ industry concentration restrictions, set forth below under “Investment Restrictions,” by virtue of the exclusion from that test available to all U.S. Government securities. The assets underlying privately issued mortgage-related securities may be represented by a portfolio of residential or commercial mortgages (including both whole mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests that may be senior or junior in terms of priority of repayment) or portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related security may in turn be insured or guaranteed by the FHA or the VA. In the case of privately issued mortgage-related securities whose underlying assets are neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S. Government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.

PIMCO seeks to manage the portion of any Fund’s assets committed to privately issued mortgage-related securities in a manner consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and overall portfolio risk profile. In determining whether and how much to invest in privately issued mortgage-related securities, and how to allocate those assets, PIMCO will consider a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to: (1) the nature of the borrowers (e.g., residential vs. commercial); (2) the collateral loan type (e.g., for residential: First Lien - Jumbo/Prime, First Lien - Alt-A, First Lien - Subprime, First Lien - Pay-Option or Second Lien; for commercial: Conduit, Large Loan or Single Asset / Single Borrower); and (3) in the case of residential loans, whether they are fixed rate or adjustable mortgages. Each of these criteria can cause privately issued mortgage-related securities to have differing primary economic characteristics and distinguishable risk factors and performance characteristics.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”). A CMO is a debt obligation of a legal entity that is collateralized by mortgages and divided into classes. Similar to a bond, interest and prepaid principal is paid, in most cases, on a monthly basis. CMOs may be

 

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collateralized by whole mortgage loans or private mortgage bonds, but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA, and their income streams.

CMOs are structured into multiple classes, often referred to as “tranches,” with each class bearing a different stated maturity and entitled to a different schedule for payments of principal and interest, including pre-payments. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the pre-payment experience of the collateral. In the case of certain CMOs (known as “sequential pay” CMOs), payments of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including pre-payments, are applied to the classes of CMOs in the order of their respective final distribution dates. Thus, no payment of principal will be made to any class of sequential pay CMOs until all other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.

In a typical CMO transaction, a corporation (“issuer”) issues multiple series (e.g., A, B, C, Z) of CMO bonds (“Bonds”). Proceeds of the Bond offering are used to purchase mortgages or mortgage pass-through certificates (“Collateral”). The Collateral is pledged to a third party trustee as security for the Bonds. Principal and interest payments from the Collateral are used to pay principal on the Bonds in the order A, B, C, Z. The Series A, B and C Bonds all bear current interest. Interest on the Series Z Bond is accrued and added to principal and a like amount is paid as principal on the Series A, B, or C Bond currently being paid off. When the Series A, B and C Bonds are paid in full, interest and principal on the Series Z Bond begins to be paid currently. CMOs may be less liquid and may exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

As CMOs have evolved, some classes of CMO bonds have become more common. For example, the Funds may invest in parallel-pay and planned amortization class (“PAC”) CMOs and multi-class pass through certificates. Parallel-pay CMOs and multi-class pass-through certificates are structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than one class. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the stated maturity date or final distribution date of each class, which, as with other CMO and multi-class pass-through structures, must be retired by its stated maturity date or final distribution date but may be retired earlier. PACs generally require payments of a specified amount of principal on each payment date. PACs are parallel-pay CMOs with the required principal amount on such securities having the highest priority after interest has been paid to all classes. Any CMO or multi-class pass through structure that includes PAC securities must also have support tranches—known as support bonds, companion bonds or non-PAC bonds—which lend or absorb principal cash flows to allow the PAC securities to maintain their stated maturities and final distribution dates within a range of actual prepayment experience. These support tranches are subject to a higher level of maturity risk compared to other mortgage-related securities, and usually provide a higher yield to compensate investors. If principal cash flows are received in amounts outside a pre-determined range such that the support bonds cannot lend or absorb sufficient cash flows to the PAC securities as intended, the PAC securities are subject to heightened maturity risk. Consistent with a Fund’s investment objectives and policies, PIMCO may invest in various tranches of CMO bonds, including support bonds.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities. Commercial mortgage-backed securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. Many of the risks of investing in commercial mortgage-backed securities reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. Commercial mortgage-backed securities may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

Other Mortgage-Related Securities. Other mortgage-related securities include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property, including mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals or stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”). Other mortgage-related securities may be equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose entities of the foregoing.

Mortgage-related securities include, among other things, securities that reflect an interest in reverse mortgages. In a reverse mortgage, a lender makes a loan to a homeowner based on the homeowner’s equity in his or her home. While a homeowner must be age 62 or older to qualify for a reverse mortgage, reverse mortgages may have no income restrictions. Repayment of the interest or principal for the loan is generally not required until the homeowner dies, sells the home, or ceases to use the home as his or her primary residence.

There are three general types of reverse mortgages: (1) single-purpose reverse mortgages, which are offered by certain state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations; (2) federally-insured reverse mortgages, which are backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (3) proprietary reverse mortgages, which are privately offered loans. A mortgage-related security may be backed by a single type of reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgage-related securities include agency and privately issued mortgage-related securities. The principal government guarantor of reverse mortgage-related securities is GNMA.

 

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Reverse mortgage-related securities may be subject to risks different than other types of mortgage-related securities due to the unique nature of the underlying loans. The date of repayment for such loans is uncertain and may occur sooner or later than anticipated. The timing of payments for the corresponding mortgage-related security may be uncertain. Because reverse mortgages are offered only to persons 62 and older and there may be no income restrictions, the loans may react differently than traditional home loans to market events. Additionally, there can be no assurance that service providers to reverse mortgage trusts (“RMTs”) will diligently and appropriately execute their duties with respect to servicing such trusts. As a result, investors (which may include the Funds) in notes issued by RMTs may be deprived of payments to which they are entitled. This could result in losses to the Funds. Investors, including the Funds, may determine to pursue negotiations or legal claims or otherwise seek compensation from RMT service providers in certain instances. This may involve the Funds incurring costs and expenses associated with such actions.

CMO Residuals. CMO residuals are mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.

The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses and any management fee of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the pre-payment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to pre-payments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an interest-only (“IO”) class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. See “Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities” below. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.

CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage-Backed Securities. Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities (“ARMBSs”) have interest rates that reset at periodic intervals. Acquiring ARMBSs permits a Fund to participate in increases in prevailing current interest rates through periodic adjustments in the coupons of mortgages underlying the pool on which ARMBSs are based. Such ARMBSs generally have higher current yield and lower price fluctuations than is the case with more traditional fixed income debt securities of comparable rating and maturity. In addition, when prepayments of principal are made on the underlying mortgages during periods of rising interest rates, a Fund can reinvest the proceeds of such prepayments at rates higher than those at which they were previously invested. Mortgages underlying most ARMBSs, however, have limits on the allowable annual or lifetime increases that can be made in the interest rate that the mortgagor pays. Therefore, if current interest rates rise above such limits over the period of the limitation, a Fund, when holding an ARMBS, does not benefit from further increases in interest rates. Moreover, when interest rates are in excess of coupon rates (i.e., the rates being paid by mortgagors) of the mortgages, ARMBSs behave more like fixed income securities and less like adjustable rate securities and are subject to the risks associated with fixed income securities. In addition, during periods of rising interest rates, increases in the coupon rate of adjustable rate mortgages generally lag current market interest rates slightly, thereby creating the potential for capital depreciation on such securities.

Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.

SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to

 

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maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated pre-payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.

Collateralized Bond Obligations, Collateralized Loan Obligations and other Collateralized Debt Obligations. The Funds (except the PIMCO Government Money Market and PIMCO Total Return IV Funds) may invest in each of collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), other collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust which is often backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below investment grade fixed income securities. The collateral can be from many different types of fixed income securities such as high yield debt, residential privately issued mortgage-related securities, commercial privately issued mortgage-related securities, trust preferred securities and emerging market debt. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Other CDOs are trusts backed by other types of assets representing obligations of various parties. CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses.

For CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CBO trust, CLO trust or trust of another CDO typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO, CLO or other CDO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CBO, CLO or other CDO securities as a class.

The risks of an investment in a CBO, CLO or other CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the instrument in which a Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed income securities discussed elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information and the Funds’ Prospectuses (e.g., prepayment risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, structural risk, legal risk and interest rate risk (which may be exacerbated if the interest rate payable on a structured financing changes based on multiples of changes in interest rates or inversely to changes in interest rates)), CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs carry additional risks including, but are not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the risk that Funds may invest in CBOs, CLOs or other CDOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) are bonds backed by pools of loans or other receivables. ABS are created from many types of assets, including, but not limited to, auto loans, accounts receivable such as credit card receivables and hospital account receivables, home equity loans, student loans, boat loans, mobile home loans, recreational vehicle loans, manufactured housing loans, aircraft leases, computer leases and syndicated bank loans. ABS are issued through special purpose vehicles that are bankruptcy remote from the issuer of the collateral. The credit quality of an ABS transaction depends on the performance of the underlying assets. To protect ABS investors from the possibility that some borrowers could miss payments or even default on their loans, ABS include various forms of credit enhancement.

Some ABS, particularly home equity loan transactions, are subject to interest-rate risk and prepayment risk. A change in interest rates can affect the pace of payments on the underlying loans, which in turn, affects total return on the securities. ABS also carry credit or default risk. If many borrowers on the underlying loans default, losses could exceed the credit enhancement level and result in losses to investors in an ABS transaction. Additionally, the value of ABS is subject to risks associated with the servicers’ performance. In some circumstances, a servicer’s or originator’s mishandling of documentation related to the underlying collateral (e.g., failure to properly document a security interest in the underlying collateral) may affect the rights of the security holders in and to the underlying collateral. Finally, ABS have structure risk due to a unique characteristic known as early amortization, or early payout, risk. Built into the structure of most ABS are triggers for early payout, designed to protect investors from losses. These triggers are unique to each transaction and can include: a big rise in defaults on the underlying loans, a sharp drop in the credit enhancement level, or even the bankruptcy of the originator. Once early amortization begins, all incoming loan payments (after expenses are paid) are used to pay investors as quickly as possible based upon a predetermined priority of payment.

Consistent with a Fund’s investment objectives and policies, PIMCO also may invest in other types of asset-backed securities.

 

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Real Estate Assets and Related Derivatives

Certain Funds (in particular, the PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Fund) 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 (see “Loans and Other Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments” below). 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 not generally 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 IRS to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 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.

Bank Obligations

Bank obligations in which the Funds may invest include certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, and fixed time deposits. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a fixed time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits. A Fund may limit investments in fixed time deposits which: (1) are not subject to prepayment; or (2) provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits). Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade and are currently subject to legislative and regulatory scrutiny. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of

 

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operations and profitability of U.S. and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

The PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Government Money Market, PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities, PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government, PIMCO Low Duration II, PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO New York Municipal Bond, PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income and PIMCO Total Return II Funds may invest in the same types of bank obligations as the other Funds, but they must be U.S. dollar-denominated. Subject to the Trust’s limitation on concentration of no more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in a particular industry, as described in the “Investment Restrictions” section below, there is no additional limitation on the amount of a Fund’s assets which may be invested in obligations of foreign banks which meet the conditions set forth herein.

Obligations of foreign banks involve somewhat different investment risks than those affecting obligations of United States banks, including the possibilities that their liquidity could be impaired because of future political and economic developments, that their obligations may be less marketable than comparable obligations of United States banks, that a foreign jurisdiction might impose withholding taxes on interest income payable on those obligations, that foreign deposits may be seized or nationalized, that foreign governmental restrictions such as exchange controls may be adopted which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on those obligations and that the selection of those obligations may be more difficult because there may be less publicly available information concerning foreign banks or the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements applicable to foreign banks may differ from those applicable to United States banks. Foreign banks are not generally subject to examination by any United States Government agency or instrumentality.

Loans and Other Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may purchase indebtedness and participations in commercial loans, as well as interests and/or servicing or similar rights in such loans. Such instruments may be secured or unsecured and may be newly-originated (and may be specifically designed for a Fund). Indebtedness is different from traditional debt securities in that debt securities are part of a large issue of securities to the public whereas indebtedness may not be a security and may represent a specific commercial loan to a borrower. Loan participations typically represent direct participation, together with other parties, in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. The Funds may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing indebtedness and loan participations, a Fund assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The indebtedness and loan participations that a Fund may acquire may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service.

A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, a Fund has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the Fund may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower.

A financial institution’s employment as agent bank might be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement should remain available to holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of a Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent bank’s general creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving other interposed financial institutions (e.g., an insurance company or governmental agency) similar risks may arise.

Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If a Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the Fund’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer a Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. In the event of the

 

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bankruptcy of a borrower, a Fund could experience delays or limitations in its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan.

The Funds may acquire loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when acquiring indebtedness of companies with poor credit, a Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount of the instrument acquired. The Funds may make purchases of indebtedness and loan participations to achieve income and/or capital appreciation.

Certain Funds that are diversified limit the amount of their total assets that they will invest in any one issuer and all Funds (except the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund, which concentrates its investments in a group of industries related to banks) limit the amount of their total assets that they will invest in issuers within the same industry (see “Investment Restrictions”). For purposes of these limits, a Fund generally will treat the corporate borrower as the “issuer” of indebtedness held by the Fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as a financial intermediary between a Fund and the corporate borrower, if the participation does not shift to the Fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the corporate borrower, the Fund will treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the corporate borrower as “issuers” for purposes of a Fund’s policy with respect to diversification under Fundamental Investment Restriction 2 below in accordance with written guidance from the staff of the SEC. Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict a Fund’s ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies.

Loans and other types of direct indebtedness (which a Fund may originate, acquire or otherwise gain exposure to) may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what PIMCO believes to be a fair price. In addition, valuation of illiquid indebtedness involves a greater degree of judgment in determining a Fund’s net asset value than if that value were based on available market quotations, and could result in significant variations in the Fund’s daily share price. At the same time, some loan interests are traded among certain financial institutions and accordingly may be deemed liquid. As the market for different types of indebtedness develops, the liquidity of these instruments is expected to improve. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. Acquisitions of loan participations are considered to be debt obligations for purposes of the Trust’s investment restriction relating to the lending of funds or assets by a Fund.

Acquisition of loans through a purchase of a loan or a direct assignment of a financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to the Funds. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender. Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, a Fund could become owner, in whole or in part, of any collateral, which could include, among other assets, real estate or other real or personal property, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and holding or disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a Fund could be held liable as a co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, the Funds rely on PIMCO’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Funds.

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may make, participate in or acquire debtor-in-possession financings (commonly known as “DIP financings”). DIP financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow the entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings constitute senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditors’ claims). There is a risk that the entity will not emerge from Chapter 11 and be forced to liquidate its assets under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In the event of liquidation, a Fund’s only recourse will be against the property securing the DIP financing.

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may act as the originator for direct loans to a borrower. Direct loans between a Fund and a borrower may not be administered by an underwriter or agent bank. The Funds may provide financing to commercial borrowers directly or through companies acquired (or created) and owned by or otherwise affiliated with one or more Funds. The terms of the direct loans are negotiated with borrowers in private transactions. A direct loan may be secured or unsecured.

In determining whether to make a direct loan, a Fund will rely primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower and/or any collateral for payment of interest and repayment of principal. In making a direct loan, a Fund is exposed to the risk that the borrower may default or become insolvent and, consequently, that the Fund will lose money on the loan. Furthermore, direct loans may subject

 

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a Fund to liquidity and interest rate risk and certain direct loans may be deemed illiquid. Direct loans are not publicly traded and may not have a secondary market. The lack of a secondary market for direct loans may have an adverse impact on the ability of a Fund to dispose of a direct loan and/or to value the direct loan.

When engaging in direct lending, a Fund’s performance may depend, in part, on the ability of the Fund to originate loans on advantageous terms. In originating and purchasing loans, a Fund will often compete with a broad spectrum of lenders. Increased competition for, or a diminishment in the available supply of, qualifying loans could result in lower yields on and/or less advantageous terms of such loans, which could reduce Fund performance.

As part of its lending activities, a Fund may originate loans to companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although the terms of such financing may result in significant financial returns to the Fund, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful financing to companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. Different types of assets may be used as collateral for a Fund’s loans and, accordingly, the valuation of and risks associated with such collateral will vary by loan. There is no assurance that a Fund will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing the Fund’s loans or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a company that the Fund funds, the Fund may lose all or part of the amounts advanced to the borrower or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the loan advanced by the Fund or its affiliates to the borrower. Furthermore, in the event of a default by a borrower, a Fund may have difficulty disposing of the assets used as collateral for a loan.

Various state licensing requirements could apply to a Fund with respect to the origination, acquisition, holding, servicing, foreclosure and/or disposition of loans and similar assets. The licensing requirements could apply depending on the location of the borrower, the location of the collateral securing the loan, or the location where the Fund or PIMCO operates or has offices. In states in which it is licensed, a Fund or PIMCO will be required to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection and anti-fraud laws, which could impose restrictions on the Fund’s or PIMCO’s ability to take certain actions to protect the value of its holdings in such assets and impose compliance costs. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could lead to, among other penalties, a loss of a Fund’s or PIMCO’s license, which in turn could require the Fund to divest assets located in or secured by real property located in that state. These risks will also apply to issuers and entities in which a Fund invests that hold similar assets, as well as any origination company or servicer in which the Fund owns an interest.

Loan origination and servicing companies are routinely involved in legal proceedings concerning matters that arise in the ordinary course of their business. These legal proceedings range from actions involving a single plaintiff to class action lawsuits with potentially tens of thousands of class members. In addition, a number of participants in the loan origination and servicing industry (including control persons of industry participants) have been the subject of regulatory actions by state regulators, including state Attorneys General, and by the federal government. Governmental investigations, examinations or regulatory actions, or private lawsuits, including purported class action lawsuits, may adversely affect such companies’ financial results. To the extent a Fund seeks to engage in origination and/or servicing directly, or has a financial interest in, or is otherwise affiliated with, an origination or servicing company, the Fund will be subject to enhanced risks of litigation, regulatory actions and other proceedings. As a result, a Fund may be required to pay legal fees, settlement costs, damages, penalties or other charges, any or all of which could materially adversely affect the Fund and its holdings.

In addition to laws governing the activities of lenders and servicers, certain states may require, or may in the future require, purchasers or holders of certain loans, including residential mortgage loans, to be licensed or registered in order to purchase, hold or foreclose such loans, or, in certain states, to collect a rate of interest above a specified rate. To the extent required or determined to be necessary or advisable by a Fund that seeks to acquire such loans, the Fund will take appropriate steps intended to address any applicable state licensing requirements, which may include acquiring and holding such loans through structures designed to preempt state licensing laws, in order to pursue its objectives and strategies. To the extent a Fund (or its direct or indirect fully-owned subsidiary) obtains licenses or is required to comply with related regulatory requirements, the Fund could be subject to increased costs and regulatory oversight by governmental authorities, which may have an adverse effect on its results or operations.

Certain Funds initially intend to acquire residential mortgage loans through direct or indirect fully-owned subsidiaries. The subsidiaries directly holding a beneficial interest in loans will be formed as domestic common law or statutory trusts with a federally chartered bank serving as trustee. A Fund’s fully-owned subsidiary trust will hold the beneficial interests of loans and the federally chartered bank acting as trustee will hold legal title to the loans for the benefit of the subsidiary trust and/or the trust’s beneficial owners (i.e., a Fund or its direct or indirect fully-owned subsidiary). State licensing laws typically exempt federally chartered banks from their licensing requirements, and federally chartered banks may also benefit from federal preemption of state laws, including any licensing requirements. The use of common law or statutory trusts with a federally chartered bank serving as trustee is intended to address any state licensing requirements that may be applicable to purchasers or holders of loans, including state licensing

 

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requirements related to foreclosure. A Fund may allocate up to 5% of its total assets to its direct or indirect fully-owned subsidiary trust for the purpose of acquiring and holding loans if the acquisition and holding of such loans is permitted by the Fund’s investment objectives and policies and any limits set by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Funds believe that such direct or indirect fully-owned subsidiary trusts will not be treated as associations or publicly traded partnerships taxable as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and that therefore, the subsidiary trusts will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the subsidiary level. Investments in residential mortgage loans through entities that are not so treated can potentially be limited by a Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company, and limit the Fund’s ability to qualify as such.

If a Fund or its direct or indirect fully-owned subsidiary trust is required to be licensed in any particular jurisdiction in order to acquire, hold, dispose or foreclose loans, obtaining the required license may not be viable (because, for example, it is not possible or practical) and the Fund or its subsidiary trust may be unable to restructure its holdings to address the licensing requirement. In that case, the Fund or its subsidiary trust may be forced to cease activities involving the affected loans, or may be forced to sell such loans. If a state regulator or court were to determine that the Fund or its subsidiary trust acquired, held or foreclosed a loan without a required state license, the Fund or its subsidiary trust could be subject to penalties or other sanctions, prohibited or restricted in its ability to enforce its rights under the loan, or subject to litigation risk or other losses or damages.

Privacy and Data Security Laws

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”) and other laws limit the disclosure of certain non-public personal information about a consumer to non-affiliated third parties and require financial institutions to disclose certain privacy policies and practices with respect to information sharing with both affiliates and non-affiliated third parties. Many states and a number of non-U.S. jurisdictions have enacted privacy and data security laws requiring safeguards on the privacy and security of consumers’ personally identifiable information. Other laws deal with obligations to safeguard and dispose of private information in a manner designed to avoid its dissemination. Privacy rules adopted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and SEC implement GLBA and other requirements and govern the disclosure of consumer financial information by certain financial institutions, ranging from banks to private investment funds. U.S. platforms following certain models generally are required to have privacy policies that conform to these GLBA and other requirements. In addition, such platforms typically have policies and procedures intended to maintain platform participants’ personal information securely and dispose of it properly.

The Fund generally does not intend to obtain or hold borrowers’ non-public personal information, and the Fund intends to implement procedures designed to prevent the disclosure of borrowers’ non-public personal information to the Fund. However, service providers to the Fund or its direct or indirect full-owned subsidiaries, including their custodians and the platforms acting as loan servicers for the Fund or its direct or indirect full-owned subsidiaries, may obtain, hold or process such information. While the Fund will adopt policies and procedures regarding the platforms’ and custodian’s protection and use of non-public personal information, the Fund cannot guarantee the security of that data and cannot guarantee that service providers have been and will continue to comply with GLBA, other data security and privacy laws and any other related regulatory requirements. Violations of GLBA and other laws could subject the Fund to litigation and/or fines, penalties or other regulatory action, which, individually or in the aggregate, could have an adverse effect on the Fund. The Fund may also face regulations related to privacy and data security in the other jurisdictions in which the Fund invests.

Senior Loans

To the extent the Funds invest in senior loans, including bank loans, the Funds may be subject to greater levels of credit risk, call risk, settlement risk and liquidity risk, than funds that do not invest in such investments. These instruments are considered predominantly speculative with respect to an issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments, and may be more volatile than other types of investments. An economic downturn or individual corporate developments could adversely affect the market for these instruments and reduce the Funds’ ability to sell these instruments at an advantageous time or price. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate and, a senior loan may lose significant market value before a default occurs. In addition, the senior loans in which the Funds invest may not be listed on any exchange and a secondary market for such loans may be less liquid than markets for other instruments. Consequently, transactions in senior loans may involve greater costs than transactions in more actively traded instruments. Restrictions on transfers in loan agreements, a lack of publicly-available information, irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads among other factors, may, in certain circumstances, make senior loans difficult to value accurately or sell at an advantageous time or price than other types of securities or instruments. These factors may result in a Fund being unable to realize full value for the senior loans and/or may result in a Fund not receiving the proceeds from a sale of a senior loan for an extended period after such sale, each of which could result in losses to a Fund. Senior loans may have extended trade settlement periods, which may result in sale proceeds not being immediately available to a Fund. As a result, transactions in senior loans that settle on a delayed basis may limit a Fund’s ability to make additional investments or satisfy the Fund’s redemption obligations. A Fund may seek to satisfy any short-term liquidity needs resulting from an extended trade settlement process by, among other things, selling portfolio assets, holding additional cash or entering into temporary borrowing arrangements with banks and other potential funding sources. If an issuer of a senior loan prepays or redeems the loan prior to maturity, a Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds

 

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in instruments that pay lower interest rates. Senior loans may not be considered securities under the federal securities laws. In such circumstances, fewer legal protections may be available with respect to a Fund’s investment in senior loans. In particular, if a senior loan is not considered a security under the federal securities laws, certain legal protections normally available to securities investors under the federal securities laws, such as those against fraud and misrepresentation, may not be available. Senior loans in which a Fund invests may be collateralized, although the loans may not be fully collateralized and the collateral may be unavailable or insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower. A Fund may have limited rights to exercise remedies against such collateral or a borrower and loan agreements may impose certain procedures that delay receipt of the proceeds of collateral or require the Fund to act collectively with other creditors to exercise its rights with respect to a senior loan. Because of the risks involved in investing in senior loans, an investment in a Fund that invests in such instruments should be considered speculative.

Secondary trades of senior loans may have extended settlement periods. Any settlement of a secondary market purchase of senior loans in the ordinary course, on a settlement date beyond the period expected by loan market participants (i.e., T+7 for par/near par loans and T+20 for distressed loans, in other words more than seven or twenty business days beyond the trade date, respectively) is subject to the “delayed compensation” rules prescribed by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association (“LSTA”) and addressed in the LSTA’s standard loan documentation for par/near par trades and for distressed trades. “Delayed compensation” is a pricing adjustment comprised of certain interest and fees, which is payable between the parties to a secondary loan trade. The LSTA introduced a requirements-based rules program in order to incentivize shorter settlement times for secondary transactions and discourage certain delay tactics that create friction in the loan syndications market by, among other things, mandating that the buyer of a senior loan satisfy certain “basic requirements” as prescribed by the LSTA no later than T+5 in order for the buyer to receive the benefit of interest and other fees accruing on the purchased loan from and after T+7 for par/near par loans (for distressed trades, T+20) until the settlement date, subject to certain specific exceptions. These “basic requirements” generally require a buyer to execute the required trade documentation and to be, and remain, financially able to settle the trade no later than T+7 for par/near par loans (and T+20 for distressed trades). In addition, buyers are required to fund the purchase price for a secondary trade upon receiving notice from the agent of the effectiveness of the trade in the agent’s loan register. A Fund, as a buyer of a senior loan in the secondary market, would need to meet these “basic requirements” or risk forfeiting all or some portion of the interest and other fees accruing on the loan from and after T+7 for par/near par loans (for distressed trades, T+20) until the settlement date. The “delayed compensation” mechanism does not mitigate the other risks of delayed settlement or other risks associated with investments in senior loans.

Investors should be aware that a Fund’s investment in a senior loan may result in the Fund or PIMCO receiving information about the issuer that may be deemed material, non-public information. Under such circumstances, the Funds’ investment opportunities may be limited, as trading in securities of such issuer may be restricted. Additionally, PIMCO may seek to avoid receiving material, non-public information about issuers of senior loans. As a result, PIMCO may forgo certain investment opportunities or be disadvantaged as compared to other investors that do not restrict information that they receive from senior loan issuers. Please see “Portfolio Managers—Conflicts of Interest—Investment Opportunities” below for more information.

Trade Claims

The Funds may purchase trade claims and similar obligations or claims against companies in bankruptcy proceedings. Trade claims are non-securitized rights of payment arising from obligations that typically arise when vendors and suppliers extend credit to a company by offering payment terms for products and services. If the company files for bankruptcy, payments on these trade claims stop and the claims are subject to compromise along with the other debts of the company. Trade claims may be purchased directly from the creditor or through brokers. There is no guarantee that a debtor will ever be able to satisfy its trade claim obligations. Trade claims are subject to the risks associated with low-quality obligations.

Corporate Debt Securities

A Fund’s investments in U.S. dollar or foreign currency-denominated corporate debt securities of domestic or foreign issuers are limited to corporate debt securities (corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities) which meet the minimum ratings criteria set forth for the Fund, or, if unrated, are in PIMCO’s opinion comparable in quality to corporate debt securities in which the Fund may invest.

The rate of interest on a corporate debt security may be fixed, floating or variable, and may vary inversely with respect to a reference rate. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies. Debt securities may be acquired with warrants attached.

Securities rated Baa and BBB are the lowest which are considered “investment grade” obligations. Moody’s describes securities rated Baa as judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. S&P describes securities rated BBB as exhibiting adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Fitch describes securities rated BBB as having good credit quality with current low expectations of default. The capacity for payment of financial

 

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commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. For a discussion of securities rated below investment grade, see “High Yield Securities (“Junk Bonds”) and Securities of Distressed Companies” below. The Funds may invest in debt securities that are rated in any category established by one or more independent rating organizations or that are unrated.

High Yield Securities (“Junk Bonds”) and Securities of Distressed Companies

Investments in securities rated below investment grade that are eligible for purchase by certain Funds are described as “speculative” by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. Investment in lower rated corporate debt securities (“high yield securities” or “junk bonds”) and securities of distressed companies generally provides greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and principal and income risk. Securities of distressed companies include both debt and equity securities. High yield securities and debt securities of distressed companies are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Issuers of high yield and distressed company securities may be involved in restructurings or bankruptcy proceedings that may not be successful. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of debt securities that are high yield or debt securities of distressed companies may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities.

High yield securities and debt securities of distressed companies may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities. The prices of these securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest-rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual corporate developments. A projection of an economic downturn, for example, could cause a decline in prices of high yield securities and debt securities of distressed companies because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make principal and interest payments on its debt securities, and a high yield security may lose significant market value before a default occurs. If an issuer of securities defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, the Funds by investing in such securities, may incur additional expenses to seek recovery of their respective investments. In the case of securities structured as zero-coupon or pay-in-kind securities, their market prices are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and therefore tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash. PIMCO seeks to reduce these risks through diversification, credit analysis and attention to current developments and trends in both the economy and financial markets.

High yield and distressed company securities may not be listed on any exchange and a secondary market for such securities may be comparatively illiquid relative to markets for other more liquid fixed income securities. Consequently, transactions in high yield and distressed company securities may involve greater costs than transactions in more actively traded securities, which could adversely affect the price at which the Funds could sell a high yield or distressed company security, and could adversely affect the daily net asset value of the shares. A lack of publicly-available information, irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads among other factors, may, in certain circumstances, make high yield debt more difficult to sell at an advantageous time or price than other types of securities or instruments. These factors may result in a Fund being unable to realize full value for these securities and/or may result in a Fund not receiving the proceeds from a sale of a high yield or distressed company security for an extended period after such sale, each of which could result in losses to the Fund. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield and distressed company securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. When secondary markets for high yield and distressed company securities are less liquid than the market for other types of securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because such valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation because there is less reliable, objective data available. PIMCO seeks to minimize the risks of investing in all securities through diversification, in-depth analysis and attention to current market developments.

The use of credit ratings as the sole method of evaluating high yield securities and debt securities of distressed companies can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of a debt security, not the market value risk of a security. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last rated. PIMCO does not rely solely on credit ratings when selecting debt securities for the Funds, and develops its own independent analysis of issuer credit quality. If a credit rating agency changes the rating of a debt security held by a Fund, the Fund may retain the security if PIMCO deems it in the best interest of shareholders.

Creditor Liability and Participation on Creditors Committees

Generally, when a Fund holds bonds or other similar fixed income securities of an issuer, the Fund becomes a creditor of the issuer. If a Fund is a creditor of an issuer it may be subject to challenges related to the securities that it holds, either in connection with the bankruptcy of the issuer or in connection with another action brought by other creditors of the issuer, shareholders of the issuer or the issuer itself. Although under no obligation to do so, PIMCO, as investment adviser to a Fund, may from time to time have an opportunity to consider, on behalf of a Fund and other similarly situated clients, negotiating or otherwise participating in the restructuring of the Fund’s portfolio investment or the issuer of such investment. 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 negotiate or otherwise

 

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participate in such restructuring. Accordingly, and subject to applicable procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, a Fund may from time to time participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Fund. Such participation may subject a Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may make a Fund an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of the federal securities laws, and therefore may restrict such Fund’s ability to trade in or acquire additional positions in a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by a Fund on such committees also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. Similarly, subject to the above-mentioned procedures, PIMCO may actively participate in bankruptcy court and related proceedings on behalf of a Fund in order to protect the Fund’s interests in connection with a restructuring transaction, and PIMCO may cause a Fund to enter into an agreement reasonably indemnifying third parties or advancing from the Fund’s assets any legal fees or other costs to third parties, including parties involved in or assisting the Fund with a restructuring transaction, such as trustees, servicers and other third parties. Further, PIMCO has the authority, subject to the above-mentioned procedures, to represent the Trust, or any Fund(s) thereof, on creditors’ committees (or similar committees) or otherwise in connection with the restructuring of an issuer’s debt and generally with respect to challenges related to the securities held by the Funds relating to the bankruptcy of an issuer or in connection with another action brought by other creditors of the issuer, shareholders of the issuer or the issuer itself.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations must provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event based, such as based on a change in the prime rate. The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund may invest in a variable rate security having a stated maturity in excess of 397 calendar days if the interest rate will be adjusted and such Fund may demand payment of principal from the issuer within that period.

Certain Funds may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide a Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, a Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.

Each of the Funds (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) also may invest in inverse floating rate debt instruments (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality. The PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in any combination of mortgage-related or other asset-backed IO, PO, or inverse floater securities. Each other Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may invest up to 5% of its total assets in any combination of mortgage-related and or other asset-backed IO, PO, or inverse floater securities. See “Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities” for a discussion of IOs and POs. To the extent permitted by each Fund’s investment objectives and general investment policies, a Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market and PIMCO Total Return IV Funds) may invest in residual interest bonds without limitation. The term “residual interest bonds” generally includes tender option bond trust residual interest certificates and instruments designed to receive residual interest payments or other excess cash flows from collateral pools once other interest holders and expenses have been paid.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds

Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have maturities of five, ten or thirty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semi-annual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if a Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semi-annually), and inflation over the first six months was 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semi-annual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year resulted in the whole years’ inflation equaling 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semi-annual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced.

 

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Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. The Funds also may invest in other inflation related bonds which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds.

While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

The periodic adjustment of U.S. inflation-indexed bonds is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a foreign government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index, calculated by that government. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any foreign inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a foreign country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States.

Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

Event-Linked Exposure

Certain Funds may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds” or “event-linked swaps,” or by implementing “event-linked strategies.” Event-linked exposure results in gains that typically are contingent on the non-occurrence of a specific “trigger” event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomena. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” They may be issued by government agencies, insurance companies, reinsurers, special purpose corporations or other on-shore or off-shore entities (such special purpose entities are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective, such as the issuance of a note in connection with a reinsurance transaction). If a trigger event causes losses exceeding a specific amount in the geographic region and time period specified in a bond, a Fund investing in the bond may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond. If no trigger event occurs, the Fund will recover its principal plus interest. For some event-linked bonds, the trigger event or losses may be based on company-wide losses, index-portfolio losses, industry indices, or readings of scientific instruments rather than specified actual losses. Often the event-linked bonds provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory, or optional at the discretion of the issuer, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked bonds also may expose a Fund to certain unanticipated risks including but not limited to issuer risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences.

Event-linked bonds are a relatively new type of financial instrument. As such, there is no significant trading history of these securities, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market in these instruments will develop. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. Lack of a liquid market may impose the risk of higher transaction costs and the possibility that a Fund may be forced to liquidate positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. Event-linked bonds are typically rated, and a Fund will only invest in catastrophe bonds that meet the credit quality requirements for the Fund.

Convertible Securities

Each Fund (except the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) 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

 

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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 non-convertible 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 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 PIMCO 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 PIMCO 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.

A Fund 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 the Fund in turn assumes credit risk associated with the convertible note.

Contingent Convertible Instruments. Contingent convertible securities (“CoCos”) are a form of hybrid debt security that are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain “triggers.” The triggers are generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution’s continued viability

 

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as a going-concern. CoCos’ unique equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuing banking institution and its regulatory requirements. Some additional risks associated with CoCos include, but are not limited to:

 

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Loss absorption risk. CoCos have fully discretionary coupons. This means coupons can potentially be cancelled at the banking institution’s discretion or at the request of the relevant regulatory authority in order to help the bank absorb losses.

 

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Subordinated instruments. CoCos will, in the majority of circumstances, be issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital treatment prior to a conversion. Accordingly, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of an issuer prior to a conversion having occurred, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCos, such as the Funds, against the issuer in respect of or arising under the terms of the CoCos shall generally rank junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. In addition, if the CoCos are converted into the issuer’s underlying equity securities following a conversion event (i.e., a “trigger”), each holder will be subordinated due to their conversion from being the holder of a debt instrument to being the holder of an equity instrument.

 

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Market value will fluctuate based on unpredictable factors. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and will be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer’s applicable capital ratios; (ii) supply and demand for the CoCos; (iii) general market conditions and available liquidity; and (iv) economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

Equity Securities

While the securities in which certain Funds primarily intend to invest are expected to consist of fixed income securities, such Funds (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may invest in equity securities. While the PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG, PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS International, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International (Unhedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Small, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small, PIMCO StocksPLUS^®, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Long Duration, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Absolute Return and PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Funds (together, for purposes of this section only, “Equity-Related Funds”) will normally utilize derivatives to gain exposure to equity securities, each of the Equity-Related Funds may also invest directly in equity securities. Equity securities, such as common stock, represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. The PIMCO Total Return Fund, PIMCO Total Return Fund IV, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund may not purchase common stock, but this limitation does not prevent the Funds from holding common stock obtained through the conversion of convertible securities or common stock that is received as part of a corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (for example, as may occur during bankruptcies or distressed situations).

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.

With respect to the Equity-Related Funds, though the Equity-Related Funds do not normally invest directly in equity securities, when index derivatives appear to be overvalued relative to the index, each such Equity-Related Fund may invest all of its assets in a “basket” of index stocks. Individual stocks are selected based on an analysis of the historical correlation between the return of every index stock comprising each Fund’s respective index and the return of the index itself. In such case, PIMCO may employ fundamental analysis of factors such as earnings growth, price to earnings ratio, dividend growth and cash flows to choose among stocks that satisfy the correlation tests. Stocks chosen for the applicable Equity-Related Fund are not limited to those with any particular weighting in the applicable benchmark.

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

 

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warrants, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectuses 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.

Preferred Securities

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund) 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

Certain 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 (except the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) 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 (except the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants to purchase securities. The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund will not invest in warrants. Warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be deemed without value for purposes of this restriction.

The Funds (except the PIMCO Government Money Market 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.

 

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Foreign Securities

The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund may not invest in securities of foreign issuers. Each other Fund (except for the following Funds: PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government, PIMCO Low Duration II, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO New York Municipal Bond, PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income and PIMCO Total Return II Funds) may invest in corporate debt securities of foreign issuers, preferred or preference stock 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. The PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities and PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers only if they are U.S. dollar-denominated.

PIMCO generally considers an instrument to be economically tied to a non-U.S. country if the issuer is a foreign government (or any political subdivision, agency, authority or instrumentality of such government), or if the issuer is organized under the laws of a non-U.S. country. In the case of money market instruments other than commercial paper and certificates of deposit, such instruments will be considered economically tied to a non-U.S. country if the issuer of such money market instrument is organized under the laws of a non-U.S. country. In the case of commercial paper and certificates of deposit, such instruments will be considered economically tied to a non-U.S. country if the “country of exposure” of such instrument is a non-U.S. country, as determined by the criteria set forth below. With respect to derivative instruments, PIMCO generally considers such instruments to be economically tied to non-U.S. countries if the underlying assets are foreign currencies (or baskets or indexes of such currencies), or instruments or securities that are issued by foreign governments or issuers organized under the laws of a non-U.S. country (or if the underlying assets are money market instruments other than commercial paper and certificates of deposit, the issuer of such money market instrument is organized under the laws of a non-U.S. country or, in the case of underlying assets that are commercial paper or certificates of deposit, if the “country of exposure” of such money market instrument is a non-U.S. country). A security’s “country of exposure” is determined by PIMCO using certain factors provided by a third-party analytical service provider. The factors are applied in order such that the first factor to result in the assignment of a country determines the “country of exposure.” Both the factors and the order in which they are applied may change in the discretion of PIMCO. The current factors, listed in the order in which they are applied, are: (i) if an asset-backed or other collateralized security, the country in which the collateral backing the security is located; (ii) the “country of risk” of the issuer; (iii) if the security is guaranteed by the government of a country (or any political subdivision, agency, authority or instrumentality of such government), the country of the government or instrumentality providing the guarantee; (iv) the “country of risk” of the issuer’s ultimate parent; or (v) the country where the issuer is organized or incorporated under the laws thereof. “Country of risk” is a separate four-part test determined by the following factors, listed in order of importance: (i) management location; (ii) country of primary listing; (iii) sales or revenue attributable to the country; and (iv) reporting currency of the issuer. With respect to the PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG, PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS International, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International (Unhedged), PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Small, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small, PIMCO StocksPLUS^®, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Long Duration, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Absolute Return and PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Funds’ (together, for purposes of this section only, “Equity-Related Funds”) derivative instruments, PIMCO generally considers such instruments to be economically tied to non-U.S. countries if the underlying assets of the derivative instrument, or a substantial portion of the components of the index to which the derivative instrument is exposed, are: (i) foreign currencies (or baskets or indexes of such currencies); (ii) instruments or securities that are issued by foreign governments; or (iii) instruments or securities that are issued by issuers organized under the laws of a non-U.S. country (or if the underlying assets are money market instruments other than commercial paper and certificates of deposit, the issuer of such money market instrument is organized under the laws of a non-U.S. country or, in the case of underlying assets that are commercial paper or certificates of deposit, if the “country of exposure” of such money market instrument is a non-U.S. country). A security’s “country of exposure” is determined by PIMCO using certain factors provided by a third-party analytical service provider. The factors are applied in order such that the first factor to result in the assignment of a country determines the “country of exposure.” Both the factors and the order in which they are applied may change in the discretion of PIMCO. The current factors, listed in the order in which they are applied, are: (i) if an asset-backed or other collateralized security, the country in which the collateral backing the security is located; (ii) the “country of risk” of the issuer; (iii) if the security is guaranteed by the government of a country (or any political subdivision, agency, authority or instrumentality of such government), the country of the government or instrumentality providing the guarantee; (iv) the “country of risk” of the issuer’s ultimate parent; or (v) the country where the issuer is organized or incorporated under the laws thereof. “Country of risk” is a separate four-part test determined by the following factors, listed in order of importance: (i) management location; (ii) country of primary listing; (iii) sales or revenue attributable to the country; and (iv) reporting currency of the issuer. Further, with respect to the Equity-Related Funds’ derivative instruments, where a derivative instrument is exposed to an index, PIMCO generally considers the derivative to be economically tied to each country represented by the components of the underlying index pursuant to the criteria set forth in the sentence above.

 

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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.

PIMCO generally considers an instrument to be economically tied to an emerging market country if: the issuer is organized under the laws of an emerging market country; the currency of settlement of the security is a currency of an emerging market country; the security is guaranteed by the government of an emerging market country (or any political subdivision, agency, authority or instrumentality of such government); for an asset-backed or other collateralized security, the country in which the collateral backing the security is located is an emerging market country; or the security’s “country of exposure” is an emerging market country, as determined by the criteria set forth below. With respect to derivative instruments, PIMCO generally considers such instruments to be economically tied to emerging market countries if the underlying assets are currencies of emerging market countries (or baskets or indexes of such currencies), or instruments or securities that are issued or guaranteed by governments of emerging market countries or by entities organized under the laws of emerging market countries or if an instrument’s “country of exposure” is an emerging market country. A security’s “country of exposure” is determined by PIMCO using certain factors provided by a third-party analytical service provider. The factors are applied in order such that the first factor to result in the assignment of a country determines the “country of exposure.” Both the factors and the order in which they are applied may change in the discretion of PIMCO. The current factors, listed in the order in which they are applied, are: (i) if an asset-backed or other collateralized security, the country in which the collateral backing the security is located; (ii) the “country of risk” of the issuer; (iii) if the security is guaranteed by the government of a country (or any political subdivision, agency, authority or instrumentality of such government), the country of the government or instrumentality providing the guarantee; (iv) the “country of risk” of the issuer’s ultimate parent; or (v) the country where the issuer is organized or incorporated under the laws thereof. “Country of risk” is a separate four-part test determined by the following factors, listed in order of importance: (i) management location; (ii) country of primary listing; (iii) sales or revenue attributable to the country; and (iv) reporting currency of the issuer. PIMCO has broad discretion to identify countries that it considers to qualify as emerging markets. In exercising such discretion, PIMCO identifies countries as emerging markets consistent with the strategic objectives of the particular Fund. For example, a Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices. In some cases, this approach may result in PIMCO identifying a particular country as an emerging market with respect to certain Funds but not others.

The PIMCO Diversified Income, PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond, PIMCO Emerging Markets Corporate Bond, PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond, PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments, PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond, PIMCO International Bond (Unhedged), PIMCO International Bond (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO Global Advantage^® Strategy Bond, PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities (Unhedged), PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset, PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative, PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Funds may invest, without limit, in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund may invest without limit in securities and instruments of corporate issuers economically tied to emerging market countries and may invest up to 10% of its total assets in sovereign debt issued by governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, or other government-related entities, that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities Fund, PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund and PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund may each invest up to 10% of its total assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. With respect to each of the following additional limitations on investments in securities and instruments economically tied to emerging market countries, the following limitations do not apply to investment grade sovereign debt denominated in the local currency with less than 1 year remaining to maturity, which means a Fund may invest in such sovereign debt instruments, together with any other investments denominated in foreign currencies, up to the Fund’s disclosed limitation (stated as a percentage of total assets) on investments in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities and instruments, if any, or if the Fund has no disclosed limitation on investments in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities and instruments, the Fund may invest in such sovereign debt instruments without limitation subject to any applicable legal or regulatory limitation:

 

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The PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond Fund may invest up to 70% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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The PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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The PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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•

Each of the PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG, PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS International, PIMCO StocksPLUS® International (Unhedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS® International (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Bond, PIMCO Long-Term Credit Bond, PIMCO StocksPLUS® Small, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small, PIMCO StocksPLUS® Absolute Return, PIMCO StocksPLUS® Short and PIMCO Climate Bond Funds may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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With respect to each Fund’s fixed income investments, the PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Funds may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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Each of the PIMCO Income Fund and PIMCO ESG Income Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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Each of the PIMCO Extended Duration, PIMCO High Yield, PIMCO Long Duration Total Return, PIMCO Low Duration Income, PIMCO Moderate Duration, PIMCO StocksPLUS® Long Duration, PIMCO Total Return and PIMCO Total Return ESG Funds may invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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The PIMCO Short-Term Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

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Each remaining Fund that is permitted to invest in foreign (non-U.S.) securities may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

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. Certain 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 the Funds may invest may be relatively small, with a limited number of companies representing a small number of industries. Additionally, issuers in countries in which the Funds may invest may not be subject to a high degree of regulation and the financial institutions with which the Funds 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 the Funds 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.

Nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes or diplomatic developments could adversely affect the Funds’ investments in a foreign country. In the event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, the Funds could lose their 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 the Funds that may invest in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries will only invest in markets where these restrictions are considered acceptable, new or additional repatriation or other restrictions might be imposed subsequent to the Funds’ investment. If such restrictions were to be imposed subsequent to the Funds’ investment in the securities markets of a particular country, the Funds’ 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 the Funds’ 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 the Funds, the Funds’ returns may be lower.

 

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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 the Funds 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 the Funds. A Fund may not know the identity of a Counterparty, which may increase the possibility of the 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 the Funds 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 the Funds. Furthermore, compensation schemes may be non-existent, limited or inadequate to meet the Funds’ 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 the Funds invest. 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 the Funds’ investment in that country.

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 the Funds invest may subsequently be found to be fraudulent and as a consequence the Funds 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 the Funds 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 the Funds’ 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 (except for the PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal

 

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Income, PIMCO Government Money Market, PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government, PIMCO Low Duration II, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO New York Municipal Bond, PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income and PIMCO Total Return II Funds) 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 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 the Funds) 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 and hedging activities will likely produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the 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

 

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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 is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2020, but may be extended. During this transition phase, EU law will still apply in the UK as the two parties attempt to negotiate a new trade deal. It is not possible to anticipate what the nature of such deal will be or whether the UK and EU will be able to come to an agreement at all. During the transition period and afterwards, 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 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 Funds’ investments and/or on Funds’ ability to enter into certain transactions or value certain investments, and these developments may make it more difficult for Funds 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, 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 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.

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

 

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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 significant risks. Ownership of shares (except where shares are held through depositories that meet the requirements of the 1940 Act) is defined according to entries in the company’s share register and normally evidenced by extracts from the register or by formal share certificates. However, there is no central securities depository and no central registration system for security holders and these services are carried out by the companies themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. These registrars are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision nor are they licensed with any governmental entity, and it is possible for a Fund to lose its registration through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. 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. While a Fund will endeavor to ensure that its interest continues to be appropriately recorded either itself or through a custodian or other agent 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. A Fund also may experience difficulty in obtaining and/or enforcing judgments in Russia.

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 RMB qualified foreign institutional investor (“RQFII”) program, which are now merging into one program based on recent PRC regulatory developments). 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 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, 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 regulatory restrictions on the onshore capital management by FIIs (including removing investment quota limit and

 

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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. 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 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 or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange 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 quota limitations, which may prevent a Fund from purchasing Stock Connect securities when it is otherwise advantageous to do so. 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. Because Stock Connect is relatively new, its effects on the market for trading China A-shares are uncertain. In addition, the trading, settlement and information technology (“IT”) systems required to operate Stock Connect are relatively new and 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)

 

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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, many market participants have yet to fully implement IT systems necessary to complete trades involving securities in such accounts in a timely manner. 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 Fund may also directly invest in permissible products (which include cash bonds) traded or issued on China inter-bank bond 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 or issued on CIBM (including instruments traded through both CIBM Direct and the Bond Connect Program) prior to the trade or subscription. Therefore, a Fund will not be in violation of an investment limitation if the Fund submits a trade or subscription for an instrument traded or issued 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.

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 or issued 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 or subscribe in 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.

 

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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 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.

Foreign Currency Transactions

All Funds that may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities also 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”). 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. These 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.

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 segregation or “earmarking” of assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, 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. 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 Fund might be expected to enter into such contracts under the following circumstances:

Lock In. When PIMCO 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 PIMCO wants to eliminate substantially all of the risk of owning a particular currency, and/or if PIMCO 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. PIMCO 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.

 

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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 PIMCO’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 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 bi-laterally negotiated contracts.

Certain 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, the Funds may be required to limit their gains from hedging in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options. Although the Funds are 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. Those provisions could result in an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the Funds and could affect whether dividends paid by the Funds are classified as capital gains or ordinary income.

Foreign Currency Exchange-Related Securities

Foreign currency warrants. Foreign currency warrants such as Currency Exchange Warrants^TM (“CEWs^TM”) 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

 

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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 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^TM”) 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^TM 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^TM 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^TM 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^TM”) 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^TM 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, each 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 the 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.

As noted below, 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. To the extent a Fund covers its commitment under a reverse repurchase agreement (or economically similar transaction) by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees, 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 Funds. 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. A Fund 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. Each of the PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) and PIMCO Total Return Fund IV has adopted a non-fundamental investment restriction under which the respective Fund may not borrow in excess of 10% of the value of its total assets and then only from banks as a temporary measure to facilitate the meeting of redemption requests (not for leverage) or for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Non-fundamental investment restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval.

A Fund 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, the Fund

 

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continues to receive any principal and interest payments on the underlying security during the term of the agreement. The Fund typically will segregate or “earmark” assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, 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 the 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, the 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 (except the PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) and PIMCO Total Return Fund IV).

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 (or cash equivalent securities in the case of the PIMCO Total Return Fund IV) 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.

A Fund 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.

Commodities

Each Fund may purchase or sell derivatives, securities or other instruments that provide exposure to commodities. A Fund’s investments in commodities-related instruments may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-related instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. An unexpected surplus of a commodity caused by one of the aforementioned factors, for example, may cause a significant decrease in the value of the commodity (and a decrease in the value of any investments directly correlated to the commodity). Conversely, an unexpected shortage of a commodity caused by one of the aforementioned factors may cause a significant increase in the value of the commodity (and a decrease in the value of any investments inversely correlated to that commodity). The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions and other disruptions due to, among other factors, lack of liquidity, the participation of speculators, and government regulation and other actions.

A Fund may focus its commodity-related investments in a particular sector of the commodities market (such as gold, oil, metal or agricultural products). As a result, to the extent a Fund focuses its investments in a particular sector of the commodities market, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with those sectors, including the risk of loss due to adverse economic, business or political developments affecting a particular sector. See “Derivative Instruments” below for a more detailed discussion of risks related to commodities, including additional discussion of commodity-related derivative instruments.

 

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Derivative Instruments

In pursuing their individual objectives, the Funds (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may, to the extent permitted by their 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 their overall investment strategies, except that those Funds that may not invest in foreign currency-denominated securities may not enter into transactions involving currency futures or options. The Funds (except for the PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities, PIMCO Government Money Market, PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government, PIMCO Low Duration II, PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities, PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO New York Municipal Bond, PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Total Return II and PIMCO Total Return IV 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. A Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) 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 currencies. The Funds may invest in structured notes. If other types of financial instruments, including other types of options, futures contracts, or options on futures 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 PIMCO to forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. If PIMCO 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 PIMCO 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 a Fund to close out or to liquidate its derivatives positions. 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

 

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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 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 Prospectuses, purchase and sell both put and call options on equity, fixed income or other securities 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 the index) 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 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 and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the index 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, 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 accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, 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 accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees in an amount equal to the value of the underlying security (minus any collateral deposited with a broker-dealer or other financial institution), on a mark-to-market basis (a so-called “naked” call option).

For a written call option on an index, the option is covered if a Fund maintains with its custodian liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s net obligation under the 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.

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.

 

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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 the Funds’ immediate obligations. The Funds 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, the Funds will also segregate or “earmark” liquid assets equivalent to the amount, if any, by which the put is “in the money.”

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 the 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.

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. 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.

Foreign Currency Options. Funds that invest in foreign currency-denominated securities may buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies. These Funds may buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies either on exchanges or in the OTC market. A put option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the

 

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option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires. Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of a Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in that they are bilateral contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options. Under definitions adopted by the CFTC and SEC, many foreign currency options are considered swaps for certain purposes, including determination of whether such instruments need to be exchange-traded and centrally cleared as discussed further in “Risks of Potential Government Regulation of Derivatives.”

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. 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.

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may invest in futures contracts and options thereon (“futures options”) with respect to, but not limited to, interest rates, commodities, and security or commodity 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, commodity, foreign currency or index futures contract provides for the future sale or purchase of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, commodity, 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. Certain of the Funds also may invest in commodity futures contracts and options thereon. A commodity futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a commodity, such as an energy, agricultural or metal commodity at a later date at a price and quantity agreed-upon when the contract is bought or sold.

A Fund may purchase and write call and put futures options, as specified for that Fund in the Prospectuses. 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.

Certain Funds claim an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (“CEA”) and, therefore, are not subject to registration or regulation as commodity pools under the CEA. PIMCO is not deemed to be a CPO with respect to its service as investment adviser to these Funds. Additionally, certain Funds operating as funds-of-funds have claimed a temporary exemption from the definition of CPO under the CEA and, therefore, are not currently subject to registration or regulation as commodity pools under the CEA. PIMCO is not currently deemed to be a CPO with respect to its service as investment adviser to these funds-of-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. The table below identifies which Funds and Subsidiaries are subject to CFTC regulation, as of July 30, 2020, unless otherwise noted:

Funds and Subsidiaries Subject to CFTC Regulation

PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund and its Subsidiary

PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®

PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund

PIMCO Global Advantage^® Strategy Bond Fund

PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (US Dollar-Hedged)

PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund and its Subsidiary

 

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PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and its Subsidiary

PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund

PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund

PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund

PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund

PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund

PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund

PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund

PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund

PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Fund

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Absolute Return Fund

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Fund

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International Fund (Unhedged)

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Long Duration Fund

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short Fund

PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Small Fund

PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund

PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund and its Subsidiary

Limitations on Use of Futures and Futures Options. When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by such 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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees (“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 the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Each 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, each 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 the Fund.

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 or commodity 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, a 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, a 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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant 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.

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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees 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).

 

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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. With respect to futures that are required to “cash settle,” however, a Fund is permitted to set aside or “earmark” liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market (net) obligation, if any, (in other words, the Fund’s daily net liability, if any) rather than 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 futures commission merchant (“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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract underlying the call option. Alternatively, the 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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees that equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit. Alternatively, the 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 a 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 Prospectuses.

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 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

 

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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.

Risks Associated with Commodity Futures Contracts. There are several additional risks associated with transactions in commodity futures contracts, including but not limited to:

 

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Storage. Unlike the financial futures markets, in the commodity futures markets there are costs of physical storage associated with purchasing the underlying commodity. The price of the commodity futures contract will reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity, including the time value of money invested in the physical commodity. To the extent that the storage costs for an underlying commodity change while a Fund is invested in futures contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately.

 

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Reinvestment. In the commodity futures markets, producers of the underlying commodity may decide to hedge the price risk of selling the commodity by selling futures contracts today to lock in the price of the commodity at delivery tomorrow. In order to induce speculators to purchase the other side of the same futures contract, the commodity producer generally must sell the futures contract at a lower price than the expected future spot price. Conversely, if most hedgers in the futures market are purchasing futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators will only sell the other side of the futures contract at a higher futures price than the expected future spot price of the commodity. The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators in the commodity markets will influence whether futures prices are above or below the expected future spot price, which can have significant implications for a Fund. If the nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted when it is time for a Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a maturing contract in a new futures contract, the Fund might reinvest at higher or lower futures prices, or choose to pursue other investments.

 

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Other Economic Factors. The commodities which underlie commodity futures contracts may be subject to additional economic and non-economic variables, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. These factors may have a larger impact on commodity prices and commodity-linked instruments, including futures contracts, than on traditional securities. Certain commodities are also subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks which subject a Fund’s investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.

Additional Risks of Options on Securities, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts, and Forward Currency Exchange Contracts and Options Thereon. Options on securities, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency exchange contracts and options on forward currency exchange contracts 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. Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may engage in swap transactions, including, but not limited to, swap agreements on interest rates, security or commodity indexes, specific securities and commodities, and credit and event-linked swaps. 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. A Fund 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 a Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in a more cost efficient manner.

 

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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 or commodities 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 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. Consistent with a Fund’s investment objectives and general investment policies, certain of the Funds may invest in commodity swap agreements. For example, an investment in a commodity swap agreement may involve the exchange of floating-rate interest payments for the total return on a commodity index. In a total return commodity swap, a Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the commodity swap is for one period, a Fund may pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, a Fund may pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a “floating” rate, the fee may be pegged to a base rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, a Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) 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.

A Fund 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. Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) 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. Certain of the Funds may engage in variance swaps.

Most types of swap agreements entered into by the Funds 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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, to avoid any potential

 

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leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio. 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.

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 the 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 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 the 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, a 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). 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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, 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. 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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees 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 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. 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 PIMCO’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 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.

 

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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 PIMCO 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 PIMCO 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 the 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 PIMCO 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, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or assets determined to be liquid by PIMCO in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, or enter into certain offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the Fund’s obligations, on a marked-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 in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, 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). 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.

Correlation Risk for Certain 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. In this regard, certain Funds seek to achieve their investment objectives, in part, by investing in derivatives positions that are designed to closely track the performance (or inverse performance) of an index on a daily basis. However, the overall investment strategies of these Funds are not designed or expected to produce returns which replicate the performance (or inverse performance) of the particular index, and the degree of variation could be substantial, particularly over longer periods. There are a number of factors which may prevent a mutual fund, or derivatives or other strategies used by a fund, from achieving desired correlation (or inverse 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;

 

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(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. For the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund and PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, these factors include the possibility that the Fund’s commodity derivatives positions may have different roll dates, reset dates or contract months than those specified in a particular commodity index.

A Note on the PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short Fund. The PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short Fund will generally benefit when the value of the Fund’s associated index is declining and will generally not perform well when the index is flat or rising, a result that is different from traditional mutual funds. Under certain conditions, even if the value of the Fund’s associated index is declining (which could be beneficial to a short strategy), this could be offset by declining values of the Fund’s holdings of Fixed Income Instruments. Conversely, it is possible that rising fixed income securities prices could be offset by a flat or rising index (which could lead to losses in a short strategy). In either scenario, the Fund may experience losses. In a market where the value of the Fund’s associated index is flat or rising and its Fixed Income Instrument holdings are declining, the Fund may experience substantial losses. The Fund presents different risks than other types of funds. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors and should be used only by knowledgeable investors who understand the risks and potential consequences of seeking inverse investment results, including the impact of compounding on Fund performance. Investors in the Fund should actively monitor their investments, as frequently as daily. An investor in the Fund could potentially lose the full principal value of his/her investment.

However, although the Fund uses derivatives and other short positions to gain exposures that may vary inversely with the performance of its associated index, Fund as a whole is not designed or expected to produce returns which replicate the inverse of the performance of its associated index, and the degree of variation could be substantial, particularly over longer periods. The value of the Fund’s derivatives short positions generally will move in the opposite direction from the value of the Fund’s associated index every day. Accordingly, for periods greater than one day, the effect of compounding may result in the performance of these derivatives positions (and the Fund’s performance attributable to those positions) to be either greater than or less than the inverse of the index performance for such periods, and the extent of the variation could be substantial due to market volatility and other factors. In addition, the results of PIMCO’s active management of the Fund, including the combination of income and capital gains or losses derived from the Fixed Income Instruments held by the Fund and the ability of the Fund to reduce or limit short exposure, may result in an imperfect inverse correlation between the performance of the Fund’s associated index and the performance of the Fund. As noted above, there are a number of other reasons why changes in the value of derivatives positions may not correlate exactly (either positively or inversely) with an index or which may otherwise prevent a mutual fund or its positions from achieving such correlation.

Carbon Equivalent Emissions Allowances. Each of the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund and PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^® may trade derivative instruments on carbon equivalent emissions allowances (“EUAs”) eligible for trading under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. The derivative instruments on EUAs will be subject to the risks associated with trading EUAs directly. Those risks are substantial, including possibly illiquid and volatile trading markets, changing supply and demand for EUAs which may be impacted by changes in economic growth, output, efficiency measures undertaken by affected industries and possible new technology for curbing carbon emissions, changes in the European Commission’s regulation of carbon emissions, changes in oil and gas prices, shifting weather patterns, the continued willingness of parties to continue to observe the carbon emissions limitations and other restrictions, and other possible actions undertaken by the global community in response to the perceived dangers of climate change caused by greenhouse gases.

Synthetic Equity Swaps. Certain Underlying PIMCO 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 the Underlying PIMCO Fund will either pay or receive the net amount. The Underlying PIMCO Fund will 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.

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. These risks may be particularly acute for those Funds, such as the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy and PIMCO CommodityRealReturn

 

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Strategy Fund^®, that make extensive use of commodity-related derivative instruments in seeking to achieve their investment objectives, but would not necessarily be limited to those Funds pursuing a commodity-related 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.

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 adapted 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. 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.

Structured Products

The Funds may invest in structured products, including instruments such as credit-linked securities, commodity-linked notes and structured notes, which are potentially high-risk derivatives. For example, a structured product may combine a traditional stock, bond, or commodity with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a structured product is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a “benchmark”). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a structured product may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark. An example of a structured product could be a bond issued by an oil company that pays a small base level of interest with additional interest that accrues in correlation to the extent to which oil prices exceed a certain predetermined level. Such a structured product would be a combination of a bond and a call option on oil.

Structured products can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return. Structured products may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a structured product or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a structured product. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a structured product could be zero. Thus, an investment in a structured product may entail significant market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest. The purchase of structured products also exposes a Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund. Each Fund, except for the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, and PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in a combination of credit-linked securities or commodity-linked notes.

Credit-Linked Securities. Credit-linked securities are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield or other fixed income markets. For example, a Fund may invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to the high yield markets and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, investments in credit-linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the trust’s receipt of payments from, and the trust’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the trust invests. For instance, the trust may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the trust would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has

 

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occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the trust would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a Fund would receive as an investor in the trust. A Fund’s investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

Commodity-Linked Notes. Certain structured products may provide exposure to the commodities markets. These are derivative securities with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options, or similar instruments. Commodity-linked structured products may be either equity or debt securities, leveraged or unleveraged, and have both security and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable. The Funds will only invest in commodity-linked structured products that qualify under applicable rules of the CFTC for an exemption from the provisions of the CEA.

Structured Notes and Indexed Securities. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). The terms of the instrument may be “structured” by the purchaser and the borrower issuing the note. Indexed securities may include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. The terms of structured notes and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured notes and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Therefore, the value of such notes and securities may be very volatile. Structured notes and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes or indexed securities also may be more volatile, relatively less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities. To the extent a Fund invests in these notes and securities, however, PIMCO analyzes these notes and securities in its overall assessment of the effective duration of the Fund’s holdings in an effort to monitor the Fund’s interest rate risk.

Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the Funds’ investments in these structured products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.

Equity-Linked Securities and Equity-Linked Notes. A Fund may invest a portion of its assets in equity-linked securities. Equity-linked securities are privately issued derivative securities that have a return component based on the performance of a single stock, a basket of stocks, or a stock index. Equity-linked securities are often used for many of the same purposes as, and share many of the same risks with, other derivative instruments.

An equity-linked note is a note, typically issued by a company or financial institution, whose performance is tied to a single stock, a basket of stocks, or a stock index. Generally, upon the maturity of the note, the holder receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. The terms of an equity-linked note may also provide for the periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. Because the notes are equity-linked, they may return a lower amount at maturity due to a decline in value of the linked security or securities. To the extent a Fund invests in equity-linked notes issued by foreign issuers, it will be subject to the risks associated with the debt securities of foreign issuers and with securities denominated in foreign currencies. Equity-linked notes are also subject to default risk and counterparty risk.

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.

 

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Perpetual Bonds

The Funds may invest in perpetual bonds. Perpetual bonds are fixed income securities with no maturity date but pay a coupon in perpetuity (with no specified ending or maturity date). Unlike typical fixed income securities, there is no obligation for perpetual bonds to repay principal. The coupon payments, however, are mandatory. While perpetual bonds have no maturity date, they may have a callable date in which the perpetuity is eliminated and the issuer may return the principal received on the specified call date. Additionally, a perpetual bond may have additional features, such as interest rate increases at periodic dates or an increase as of a predetermined point in the future.

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, PIMCO 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.

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.

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) 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

 

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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.

Delayed Funding Loans and Revolving Credit Facilities

Each Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund and Municipal Funds) may enter into, or acquire participations in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are borrowing arrangements in which the lender agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the borrower during a specified term. A revolving credit facility differs from a delayed funding loan in that as the borrower repays the loan, an amount equal to the repayment may be borrowed again during the term of the revolving credit facility. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities usually provide for floating or variable rates of interest. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when it might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that a Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will segregate or “earmark” assets (or cash equivalent securities in the case of the PIMCO Total Return Fund IV), determined to be liquid by PIMCO in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments.

A Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund and the Municipal Funds) may invest in delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities may be subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to resell such instruments. As a result, a Fund may be unable to sell such investments at an opportune time or may have to resell them at less than fair market value. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. For a further discussion of the risks involved in investing in loan participations and other forms of direct indebtedness see “Loans and Other Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments.” Participation interests in revolving credit facilities will be subject to the limitations discussed in “Loans and Other Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments.” Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are considered to be debt obligations for purposes of the Trust’s investment restriction relating to the lending of funds or assets by a Fund.

When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions

Each of the Funds (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis. When such purchases are outstanding, a Fund will segregate or “earmark” liquid assets (or cash equivalent securities in the case of the PIMCO Total Return Fund IV) in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. However, such 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. Typically, no income accrues on securities the Fund has committed to purchase prior to the time delivery of the securities is made, although the Fund may earn income on securities it has segregated or “earmarked.”

When purchasing a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations, and takes such fluctuations into account when determining its net asset value. Because the Fund is not required to pay for the security until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with the Fund’s other investments. If the other party to a transaction fails to deliver the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity. If the Fund remains substantially fully invested at a time when when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment purchases are outstanding, the purchases may result in a form of leverage.

When a Fund has sold a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does not participate in future gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a transaction fails to pay for the securities, the Fund could suffer a loss. Additionally, when selling a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis without owning the security, a Fund will incur a loss if the security’s price appreciates in value such that the security’s price is above the agreed upon price on the settlement date.

A Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a transaction after it is entered into, and may purchase or sell when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment securities before the settlement date, which may result in a gain or loss. There is no percentage limitation on the extent to which the Funds may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis.

Standby Commitment Agreements

The Funds and Underlying PIMCO Funds may enter into standby commitment agreements, which are agreements that obligate a party, for a set period of time, to buy a certain amount of a security that may be issued and sold at the option of the issuer. The price of a security purchased pursuant to a standby commitment agreement is set at the time of the agreement. In return for its promise to purchase the security, a Fund or Underlying PIMCO Fund receives a commitment fee based upon a percentage of the purchase price

 

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of the security. The Fund or Underlying PIMCO Fund receives this fee whether or not it is ultimately required to purchase the security.

There is no guarantee that the securities subject to a standby commitment agreement will be issued or, if such securities are issued, the value of the securities on the date of issuance may be more or less than the purchase price. A Fund or Underlying PIMCO Fund may be required to limit its investments in standby commitment agreements with remaining terms exceeding seven days pursuant to the regulatory limitation on investments in illiquid investments. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. A Fund or Underlying PIMCO Fund will record the purchase of a standby commitment agreement, and will reflect the value of the security in the Fund’s or Underlying PIMCO Fund’s net asset value, on the date on which the security can reasonably be expected to be issued.

Infrastructure Investments

Infrastructure entities include companies in the infrastructure business and infrastructure projects and assets representing a broad range of businesses, types of projects and assets. The risks that may be applicable to an infrastructure entity vary based on the type of business, project or asset, its location, the developmental stage of a project and an investor’s level of control over the management or operation of the entity.

Infrastructure entities are typically subject to significant government regulations and other regulatory and political risks, including expropriation; political violence or unrest, including war, sabotage or terrorism; and unanticipated regulatory changes by a government or the failure of a government to comply with international treaties and agreements. Additionally, an infrastructure entity may do business with state-owned suppliers or customers that may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their contractual obligations. Changing public perception and sentiment may also influence a government’s level of support or involvement with an infrastructure entity.

Companies engaged in infrastructure development and construction and infrastructure projects or assets that have not been completed will be subject to construction risks, including construction delays; delays in obtaining permits and regulatory approvals; unforeseen expenses resulting from budget and cost overruns; inexperienced contractors and contractor errors; and problems related to project design and plans. Due to the numerous risks associated with construction and the often incomplete or unreliable data about projected revenues and income for a project, investing in the construction of an infrastructure project involves significant risks. The ability to obtain initial or additional financing for an infrastructure project is often directly tied to its stage of development and the availability of operational data. A project that is complete and operational is more likely to obtain financing than a project at an earlier stage of development. Additionally, an infrastructure entity may not be able to obtain needed additional financing, particularly during periods of turmoil in the capital markets. The cost of compliance with international standards for project finance may increase the cost of obtaining capital or financing for a project. Alternatively, an investment in debt securities of infrastructure entities may also be subject to prepayment risk if lower-cost financing becomes available.

Infrastructure projects or assets may also be subject to operational risks, including the project manager’s ability to manage the project; unexpected maintenance costs; government interference with the operation of an infrastructure project or asset; obsolescence of project; and the early exit of a project’s equity investors. Additionally, the operator of an infrastructure project or asset may not be able to pass along the full amount of any cost increases to customers.

An infrastructure entity may be organized under a legal regime that may provide investors with limited recourse against the entity’s assets, the sponsor or other non-project assets and there may be restrictions on the ability to sell or transfer assets. Financing for infrastructure projects and assets is often secured by cash flows, underlying contracts, and project assets. An investor may have limited options and there may be significant costs associated with foreclosing upon any assets that secure repayment of a financing.

Short Sales

Each of the Funds (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund), particularly the PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund and PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short Fund, may make short sales of securities: (i) to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities; (ii) to increase the flexibility of the Fund; (iii) for investment return; (iv) as part of a risk arbitrage strategy; and (v) as part of its overall portfolio management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.

When a Fund makes a short sale, it will often borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale as collateral for its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the sale. In connection with short sales of securities, a Fund may pay a fee to borrow securities or maintain an arrangement with a broker to borrow securities, and is often obligated to pay over any accrued interest and dividends on such borrowed securities.

 

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If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time that a Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. If a Fund engages in short sales as part of a hedging strategy, the successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.

The Funds may invest pursuant to a risk arbitrage strategy to take advantage of a perceived relationship between the value of two securities. Frequently, a risk arbitrage strategy involves the short sale of a security.

To the extent that a Fund engages in short sales, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales “against the box”) will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of segregated or “earmarked” assets that PIMCO determines to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees and that is equal to the current market value of the securities sold short (calculated daily), or will ensure that such positions are covered by offsetting positions, until the Fund replaces the borrowed security. A short sale is “against the box” to the extent that the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. The Funds (except the PIMCO Total Return Fund IV) will engage in short selling to the extent permitted by the federal securities laws and rules and interpretations thereunder. The PIMCO Total Return Fund IV will limit short sales, including short exposures obtained using derivative instruments, to 10% of its total assets. To the extent a Fund engages in short selling in foreign (non-U.S.) jurisdictions, the Fund will do so to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of such jurisdiction.

144A Securities

In addition to a Fund’s investments in privately placed and unregistered securities, a Fund may also invest in securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Such securities are commonly known as “144A securities” and may only be resold under certain circumstances to other institutional buyers. 144A securities frequently trade in an active secondary market. As a result of the resale restrictions on 144A securities, there is a greater risk that they will become illiquid than securities registered with the SEC. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity.

Regulation S Securities

A Fund may invest, either directly or through investments in its wholly-owned subsidiary, in the securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued through private offerings without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S under the 1933 Act (“Regulation S Securities”). Offerings of Regulation S Securities may be conducted outside of the United States. Because Regulation S Securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, Regulation S Securities may be considered illiquid. Please refer to “Illiquid Investments” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints relating to investment liquidity. Furthermore, because Regulation S Securities are generally less liquid than registered securities, a Fund may take longer to liquidate these positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although Regulation S Securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by a Fund. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S Securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

Illiquid Investments

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the 1940 Act, each Fund (except the PIMCO Government Money Market 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 (other than the PIMCO Government Money Market 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 (except the PIMCO Government Money Market 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 (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) 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.

 

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The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund may not invest more than 5% of its “total assets,” as defined in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, taken at market value at the time of the investment, in “illiquid securities,” which are defined in Rule 2a-7 to mean securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven calendar days at approximately the value ascribed to it by the Fund.

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. The PIMCO Total Return Fund IV will limit investments in repurchase agreements to 50% of the total assets of the Fund.

Loans of Portfolio Securities

For the purpose of achieving income, each Fund (except the PIMCO Total Return IV 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”)

Certain of 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 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.

Investments in Underlying PIMCO Funds

The PIMCO Funds of Funds invest substantially all or a significant portion of their assets in Underlying PIMCO Funds. Please see the “Principal Investment Strategies” section in the Prospectuses for a description of the asset allocation strategies and general investment policies of each Fund. In some cases, the PIMCO Funds of Funds and Affiliated Funds of Funds may be the predominant or sole shareholders of a particular Underlying PIMCO Fund. As noted above, investment decisions made with respect to the PIMCO Funds of Funds and Affiliated Funds of Funds could, under certain circumstances, negatively impact the Underlying PIMCO Funds.

For instance, the PIMCO Funds of Funds and Affiliated Funds of Funds may purchase and redeem shares of an Underlying PIMCO Fund as part of a reallocation or rebalancing strategy, which may result in the Underlying PIMCO Fund having to sell securities or invest cash when it otherwise would not do so. Such transactions could increase an Underlying PIMCO Fund’s transaction costs and accelerate the realization of taxable income if sales of securities resulted in gains.

 

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Additionally, as the PIMCO Funds of Funds and Affiliated Funds of Funds may invest substantially all or a significant portion of their assets in Underlying PIMCO Funds, the Underlying PIMCO 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 Underlying PIMCO Funds’ investment flexibility.

Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)

Investments in ETFs entail certain risks; in particular, investments in index ETFs involve the risk that the ETF’s performance may not track the performance of the index the ETF is designed to track. Unlike the index, an ETF incurs administrative expenses and transaction costs in trading securities. In addition, the timing and magnitude of cash inflows and outflows from and to investors buying and redeeming shares in the ETF could create cash balances that cause the ETF’s performance to deviate from the index (which remains “fully invested” at all times). Performance of an ETF and the index it is designed to track also may diverge because the composition of the index and the securities held by the ETF may occasionally differ. In addition, investments in ETFs involve the risk that the market prices of ETF shares will fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and materially, in response to changes in the ETF’s NAV, the value of ETF holdings and supply and demand for ETF shares. Although the creation/redemption feature of ETFs generally makes it more likely that ETF shares will trade close to NAV, market volatility, lack of an active trading market for ETF shares, disruptions at market participants (such as Authorized Participants or market makers) and any disruptions in the ordinary functioning of the creation/redemption process may result in ETF shares trading significantly above (at a “premium”) or below (at a “discount”) NAV. Additionally, to the extent an ETF holds securities traded in markets that close at a different time from the ETF’s listing exchange, liquidity in such securities may be reduced after the applicable closing times, and during the time when the ETF’s listing exchange is open but after the applicable market closing, fixing or settlement times, bid/ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the ETF’s shares’ NAV may widen. Significant losses may result when transacting in ETF shares in these and other circumstances. Neither PIMCO nor the Trust can predict whether ETF shares will trade above, below or at NAV. An ETF’s investment results are based on the ETF’s daily NAV. Investors transacting in ETF shares in the secondary market, where market prices may differ from NAV, may experience investment results that differ from results based on the ETF’s daily NAV.

Environment, Social Responsibility and Governance Policies

The PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund will not, as a matter of non-fundamental operating policy, invest in the securities of any non-governmental issuer determined by PIMCO to be engaged principally in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or military equipment, the operation of gambling casinos, the production or trade of pornographic materials, or in the oil industry, including extraction, production, and refining or the production, distribution of coal and coal fired generation. The PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund can invest in the securities of any issuer determined by PIMCO to be engaged principally in biofuel production, natural gas generation and sales and trading activities. However, green/sustainable bonds from issuers involved in fossil fuel-related sectors may be permitted. Labeled green bonds are those issues with proceeds specifically earmarked to be used for climate and environmental projects. Labeled green bonds are often verified by a third party, which certifies that the bond will fund projects that include environmental benefits. In addition, the PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund will not invest in the securities of any non-governmental issuer determined by PIMCO to be engaged principally in the provision of healthcare services or the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, unless the issuer derives 100% of its gross revenues from products or services designed to protect and improve the quality of human life, as determined on the basis of information available to PIMCO. To the extent possible on the basis of information available to PIMCO, an issuer will be deemed to be principally engaged in an activity if it derives more than 10% of its gross revenues from such activities (“Socially-Restricted Issuers”). In analyzing whether an issuer meets any of the criteria described above, PIMCO may rely upon, among other things, information provided by an independent third party.

Evaluation of any particular issuer’s business practices with respect to the environment, social responsibility, and governance (“ESG practices”) will involve the exercise of qualitative and subjective judgment by PIMCO, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized, or judgment exercised by PIMCO will reflect the beliefs or values of any one particular investor. Information regarding responsible practices is obtained through voluntary or third-party reporting, which may not be accurate or complete, and PIMCO is dependent on such information to evaluate a company’s commitment to, or implementation of, responsible practices. PIMCO’s assessment of a company’s ESG practices at any given time will, however, be based upon its good faith interpretation of available information and its continuing and reasonable best efforts to obtain and evaluate the most current information available, and to utilize such information, as it becomes available, promptly and expeditiously in portfolio management for the Funds. Socially responsible norms differ by region, and in determining the efficacy of an issuer’s ESG practices, PIMCO will use its own proprietary assessments of material ESG issues and may also reference standards as set forth by recognized global organizations such as entities sponsored by the United Nations. Additionally, PIMCO may engage proactively with issuers to encourage them to improve their ESG practices. PIMCO’s activities in this respect may include, but are not limited to, direct dialogue with company management, such as through in-person meetings, phone calls, electronic communications, and letters. Through these engagement activities, PIMCO seeks to identify opportunities for a company to improve its ESG practices, and will endeavor to work collaboratively with company management to establish concrete objectives and to develop a plan for meeting these objectives. The PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low

 

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Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund may invest in securities of issuers whose ESG practices are currently suboptimal, with the expectation that these practices may improve over time either as a result of PIMCO’s engagement efforts or through the company’s own initiatives. It may also exclude those issuers that are not receptive to PIMCO’s engagement efforts, as determined in PIMCO’s sole discretion.

The PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund will not invest in derivative instruments where the counterparties to such transactions are themselves Socially-Restricted Issuers. PIMCO’s determination of whether a counterparty is a Socially-Restricted Issuer at any given time will be based upon PIMCO’s good faith interpretation of available information and its continuing and reasonable best efforts to obtain and evaluate the most current information available. PIMCO anticipates that it will review all counterparties periodically to determine whether any qualify as a Socially-Restricted Issuer at that time, but will not necessarily conduct such reviews at the time a Fund enters into a transaction. This could cause a Fund to enter into a transaction with a Socially-Restricted Issuer counterparty. In such cases, upon the determination that a counterparty is a Socially-Restricted Issuer, the PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund or the PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund, as applicable, will use reasonable efforts to divest themselves of the applicable investment and may incur a loss in doing so. The PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund will not invest in derivative instruments whose returns are based, in whole, on securities issued by Socially-Restricted Issuers. With respect to investments in derivative instruments that are based only in part on securities issued by Socially-Restricted Issuers, including, but not limited to, credit default swaps on an index of securities, the PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund or the PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund may be obligated to take possession of the underlying securities in certain circumstances. In such cases, the PIMCO PIMCO ESG Income Fund, Low Duration ESG Fund or the PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund, as applicable, will use reasonable efforts to divest themselves of these securities and may incur a loss in doing so.

Because the PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund adhere to the social investment policies described above, these Funds may be required to forego certain investment opportunities and their associated returns. In addition, there is no assurance that the socially responsible investing strategy and techniques employed will be successful. Past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future results.

Climate Related Policies

The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will not invest in the securities of any issuer determined by PIMCO to be engaged principally in the fossil fuel-related sectors, including distribution/retail, equipment and services, extraction and production, petrochemicals, pipelines and transportation and refining, and the production or distribution of coal and coal fired generation. The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund may invest in the securities of issuers determined by PIMCO to be engaged principally in biofuel production, natural gas generation and sales and trading activities. Moreover, the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will not invest in the securities of any issuer determined by PIMCO to be engaged principally in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or military equipment, the operation of gambling casinos, or in the production or trade of pornographic materials. To the extent possible on the basis of information available to PIMCO, an issuer will be deemed to be principally engaged in an activity if it derives more than 10% of its gross revenues from such activities (“Restricted Issuers” or “RIs”). In analyzing whether an issuer meets any of the criteria described above, PIMCO may rely upon, among other things, information provided by an independent third party. For the avoidance of doubt, green labeled bonds from issuers involved in fossil fuel-related sectors, as defined above, may be permitted.

Evaluation of any particular issuer’s environmental practices will involve the exercise of qualitative and subjective judgment by PIMCO, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized, or judgment exercised by PIMCO will reflect the beliefs or values of any one particular investor. Information regarding environmental practices is obtained through voluntary or third-party reporting, which may not be accurate or complete, and PIMCO is dependent on such information to evaluate a company’s commitment to, or implementation of, environmental practices. PIMCO’s assessment of a company’s environmental practices at any given time will, however, be based upon its good faith interpretation of available information and its continuing and reasonable best efforts to obtain and evaluate the most current information available, and to utilize such information, as it becomes available, promptly and expeditiously in portfolio management for the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund. When considering an investment, PIMCO may utilize the following resources, among others, to evaluate climate related factors: PIMCO’s internal research and scoring process relating to climate factors, third party research and data providers, an issuer’s alignment with international commitments deemed relevant by PIMCO (such as the 2016 Paris Agreement on climate change), and/or information made available by the issuer, such as carbon emissions and intensity. In determining the efficacy of an issuer’s environmental practices, PIMCO will use its own proprietary assessments of material environmental and climate-oriented issues and may also reference standards as set forth by recognized global organizations, such as entities sponsored by the United Nations. The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund may avoid investment in the securities of issuers whose business practices with respect to climate specific factors do not meet criteria established by PIMCO. Additionally, PIMCO may engage proactively with issuers to encourage them to improve their environmental practices or preparations for a low carbon economy. PIMCO’s activities in this respect may include, but are not limited to, direct dialogue with company management, such as through in-person meetings, phone calls, electronic communications, and letters. Through these engagement activities, PIMCO will seek to identify opportunities for a company to improve its climate focused practices, and will endeavor to

 

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work collaboratively with company management to establish concrete objectives and to develop a plan for meeting these objectives. The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund has flexibility to invest in securities of issuers whose climate-related practices are currently suboptimal, with the expectation that these practices may improve over time either as a result of PIMCO’s engagement efforts or through the company’s own initiatives. The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund may exclude those issuers that are not receptive to PIMCO’s engagement efforts, as determined in PIMCO’s sole discretion.

The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will not invest in derivative instruments where the counterparties to such transactions are themselves RIs. PIMCO’s determination of whether a counterparty is a RI at any given time will be based upon PIMCO’s good faith interpretation of available information and its continuing and reasonable best efforts to obtain and evaluate the most current information available. PIMCO anticipates that it will review all counterparties periodically to determine whether any qualify as a RI at that time, but will not necessarily conduct such reviews at the time a Fund enters into a transaction. This could cause the Fund to enter into a transaction with a RI counterparty. In such cases, upon the determination that a counterparty is a RI, the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will use reasonable efforts to divest itself of the applicable investment and may incur a loss in doing so. The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will not invest in derivative instruments whose returns are based, in whole, on securities issued by RIs. With respect to investments in derivative instruments that are based only in part on securities issued by RIs, including, but not limited to, credit default swaps on an index of securities, the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund may be obligated to take possession of the underlying securities in certain circumstances. In such cases, the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will use reasonable efforts to divest itself of these securities and may incur a loss in doing so.

Because the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund adheres to the climate related policies described above, the Fund may be required to forego certain investment opportunities and their associated returns. In addition, there is no assurance that the climate related investing strategy and techniques employed will be successful. Past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future results.

Investments in the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries

Investments in the Commodities Subsidiaries are expected to provide the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund, respectively, with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and IRS revenue rulings, as discussed below under “Taxation.” Investments in the CSF Subsidiary are expected to provide the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund with exposure to Regulation S securities. The Subsidiaries are companies organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and are overseen by their own board of directors. The PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund is the sole shareholder of the CPS Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the CPS Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^® is the sole shareholder of the CRRS Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the CRRS Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund is the sole shareholder of the GCAA Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the GCAA Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund is the sole shareholder of the IRMA Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the IRMA Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund is the sole shareholder of the MF Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the MF Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund is the sole shareholder of the CSF Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the CSF Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.

It is expected that the Commodities Subsidiaries will invest primarily in commodity-linked derivative instruments, including swap agreements, commodity options, futures and options on futures, backed by a portfolio of inflation-indexed securities and other Fixed Income Instruments. Although the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund may enter into these commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, each Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in its Subsidiary. To the extent that PIMCO believes that these commodity-linked derivative instruments are better suited to provide exposure to the commodities market then commodity index-linked notes, each Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary will likely increase. The Commodities Subsidiaries will also invest in inflation-indexed securities and other Fixed Income Instruments, which are intended to serve as margin or collateral for the respective Subsidiary’s derivatives position. To the extent that each of the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and/or PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund invests in its respective Commodities Subsidiary, such Fund may be subject to the risks associated with those derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the applicable Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information.

It is expected that the CSF Subsidiary will invest primarily in newly-issued Regulation S securities, backed by a portfolio of Fixed Income Instruments. The PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund will gain exposure to these instruments indirectly by investing in the CSF Subsidiary. To the extent the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund invests in the CSF Subsidiary, the

 

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PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund may be subject to the risks associated with those newly-issued Regulation S securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the applicable Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.

While the Subsidiaries may be considered similar to investment companies, they are not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the applicable Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information, are not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund, PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund, PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund and/or the Subsidiaries to operate as described in the applicable Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information and could negatively affect the Funds and their shareholders.

In May 2014, the Board of Trustees granted PIMCO the authority to establish and terminate wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Funds to implement certain trading strategies, hold certain investments or for other reasons.

Quantitative Investing Risk

PIMCO employs and/or relies on algorithms, models or other systems in connection with certain of its investment activities, including research, forecasting, selection, and execution processes (together, “Systems”). These Systems rely heavily on the use of proprietary and nonproprietary data, software, hardware, and intellectual property, including data, software and hardware that may be licensed or otherwise obtained from third parties. The use of such Systems has inherent limitations and risks. Although PIMCO seeks to develop and use Systems appropriately and effectively, there can be no assurance that it will successfully do so. Errors may occur in the design, writing, testing, monitoring, and/or implementation of Systems, including in the manner in which Systems function together. The effectiveness of Systems may diminish over time, including as a result of market changes and changes in the behavior of market participants. The quality of the resulting analysis, investment selections, portfolio construction, asset allocations, proposed trades, risk management and trading strategies depends on a number of factors including the accuracy and quality of data inputs into the Systems, the mathematical and analytical assumptions and underpinnings of the Systems’ coding, the accuracy in translating those analytics into program code or interpreting the output of a System by another System in order to facilitate a transaction, change in market conditions, the successful integration of the various Systems into the portfolio selection and trading process and whether actual market events correspond to one or more assumptions underlying the Systems. Accordingly, Systems are subject to errors and/or mistakes (“System Incidents”) that may adversely impact a Fund. For example, System Incidents may result in Systems performing in a manner other than as intended, including, but not limited to, failure to achieve desired performance or investment objectives, execution of unanticipated trades or failure to execute intended trades, or failure to identify hedging or other risk management opportunities or targets. Further, if incorrect market data are entered into an otherwise properly functioning System, the System’s resulting output, including proposed trades or investment recommendations, may be inconsistent with the underlying investment strategy. Most Systems require continual monitoring and enhancements, and there is no guarantee that such enhancements will be successful or that Systems will operate as intended. The successful deployment of the investment strategy, the portfolio construction process and/or the trading process could be severely compromised by software or hardware malfunctions, viruses, glitches, connectivity loss, system crashes or various other System Incidents, including, in particular, where multiple Systems contribute to the process (i.e., where one System develops a potential recommended signal or possible trade and another System interprets or optimizes that recommended signal or possible trade to facilitate a trade order). System Incidents may be difficult to detect and PIMCO may not immediately or ever detect certain System Incidents, which may have an increasing impact on a Fund over time. PIMCO will address System Incidents in its sole discretion, subject to any applicable regulatory or contractual requirements, and there is no guarantee that measures taken to address a System Incident will be successful.

System Incidents with respect to the implementation of quantitative strategies or methods may not be considered by PIMCO to be violations of the applicable standards of care and, as a result, losses associated with System Incidents may not be considered compensable to a Fund. PIMCO, in its discretion, may not disclose certain System Incidents to the Funds.

PIMCO relies on quantitative models, data, and trading algorithms supplied by third parties for certain Funds. Such models, data and algorithms are used to construct sets of transactions and investments, to implement investment decisions, and to provide risk management insights. When the third-party models, data or algorithms prove to be incorrect or incomplete, any decisions or investments made in reliance thereon expose applicable Funds to additional risks. For example, PIMCO does not have the same insight or access into the construction, coding or testing of the algorithms, and PIMCO and applicable Funds will be exposed to systems, cyber security and other risks associated with the third party models, data or algorithms. Losses associated with third-party models, data, or algorithms may not be considered compensable to a Fund. PIMCO, in its discretion, may not disclose certain such events to the applicable Funds.

 

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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, the U.S. Government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) into law in March 2020, which provides approximately $2.0 trillion in economic relief to certain businesses and individuals affected by COVID-19. There can be no guarantee that the CARES Act or other economic stimulus bills (within the United States or other affected countries throughout the world) will be sufficient or will have their intended effect. In addition, an unexpected or quick reversal of such policies could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely affect a Fund’s investments.

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 the Funds invest, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Funds themselves are regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

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 the Funds’ portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Funds to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Funds. The Funds have 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.

In July 2014 and September 2015, the SEC amended certain regulations that govern money market funds registered under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-7 Amendments”) to adopt several reforms, all of which became effective by October 14, 2016. First, the Rule 2a-7 Amendments allow (or, in certain circumstances, require) a money market fund to impose liquidity fees, and permit a money market fund to limit (or gate) redemptions for up to 10 business days in any 90-day period, when a fund’s liquidity levels fall below certain thresholds. Second, the Rule 2a-7 Amendments require “institutional” money market funds that do not qualify as “retail” or “government” money market funds (as defined in the Rule 2a-7 Amendments) to transact fund shares based on a market-based NAV (i.e., these funds will be required to float their NAVs). Retail and government money market funds are permitted to transact fund shares at a NAV calculated using the amortized cost method of valuation, and government money market funds are also exempted from the provisions of the Rule 2a-7 Amendments concerning liquidity fees and/or redemption gates. Additionally, the Rule 2a-7 Amendments impose new disclosure and reporting requirements as well as enhanced portfolio quality and diversification requirements. The degree to which a money market fund is impacted by the Rule 2a-7 Amendments depends upon the type of fund (institutional, retail or government). The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund intends to operate as a government money market fund under the Rule 2a-7 Amendments.

Cash Holdings

If PIMCO believes that economic or market conditions are unfavorable to investors, PIMCO may temporarily invest up to 100% of a Fund’s assets in certain defensive strategies for temporary or indefinite periods. These defensive strategies include holding a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets in cash, cash equivalents or other highly rated short-term securities, including securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. As discussed in this Statement of Additional Information, a Fund may also invest in affiliated money market and/or short-term bond funds for cash management purposes.

 

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Increasing Government Debt

The total public debt of the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the 2008-2009 financial downturn. Governmental agencies project that the United States will continue to maintain high debt levels for the foreseeable future. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.

A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt costs higher and cause the U.S. Treasury to sell additional debt with shorter maturity periods, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that the U.S. Government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can cause declines in the valuation of currencies, and can prevent the U.S. Government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns.

In August 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from “AAA” to “AA+,” which was last affirmed by S&P in June 2017. In explaining the downgrade, S&P cited, among other reasons, controversy over raising the statutory debt ceiling and growth in public spending. Recent U.S. “fiscal cliff” and budget deficit concerns, difficulties in approving annual budgets and continued increases in the statutory debt ceiling, together with signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe, have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades by S&P or other credit rating agencies, which may lead to increased interest rates, volatility and significant disruption across various financial markets and asset classes. Moreover, the market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely affected by a sovereign credit rating downgrade. This could adversely affect the value of the Funds’ investments.

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. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced plans to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 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

 

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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 the Fund.

In November 2019, the SEC published a proposed rulemaking related to the use of derivatives and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that would, if adopted, for the most part rescind the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover transactions. Instead of complying with current guidance, a Fund would need to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit, certain other derivatives risk management program and testing requirements and requirements related to reporting. These new requirements would apply unless a Fund qualified as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the SEC’s proposal. If a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it would need 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 the Fund’s asset coverage ratio. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions would not be included in the calculation of whether a Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions would be included for purposes of such testing. If the proposal is adopted in substantially the same form as it was proposed, these requirements could limit the ability of a fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. Any new requirements, if adopted, may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.

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 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 sales loads, shareholder account fees (if any), or 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 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.

 

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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 Prospectuses 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 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 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), but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). 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, 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. 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; 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.

 

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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. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Funds and their shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Fundamental Investment Restrictions

The investment objective of each of the following Funds, as set forth in the Prospectuses under the heading “Investment Objective,” together with the investment restrictions set forth below, is a fundamental policy of that 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:

 

PIMCO All Asset Fund		PIMCO Low Duration Fund II
PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund		PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund
PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund®		PIMCO Moderate Duration Fund
PIMCO Diversified Income Fund		PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund
PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund		PIMCO Municipal Bond Fund
PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (Unhedged)		PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund
PIMCO Government Money Market Fund		PIMCO Real Return Fund
PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities Fund		PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Fund
PIMCO High Yield Fund		PIMCO Short-Term Fund
PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)		PIMCO StocksPLUS® Fund
PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Bond Fund		PIMCO StocksPLUS® Absolute Return Fund
PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund		PIMCO Total Return Fund
PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund		PIMCO Total Return Fund II
PIMCO Low Duration Fund		PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund

 

1.

A Fund (except the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities 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. The PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund will concentrate its investments in a group of industries related to banks.

 

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 issued by other investment companies, 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. (this investment restriction is not applicable to the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS® Strategy, PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond, PIMCO International Bond (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities (Unhedged), PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO New York Municipal Bond, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds). 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, although it may purchase securities secured by real estate or interests therein, or securities issued by companies which invest in real estate, or interests therein.

 

4.

A Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts or oil, gas or mineral programs (This investment restriction is not applicable to the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS® Strategy, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Funds). This restriction shall not prohibit a Fund, subject to restrictions described in the Prospectuses and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information, from 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

 

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provisions of the federal securities or commodities laws (This restriction is not applicable to the PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), but see non-fundamental restriction “6”).

 

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.

 

9.

The PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO Municipal Bond, PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of their assets in investments the income of which is exempt from federal income tax.

 

10.

The PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Municipal Bond, PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of their assets in investments the income of which is exempt from both federal income tax and California income tax.

 

11.

The PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in investments the income of which is exempt from both federal income tax and New York income tax.

For purposes of Fundamental Investment Restrictions No. 9, 10 and 11, the term “assets,” as defined in Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, means net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions

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.

 

1.

A Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market 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. The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund may not invest more than 5% of its “total assets,” as defined in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, taken at market value at the time of the investment in “illiquid securities,” which are defined in Rule 2a-7 to mean securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven calendar days at approximately the value ascribed to it by the fund.

 

2.

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.

 

3.

The PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets (taken at market value at the time of investment) in any combination of mortgage-related or other asset-backed interest only, principal only, or inverse floating rate securities. Each other Fund (except for the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund) may invest up to 5% of its total assets (taken at market value at the time of investment) in any combination of mortgage-related or other asset-backed interest only, principal only, or inverse floating rate securities. The 5% and 10% limitations described in this restriction are considered Elective Investment Restrictions (as defined below) for purposes of a Fund’s acquisition through a Voluntary Action (as defined below).

 

4.

Each of the PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) and the PIMCO Total Return Fund IV may not borrow money in excess of 10% of the value (taken at the lower of cost or current value) of the Fund’s total assets (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made, and then only from banks as a temporary

 

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measure to facilitate the meeting of redemption requests (not for leverage) which might otherwise require the untimely disposition of portfolio investments or for extraordinary or emergency purposes (Such borrowings will be repaid before any additional investments are purchased.); or pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets in excess of 10% of the Fund’s total assets (taken at cost) and then only to secure borrowings permitted above (The deposit of securities or cash or cash equivalents in escrow in connection with the writing of covered call or put options, respectively, is not deemed to be pledges or other encumbrances. For the purpose of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security).

 

5.

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 Prospectuses and in this Statement of Additional Information.

 

6.

The PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) may not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that the Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and related options.

In addition, the Trust has adopted the following non-fundamental investment policies that may be changed on 60 days’ notice to shareholders:

 

1.

The PIMCO GNMA and Government Securities Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in GNMA investments and U.S. government securities.

 

2.

The PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in mortgage investments.

 

3.

The PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in investment grade fixed income investments.

 

4.

Each of the PIMCO High Yield and PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in high yield investments.

 

5.

The PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in U.S. Government investments.

 

6.

Each of the PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities (Unhedged) and PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in bond investments.

 

7.

Each of the PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged) and PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in bond investments.

 

8.

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in emerging market bond investments.

 

9.

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments Fund will invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its assets in currencies of, or Fixed Income Instruments denominated in the currencies of, emerging market countries and in short-term investments.

 

10.

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond Fund will invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its assets in currencies of, or Fixed Income Instruments denominated in the currencies of, emerging market countries and in Fixed Income Instruments.

 

11.

Each of the PIMCO Climate Bond Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Bond and PIMCO Strategic Bond Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in Fixed Income Instrument investments.

 

12.

The PIMCO Global Advantage® Strategy Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in Fixed Income Instrument investments.

 

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13.

The PIMCO Government Money Market Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in U.S. government securities.

 

14.

Each of the PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond and PIMCO Long-Term Credit Bond Funds will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in Fixed Income Instruments investments.

 

15.

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in corporate Fixed Income Instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

16.

The PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in senior debt investments that effectively enable the Fund to achieve a floating rate of income.

 

17.

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in investments economically tied to emerging market countries and 80% of its assets in Fixed Income Instruments, which may be represented by direct or indirect (through an Acquired Fund) investments.

 

18.

The PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in a combination of preferred securities and securities issued by financial institutions that can be used to satisfy the financial institution’s regulatory capital requirements.

 

19.

The PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in mortgage investments and Fixed Income Instrument investments.

For purposes of these policies, the term “assets,” as defined in Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, means net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. In addition, for purposes of these policies, investments may be represented by forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts, or swap agreements. Further, for purposes of these policies, a Fund may “look through” a repurchase agreement to the collateral underlying the agreement (typically, government securities), and apply the repurchase agreement toward the 80% investment requirement based on the type of securities comprising its collateral. For purposes of these policies, the term “convertible investments” includes synthetic convertible securities created by PIMCO and those created by other parties such as investment banks.

In addition, for purposes of a Fund’s investment policy adopted pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund will count derivative instruments at market value. Further, for purposes of the investment policy adopted pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act for Non-fundamental Investment Policy 4 above, each of the PIMCO High Yield Fund and PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund will include securities comprising its benchmark index as “high yield investments” even if the highest rating of the security is an investment grade rating.

For purposes of other 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.

Currency Hedging. The Trust has adopted a non-fundamental policy pursuant to which each Fund that may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, except for the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, PIMCO Diversified Income Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund, PIMCO ESG Income Fund, PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged), PIMCO Global Advantage^® Strategy Bond Fund, PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (Unhedged), PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Income Fund, PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund, PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund, PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund, PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund, PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Absolute Return Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® International Fund (Unhedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^®

 

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International Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Short Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS^® Small Fund, PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund, PIMCO Total Return Fund IV and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 20% of its total assets. In addition:

 

•

The PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund may each obtain foreign currency exposure without limitation.

 

•

The PIMCO Climate Bond Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 20% of its total assets.

 

•

The PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 20%-80% of its total assets.

 

•

The PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 35% of its total assets.

 

•

Each of the PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund, PIMCO StocksPLUS® Absolute Return Fund and PIMCO StocksPLUS® Short Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 35% of its total assets. In addition, each of these Funds will normally limit its exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to each non-U.S. currency to 10% of its total assets. Further, each of these Funds will normally limit its aggregate U.S. dollar exposure from transactions or instruments that reference the relative return of a non-U.S. currency or currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar to 20% of its total assets.

 

•

With respect to the AR Bond Alpha Strategy (as defined in the Prospectus), each of the PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund, PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund and PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 35% of its total assets. In addition, with respect to the AR Bond Alpha Strategy, each of these Funds will normally limit its exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to each non-U.S. currency to 10% of its total assets. Further, with respect to the AR Bond Alpha Strategy, each of these Funds will normally limit its aggregate U.S. dollar exposure from transactions or instruments that reference the relative return of a non-U.S. currency or currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar to 20% of its total assets.

 

•

With respect to its fixed income investments, each of the PIMCO StocksPLUS® International Fund (Unhedged), PIMCO StocksPLUS® International Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) and PIMCO StocksPLUS® Small Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 35% of its total assets. In addition, with respect to its fixed income investments, each of these Funds will normally limit its exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to each non-U.S. currency to 10% of its total assets. Further, with respect to its fixed income investments, each of these Funds will normally limit its aggregate U.S. dollar exposure from transactions or instruments that reference the relative return of a non-U.S. currency or currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar to 20% of its total assets.

 

•

Each of the PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 25% of its total assets.

 

•

Each of the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund, PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS® Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Fund, PIMCO ESG Income Fund and PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 10% of its total assets.

 

•

The PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund will normally limit its currency exposure to within 10% (plus or minus) of the Fund’s benchmark index.

 

•

The PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 5% of its total assets.

 

•

The PIMCO Total Return Fund IV will normally limit its foreign currency exposure (from non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) to 5% of its total assets.

There can be no assurance that currency hedging techniques will be successful. All percentage limitations described in this paragraph are considered Elective Investment Restrictions (as defined below) for purposes of a Fund’s acquisition through a Voluntary Action (as defined below).

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

 

79

borrowings for temporary administrative purposes exceed 5% of the total assets of a Fund (except for the PIMCO Global Bond Opportunities Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)), 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 determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. 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, including when a Fund has entered into a contractual arrangement with a third party FCM or counterparty that requires cash settlement), 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.

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.

The Funds interpret their 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 the Funds’ industry concentration restrictions, by virtue of the exclusion from that test available to all U.S. Government securities. Similarly, Municipal Bonds issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies and authorities are not subject to the Funds’ industry concentration restrictions. With respect to investments in other investment companies by the PIMCO All Asset Fund, PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund, PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond Fund, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund and PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund, the Trust takes the position that investments in other investment companies are not considered an investment in a particular industry, and portfolio securities held by other investment companies in which these Funds may invest are not considered to be securities purchased by these Funds for purposes of the Fund’s policy on concentration.

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, 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.

The Funds interpret their policy with respect to the purchase and sale of commodities or commodities contracts under Fundamental Investment Restriction 4 above to permit the Funds, subject to each Fund’s investment objectives and general investment policies (as stated in the Prospectuses and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information), to invest in commodity futures contracts and options thereon, commodity-related swap agreements, hybrid instruments, and other commodity-related derivative instruments and to permit the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset and PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Funds to make direct investments in commodities.

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.

 

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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 Prospectuses) apply only at the time of investment. Any subsequent change in a rating assigned by any rating service to a security (or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality), or change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, or change in the average duration of a Fund’s investment portfolio, resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in a Fund’s total assets will not require a Fund to dispose of an investment. Other than with respect to securities comprising the benchmark index for each of the PIMCO High Yield Fund and PIMCO High Yield Spectrum Fund, in the event that ratings services assign different ratings to the same security, PIMCO will use the highest rating as the credit rating for that security. With respect to the PIMCO Government Money Market Fund, a First Tier Security (as defined in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act) rated in the highest short-term category by three or more rating agencies at the time of purchase that subsequently receives a rating below the highest rating category from one of those rating agencies or a different rating agency may continue to be considered a First Tier 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 a 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 Prospectuses) 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 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.

 

81

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 over-the-counter trading to mandatory exchange-trading and clearing due to the implementation of Dodd-Frank Act regulatory requirements, a Fund may “roll” an existing over-the-counter 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 the Funds to post collateral in connection with their TBA transactions. There is no similar requirement applicable to the Funds’ TBA counterparties. The required collateralization of TBA trades could increase the cost of TBA transactions to the Funds and impose added operational complexity.

Certain of the Funds have investment policies, limitations, or practices that 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 Prospectuses). Pursuant to the discretion of PIMCO and a Fund’s sub-adviser, if any, 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.

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’s Declaration of Trust, its By-Laws and Massachusetts 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

 

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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 and Governance and Nominating Committee and the co-Chairs of the Valuation Oversight Committee, each of whom is an Independent Trustee, act as liaisons between the Independent Trustees and the Trust’s 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 adviser and administrator. 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

 

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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 G. Strelow (1970) Chairman of the Board and Trustee		05/2017 to present   Chairman 02/2019 to present		Managing Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer, PIMCO. Senior Vice President of the Trust, 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. Formerly, Chief Administrative Officer, PIMCO.		146		Chairman and Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series, PIMCO Equity Series VIT.
Brent R. Harris (1959) Trustee		02/1992 to present		Managing Director, PIMCO. Senior Vice President of the Trust, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Formerly, member of Executive Committee, PIMCO.		146		Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series, PIMCO Equity Series VIT; Director, StocksPLUS® Management, Inc; and member of Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute. Formerly, Chairman, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series, PIMCO Equity Series VIT.
Independent Trustees
George E. Borst (1948) Trustee		04/2015 to present		Executive Advisor, McKinsey & Company; Formerly, Executive Advisor, Toyota Financial Services; and CEO, Toyota Financial Services.		146		Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT; Director, MarineMax Inc.
Jennifer Holden Dunbar (1963) Trustee		04/2015 to present		Managing Director, Dunbar Partners, LLC (business consulting and investments). Formerly, Partner, Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.		146		Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT; Director, PS Business Parks; Director, Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation.

 

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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
Kym M. Hubbard (1957) Trustee		02/2017 to present		Formerly, Global Head of Investments, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer, Ernst & Young.		146		Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Director, State Auto Financial Corporation.
Gary F. Kennedy (1955) Trustee		04/2015 to present		Formerly, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, American Airlines and AMR Corporation (now American Airlines Group).		146		Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT.
Peter B. McCarthy (1950) Trustee		04/2015 to present		Formerly, Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, United States Department of Treasury; Deputy Managing Director, Institute of International Finance.		146		Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT.
Ronald C. Parker (1951) Lead Independent Trustee		07/2009 to present   Lead Independent Trustee – 02/2017 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).		146		Lead Independent Trustee, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT.

 

*	Unless otherwise noted, the information for the individuals listed is as of June 30, 2020.

(1)	Mr. Harris and Mr. Strelow are “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) because of their affiliations with PIMCO.

(†)	Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

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 Equity Series, 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.

 

85

Mr. Harris’s position as a Managing Director of PIMCO and, formerly, as a Member of its Executive Committee give him valuable experience with the day-to-day management of the operation of the Trust as well as other funds within the fund complex, enabling him 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 Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015.

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 the boards of directors of two public companies. She also has gained relevant experience as a Trustee of PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series and 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 Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2017.

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 Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015.

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 Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2015 and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series and 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 Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust since 2009, and as a Trustee of PIMCO Equity Series and 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 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.
David C. Flattum (1964) Chief Legal Officer		05/2019 to present		Managing Director and General Counsel, PIMCO. Chief Legal Officer, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Formerly, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Allianz Asset Management of America L.P.
Keisha Audain-Pressley (1975) Chief Compliance Officer		01/2020 to present		Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, PIMCO. Chief Compliance Officer, 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.

 

86

Name, Year of Birth and Position Held with Trust		Term of Office and Length of Time Served		Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years†
Brent R. Harris (1959) Senior Vice President		01/2015 to present		Managing Director, PIMCO. Senior Vice President, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Formerly, member of Executive Committee, PIMCO.
Joshua D. Ratner (1976)** Senior Vice President		05/2019 to present		Executive Vice President and Head of Americas Operations, PIMCO. Senior Vice President, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.
Peter G. Strelow (1970) Senior Vice President		06/2019 to present		Managing Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer, PIMCO. Senior Vice President, 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. Formerly, Chief Administrative Officer, PIMCO.
Ryan G. Leshaw (1980) Vice President — Senior Counsel, Secretary		11/2018 to present		Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, PIMCO. Vice President, Senior Counsel and Secretary, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series 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.
Wu-Kwan Kit (1981) Assistant Secretary		08/2017 to present		Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, PIMCO. Assistant Secretary, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series 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.
Stacie D. Anctil (1969) Vice President		05/2015 to present		Executive Vice President, Head of Americas Data Operations, PIMCO. Vice President, 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.
Jeffrey A. Byer (1976) Vice President		02/2020 to present		Executive Vice President and Head of Americas Investment & Client Operations, PIMCO. Vice President, 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.
Brian J. Pittluck (1977) Vice President		01/2020 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Vice President, 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.
Bradley A. Todd (1960) Treasurer		06/2019 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Treasurer, 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. Formerly, Consultant, EY.
Bijal Y. Parikh (1978) Deputy Treasurer		01/2020 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Deputy Treasurer, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Assistant Treasurer, PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, PIMCO-Sponsored Interval Funds and PIMCO-Sponsored Closed-End Funds.

 

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Name, Year of Birth and Position Held with Trust		Term of Office and Length of Time Served		Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years†
Erik C. Brown (1967)** Assistant Treasurer		02/2001 to present		Executive Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, 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.
Brandon T. Evans (1982) Assistant Treasurer		05/2019 to present		Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, 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.
Colleen D. Miller (1980)** Assistant Treasurer		02/2017 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, 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.
Christopher M. Morin (1980) Assistant Treasurer		08/2016 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, 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.
Jason J. Nagler (1982)** Assistant Treasurer		05/2015 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, 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.
H. Jessica Zhang (1973)** Assistant Treasurer		01/2020 to present		Senior Vice President, PIMCO. Assistant Treasurer, 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.

 

*	Unless otherwise noted, the information for the individuals listed is as of June 30, 2020.

(†)

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 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.

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, 2019.

 

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
Interested Trustees

 

88

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
Brent R. Harris		PIMCO All Asset Fund		Over $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund®		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Government Money Market Fund		$50,001 - $100,000
		PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar Hedged)		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Real Return Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO StocksPLUS® Short Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Total Return Fund		Over $100,000
Peter G. Strelow		PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund		Over $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO All Asset Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund		$50,001 - $100,000
		PIMCO Income Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund		$10,001 - $50,000

 

89

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
		PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO StocksPLUS® Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
Independent Trustees
George E. Borst		PIMCO Diversified Income Fund		Over $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO High Yield Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Income Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Total Return Fund		Over $100,000
Jennifer Holden Dunbar		PIMCO All Asset Fund		$10,001 - $50,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Climate Bond Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO Diversified Income Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO Government Money Market Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		High Yield Municipal Bond Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Income Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond Fund		$1 - $10,000
		PIMCO Real Return Fund		$50,001 - $100,000
		PIMCO Senior Floating Rate Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Short-Term Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO StocksPLUS® Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Total Return Fund		$50,001 - $100,000
Kym M. Hubbard		PIMCO High Yield Fund		$50,001 - $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Total Return Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
Gary F. Kennedy		PIMCO All Asset Fund		Over $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Income Fund		Over $100,000

 

90

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
		PIMCO Total Return Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund		Over $100,000
Peter B. McCarthy		PIMCO Government Money Market Fund		Over $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Income Fund		$50,001 - $100,000
		PIMCO Preferred & Capital Securities Fund		$50,001 - $100,000
		PIMCO Short-Term Fund		Over $100,000
Ronald C. Parker		PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund		Over $100,000		Over $100,000
		PIMCO All Asset Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO Income Fund		Over $100,000
		PIMCO RAE PLUS		Over $100,000
		PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund		$10,001 - $50,000
		PIMCO Total Return Fund		$10,001 - $50,000

To the best of the Trust’s knowledge, as of June 30, 2020, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the shares of each class of each Fund.

Trustee Ownership of the Investment Adviser 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, 2019.

 

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

 

91

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:

 

1.

Payments for property or services to or from any such person;

 

2.

Provision of legal services to any such person;

 

3.

Provision of investment banking services to any such person; and

 

4.

Any consulting or other relationship that is substantially similar in nature and scope to the relationships listed in (i) through (iii) above.

Standing Committees

Except where otherwise noted, the Committee membership for each Committee and other information below is listed as of March 31, 2020. 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 March 31, 2020, 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

 

92

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 (co-Chair) and Messrs. Borst, Harris, Kennedy (co-Chair), McCarthy, Parker and Strelow. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, 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 Fund’s investment objective, strategies, performance and outlook. The Investment Performance Committee consists of Msses. Dunbar (Chair) and Hubbard and Messrs. Borst, Harris, Kennedy, McCarthy, Parker and Strelow. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, 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 (Chair), Kennedy, 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 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 March 31, 2020, there were two meetings of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

93

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 March 31, 2020.

 

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 Borst, Trustee		$271,800.00		N/A		$454,250.00
Jennifer Holden Dunbar, Trustee		$271,799.99		N/A		$454,250.00
Kym M. Hubbard, Trustee		$265,300.00		N/A		$444,250.00
Gary F. Kennedy, Trustee		$265,300.00		N/A		$444,250.00
Peter B. McCarthy, Trustee		$289,550.00		N/A		$479,250.00
Ronald C. Parker, Trustee		$284,550.00		N/A		$474,250.00

⁽¹⁾    The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation before deferral with respect to the Trust’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.

Investment Adviser

PIMCO, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as investment adviser to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory contract (“Advisory Contract”) between PIMCO and the Trust. PIMCO also serves as investment adviser to the Subsidiaries. PIMCO is located at 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. PIMCO had approximately $1.92 trillion of assets under management as of June 30, 2020 and $1.46 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.

PIMCO has engaged Research Affiliates, LLC (“Research Affiliates”), a California limited liability company, to serve as asset allocation sub-adviser to the PIMCO All Asset Fund and PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund pursuant to separate asset allocation sub-advisory agreements (“Asset Allocation Sub-Advisory Agreements”) and as sub-adviser to the PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative, PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS, PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG, PIMCO RAE PLUS International, PIMCO RAE PLUS Small and PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Funds, pursuant to a separate sub-advisory agreement (“RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Research Affiliates was organized in March 2002 and is located at 620 Newport Center Drive, Suite 900, Newport Beach, California, 92660.

 

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PIMCO has engaged Gurtin Fixed Income Management, LLC (d/b/a Gurtin Municipal Bond Management, “Gurtin”), a Delaware limited liability company, to serve as sub-adviser to the PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund, PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Fund and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Fund, pursuant to a separate sub-advisory agreement (“Gurtin Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Gurtin is located at 440 Stevens Avenue, Suite 260, Solana Beach, CA 92075. As sub-adviser to the PIMCO Gurtin Funds, Gurtin is responsible for providing, subject to the supervision of PIMCO, investment advisory services to the PIMCO Gurtin Funds.

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 Adviser 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.

Advisory Agreements

The Funds pay for the advisory and supervisory and administrative services they require under what is essentially an all-in fee structure.

PIMCO is responsible for making investment decisions and placing orders for the purchase and sale of the Trust’s investments directly with the issuers or with brokers or dealers selected by it in its discretion. See “Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage,” below. 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.

Under the terms of the Advisory Contract, PIMCO is obligated to manage the Funds in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The investment advisory services of PIMCO to the Trust are not exclusive under the terms of the Advisory Contract. 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 Advisory Contract, 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 Advisory Contract 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.

As discussed in “Investment Objectives and Policies” above, the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the CSF Subsidiary, the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the CPS Subsidiary, the PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^® may pursue its investment objective by investing in the CRRS Subsidiary, the PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the GCAA Subsidiary, the PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the IRMA Subsidiary and the PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing in the MF Subsidiary. The Subsidiaries have each entered into a separate contract with PIMCO whereby PIMCO provides investment advisory and other services to the Subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Advisory Contracts”). In consideration of these services, each Subsidiary pays PIMCO a management fee and an administrative services fee at the annual rates of 0.49% and 0.20%, respectively. PIMCO has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee and the supervisory and administrative fee it receives from the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund in an amount equal to the management fee and administrative services fee, respectively, paid to PIMCO by the CSF Subsidiary. This waiver may not be terminated by PIMCO, and will remain in effect for as long as PIMCO’s contract with the CSF Subsidiary is in place. PIMCO has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee and the supervisory and administrative fee it receives from the PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund in an amount equal to the management fee and administrative services fee, respectively, paid to PIMCO by the CPS Subsidiary. This waiver may not be terminated by PIMCO, and will remain in effect for as long as PIMCO’s contract with the CPS Subsidiary is in place. PIMCO has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee and the supervisory and administrative fee it receives from the PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^® in an amount equal to the management fee and administrative services fee, respectively, paid to PIMCO by the CRRS Subsidiary. This waiver may not be terminated by PIMCO, and will remain in effect for as long as PIMCO’s contract with the CRRS Subsidiary is in place. PIMCO has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee and the supervisory and administrative fee it receives from the PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund in an amount equal to the management fee and administrative services fee, respectively, paid to PIMCO by the GCAA Subsidiary. This waiver may not be terminated by PIMCO, and will remain in effect for as long as PIMCO’s contract with the GCAA Subsidiary is in place. PIMCO has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee and the supervisory and administrative fee it receives from the PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund in an amount equal to the management fee and administrative services fee, respectively, paid to PIMCO by the IRMA Subsidiary. This waiver may not be

 

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terminated by PIMCO, and will remain in effect for as long as PIMCO’s contract with the IRMA Subsidiary is in place. PIMCO has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee and the supervisory and administrative fee it receives from the PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund in an amount equal to the management fee and administrative services fee, respectively, paid to PIMCO by the MF Subsidiary. This waiver may not be terminated by PIMCO, and will remain in effect for as long as PIMCO’s contract with the MF Subsidiary is in place.

The Subsidiary Advisory Contracts will continue in effect until terminated. The Subsidiary Advisory Contracts are each terminable by either party thereto, without penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice, and shall terminate automatically in the event: (i) it is “assigned” by PIMCO (as defined in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”)); or (ii) the Advisory Contract between the Trust, acting for and on behalf of the PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Fund, PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS^® Strategy Fund, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy Fund^®, PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund and/or PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund, as applicable, and PIMCO is terminated.

PIMCO employs Research Affiliates to provide asset allocation services to the PIMCO All Asset Fund and PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund pursuant to separate Asset Allocation Sub-Advisory Agreements. Under each Asset Allocation Sub-Advisory Agreement, Research Affiliates is responsible for recommending how the assets of the Funds are allocated and reallocated from time to time among the Underlying PIMCO Funds. The Funds indirectly pay a proportionate share of the advisory fees paid to PIMCO by the Underlying PIMCO Funds in which the Funds invest. Research Affiliates is not compensated directly by the PIMCO All Asset Fund or PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund, but is paid by PIMCO. Under the terms of each Asset Allocation Sub-Advisory Agreement, Research Affiliates is obligated to sub-advise the PIMCO All Asset and PIMCO All Asset All Authority Funds in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Each Asset Allocation Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the PIMCO All Asset Fund and the PIMCO All Asset All Authority Funds, respectively, for two years from its respective effective date, and thereafter 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. Each Asset Allocation Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Trustees or its shareholders, or by PIMCO, on 60 days’ written notice by either party to the contract and will terminate automatically if assigned. If Research Affiliates ceases to serve as sub-adviser of the Funds, PIMCO will either assume full responsibility therefor, or retain a new asset allocation sub-adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and, if required, the Fund’s shareholders.

PIMCO also employs Research Affiliates to provide sub-advisory services to the Funds listed below pursuant to the RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement. Under the RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement, Research Affiliates is responsible for providing, subject to the supervision of PIMCO, investment advisory services in connection with each Fund’s swap-based exposure to the proprietary model portfolio or portfolios listed beside such Fund’s name. More specifically, Research Affiliates will provide PIMCO, or counterparties designated by PIMCO, with the relevant proprietary model portfolio or portfolios for purposes of developing equity total return swaps based on that model portfolio or those model portfolios. Research Affiliates is not compensated directly by the Funds, but is paid by PIMCO.

 

Fund		Model Portfolio(s)
PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund		RAE US Large Model Portfolio
PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund		RAE Emerging Markets Model Portfolio
PIMCO RAE PLUS Fund		RAE US Large Model Portfolio
PIMCO RAE PLUS International Fund		RAE International Large Model Portfolio
PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund		RAE US Small Model Portfolio
PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund		RAE Low Volatility US Model Portfolio RAE Low Volatility International Model Portfolio RAE Low Volatility Emerging Markets Model Portfolio
PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund		RAE US Large Model Portfolio RAE Low Volatility US Model Portfolio RAE Low Volatility Emerging Markets Model Portfolio RAE Low Volatility International Model Portfolio

With respect to each Fund listed above except the PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund, Research Affiliates is paid a fee based upon the average daily value of the net assets of each Fund. With respect to the PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund, Research Affiliates is paid a fee based upon the average daily long only notional value of the Fund’s derivative instruments based on the model portfolios listed beside the PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund’s name above. If any investment company, separate account, sub-advised account, other pooled vehicle or other account, which is sponsored or advised by PIMCO and sub-advised by Research

 

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Affiliates pursuant to an agreement wherein Research Affiliates is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portfolio (a “PIMCO Managed Account”), including, without limitation, the PIMCO All Asset Fund, PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund and PIMCO All Asset Portfolio (a series of PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust), invests in a Fund listed above, Research Affiliates shall, subject to applicable law, waive any fee to which it would be entitled under the RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to any assets of the PIMCO Managed Account invested in such Fund. PIMCO Managed Accounts do not include investment companies, separate accounts, sub-advised accounts, other pooled investment vehicles or other accounts for which Research Affiliates is not primarily responsible for day-to-day management of the account’s portfolio, regardless of whether Research Affiliates serves as a sub-adviser with respect to the account.

Under the terms of the RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement, Research Affiliates is obligated to provide advice to the Funds listed above in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Funds listed above 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 RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, with respect to a 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) Research Affiliates upon 60 days’ written notice. The RAFI™ Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

Under the terms of the Gurtin Sub-Advisory Agreement, Gurtin is responsible for providing, subject to the supervision of PIMCO, investment advisory services, including: determination of the securities and other assets to be purchased or sold by a PIMCO Gurtin Fund, determination of what portion of a PIMCO Gurtin Fund shall be invested in securities or other assets, and what portion, if any, should be held uninvested. The Gurtin Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the PIMCO Gurtin 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 a vote of the majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities or by the Board of Trustees; and (ii) by a majority of the independent Trustees. The Gurtin Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, with respect to a PIMCO Gurtin Fund by: (i) a vote of the majority of the 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) Gurtin upon 60 days’ written notice to the Trust. The Gurtin Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

In rendering investment advisory services to the Trust, PIMCO may use the resources of one or more foreign (non-U.S.) affiliates that are not registered under the Advisers Act (the “PIMCO Overseas Affiliates”) to provide portfolio management, research and trading services to the Trust. Under the Memorandums of Understanding (“MOUs”), each of the PIMCO Overseas Affiliates are Participating Affiliates of PIMCO as that term is used in relief granted by the staff of the SEC allowing U.S. registered advisers to use investment advisory and trading resources of unregistered advisory affiliates subject to the regulatory supervision of the registered adviser. Each Participating Affiliate and any of their respective employees who provide services to the Trust are considered under the MOUs to be “associated persons” of PIMCO as that term is defined in the Advisers Act for purposes of PIMCO’s required supervision.

Advisory Fee Rates

Each Fund either currently pays, or will pay, a monthly investment advisory fee at an annual rate based on average daily net assets of the Funds as follows:

 

Fund(†)		Advisory Fee Rate
PIMCO Government Money Market Fund			0.12	%
PIMCO All Asset Fund			0.175	%
PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income and PIMCO Short Duration Municipal Income Funds			0.18	%
PIMCO All Asset All Authority, PIMCO Municipal Bond and PIMCO Short Asset Investment Funds			0.20	%
PIMCO California Municipal Bond Fund			0.21	%
PIMCO National Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund			0.22	%
PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond, PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government and PIMCO New York Municipal Bond Funds			0.225	%
PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond, PIMCO High Yield Spectrum, PIMCO Long-Term Credit Bond, PIMCO Low Duration Income, PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Intermediate Value and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Intermediate Value Funds			0.30	%
PIMCO StocksPLUS® Long Duration, PIMCO Mortgage Opportunities and Bond and PIMCO Global Advantage® Strategy Bond(1) Funds			0.35	%
PIMCO StocksPLUS® Absolute Return, PIMCO StocksPLUS® International (Unhedged) and PIMCO StocksPLUS® Short Funds			0.39	%

 

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Fund(†)		Advisory Fee Rate
PIMCO Senior Floating Rate(2), PIMCO Gurtin California Municipal Opportunistic Value and PIMCO Gurtin National Municipal Opportunistic Value Funds			0.40	%
PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities, PIMCO Inflation Response Multi-Asset(3) and PIMCO StocksPLUS® Small Funds			0.44	%
PIMCO Diversified Income, PIMCO Emerging Markets Local Currency and Bond, PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond, PIMCO Emerging Markets Currency and Short-Term Investments and PIMCO StocksPLUS® International (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Funds			0.45	%
PIMCO CommoditiesPLUS® Strategy, PIMCO CommodityRealReturn Strategy and PIMCO RealEstateRealReturn Strategy Funds			0.49	%
PIMCO Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund(4)(5)			0.50	%
PIMCO RAE PLUS and PIMCO Emerging Markets Full Spectrum Bond(6) Funds			0.54	%
PIMCO Dynamic Bond Fund(7)			0.55	%
PIMCO RAE PLUS International(8) Fund			0.57	%
PIMCO RAE PLUS Small Fund			0.59	%
PIMCO Credit Opportunities Bond Fund			0.60	%
PIMCO RAE Fundamental Advantage PLUS Fund			0.64	%
PIMCO RAE PLUS EMG Fund(9)			0.80	%
PIMCO Global Core Asset Allocation Fund			0.90	%
PIMCO RAE Worldwide Long/Short PLUS Fund			0.94	%
PIMCO Multi-Strategy Alternative Fund			1.05	%
PIMCO TRENDS Managed Futures Strategy Fund			1.15	%
All other Funds(10)(11)			0.25	%

^(†)    As disclosed in the Funds’ prospectuses, 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.

 

(1)	Effective October 2, 2017, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.05% to 0.35% per annum.

(2)	Effective October 1, 2013, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.10% to 0.40% per annum.

(3)	Effective October 1, 2015, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.21% to 0.44% per annum.

(4)	Effective October 1, 2015, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.20% to 0.55% per annum.

(5)	Effective October 2, 2017, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.05% to 0.50% per annum.

(6)	Effective October 2, 2017, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.05% to 0.54% per annum.

(7)	Effective October 2, 2017, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.05% to 0.55% per annum.

(8)	Effective October 1, 2013, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.02% to 0.57% per annum.

(9)	Effective October 1, 2020, the Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.05% to 0.80% per annum.

(10)	Effective October 1, 2018, the PIMCO Strategic Bond Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.15% to 0.25% per annum.

(11)	Effective October 1, 2019, the PIMCO Long-Term Real Return Fund’s Advisory Fee was reduced by 0.05% to 0.25% per annum.

Advisory Fee Payments

The advisory fees paid by each Fund that was operational during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (except as otherwise noted below) were as follows:

 

Fund		Year Ended 3/31/2020				Year Ended 3/31/2019				Year Ended 3/31/2018
PIMCO All Asset All Authority Fund			$ 9,783,005				$ 13,520,567				$ 16,220,116
PIMCO All Asset Fund			30,653,143				32,434,607				33,967,851
PIMCO California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund			397,618				318,612				312,641
PIMCO California Municipal Bond Fund			102,105				49,534				28,735
PIMCO California Short Duration Municipal Income Fund			256,429				242,049				238,242
PIMCO Climate Bond Fund			4,036				0				0

 

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