American Funds American Mutual Fund Class R-6 (RMFGX) N-CSRCertified annual shareholder report (management investment company)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

Certified Shareholder Report of

Registered Management Investment Companies

Investment Company Act File Number: 811-00572

American Mutual Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

333 South Hope Street

Los Angeles, California 90071

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (949) 975-5000

Date of fiscal year end: October 31

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2021

Hong T. Le

American Mutual Fund

6455 Irvine Center Drive

Irvine, California 92618

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

ITEM 1 – Reports to Stockholders

American Mutual Fund®
Annual report for the year ended October 31, 2021

We invest in
companies with
strong balance sheets
and a history of
paying dividends

American Mutual Fund strives for the balanced accomplishment of three objectives: current income, growth of capital and conservation of principal.

This fund is one of more than 40 offered by Capital Group, home of American Funds, one of the nation’s largest mutual fund families. For 90 years, Capital Group has invested with a long-term focus based on thorough research and attention to risk.

Fund results shown in this report, unless otherwise indicated, are for Class F-2 shares. Class A share results are shown at net asset value unless otherwise indicated. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted, the results would have been lower. Results are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely. For current information and month-end results, visit capitalgroup.com.

Here are the average annual total returns on a $1,000 investment for periods ended September 30, 2021 (the most recent calendar quarter-end):

For other share class results, visit capitalgroup.com and americanfundsretirement.com.

The total annual fund operating expense ratio is 0.37% for Class F-2 shares and 0.58% for Class A shares as of the prospectus dated January 1, 2022 (unaudited).

Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. When applicable, results reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which they would have been lower. Visit capitalgroup.com for more information.

The fund’s 30-day yield as of November 30, 2021, was 1.80% for Class F-2 shares and 1.50% for Class A shares, calculated in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission formula. The fund’s 12-month distribution rate as of that date was 1.85% for Class F-2 shares and 1.56% for Class A shares. Both Class A share values reflect the 5.75% maximum sales charge. The SEC yield reflects the rate at which the fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities while the distribution rate reflects the fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders. Accordingly, the fund’s SEC yield and distribution rate may differ.

Refer to the fund prospectus and the Risk Factors section of this report for more information on risks associated with investing in the fund.

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.

Fellow investors:

The U.S. stock market advanced during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. Economic data was largely positive, and company earnings were better than expected overall despite global supply chain disruptions and rising consumer prices. Headline inflation, including food and energy, rose at an annualized 4.4% for the year ended in September — the fastest rate since January 1991. The U.S. Federal Reserve signaled it could start tapering its $120-billion-per-month bond-buying stimulus program, and markets have begun to signal an expectation for rate hikes in 2022.

With the stock market rising during the period, American Mutual Fund (AMF) posted a total return of 34.17% (Class F-2 shares). This result trailed the 42.91% return of the unmanaged Standard & Poor’s 500 Index*, a market-capitalization-weighted index based on the results of approximately 500 widely held common stocks. It is not uncommon for AMF to lag the S&P 500 in a market environment of strong rising returns. The fund is managed conservatively and historically has done better in declining markets because strongly capitalized dividend-paying companies are typically less volatile than the overall market and have offered better downside protection.

For the past 10 years, which have been characterized by strong market returns, the fund had an average annual total return of 12.69%, not surprisingly lagging the index’s 16.21% return. However, over its lifetime of more than 70 years, which reflects full market cycles, the fund has had

Dividends paid in calendar year 2021

For tax purposes, here are the quarterly income dividends shareholders received in calendar year 2021.

The fund will also pay a special dividend for Class F-2 and Class A shares from accumulated undistributed net income on 12/15/21.

Form 1099-DIV, which provides the information you will need to prepare your federal income tax return for 2021, will be mailed to you with your American Funds Tax Guide in late January 2022.

an average annual total return of 11.83%^†, slightly ahead of the S&P 500, and with less volatility. The index is unmanaged and, therefore, has no expenses; investors cannot invest directly in an index.

Portfolio review

AMF’s energy investments were a leading contributor to the fund’s returns. After a difficult 2020, during which the industry was plagued with oversupply, the rapid economic recovery — coupled with modest increases in capital expenditures — drove oil prices to three-year highs. Some notable energy holdings that showed particularly strong results included ConocoPhillips, EOG Resources and Canadian Natural Resources. While future economic growth is likely to be more muted, energy companies are planning for a future with less fossil fuel consumption by limiting their investments in new production. As a result, we believe oil prices should remain at levels that allow energy companies to generate attractive cash flows for investors.

Expectations for elevated levels of inflation, improved prospects for economic growth and a steeper yield curve helped drive returns in the financials sector, which also benefited AMF on an absolute basis. In addition, because COVID-related credit losses were far more benign than expected, banks were able to release some of their reserves for expected losses, which boosted capital ratios and enhanced profits. Most notably, PNC Financial Services Group reached new highs on record revenues. In addition, in June 2021, PNC completed the acquisition of BBVA USA, which increased the company’s exposure to the faster growing southeastern portion of the United States and could provide a source of future cost savings. Toronto-Dominion Bank and JP Morgan also contributed strongly to AMF’s results.

Another standout holding was Williams-Sonoma. The kitchenware and home furnishings retailer leveraged its websites, mail catalogs and retail stores to achieve record sales from consumers who spent more time at home due to COVID restrictions. The company further rewarded shareholders in August by boosting its dividend by 20% and significantly increasing its stock repurchase program.

Among the sectors that detracted from the fund’s results, health care faced a difficult 2021 as consumers made fewer than expected doctor visits and pandemic-induced volatility lingered. Notable detractors in the sector included Amgen and Gilead. Amgen’s stock price fell in 2021 due to greater-than-expected declines in their legacy products and ongoing pressure on prescriptions due to COVID. We are optimistic about Amgen’s long-term outlook in advance of a number of new product launches, which should help improve the company’s financial profile in the near future. Although positive, Gilead’s returns were lackluster due to declining expectations for its COVID drug, Veklury (remdesivir) and weaker-than-expected sales with its two HIV treatments due to weak doctor visits. Gilead has an emerging oncology franchise that could help drive attractive returns in the future.

AMF’s utility holdings typically have helped the fund achieve its income and principal conservation objectives. However, in a year such as 2021 when investors favored growth and deeply cyclical companies, AMF’s utility holdings were a drag on results relative to the index. The two largest detractors were Xcel Energy, the Minneapolis-based electric and natural gas utility serving eight states, and American Electric Power, an electric utility serving 11 states. Looking forward, utilities should benefit from the increased investment required to support the growth in electric vehicles.

Positioning in communication services held back results on a relative basis largely due to AMF’s holdings in Comcast and Verizon. Comcast shares were negatively affected by lower-than-expected broadband additions. Verizon Communications also weighed on relative results due to increased competitive pressures, tepid growth and the commensurate need for increased capital spending.

Looking ahead

U.S. stock markets reached all-time highs in October, and most equity markets around the world have been strong in response to the post-peak period of the pandemic. We believe that the U.S. economy should continue to expand at a solid pace, following this strong rebound over the past 12 months despite ongoing supply chain imbalances, inflationary pressures, labor shortages and COVID-related health concerns. After several rounds of stimulus, Americans have amassed about $2.5 trillion more in liquid savings than they had before the pandemic. Their savings along with increased wages will likely lead to increased consumer spending on cars, homes, appliances and vacations as the recovery continues. Productivity gains associated with work-from-home programs and digitization of interactions via technologies such as videoconferencing and file sharing have increased the capacity for companies to invest in growth. The Federal Reserve is also supporting capital investment by keeping the Fed funds rate at historically low levels.

However, despite our general optimism, the market is in its twelfth year of a bull market that began after the Great Financial Crisis. The price-to-earnings ratio for the S&P 500 is well above its 15-year average, which increases the risk of market volatility in the year ahead and makes bottom-up security selection more important than ever. We believe that our consistent approach of investing in quality companies with strong balance sheets will serve our investors well in an unpredictable environment. The fund’s diversification can help it weather a variety of macroeconomic outcomes, and the portfolio managers consider its capital conservation objective to be important in security selection and portfolio construction. Our focus on dividend-paying companies helps us identify management teams that demonstrate a willingness to share profits with investors. In addition, managements’ motivation to grow a company’s dividend aligns well with the fund’s objective of growth of capital. In short, through thoughtful alignment with the fund’s three objectives — current income, growth of capital and conservation of principal — our goal is to manage AMF to hold up better than the stock market in a downturn, which will inevitably occur, while also participating in market rallies.

We are pleased to report that the number of shareholder accounts in AMF has grown by 7.6% from a year ago. We would like to welcome our new shareholders and thank our long-term investors for their continued support.

Cordially,

Charles E. Ellwein
Co-President

William L. Robbins
Co-President

December 8, 2021

For current information about the fund, visit capitalgroup.com.

The value of a long-term perspective

Fund results shown are for Class F-2 shares and Class A shares. Class A share results reflect deduction of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% on the $10,000 investment.¹ Thus, the net amount invested was $9,425.² Results are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely. For current information and month-end results, visit capitalgroup.com.

Class F-2 shares were first offered on August 1, 2008. Class F-2 share results prior to the date of first sale are hypothetical based on the results of the original share class of the fund without a sales charge, adjusted for typical estimated expenses. Visit capitalgroup.com for more information on specific expense adjustments and the actual dates of first sale.

The results shown are before taxes on fund distributions and sale of fund shares.

How a hypothetical $10,000 investment has grown

A meaningful way to compare the fund’s results with the return on other investments is through its total return. Total return is a combination of income return and capital return. This chart illustrates a hypothetical $10,000 investment in American Mutual Fund from October 31, 1971, through October 31, 2021.

Investment portfolio October 31, 2021
Industry sector diversification	Percent of net assets

Investments in affiliates⁴

Key to abbreviations and symbol

ADR = American Depositary Receipts
CAD = Canadian dollars
GDR = Global Depositary Receipts
LIBOR = London Interbank Offered Rate
USD/$ = U.S. dollars

See notes to financial statements.

Financial statements

See notes to financial statements.

Financial statements (continued)

Statement of assets and liabilities
at October 31, 2021 (continued)

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share amounts)

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding (no stated par value) —

unlimited shares authorized (1,606,412 total shares outstanding)

See notes to financial statements.

Financial statements (continued)

See notes to financial statements.

Financial statements (continued)

Statements of changes in net assets

(dollars in thousands)

See notes to financial statements.

Notes to financial statements

1. Organization

American Mutual Fund (the “fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company. The fund strives for the balanced accomplishment of three objectives: current income, growth of capital and conservation of principal.

The fund has 21 share classes consisting of six retail share classes (Classes A, C, T, F-1, F-2 and F-3), seven 529 college savings plan share classes (Classes 529-A, 529-C, 529-E, 529-T, 529-F-1, 529-F-2 and 529-F-3) and eight retirement plan share classes (Classes R-1, R-2, R-2E, R-3, R-4, R-5E, R-5 and R-6). The 529 college savings plan share classes can be used to save for college education. The retirement plan share classes are generally offered only through eligible employer-sponsored retirement plans. The fund’s share classes are described further in the following table:

Holders of all share classes have equal pro rata rights to the assets, dividends and liquidation proceeds of the fund. Each share class has identical voting rights, except for the exclusive right to vote on matters affecting only its class. Share classes have different fees and expenses (“class-specific fees and expenses”), primarily due to different arrangements for distribution, transfer agent and administrative services. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different per-share dividends by each share class.

2. Significant accounting policies

The fund is an investment company that applies the accounting and reporting guidance issued in Topic 946 by the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board. The fund’s financial statements have been prepared to comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These principles require the fund’s investment adviser to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Subsequent events, if any, have been evaluated through the date of issuance in the preparation of the financial statements. The fund follows the significant accounting policies described in this section, as well as the valuation policies described in the next section on valuation.

Security transactions and related investment income — Security transactions are recorded by the fund as of the date the trades are executed with brokers. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are determined based on the specific identified cost of the securities. In the event a security is purchased with a delayed payment date, the fund will segregate liquid assets sufficient to meet its payment obligations. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Market discounts, premiums and original issue discounts on fixed-income securities are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.

Class allocations — Income, fees and expenses (other than class-specific fees and expenses), realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated daily among the various share classes based on their relative net assets. Class-specific fees and expenses, such as distribution, transfer agent and administrative services, are charged directly to the respective share class.

Distributions paid to shareholders — Income dividends and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Currency translation — Assets and liabilities, including investment securities, denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates supplied by one or more pricing vendors on the valuation date. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the dates of such transactions. The effects of changes in exchange rates on investment securities are included with the net realized gain or loss and net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the fund’s statement of operations. The realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation resulting from all other transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are disclosed separately.

In-kind redemptions — The fund normally redeems shares in cash; however, under certain conditions and circumstances, payment of the redemption price wholly or partly with portfolio securities or other fund assets may be permitted. A redemption of shares in-kind is based upon the closing value of the shares being redeemed as of the trade date. Realized gains/losses resulting from redemptions of shares in-kind are reflected separately in the fund’s statement of operations.

3. Valuation

Capital Research and Management Company (“CRMC”), the fund’s investment adviser, values the fund’s investments at fair value as defined by U.S. GAAP. The net asset value per share is calculated once daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, normally 4 p.m. New York time, each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.

Methods and inputs — The fund’s investment adviser uses the following methods and inputs to establish the fair value of the fund’s assets and liabilities. Use of particular methods and inputs may vary over time based on availability and relevance as market and economic conditions evolve.

Equity securities are generally valued at the official closing price of, or the last reported sale price on, the exchange or market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or market on which the security trades.

Fixed-income securities, including short-term securities, are generally valued at prices obtained from one or more pricing vendors. Vendors value such securities based on one or more of the inputs described in the following table. The table provides examples of inputs that are commonly relevant for valuing particular classes of fixed-income securities in which the fund is authorized to invest. However, these classifications are not exclusive, and any of the inputs may be used to value any other class of fixed-income security.

When the fund’s investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so (such as when vendor prices are unavailable or deemed to be not representative), fixed-income securities will be valued in good faith at the mean quoted bid and ask prices that are reasonably and timely available (or bid prices, if ask prices are not available) or at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type.

Securities with both fixed-income and equity characteristics, or equity securities traded principally among fixed-income dealers, are generally valued in the manner described for either equity or fixed-income securities, depending on which method is deemed most appropriate by the fund’s investment adviser. The Capital Group Central Cash Fund (“CCF”), a fund within the Capital Group Central Fund Series (“Central Funds”), is valued based upon a floating net asset value, which fluctuates with changes in the value of CCF’s portfolio securities. The underlying securities are valued based on the policies and procedures in CCF’s statement of additional information.

Securities and other assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable by the fund’s investment adviser are fair valued as determined in good faith under fair valuation guidelines adopted by authority of the fund’s board of trustees as further described. The investment adviser follows fair valuation guidelines, consistent with U.S. Securities and Exchange

Commission rules and guidance, to consider relevant principles and factors when making fair value determinations. The investment adviser considers relevant indications of value that are reasonably and timely available to it in determining the fair value to be assigned to a particular security, such as the type and cost of the security; contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security; relevant financial or business developments of the issuer; actively traded similar or related securities; conversion or exchange rights on the security; related corporate actions; significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security; and changes in overall market conditions. In addition, the closing prices of equity securities that trade in markets outside U.S. time zones may be adjusted to reflect significant events that occur after the close of local trading but before the net asset value of each share class of the fund is determined. Fair valuations and valuations of investments that are not actively trading involve judgment and may differ materially from valuations that would have been used had greater market activity occurred.

Processes and structure — The fund’s board of trustees has delegated authority to the fund’s investment adviser to make fair value determinations, subject to board oversight. The investment adviser has established a Joint Fair Valuation Committee (the “Fair Valuation Committee”) to administer, implement and oversee the fair valuation process, and to make fair value decisions. The Fair Valuation Committee regularly reviews its own fair value decisions, as well as decisions made under its standing instructions to the investment adviser’s valuation teams. The Fair Valuation Committee reviews changes in fair value measurements from period to period and may, as deemed appropriate, update the fair valuation guidelines to better reflect the results of back testing and address new or evolving issues. The Fair Valuation Committee reports any changes to the fair valuation guidelines to the board of trustees. The fund’s board and audit committee also regularly review reports that describe fair value determinations and methods.

The fund’s investment adviser has also established a Fixed-Income Pricing Review Group to administer and oversee the fixed-income valuation process, including the use of fixed-income pricing vendors. This group regularly reviews pricing vendor information and market data. Pricing decisions, processes and controls over security valuation are also subject to additional internal reviews facilitated by the investment adviser’s global risk management group.

Classifications — The fund’s investment adviser classifies the fund’s assets and liabilities into three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar securities and quoted prices in inactive markets. Certain securities trading outside the U.S. may transfer between Level 1 and Level 2 due to valuation adjustments resulting from significant market movements following the close of local trading. Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect the investment adviser’s determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the securities. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with the underlying investment. For example, U.S. government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market. The following table presents the fund’s valuation levels as of October 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

4. Risk factors

Investing in the fund may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.

Market conditions — The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may decline — sometimes rapidly or unpredictably — due to various factors, including events or conditions affecting the general economy or particular industries; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental, governmental agency or central bank responses to economic conditions; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. These risks may be heightened in the case of smaller capitalization stocks.

Economies and financial markets throughout the world are highly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, wars, terrorism, cybersecurity events, natural disasters, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious disease) and other circumstances in one country or region, including actions taken by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities in response to any of the foregoing, could have impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.

Issuer risks — The prices of, and the income generated by, securities held by the fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance, major litigation, investigations or other controversies related to the issuer, changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or its competitive environment and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives.

Investing in growth-oriented stocks — Growth-oriented common stocks and other equity-type securities (such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds) may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.

Investing in income-oriented stocks — The value of the fund’s securities and income provided by the fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available for dividend payments at, the companies in which the fund invests.

Investing in debt instruments — The prices of, and the income generated by, bonds and other debt securities held by the fund may be affected by factors such as the interest rates, maturities and credit ratings of these securities.

Rising interest rates will generally cause the prices of bonds and other debt securities to fall. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to sell debt securities on a large scale, which could also adversely affect the price and liquidity of debt securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. Falling interest rates may cause an issuer to redeem, call or refinance a debt security before its stated maturity, which may result in the fund failing to recoup the full amount of its initial investment and having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities. Longer maturity debt securities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter maturity debt securities.

Bonds and other debt securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that the credit strength of an issuer or guarantor will weaken or be perceived to be weaker, and/or an issuer of a debt security will fail to make timely payments of principal or interest and the security will go into default. A downgrade or default affecting any of the fund’s securities could cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease. Lower quality debt securities generally have higher rates of interest and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than higher quality debt securities. Credit risk is gauged, in part, by the credit ratings of the debt securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the rating agencies issuing them and are not guarantees as to credit quality or an evaluation of market risk. The fund’s investment adviser relies on its own credit analysts to research issuers and issues in seeking to assess credit and default risks.

Management — The investment adviser to the fund actively manages the fund’s investments. Consequently, the fund is subject to the risk that the methods and analyses, including models, tools and data, employed by the investment adviser in this process may be flawed or incorrect and may not produce the desired results. This could cause the fund to lose value or its investment results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.

5. Certain investment techniques

Securities lending — The fund has entered into securities lending transactions in which the fund earns income by lending investment securities to brokers, dealers or other institutions. Each transaction involves three parties: the fund, acting as the lender of the securities, a borrower, and a lending agent that acts as an intermediary.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the fund under a securities lending agent agreement with the lending agent. The lending agent facilitates the exchange of securities between the fund and approved borrowers, ensures that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented, marks-to-market the value of collateral daily, secures additional collateral from a borrower if it falls below preset terms, and may reinvest cash collateral on behalf of the fund according to agreed parameters. The lending agent provides indemnification to the fund against losses resulting from a borrower default. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral and indemnification, the fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and a potential loss of income or value if a borrower fails to return securities, collateral investments decline in value or the lending agent fails to perform.

The borrower is required to post highly liquid assets, such as cash or U.S. government securities, as collateral for the loan in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. Investments made with cash collateral are recognized as assets in the fund’s investment portfolio. The same amount is recorded as a liability in the fund’s statement of assets and liabilities. While securities are on loan, the fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest, dividends or other distributions paid by the issuer, as well as a portion of the interest on the investment of the collateral. Additionally, although the fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan, the fund has a right to consent on corporate actions and a right to recall loaned securities to vote. A borrower is obligated to return loaned securities at the conclusion of a loan or, during the pendency of a loan, on demand from the fund.

As of October 31, 2021, the total value of securities on loan was $393,370,000, and the total value of collateral received was $404,279,000, which consisted entirely of cash. Investment securities purchased from cash collateral are disclosed in the fund’s investment portfolio as short-term securities. Securities received as collateral, if any, are not recognized as fund assets. The contractual maturity of cash collateral received under the securities lending agreement is classified as overnight and continuous.

Collateral — The fund receives highly liquid assets, such as cash or U.S. government securities, as collateral in exchange for lending investment securities. The purpose of the collateral is to cover potential losses that could occur in the event the borrower cannot meet its contractual obligation. The lending agent may reinvest cash collateral from securities lending transactions according to agreed parameters. Cash collateral reinvested by the lending agent, if any, is disclosed in the fund’s investment portfolio.

6. Taxation and distributions

Federal income taxation — The fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to mutual funds and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains each year. The fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

As of and during the year ended October 31, 2021, the fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the statement of operations. During the period, the fund did not incur any significant interest or penalties.

The fund’s tax returns are generally not subject to examination by federal, state and, if applicable, non-U.S. tax authorities after the expiration of each jurisdiction’s statute of limitations, which is typically three years after the date of filing but can be extended in certain jurisdictions.

Non-U.S. taxation — Dividend and interest income are recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. The fund may file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. As a result of rulings from European courts, the fund filed for additional reclaims related to prior years. These reclaims are recorded when the amount is known and there are no significant uncertainties on collectability. Gains realized by the fund on the sale of securities in certain countries, if any, may be subject to non-U.S. taxes. If applicable, the fund records an estimated deferred tax liability based on unrealized gains to provide for potential non-U.S. taxes payable upon the sale of these securities.

Distributions — Distributions determined on a tax basis may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. These differences are due primarily to different treatment for items such as currency gains and losses; short-term capital gains and losses; capital losses related to sales of certain securities within 30 days of purchase; cost of investments sold; net capital losses and income on certain investments. The fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the

net investment income and net realized gains are recorded by the fund for financial reporting purposes. The fund may also designate a portion of the amount paid to redeeming shareholders as a distribution for tax purposes.

During the year ended October 31, 2021, the fund reclassified $213,071,000 from total distributable earnings to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest to align financial reporting with tax reporting. The fund also utilized capital loss carryforwards of $202,319,000.

As of October 31, 2021, the tax basis components of distributable earnings, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and cost of investments were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Distributions paid were characterized for tax purposes as follows (dollars in thousands):

7. Fees and transactions with related parties

CRMC, the fund’s investment adviser, is the parent company of American Funds Distributors^®, Inc. (“AFD”), the principal underwriter of the fund’s shares, and American Funds Service Company^® (“AFS”), the fund’s transfer agent. CRMC, AFD and AFS are considered related parties to the fund.

Investment advisory services — The fund has an investment advisory and service agreement with CRMC that provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.384% on the first $1 billion of daily net assets and decreasing to 0.222% on such assets in excess of $55 billion. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the investment advisory services fees were $176,833,000, which were equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.232% of average daily net assets.

Class-specific fees and expenses — Expenses that are specific to individual share classes are accrued directly to the respective share class. The principal class-specific fees and expenses are further described below:

Distribution services — The fund has plans of distribution for all share classes, except Class F-2, F-3, 529-F-2, 529-F-3, R-5E, R-5 and R-6 shares. Under the plans, the board of trustees approves certain categories of expenses that are used to finance activities primarily intended to sell fund shares and service existing accounts. The plans provide for payments, based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets, ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% as noted in this section. In some cases, the board of trustees has limited the amounts that may be paid to less than the maximum allowed by the plans. All share classes with a plan may use up to 0.25% of average daily net assets to pay service fees, or to compensate AFD for paying service fees, to firms that have entered into agreements with AFD to provide certain shareholder services. The remaining amounts available to be paid under each plan are paid to dealers to compensate them for their sales activities.

For Class A and 529-A shares, distribution-related expenses include the reimbursement of dealer and wholesaler commissions paid by AFD for certain shares sold without a sales charge. These share classes reimburse AFD for amounts billed within the prior 15 months but only to the extent that the overall annual expense limits are not exceeded. As of October 31, 2021, unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement totaled $5,808,000 for Class A shares. There were no unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement for Class 529-A shares.

Transfer agent services — The fund has a shareholder services agreement with AFS under which the fund compensates AFS for providing transfer agent services to each of the fund’s share classes. These services include recordkeeping, shareholder communications and transaction processing. In addition, the fund reimburses AFS for amounts paid to third parties for performing transfer agent services on behalf of fund shareholders. For the year ended October 31, 2021, CRMC reimbursed transfer agent services fees of less than $1,000 for Class 529-F-3 shares. CRMC does not intend to recoup this reimbursement.

Administrative services — The fund has an administrative services agreement with CRMC under which the fund compensates CRMC for providing administrative services to all share classes. Administrative services are provided by CRMC and its affiliates to help assist third parties providing non-distribution services to fund shareholders. These services include providing in-depth information on the fund and market developments that impact fund investments. Administrative services also include, but are not limited to, coordinating, monitoring and overseeing third parties that provide services to fund shareholders. The agreement provides the fund the ability to charge an administrative services fee at the annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to each share class of the fund. Currently the fund pays CRMC an administrative services fee at the annual rate of 0.03% of the average daily net assets attributable to each share class of the fund for CRMC’s provision of administrative services.

529 plan services — Each 529 share class is subject to service fees to compensate the Virginia College Savings Plan (“Virginia529”) for its oversight and administration of the CollegeAmerica 529 college savings plan. The fee is based on the combined net assets invested in Class 529 and ABLE shares of the American Funds. Class ABLE shares are offered on other American Funds by Virginia529 through ABLEAmerica^®, a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities. The quarterly fee is based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.09% on the first $20 billion of the combined net assets invested in the American Funds and decreasing to 0.03% on such assets in excess of $100 billion. The fee for any given calendar quarter is accrued and calculated on the basis of the average net assets of Class 529 and ABLE shares of the American Funds for the last month of the prior calendar quarter. The fee is included in other expenses in the fund’s statement of operations. Virginia529 is not considered a related party to the fund.

For the year ended October 31, 2021, class-specific expenses under the agreements were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Trustees’ deferred compensation — Trustees who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer the cash payment of part or all of their compensation. These deferred amounts, which remain as liabilities of the fund, are treated as if invested in shares of the fund or other American Funds. These amounts represent general, unsecured liabilities of the fund and vary according to the total returns of the selected funds. Trustees’ compensation of $888,000 in the fund’s statement of operations reflects $407,000 in current fees (either paid in cash or deferred) and a net increase of $481,000 in the value of the deferred amounts.

Affiliated officers and trustees — Officers and certain trustees of the fund are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFD and AFS. No affiliated officers or trustees received any compensation directly from the fund.

Investment in CCF — The fund holds shares of CCF, an institutional prime money market fund managed by CRMC. CCF invests in high-quality, short-term money market instruments. CCF is used as the primary investment vehicle for the fund’s short-term instruments. CCF shares are only available for purchase by CRMC, its affiliates, and other funds managed by CRMC or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. CRMC does not receive an investment advisory services fee from CCF.

Security transactions with related funds — The fund purchased securities from, and sold securities to, other funds managed by CRMC (or funds managed by certain affiliates of CRMC) under procedures adopted by the fund’s board of trustees. The funds involved in such transactions are considered related by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers. Each transaction was executed at the current market price of the security and no brokerage commissions or fees were paid in accordance with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. During the year ended October 31, 2021, the fund engaged in such purchase and sale transactions with related funds in the amounts of $1,012,324,000 and $374,882,000, respectively, which generated $106,516,000 of net realized gains from such sales.

Interfund lending — Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the fund, along with other CRMC-managed funds (or funds managed by certain affiliates of CRMC), may participate in an interfund lending program. The program provides an alternate credit facility that permits the funds to lend or borrow cash for temporary purposes directly to or from one another, subject to the conditions of the exemptive order. The fund did not lend or borrow cash through the interfund lending program at any time during the year ended October 31, 2021.

8. Indemnifications

The fund’s organizational documents provide board members and officers with indemnification against certain liabilities or expenses in connection with the performance of their duties to the fund. In the normal course of business, the fund may also enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown since it is dependent on future claims that may be made against the fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote. Insurance policies are also available to the fund’s board members and officers.

9. Capital share transactions

Capital share transactions in the fund were as follows (dollars and shares in thousands):

See end of table for footnotes.