Annual Report
Legg Mason
Global Funds Plc
An umbrella fund with segregated
liability between sub-funds
Table of Contents
General Information 3
Letter to Shareholders 14
Directors’ Report 15
Independent Auditors’ Report 27
Custodian’s Report 28
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset US Money Market Fund 29
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Bond Fund 31
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Plus Bond Fund 38
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Euro Core Plus Bond Fund 50
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Diversified Strategic Income Fund 53
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund 57
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset US High Yield Fund 64
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Markets Bond Fund 70
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund 73
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Global High Yield Fund 75
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset US Short-Term Government Fund 81
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset US Adjustable Rate Fund 83
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Inflation Management Fund 85
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Asian Opportunities Fund 87
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Blue Chip Bond Fund 91
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Brazil Bond Fund 93
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Absolute Return Fund^ 94
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund^ 98
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Fund 103
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Euro High Yield Fund 107
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond Fund^ 109
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income Fund 116
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund^ 120
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global High Yield Fund^ 122
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunistic Fixed Income Fund^ 124
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Sovereign Credit Fund^ 127
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Income Optimiser Fund^ 129
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Credit Opportunities Fund^ 132
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Western Asset Brazil Equity Fund 134
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge Value Fund 135
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge Growth Fund 136
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Fund^ 137
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Income Fund^ 138
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Appreciation Fund 139
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Fundamental Value Fund 140
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Large Cap Growth Fund 141
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Aggressive Growth Fund 142
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund 144
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Opportunity Fund 145
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Royce US Small Cap Opportunity Fund 146
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Royce US Smaller Companies Fund 149
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Royce Smaller Companies Fund II^ 150
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Batterymarch Managed Volatility European Equity Fund 151
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Batterymarch Asia Ex Japan Equity Fund 153
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Equity Fund 155
Portfolio of Investments – Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund 158
Balance Sheet – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 160
Profit and Loss Account – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 176
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Participating Shares – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 184
Notes to Financial Statements – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 209
Supplemental Information – Total Expense Ratios (TER) – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 287
Supplemental Information – Portfolio Turnover Rate (PTR) – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 293
Supplemental Information – Fund Performance Data – Legg Mason Global Funds Plc 294
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset US Money Market Fund 303
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Bond Fund 303
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Plus Bond Fund 303
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Euro Core Plus Bond Fund 303
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Diversified Strategic Income Fund 304
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund 304
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset US High Yield Fund 305
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Markets Bond Fund 305
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund 305
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global High Yield Fund 306
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset US Short-Term Government Fund 306
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset US Adjustable Rate Fund 307
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Inflation Management Fund 307
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Asian Opportunities Fund 307
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Blue Chip Bond Fund 308
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Brazil Bond Fund 308
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Absolute Return Fund^ 308
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund^ 308
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Inflation-Linked Fund 309
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Fund 309
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Euro High Yield Fund 310
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond Fund^ 310
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income Fund 310
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund^ 311
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global High Yield Fund^ 311
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunistic Fixed Income Fund^ 311
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Sovereign Credit Fund^ 312
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Income Optimiser Fund^ 312
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Brandywine Global Credit Opportunities Fund^ 312
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Western Asset Brazil Equity Fund 313
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge Value Fund 313
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge Growth Fund 314
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Fund^ 314
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Income Fund^ 315
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Appreciation Fund 315
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Fundamental Value Fund 316
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Large Cap Growth Fund 316
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Aggressive Growth Fund 317
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge US Equity Income Fund^ 317
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund 318
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Opportunity Fund 319
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Royce US Small Cap Opportunity Fund 319
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Royce US Smaller Companies Fund 319
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Royce Smaller Companies Fund II^ 319
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Royce Global Smaller Companies Fund 320
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Permal Global Absolute Fund^ 320
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Batterymarch Managed Volatility European Equity Fund 321
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Batterymarch Asia Ex Japan Equity Fund 321
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Batterymarch International Large Cap Fund 322
Statement of Major Portfolio Changes – Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Equity Fund 322
General Information
Board of Directors
John Alldis (Luxembourg)* Brian Collins (Ireland) (Independent) Joseph Keane (Ireland) (Independent) Joseph LaRocque (U.S.)
Robert Shearman (United Kingdom)** * resigned on July 11, 2014 ** appointed on July 11, 2014
Registered Office
Riverside Two
Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Grand Canal Dock Dublin 2, Ireland
Secretary
Bradwell Limited Arthur Cox Building Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2, Ireland
Distributors and Shareholder Servicing Agents
Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC 100 International Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21202 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited 201 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 3AB United Kingdom
Legg Mason Asset Management Hong Kong Limited 12/F, York House
15 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong
Legg Mason Asset Management Singapore Pte. Limited 1 George Street, # 23-02
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Investments (Taiwan) Limited 55 Floor – 1, Taipei 101 Tower No. 7, Xin Yi Road
Section 5, Taipei, 110 Taiwan
Reporting Fund Status and Distributor Status (relevant to U.K. Shareholders only)
UK shareholders can identify which share classes of the Company have been accepted into the UK reporting fund regime, and which share classes have been granted UK Reporting status, by checking the HM Revenue and Customs’ Reporting Fund list at the website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offshore-funds-list-of-reporting-funds. This list is updated on a monthly basis by the HM Revenue and Customs.
For more information see the supplemental prospectus for investors from the United Kingdom, or contact Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited.
Swiss Representative and Paying Agent (up to November 1, 2014)
Banque Genevoise de Gestion SA Rue Rodolphe-Toepffer 15 1206 Geneva
Switzerland
Swiss Representative (from November 1, 2014)
First Independent Fund Services Ltd Klausstrasse 33
CH-8008 Zurich Switzerland
Paying Agent (from November 1, 2014)
NPB Private Bank Ltd Limmatquai 1/am Bellevue CH-8022 Zurich Switzerland
Banque Genevoise de Gestion SA is acting as the Company’s Swiss representative and paying agent for shares distributed in or from Switzerland up to September 29, 2014. From September 29, 2014, First Independent Fund Services Ltd and NPB Private Bank Ltd are acting as the Company’s Swiss representative and paying agent, respectively.
The prospectus, the key investor information documents, the memorandum and articles of association of the Company, the annual and semi-annual reports and the breakdown of the purchase and sale transaction of the Funds, may be obtained free of charge at the office of the Swiss representative.
Irish Legal Adviser
Arthur Cox Earlsfort Centre Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2, Ireland
Custodian
BNY Mellon Trust Company (Ireland) Limited Guild House
Guild Street, IFSC Dublin 1, Ireland
Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Audit Firm One Spencer Dock
North Wall Quay Dublin 1, Ireland
Administrator
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (International) Limited Riverside Two
Sir John Rogerson’s Quay Grand Canal Dock Dublin 2, Ireland
Sponsoring Broker
Davy Stockbrokers Limited 49 Dawson Street Dublin 2, Ireland
Promoter
Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited 201 Bishopsgate,
London EC2M 3AB United Kingdom
General Information – (continued)
Investment Manager: Legg Mason ClearBridge Value Fund** All Funds except Legg Mason ClearBridge Value Fund
(formerly Legg Mason Capital Management Value Fund) ClearBridge, LLC (formerly Legg Mason Capital Management, LLC) 100 International Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited 201 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 3AB United Kingdom
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager
Legg Mason Western Asset US Money Market Fund* February 27, 2004 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Bond Fund* August 31, 2002 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Plus Bond Fund* April 20, 2007 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Euro Core Plus Bond Fund*
October 1, 2003 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Diversified Strategic Income Fund*
February 24, 2004 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund*
August 29, 2002 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange
Square Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset US High Yield Fund* February 27, 2004 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Markets
Bond Fund*
February 24, 2004 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Markets Corporate Bond Fund*
October 21, 2011 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Ltd. Shin-Marunouchi Building
5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6536 Japan
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
Legg Mason Western Asset Global High Yield Fund* April 20, 2007 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset US Short-Term Government Fund*
April 20, 2007 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset US Adjustable Rate Fund*
April 20, 2007 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Inflation Management Fund*
April 20, 2007 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason Western Asset Asian
Opportunities Fund*
June 12, 2008 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Blue Chip Bond Fund*
June 3, 2009 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Ltd. Shin-Marunouchi Building
5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6536 Japan
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Brazil Bond Fund* March 25, 2010 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Absolute Return Fund^*
May 20, 2010 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Ltd. Shin-Marunouchi Building
5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6536 Japan
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Core Plus
Bond Fund^*
November 19, 2010
(ceased trading on February 24, 2014)
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund^*
December 3, 2010 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Inflation-Linked Fund*
November 19, 2010
(ceased trading on January 8, 2015)
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Inflation-Linked Plus Fund^*
November 19, 2010
(ceased trading on February 14, 2014)
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Long Duration Fund^*
November 19, 2010
(ceased trading on February 24, 2014)
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Fund* November 19, 2010 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager
Legg Mason Western Asset Euro High Yield Fund* December 3, 2010 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond Fund^*
September 5, 2013 Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Ltd. Shin-Marunouchi Building
5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6536 Japan
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
Legg Mason Western Asset US Limited Duration Fund†^
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Euro Absolute Return Bond Fund†
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Asian Credit Fund† Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Limited
Duration Fund†^
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Credit Plus Fund†^ Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Euro Core Bond Fund†^ Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Sovereign Fund†^ Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Legg Mason Western Asset Emerging Domestic Debt Fund†^
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason Western Asset Global Sovereign Total
Return Fund†
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Ltd. Shin-Marunouchi Building
5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6536 Japan
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
Legg Mason Western Asset Infrastructure Debt Fund†
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Western Asset Management Company Ltd. Shin-Marunouchi Building
5-1 Marunouchi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6536 Japan
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Limited 1 George Street, #23-01
Singapore 049145
Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
Legg Mason Western Asset Short-Dated High Yield Fund†
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Western Asset US Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund†
Western Asset Management Company Limited 10 Exchange Square
Primrose Street London EC2A 2EN United Kingdom
Western Asset Management Company 385 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income Fund* October 1, 2003 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income
Absolute Return Fund^*
April 3, 2012 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Brandywine Global High Yield Fund^* November 30, 2012 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunistic Fixed Income Fund^*
June 25, 2010 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Sovereign Credit Fund^*
May 10, 2012 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Income Optimiser Fund^*
June 3, 2013 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Credit Opportunities Fund‡^*
June 30, 2014 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Dynamic US Equity Fund†
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC 2929 Arch Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Western Asset Brazil Equity Fund** October 1, 2010 Western Asset Management Company
Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek
No. 1455 – 15th Floor – 04543011 Sao Paulo – Brazil
Legg Mason ClearBridge Growth Fund**
(formerly Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Fund)
February 25, 2004 ClearBridge, LLC
(formerly Legg Mason Capital Management, LLC) 100 International Drive Baltimore,
Maryland 21202 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Fund^** September 1, 2006 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Income Fund‡^**
September 15, 2014 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge US Appreciation Fund** April 20, 2007 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge US Fundamental Value Fund**
April 20, 2007 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge US Large Cap Growth Fund**
April 20, 2007 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge US Aggressive Growth Fund**
April 20, 2007 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge US Equity Income Fund^** June 3, 2013
(ceased trading on August 29, 2014)
ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund**
June 3, 2013 ClearBridge Investments, LLC 620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
General Information – (continued)
Fund Name Fund Launch Date Sub Investment Manager Legg Mason ClearBridge Global SRI Equity Fund† ClearBridge Investments, LLC
620 Eighth Avenue, 48th Floor New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Opportunity Fund**
(formerly Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Fund)
February 4, 2009 LMM LLC
100 International Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21202 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Royce US Small Cap Opportunity Fund**
November 8, 2002 Royce & Associates, LLC 745 5th Avenue
New York, New York 10151 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Royce US Smaller Companies Fund**
(formerly Legg Mason Royce Smaller Companies Fund)
March 1, 2004 Royce & Associates, LLC 745 5th Avenue
New York, New York 10151 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Royce Smaller Companies Fund II^** March 13, 2011 Royce & Associates, LLC 745 5th Avenue
New York, New York 10151 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Royce European Smaller Companies Fund**
December 31, 2009
(ceased trading on February 12, 2014)
Royce & Associates, LLC 745 5th Avenue
New York, New York 10151 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Royce Global Smaller Companies Fund**
December 31, 2009
(ceased trading on March 31, 2014)
Royce & Associates, LLC 745 5th Avenue
New York, New York 10151 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Batterymarch Managed Volatility European Equity Fund**
(formerly Legg Mason Batterymarch European Equity Fund)
August 31, 2002 QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (formerly Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.) 200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Batterymarch Asia Ex Japan Equity Fund**
(formerly Legg Mason Batterymarch Asia Pacific Equity Fund)
February 25, 2004 QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (formerly Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.) 200 Clarendon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Large Cap Fund**
April 20, 2007
(ceased trading on February 25, 2015)
QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (formerly Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.) 200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Equity Fund**
April 28, 2008 QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (formerly Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.) 200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund** December 29, 2010 QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (formerly Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.) 200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Batterymarch US Large Cap Fund†^ QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (formerly Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.) 200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116 U.S.A.
Legg Mason Permal Global Absolute Fund^*** September 24, 2009
(ceased trading on August 29, 2014)
Permal Investment Management Services Limited (up to October 10, 2014)
12 St. James’s Square London SW1Y 4LB United Kingdom
Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (up to October 10, 2014) 620 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York 10018 U.S.A.
Legg Mason PCM US Equity Fund January 8, 2008
(ceased trading on August 24, 2010, re-launched on April 13, 2012 and ceased trading on August 30, 2013)
Legg Mason Congruix Japan Equity Fund October 2, 2008
(ceased trading on November 30, 2010)
Legg Mason LMHK China Fund November 30, 2009
(ceased trading on September 3, 2013) † As at February 28, 2015 these Funds have not commenced trading.
‡ Commenced trading during the period. ^ Not authorised for sale to the public in Hong Kong.
* Fixed Income Funds (Funds which invest mainly in fixed income and interest bearing securities) ** Equity Funds (Funds which invest mainly in equities)
General Information – (continued)
For More Information
For further information on the range of Funds within Legg Mason Global Funds Plc, contact: For professional investors in the U.K. and Europe
Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited 201 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 3AB United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0) 207 070 7444 www.leggmason.co.uk
For authorised dealers in the Americas Legg Mason Investments
1395 Brickell Avenue Suite 1550
Miami, Florida 33131, U.S.A. Tel: + 305 529 4400 www.leggmasonamericas.com Go to the relevant website for information on:
• Daily prices
• Literature, including fact sheets providing the latest information on each Fund • More information about Legg Mason‘s asset management affiliates managing the Funds
Letter to Shareholders
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide you with the annual report for Legg Mason Global Funds Plc (the “Company”) for the 12 months ending 28 February, 2015. In this report we highlight the key drivers behind the performance of bond and equity markets over the period.
Fixed income markets
In March 2014, yields on US, UK and Japanese 10-year bonds ended the month slightly higher, while yields on 10-year German bunds were lower through safe-haven buying and expectations for continued accommodative policy from the European Central Bank (ECB). European peripheral bond spreads tightened on the back of improving fiscal dynamics and weak eurozone inflation data, sparking fresh talks of policy easing from the ECB.
Global bonds made broad-based gains in April. Within developed markets, investment grade corporates generally outperformed high yield issues. Within emerging market (EM) debt, US dollar-denominated sovereign bonds outperformed corporate bonds and local currency sovereign bonds. Demand for investment grade and high yield corporate bonds remained firm with corporate earnings generally continuing to exceed expectations. Many major currencies strengthened against the US dollar, while EM currencies saw mixed performance. Fixed income markets extended their run of good performance in May, with positive returns across government bonds and credit sectors. Within developed markets, investment grade corporates generally outperformed high yield issues. EM led the gains over the month. In June, bonds maintained their performance trend with another month of positive returns.
However, July saw mixed performance among bonds. High yield issues generated negative returns, particularly in the US and Europe. US credit underperformed European credit. At a sector level, US mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and US investment grade corporate bonds were also down. Although EM local currency debt was marginally positive in local currency terms, in US dollar terms it was down in July, as many EM currencies weakened versus the US dollar. Global bond markets had a stronger month in August with generally positive performance across government bond and credit sectors. Within EM debt, US dollar-denominated sovereign bonds slightly underperformed US dollar-denominated corporate bonds. Currency performance against the US dollar was varied in August. Global bond markets, both government and credit sectors, struggled in September. The month also saw a general sell-off in most EM debt markets.
In contrast, the fourth quarter of 2014 began on a healthy note for bonds. There was a general rebound in most EM debt markets, after September’s sell-off. High yield bonds also performed strongly. Currency performance lacked direction over the month, with the Russian ruble falling most versus the US dollar. In November, a number of sovereign bond markets and investment grade corporates posted positive returns, while US high yield corporates and US dollar-denominated EM debt were in negative territory. Global bonds were supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions, further major central bank policy easing as well as a downshift in global growth and inflation expectations. In December, although some government bond markets and investment grade corporates were up, US and European high yield corporates were down. As in the previous month, geopolitical concerns and lower expectations for economic growth and inflation helped support major government bond markets.
Government bond markets enjoyed a good start to 2015 with US Treasuries, bunds and gilts up in January. However, sovereign bond market returns were generally mixed in February. Gilts were amongst the worst performing. US Treasuries were down over the month too. On the contrary, the peripheral eurozone bond markets of Italy, Spain and Ireland performed strongly.
Equity Markets
Global equity markets were mixed in March. In the US, after climbing on stronger-than-expected jobs data, equity markets moved lower as the Ukraine news took hold, before again rising on better-than-anticipated manufacturing data. European stocks fell amid concerns that Russia would curtail gas supplies to Ukraine, but then retraced their steps on increased expectation of eurozone monetary easing. Japanese equities declined on the back of weaker-than-expected industrial output and retail sales data, fuelling fears of an economic slowdown in China.
Major global equity indices once again registered divergent performance in April. In the US, equity markets digested the slightly weaker-than-expected US unemployment data, but then sold off sharply on concerns about equity valuations, before rebounding on stronger-than-expected corporate earnings releases. Nevertheless, global equity markets finished broadly higher in May. US equities advanced on US housing data and release of Federal Open Market Committee minutes that highlighted no immediacy in raising interest rates near term. In Europe, equities initially declined on weak gross domestic product data and the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine before climbing on ECB monetary easing signals. Japanese equity markets finished higher as the Japanese yen weakened into month-end. This backdrop continued into June with most major equity markets recording another month of steady, if unspectacular, performance. In July, global equities were negatively impacted by weak earnings in the US and Europe combined with geopolitical strife and economic weakness across the globe, although stocks were positive in both Asia and EMs. In the US, investors were
concerned that improving economic data might spur the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates more quickly than anticipated. European equities were bogged down by concerns about company earnings, continued deflation and the impact of economic sanctions against Russia. Strong performance in Asia was primarily driven by better-than-expected economic indicators in China. Most equity markets were back on track in August, however. US equities were particularly strong against a backdrop of strong economic data. Japanese equities fared less well, amid concerns about the Japanese economy. Nonetheless, most equity markets were up with Europe, EM and Asia ex Japan stock markets all in positive territory over the month. In a volatile third quarter overall, global stock prices fell during September amid fears of slowing global economy exacerbated by a sharp deceleration in growth in China and a stalled expansion in Europe.
Global stock prices advanced in October despite lacklustre global economic growth, notably in both China and Europe. Global equities were up again in November, although weak economic growth and plunging energy prices weighed on investor sentiment. Economic growth stalled in Europe, Japan and a number of EMs, while the US economy remained relatively robust. Developed equity markets rallied during the month, notwithstanding the significant decline in the energy sector. In spite of slowing growth across the region, European equities were the best performing in November. Japanese equities registered encouraging returns, while China was bolstered by hopes that the government would lower interest rates and implement financial sector reforms. US equities continued to rally in November and maintained their upward trajectory after October’s strong bounce. In December, equity markets remained mixed. UK, EM and Japanese equities were down. Russian stocks in particular suffered further from economic sanctions and falling oil prices. US equities continued to increase, however, particularly small caps.
Into 2015, investors were concerned in January about dismal economic growth, volatile currencies, declining energy prices, deflationary concerns and the continuing saga of central bank policymakers seeking to bolster economies. Nonetheless, global equities were up on the whole. European equities performed well in January on the back of the decline in oil prices, a depreciating euro and quantitative easing, although exchanges between newly elected Greek officials and the ECB over debt and austerity issues added to investors’ worries. Global equity markets continued to push ahead in February, with investor enthusiasm driven by the promise of a bond-purchasing programme in the eurozone, and hints from the US Federal Reserve that concerns over low inflationary pressures and sub-par employment statistics in the US would keep rates near record lows for a longer period.
We thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Legg Mason Investments Europe Limited
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.
All data as at 28/02/2015 unless otherwise stated.
Legg Mason Global Funds plc is an umbrella fund with segregated liability between sub-funds, established as an open-ended investment company with variable capital, authorised in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland as an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities.
All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guide to future returns and may not be repeated.
This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed by Legg Mason and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data.
Individual securities mentioned are intended as examples of portfolio holdings and are not intended as buy or sell recommendations.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and do not take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs of individual investors.
Before investing you should read the key investor information document and the prospectus, which describe the sub-fund’s full objective and risk factors. These and other relevant documents may be obtained in a number of languages at BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (International) Limited, Riverside Two, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, Ireland, www.leggmasonglobal.com and the registered office.
Issued and approved by Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited, registered office 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AB. Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 1732037. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This material is not intended for any person or use that would be contrary to local law or regulation. Legg Mason is not responsible and takes no liability for the onward transmission of this material.
Directors’ Report
The directors of the Company (the ‘‘Directors’’) submit their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2015.
Statement of directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the directors’ report and the financial statements in accordance with Irish law.
Irish law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the Company’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the Company for the financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland (accounting standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council and promulgated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and Irish law).
Under Irish law, the Directors shall not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the Company’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at the end of the financial year and the profit or loss of the Company for the financial year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and identify the standards in question, subject to any material departures from those standards being disclosed and explained in the notes to the financial statements; and
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business. The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to:
• correctly record and explain the transactions of the Company;
• enable, at any time, the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company to be determined with reasonable accuracy; and
• enable the Directors to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014 and enable those financial statements to be audited.
To achieve this, the Directors have appointed an experienced administrator, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (International) Limited, to maintain the accounting records and perform additional administrative duties.
The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company. In fulfilment of this responsibility, they have appointed BNY Mellon Trust Company (Ireland) Limited to safekeep the Company’s assets in accordance with the memorandum and articles of association of the Company. In addition, the Directors are responsible for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Review of business and future developments
The Letter to Shareholders contains a review of the factors which contributed to the performance of the Funds for the year. The Directors do not anticipate any changes to the investment objectives of the existing Funds.
As at February 28, 2015 the Company has 46 active Funds (2014: 49 Funds) in operation. The following Funds commenced trading during the year:
Fund
Commencement of operations
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Credit Opportunities Fund^ June 30, 2014
Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Income Fund^ September 15, 2014
Risk management objectives and policies
Information in relation to certain of the Company’s risk management objectives and policies are included in the notes to financial statements.
Results for the year and state of affairs at February 28, 2014
The Balance Sheet as at February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 and the Profit and Loss Account for the year ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 are set out on pages 160 to 175 and 176 to 182 respectively.
Distributions to holders of Redeemable Participating Shares
The distributions to holders of Redeemable Participating Shares for the year ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 are set out in the Profit and Loss Account.
Significant Events
See Note 14 for details of significant events during the year.
Subsequent Events
There are no significant events subsequent to the year end other than those disclosed in Note 17.
Directors
The names of the persons who are currently Directors or who served as a Director at any time during the year are set out below. John Alldis (Luxembourg)*
Brian Collins (Ireland) (Independent) Joseph Keane (Ireland) (Independent) Joseph LaRocque (U.S.)
Robert Shearman (United Kingdom)** * resigned on July 11, 2014 ** appointed on July 11, 2014
Directors’ Report – (continued)
Directors’ and secretary’s interests
The Directors and secretary and their families had no interests in the shares of the Company at February 28, 2015 or February 28, 2014. No Director had at any time during the year, a material interest in any contract of significance, subsisting during or at the end of the year, in relation to the business of the Company.
Corporate Governance Statement
The board of Directors of the Company (the ‘‘Board’’) has assessed measures included in the voluntary Corporate Governance Code for Collective Investment Schemes and Management Companies as published by the Irish Funds Industry Association in December 2011 (the ‘‘IFIA Code’’). The Board has adopted all corporate governance practices and procedures in the IFIA Code with effect from January 1, 2013.
The Company is also subject to corporate governance practices imposed by:
• the Irish Companies Act 2014 which are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company and may also be obtained at www. irishstatutebook.ie. • the articles of association of the Company which are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company at Riverside Two, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay,
Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, Ireland and at the Companies Registration Office in Ireland.
• the Central Bank of Ireland in their UCITS Notices and Guidance Notes which can be obtained from the Central Bank of Ireland’s website at: www.centralbank. ie and are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company.
• the Irish Stock Exchange (‘‘ISE’’) through the ISE Code of Listing Requirements and Procedures which can be obtained from the ISE’s website at www.ise.ie. The Company does not apply additional corporate governance requirements beyond those required by the above.
Financial Reporting Process – description of main features
The Board is ultimately responsible for overseeing the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal control and risk management systems of the Company in relation to the financial reporting process. As the Company has no employees and all Directors serve in a non-executive capacity, all functions including the preparation of the financial statements have been outsourced. The Company has appointed BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (International) Limited (the ‘‘Administrator’’) as its administrator consistent with the regulatory framework applicable to investment fund companies such as the Company.
Subject to the supervision of the Board, the appointment of the Administrator is intended to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve the Company’s financial reporting objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The annual financial statements of the Company are required to be approved by the Board and filed with The Central Bank of Ireland and The Irish Stock Exchange. The statutory financial statements are required to be audited by independent auditors who report annually to the Board on their findings. The Board evaluates and discusses significant accounting and reporting issues as the need arises.
Risk Assessment
The Board is responsible for assessing the risk of irregularities whether caused by fraud or error in financial reporting and for ensuring that processes are in place for the timely identification of internal and external matters with a potential effect on financial reporting. The Board’s appointment of an administrator independent of the Investment Managers to the Company and which is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland is intended to mitigate though not eliminate the risk of fraud or irregularities which may impact the financial statements of the Company.
Monitoring
The Board receives regular presentations and reviews reports from the Custodian, the Investment Managers and the Administrator. The Board also has an annual process to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to consider and address any control weaknesses identified and measures recommended by the independent auditors. Capital structure
No person has any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital. There are no restrictions on voting rights.
For the appointment and replacement of directors, the Company is governed by its articles of association, Irish statute comprising the Companies Act 2014 and the listing rules of The Irish Stock Exchange as applicable to investment funds. The articles of association themselves may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders. Composition and operation of the board of directors
There are currently four Directors, all of whom are non-executive. None of the Directors have entered into an employment or service contract with the Company. All related party transactions during the year are detailed in the notes to the financial statements. The articles of association do not provide for retirement of Directors by rotation. However, the Directors may be removed by the shareholders by ordinary resolution in accordance with the procedures established under the Companies Act 2014. The Board meets at least quarterly. There are no permanent sub-committees of the Board.
The Board is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Company in accordance with the articles of association. Subject to its supervision and direction the Board has delegated the day to day administration of the Company to the Administrator and the investment management and distribution functions to the Investment Managers. The Company has appointed BNY Mellon Trust Company (Ireland) Limited as the custodian to the Company with responsibility for the safekeeping of the assets of the Company.
Shareholder meetings
All general meetings of the Company shall be held in Ireland. In each year the Company shall hold a general meeting as its annual general meeting at which the audited financial statements of the Company will be presented (together with the Directors’ and Auditors’ Reports of the Company). Twenty-one days notice (excluding the day of posting and the day of the meeting) shall be given in respect of each general meeting of the Company. The notice shall specify the venue and time of the meeting and the business to be transacted at the meeting. A proxy may attend on behalf of any shareholder. An ordinary resolution is a resolution passed by a majority of 50% or more of votes cast and a special resolution is a resolution passed by a majority of 75% or more of the votes cast. The articles of association provide that matters may be determined by a meeting of shareholders on a show of hands unless a poll is requested by five shareholders or by shareholders holding 10% or more of the shares or unless the Chairman of the meeting requests a poll. Each share gives the holder one vote in relation to any matters relating to the Company which are submitted to shareholders for a vote by poll.
Directors’ Report – (continued)
Connected Party Transactions
Conditions have been imposed by the Central Bank of Ireland under Regulation UCITS 14.5 for Directors to confirm compliance with regulatory requirements in relation to transactions between the Company and the Investment Manager, the Custodian and their respective group affiliates. The Directors are satisfied that there are arrangements and written procedures in place to ensure that all such transactions are carried out on an arm’s length basis, entered into in the ordinary course of business and on normal commercial terms and are in the best interests of the shareholders and that all such transactions during the period complied with these obligations.
Independent Auditors
The independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, will be re-appointed in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014.
Investment Objectives and Investment Policies
All active Funds, except Legg Mason Western Asset Global Credit Absolute Return Fund^, Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Core Plus Bond Fund^, Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund^, Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Inflation-Linked Plus Fund^, Legg Mason Western Asset UK£ Long Duration Fund^, Legg Mason Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond Fund^, Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund^, Legg Mason Brandywine Global High Yield Fund^, Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunistic Fixed Income Fund^, Legg Mason Brandywine Global Sovereign Credit Fund^, Legg Mason Brandywine Global Income Optimiser Fund^, Legg Mason Brandywine Global Credit Opportunities Fund^, Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Fund^, Legg Mason ClearBridge Global Equity Income Fund^, Legg Mason ClearBridge US Equity Income Fund^, Legg Mason Royce Smaller Companies Fund II^, and Legg Mason Permal Global Absolute Fund^ have been authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong. Therefore, the Funds noted above are not authorised for sale to the public in Hong Kong. The authorisation by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong does not imply recommendation for investment into the Funds.
The principal investment objective and policies of each Fund which traded during the year end February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 are listed below. There can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its objective and there is no guarantee that an investment strategy will succeed or attain any particular results or level of profitability (defined terms are as defined in the prospectus for the relevant Fund (the “Prospectus’’). A more detailed description of the investment policies of each Fund is set out in the relevant Prospectus.
Legg Mason Western Asset US Money Market Fund
Investment Objective – To maintain the principal of the Fund and provide a return in line with money market rates.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests in short-term money market instruments and in deposits with credit institutions. At least two thirds of the Fund’s net asset value will be invested in money market instruments denominated in US Dollars and issued by US Issuers. All investments in money market instruments must be determined by the Sub-Investment Manager to be of high quality.
Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Bond Fund
Investment Objective – To maximise total return through income and capital appreciation.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests at least 75 per cent of its net asset value in debt securities that are (i) listed or traded on Regulated Markets located in Developed Countries and Emerging Markets Countries; (ii) denominated in U.S. Dollars and (iii) rated at the time of purchase at least BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s or, if not rated, deemed by the Fund’s Sub-Investment Manager to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in the following types of securities that are listed or traded on Regulated Markets: debt securities issued or guaranteed by the US government, its agencies or instrumentalities and political sub-divisions (including inflation-protected securities), corporate debt securities such as freely transferable promissory notes debentures, bonds (including zero coupon bonds), convertible and non-convertible notes, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organisations; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; preferred shares and other open ended collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. A maximum of 10 per cent of the Fund’s net asset value may be invested in units or shares of other collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. At least two-thirds of the Fund’s net asset value will be invested at all times in investments of issuers or companies that have their registered office in the United States or that conduct a significant portion of their business activities in the United States.
Legg Mason Western Asset US Core Plus Bond Fund
Investment Objective – To maximise total return, consisting of capital appreciation and income.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests at least 70 per cent of its net asset value in debt securities listed or traded on Regulated Markets in the United States listed in Schedule III of the Prospectus that are rated Investment Grade or if unrated deemed by the Sub-Investment Manager to be of comparable credit quality and which are issued by U.S. Issuers. The securities in which the Fund may invest include debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities and political sub-divisions; debt securities issued by other national governments, their agencies, instrumentalities and political sub-divisions; debt securities of supranational organisations such as freely transferable promissory notes, bonds and debentures; corporate debt securities, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, bonds; non-convertible notes; commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organisations; and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities structured as debt securities.
A maximum of 10 per cent of the Fund’s net asset value may be invested in units or shares of other collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. Subject to the limits set out in the investment policies the Fund may also invest in aggregate up to 30 per cent of its net asset value in non-publicly traded securities, Rule 144A securities, zero coupon securities, money market instruments and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The allocation and reallocation of the Fund’s assets will be undertaken by the Sub-Investment Manager on the basis of its analysis of economics and market conditions and the relative risks and opportunities of particular types of fixed income securities. The average portfolio duration will vary based on the Sub-Investment Manager’s forecast for interest rates.
Legg Mason Western Asset Euro Core Plus Bond Fund
Investment Objective – To maximise total return, through capital appreciation and income.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests at least 70 per cent of its net asset value in debt securities denominated in Euro that are listed or traded on Regulated Markets located in Developed Countries and Emerging Market Countries as set out in Schedule III of the Prospectus. The Fund invests in the following types of securities that are listed or traded on Regulated Markets: debt securities issued or guaranteed by national governments of Developed Countries and Emerging Market Countries, their agencies, instrumentalities, and political sub-divisions (including inflation-protected securities); debt securities of supranational organisations such as freely transferable promissory notes, bonds and debentures; corporate debt securities of issuers located in or whose securities are listed or traded on Regulated Markets in Developed Countries and Emerging Market Countries, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organisations; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; preferred shares; and other open-ended collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. A maximum of 10 per cent of the Fund’s net asset value may be invested in units or shares of other collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations.
Directors’ Report – (continued)
Legg Mason Western Asset Diversified Strategic Income Fund
Investment Objective – To provide a high level of current income.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests at least two-thirds of its net asset value in debt securities that are (i) denominated in U.S. Dollars and currencies of a variety of other Developed Countries, and (ii) are listed or traded on Regulated Markets as set out in Schedule III of the Prospectus. The Fund may invest in the following types of securities that are listed or traded on Regulated Markets: debt securities issued or guaranteed by the US government, its agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions; debt securities issued or guaranteed by national governments of other countries, their agencies or instrumentalities and political sub-divisions; debt securities of supranational organisations such as freely transferable promissory notes, bonds and debentures; corporate debt securities, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, bonds (including zero coupon bonds), convertible and non-convertible notes, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organisations; structured notes that are transferable securities, whose underlying exposure may be to fixed income securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; preferred shares and other open ended collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations; provided that the Fund invests at least two-thirds of its net asset value in non-convertible debt securities. A maximum of 20 per cent of the Fund’s net asset value may be invested in units or shares of open-ended collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. The Fund may purchase unsecuritised participations in or assignments of floating rate mortgages or other commercial loans that are liquid and will provide for interest rate adjustments at least every 397 days and which may be secured by real estate or other assets. Such participations, combined with any other investments that are subject to Clause 2.1 in Schedule II of the Prospectus, will not exceed 10 per cent of the net asset value of the Fund in the aggregate. The Fund may invest up to 35 per cent of its total asset value in high yielding debt securities, which shall include securities rated Ba or lower by Moody’s or BB or lower by S&P or in non-rated securities deemed by the Sub-Investment Manager to be of comparable quality.
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund
Investment Objective – To maximise total return through income and capital appreciation.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests primarily in debt securities denominated in U.S. Dollars, Japanese Yen, Pound Sterling, Euro and a variety of other currencies and that are traded on or listed on any of the Regulated Markets located in Developed Countries and Emerging Market Countries as set out in Schedule III of the Prospectus. The Fund may invest in the following types of securities that are listed or traded on Regulated Markets: debt securities issued or guaranteed by national governments of Developed Countries and Emerging Market Countries, their agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions (including inflation-protected securities); debt securities of supranational organisations such as freely transferable promissory notes, bonds and debentures; corporate debt securities of issuers located in or whose securities are listed or traded on Regulated Markets in Developed Countries and Emerging Market Countries, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, bonds (including zero coupon bonds), Emerging Market debt securities (including Brady Bonds, Eurobonds, domestic and international bonds issued under the laws of a developing country), convertible and non-convertible notes, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organisations; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; preferred shares and other open ended collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. A maximum of 10 per cent of the Fund’s net asset value may be invested in units or shares of other collective investment schemes within the meaning of Regulation 68(1)(e) of the UCITS Regulations. The Fund may purchase unsecuritised participations in or assignments of floating rate mortgages or other commercial loans that are liquid and will provide for interest rate adjustments at least every 397 days and which may be secured by real estate or other assets. Such participations, combined with any other investments that are subject to Clause 2.1 in Schedule II of the Prospectus, will not exceed 10 per cent of the net asset value of the Fund in the aggregate.
Legg Mason Western Asset US High Yield Fund
Investment Objective – To provide a high level of current income.
Investment Policies – The Fund invests at least 70 per cent of its net asset value in the following types of high-yielding debt securities of U.S. Issuers that are denominated in U.S. Dollars that are listed or traded on Regulated Markets as listed in Schedule III of the Prospectus: corporate debt securities, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, bonds (including zero coupon bonds), non-convertible notes, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers’ acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organisations; structured notes that are transferable securities whose underlying exposure may be to fixed income securities; and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that are structured as debt securities; provided that at least two-thirds of the Fund’s net asset value is invested in non-convertible debt securities. The Fund may invest in debt securities rated as low as C by Moody’s or D by S&P, which ratings
