Putnam Investments honored for service excellence by DALBAR for 26th consecutive year

BOSTON, December 8, 2015Putnam Investments announced today that for the 26th consecutive year, it has been honored by DALBAR for mutual fund service quality, reflecting industry- leading consistency and reliability. This continuous acknowledgement of Putnam’s work in this area includes being named DALBAR Mutual Fund Service Award winner for 24 years and the sole winner of DALBAR’s Total Client Experience Award for the past four years.

“Each time that our firm receives a DALBAR award, it is more special than the previous one,” said Putnam President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert L. Reynolds. “Putnam takes enormous pride in providing clients with the highest quality of service and is truly pleased to have this dedicated effort recognized.”

Added Reynolds, “Putnam’s culture of proactive, thoughtful and innovative communication and management has been one of the primary drivers in delivering a superior client service experience — surpassing industry standards — and serves as a true differentiator in the marketplace.”

For nearly three decades, DALBAR has conducted rigorous, systematic and yearlong testing of customer service based on industry benchmarks, and point to service that eclipses industry standards in the most important areas. The DALBAR Service Awards are given annually by DALBAR, Inc., a leading financial services market research and consulting firm to elite service providers.

About DALBAR
DALBAR, Inc., the nation’s leading financial services market research and consulting firm, is committed to raising the standards of excellence in the financial services industry. With offices in both the US and Canada, DALBAR develops standards for, and provides research, ratings, and rankings of intangible factors to the mutual fund, broker/dealer, life insurance, property and casualty, and managed account industries. Measurements include investor behavior, customer satisfaction, service quality, communications, Internet services, and financial professional ratings.

The Boston Celtics and Putnam Investments — Two Storied Boston Organizations — announce multiyear marketing partnership

BOSTON, October 1, 2015 — The Boston Celtics and Putnam Investments today announced a multifaceted, multi-year marketing partnership that provides the investment management firm with unprecedented in-arena branding, coast-to-coast broadcast visibility, significant ongoing digital and social media opportunities, and unique fan and client engagement features. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

The exclusive asset management sponsor of the Boston Celtics, Putnam will have its name painted prominently on the apron of the team’s legendary parquet floor – the first time in the franchise’s nearly 70-year existence that a Celtics’ partner has been highlighted on the floor space in front of the home and visiting teams’ benches.

Wyc Grousbeck, Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Boston Celtics said, “I know that Putnam treats its clients with the same care that we treat our fans at the Celtics. Both organizations are dedicated to performing at the highest possible standards. It is with pleasure and pride that the Celtics begin a new chapter with such an outstanding partner as Putnam Investments.”

Discussing the new partnership, Robert L. Reynolds, President and CEO, Putnam Investments said, “It is with great pride that we bring together two iconic Boston-based organizations to embark on a long-term marketing partnership that will showcase our many shared qualities and provide a platform for significant co-branded marketing opportunities on a regional, national, and global scale.”

Reynolds noted the overall worldwide reach of the NBA – with programming available in 217 countries and territories and in 47 languages – and the impressive brand strength of the 17-time world champion Boston Celtics, as demonstrated by over 10 million combined Facebook and Twitter followers, 4th in both categories for the NBA and all North American Sports.

The partnership, effective immediately, will be in full force as the Celtics tip off the start of their 2015–2016 regular season on Wednesday, October 28. In addition to Putnam’s name adorning the Celtics parquet apron, the firm’s branding will be highly prominent through placement on:

  • The Putnam Club – a luxury lounge catering to Courtside Seat Ticket Members, Sponsors, and VIP guests
  • Courtside seats
  • LED courtside signage
  • LED jumbotron and 360 rings
  • Jumbotron underbelly
  • Basket stanchion and LED arm

Also, the Celtics and Putnam are committed to working closely on a range of digital and social media content designed to reach a broad audience as well as key target segments. Putnam expects to further activate the partnership through traditional and digital advertising.
Putnam’s partnership with the Boston Celtics is part of the firm’s Performance in Motion® marketing strategy that draws upon sports that appeal to its advisor, institutional, and investor audiences. As part of this effort, the firm works closely with teams and athletes who best personify Putnam’s focus on performance excellence. For more information, visit www.putnam.com/performanceinmotion.

About the Boston Celtics
A charter member of the Basketball Association of America (which evolved into the National Basketball Association) since 1946, the Boston Celtics have won a record 17 NBA Championships, including eight (8) in a row from 1959-1966, winning their first title in 1957 and their most recent in 2008. The Celtics have long stood for equality, and respect, including hiring the first African American Coach and starting the first all black starting five. In addition, 39 former Celtics players, management or staff have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In December 2002 the team returned to local ownership for the first time since 1963. For more information on the Celtics, log on to www.celtics.com.

Nominations for the 2015 Industry Leadership Awards were submitted by MMI members, and the finalists were selected by a special committee representing all segments of the MMI membership. The winners in each category were determined by a vote of MMI member firms.

Celtics Media Contacts:
Christian Megliola — 617-399-8456 (office), 617-510-8190 (cell), cmegliola@celtics.com
Heather Walker — 617-854-8072 (office), 617-594-4453 (cell), hwalker@celtics.com

Over 80 Percent of Financial Advisors Use Social Media for Business According to 2015 Putnam Investments Social Advisor Study

BOSTON, September 16, 2015 — In the largest known body of research on financial advisor use of social media, the Putnam Investments 2015 Social Advisor Study points to social media as having become an increasingly essential client communication and business-building component for financial advisors across the industry. Research findings released today by Putnam from the firm’s third annual study of over 800 financial advisors nationwide show 81% of advisors currently use social media for business, up from 75% last year.

Advisors of all ages are more frequently using social media networks in their professional practice, with 40% of advisors (versus 25% last year) now using four or more networks for business and a growing number (69%) pointing to social media having a significant role in their marketing efforts — up steeply from the prior year (56%).

The increasing utilization of social media by advisors is translating into concrete business results: The share of advisors acquiring new clients through social media is up sharply to 79% (from 66% in 2014), with the average annual asset gain from these clients standing at $4.6 million.

Putnam Investments President and CEO Robert L. Reynolds, who was one of the first senior executives in Financial Services to actively engage on social media, commented, “We are seeing a clear, powerful trend emerging where social media is becoming an almost indispensable communications tool for financial advisors in their day-to-day interaction with their clients, investment providers and the broader marketplace. This is a dynamic that is likely to endure, providing tremendous opportunity for advisors to establish and build relationships.”
Additional Findings

The study yielded other notable findings, including:

  • The median increase in assets gained through social media activity is $1.9 million, up from $1.2 million in 2014
  • Advisors look toward certain social platforms to help perform different business-building functions: LinkedIn to improve their referral network and connect with other financial professionals; Facebook to enhance client relationships and build professional brand; and Twitter to expand professional knowledge and help establish a thought leadership platform
  • While LinkedIn continues to be the dominant network for business use by advisors, business usage of other networks is growing more rapidly
  • Advisors are increasingly getting their business news and information from social sites — equating the sites’ credibility with traditional news sources

“Social media use by financial advisors today is broader, deeper and more results-driven than ever,” said Mark McKenna, Head of Global Marketing, Putnam Investment. “We are seeing advisors across the industry — including those affiliated with major wirehouses, independent firms and RIA shops — recognize the present and future potential of social media engagement with clients, prospects and other crucial constituents. This is a medium that is evolving rapidly for advisors and offers tremendous promise for the years to come.”
Profile of a “Social Advisor”

The Putnam Investments research indicates that the typical financial advisor — who has gained assets through social media — has the following characteristics:

  • 44-year-old wirehouse advisor living in southern or western U.S.
  • Active on five social networks
  • Has 10 years of experience
  • Runs a book of business of $80 million (median)

Putnam Investments and Social Media
In recent years, Putnam Investments has expanded outreach to clients, advisors, consultants and other stakeholders with social media by building out a robust presence on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. The firm has been widely recognized for developing and adopting best practices in social media. In 2014, Putnam Investments was ranked the #1 social media leader in the asset management industry by kasina, based on Putnam’s work across social media platforms.

In identifying a need among financial advisors to understand the emerging importance of social media as a business-building tool, Putnam Investments has developed key practice management offerings in this area including: providing best practice seminars to advisors on use of LinkedIn and other social platforms; a series of online resources and tools; one-on-one training and continuing discussions; creation of a community discussion via the firm’s LinkedIn group; and video vignettes on Putnam’s Advisor Tech Tips blog (http://www.advisortechtips.com/).

In 2014, Putnam Investments President and CEO Robert L. Reynolds was named a LinkedIn Influencer, joining a select group of CEOs, political figures, entrepreneurs and other influential business executives who provide compelling commentary and professional insights on a variety of subjects. Currently, Reynolds has over 9,000 followers on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RobertLReynolds). Reynolds was also one of the first CEOs in the financial industry to actively tweet — beginning in July 2009. In addition, he currently has over 100,000 LinkedIn followers.
About the Survey

The research was conducted online by Brightwork Partners LLC among 817 financial advisors nationally who have been advising retail clients for at least two years. The study was conducted in July 2015.

About Brightwork Partners LLC
Brightwork Partners is a specialty research and consulting firm focusing on distribution strategies for retail asset managers and providers of defined contribution services. Founded in 1999, the firm conducts custom and multi-client research among advisors, consultants, plan sponsors, third party administrators and participants on behalf of major providers in the industry.

Putnam Investments Names Sumedh Mehta Chief Technology Officer

BOSTON, September 8, 2015 — Putnam Investments today announced that Sumedh Mehta has been named Chief Technology Officer, with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s worldwide systems infrastructure and application development, as well as technology integration across business lines. In recent years Putnam has deepened its commitment to leading-edge technology as it seeks to further enhance client experience and support its core investments, sales and operations.

“We believe that leveraging evolving technology can be a critical factor in allowing our firm — and industry — to continually elevate how we serve our clients and the quality of offerings that we can provide them,” said Putnam President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Reynolds. “As we build upon our deep commitment to advance technology, we are pleased to have a highly seasoned professional like Sumedh help lead the charge, bringing vision and creativity to the role and our firm’s mission in this area.”

Mehta will be based in Boston and report directly to Putnam Chief Financial Officer Clare Richer. He will lead a full range of corporate-wide technology groups, including Software Engineering, Enterprise Computing and Telecommunications and Data. A nearly 25- year information technology leader, Mehta joins Putnam from Fidelity Investments, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Fidelity Investment Management Technology.

Prior to joining Putnam, Mehta held a series of senior roles in financial services information technology, with a strong focus on asset management. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Equity, High Income, Select Co., Pyramis and Research Technology for Fidelity Investments, where he developed solutions for portfolio managers, traders and research analysts.

Previously, Mehta served as director of operational effectiveness for Marsh & McLennan Companies and as industry head for the financial services practice at Patni, Inc., a technology consultancy firm.

Earlier in his career, Mehta held positions at Mercer, The Reference, Inc., and The Mathworks.

Mehta holds an MBA degree from Babson College, an M.S. degree in electronic engineering from Columbia University and a BSc. degree in electronic engineering from the University of Southampton.

Putnam Investments sponsors Patriots Fancam; Helping fans get in the picture at every regular season home game

BOSTON, September 2, 2015 — Putnam Investments, the official mutual fund sponsor of the New England Patriots, today announced that it will offer Patriots Fancam an innovative technology that allows fans to locate a high-definition image of themselves in virtually any of the nearly 67,000 seats within Gillette Stadium, at every New England Patriots home game throughout the 2015 regular season. Fans in attendance will be able to share their game-day photo with family and friends on social media platforms, beginning with the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Sept. 10.

“We are pleased to provide this extraordinary New England fan base with an exciting way to view and express their Patriots pride and share their image on social media," said Mark McKenna, head of global marketing, Putnam Investments. "Building upon the success of our one-game sponsorship of Patriots Fancam last season, we have decided to make this unique engagement experience available throughout the 2015 season for Patriots Nation at Gillette Stadium.”

McKenna noted that Patriots Fancam was extremely well received by fans at Gillette Stadium when Putnam first made it available at a game late in the 2014 regular season. Based on its popularity, as evidenced by the volume of social media tagging and posting, Putnam will now offer Patriots Fancam at all home games.

The Power of Teamwork: You, Your Advisor and Putnam

Putnam also today announced the launch of a new multimedia marketing campaign, “The Power of Teamwork,” which will officially kick off with the start of the Patriots regular season. Television, radio and digital advertisements will focus on the importance of assembling a winning team off the field, in the form of a strong partnership between a client, his or her financial advisor and Putnam Investments — or as the ads highlight, “You, Your Advisor and Putnam.”

A centerpiece of the campaign is a pair of 30-second television spots, shot at both Gillette Stadium and at Putnam’s Boston headquarters, titled “Teaming Up” and “Working Together.” The ads feature financial advisors and their clients in the stands at Gillette wearing Patriots gear and then in the advisor’s office discussing their financial strategy — emphasizing the importance of teamwork and pursuit of excellence. The ads will run throughout the 2015–16 National Football League season.

“Putnam Investments’ new Patriots-themed marketing campaign is part of our Performance in Motion strategy,” said McKenna. “We want the message to be unmistakable: Like the athletes and teams that share our commitment to winning, we are always striving for world-class results.”
Putnam Investments: Performance in Motion

The partnership with the New England Patriots is part of Putnam Investments’ Performance in Motion marketing strategy that draws upon sports that appeal to its advisor, institutional and investor audiences. As part of this effort, the firm works closely with teams and athletes who best personify Putnam’s focus on performing at the highest level. For more information, visit www.putnam.com/performanceinmotion.

Putnam Investments and the New England Patriots

Putnam Investments and the four-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots have a multifaceted, multi-year marketing partnership that aligns the company with the Patriots, one of the strongest and most recognizable global brands in professional sports. The relationship, which underscores the shared commitment of Putnam and the Patriots to performance excellence, includes an extensive co-branded multimedia campaign across television, radio, print, digital and social media elements. It also incorporates high-profile branding of various properties at Gillette Stadium, most notably the Putnam Club, an upscale dining and entertainment venue at the stadium.

About Patriots Fancam

Patriots Fancam employs an advanced photographic technology that enables fans to locate images of themselves in almost all of the nearly 67,000 seats within Gillette Stadium, and then share them with friends and family via Facebook, Twitter and email. Using Patriots Fancam, fans will be able to zoom in on their actual seat, tag their image and share it on social media. Additionally, fans will be able to get an inside look at Gillette with exclusive 360-degree virtual tours of the stadium, the Putnam Club and the Putnam Suite.

Dalbar ranks Putnam Financial Professional Website #1 for sixth consecutive quarter

BOSTON, August 12, 2015Putnam Investments today announced that DALBAR, Inc., a leading financial services market research and consulting firm, has ranked Putnam’s financial professional website #1 among mutual fund companies for six consecutive quarters, including all four quarters of 2014 and the first two quarters of 2015.

In the most recent quarter, Putnam’s site ranked first of 30 fund company websites for financial professionals with a DALBAR designation of “Excellent.”

“The role of financial advice — and specifically the financial advisor — to help guide investors has never been more important than in the current era. Putnam has assembled and continues to enhance leading-edge content, value-add comparison tools and responsive design capabilities in its web offering for the financial advisor community,” said Putnam President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Reynolds. “We are pleased that DALBAR has recognized our firm’s commitment to setting the standard in this area within the mutual fund industry.”

DALBAR pointed to the strength of Putnam’s mobile-optimized experience for advisors, as well as a number of other web elements related to useful investment and product content, practice management tools and client resources. In recent years, Putnam has received accolades for its web-based Advisor Tech Tips tool, which enables advisors to keep apprised of technology developments that potentially can benefit their clients and their business-building efforts, and Fund Visualizer, a multi-faceted vehicle to allow the comparison of over 11,000 mutual funds and ETFs by advisors.

DALBAR evaluates fund company websites each quarter using its proprietary Mutual Fund WebMonitor program criteria. The fund company websites, which are used by financial advisors, brokers and other professionals to serve their clients and manage and build their business, are scored on a 100-point scale using criteria divided into five categories: Functionality, Usability, Content Currency, Consistency and Behavior Centric.

Putnam has regularly been recognized by DALBAR for the quality of the services it offers investors and financial professionals. In December 2014, Putnam was honored by DALBAR for mutual fund service quality for the 25th consecutive year, including recognition as DALBAR Mutual Fund Service Award winner for 23 years, reflecting superior service that is among the best in the industry. The firm has also been the sole recipient of DALBAR’s Total Client Experience award for the last four years.

About DALBAR

DALBAR, Inc., the nation’s leading financial services market research and consulting firm, is committed to raising the standards of excellence in the financial services industry. With offices in both the US and Canada, DALBAR develops standards for, and provides research, ratings, and rankings of intangible factors to the mutual fund, broker/dealer, life insurance, property and casualty, and managed account industries. Measurements include investor behavior, customer satisfaction, service quality, communications, Internet services, and financial professional ratings.

Putnam Investments and Nissay asset management to extend alliance through 2020

BOSTON, June 1, 2015Putnam Investments today announced that it will continue its strategic alliance through 2020 with Nissay Asset Management (NAM), the asset management arm of Nippon Life Insurance Company, the largest life insurance company in Japan.

The agreement between Putnam and NAM, originally established in 1998 and last renewed in 2010, focuses on managing and providing investment products and services to Japanese institutional and retail investors. Putnam continues to hold a 10% ownership stake in NAM, with the remaining 90% owned by Nippon Life.

As part of the extended agreement, Putnam will continue to serve as a sub-adviser for retail funds distributed by NAM and will also continue to act as an investment adviser for pension fund clients of NAM. Putnam offers a wide range of international equity and fixed income investment capabilities to NAM and its clients, with NAM overseeing the selection of Japanese securities.

“We are proud to be working with Nissay Asset Management in addressing the needs of the retail and institutional investment marketplace in Japan,” said Putnam President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Reynolds. “Putnam is excited to extend this successful partnership and continue serving one of the world’s most important investment centers.”

Putnam manages approximately $5 billion in assets in Japan, including over $3 billion through its partnership with NAM. The firm has an office in Tokyo, which provides clients with product management and development and client service. Putnam first established its Tokyo office in 1983, making it one of the earliest U.S. entrants into that market.

“The partnership between our two organizations for nearly twenty years has provided the Japanese investor with professionally managed, diversified products designed to help meet well-defined investment objectives,” noted Bill Connolly, Co-Head of Global Distribution for Putnam. “Our combined resources have effectively delivered a robust blend of investment solutions, coupled with firm commitment to outstanding client service.”

Nippon Life, the majority owner of NAM, has broad access to pension fund clients and retail distribution capabilities across Japan. Under the terms of the agreement renewal, NAM will continue to be jointly owned by Nippon Life and Putnam. Both firms have affirmed their strong commitment to growing their Japan asset management business together in both the institutional and retail areas.

Putnam Investments named distribution team of the year

BOSTON, April 24, 2015 — Putnam Investments has been named Money Management Institute’s Advisory Solutions Manager Distribution Team of the Year for its effective distribution strategy and execution, successfully linking marketing and sales, and achieving significant and relative growth in net sales. The award was announced at Money Management Institute’s Gateway to Leadership Industry Recognition event in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Our firm takes great pride in serving as a solutions-oriented, relationship-driven partner that is continually focused on helping our clients and investors achieve success,” said Robert L. Reynolds, President and CEO of Putnam Investments. “Under the leadership of Bill Connolly, Putnam has raised the bar on what the financial advisor marketplace can expect from an investment provider, bringing a strong mix of client knowledge, investment product insight, access to practice management tools and the highest commitment to relationship management.” Reynolds noted that the marketplace has responded very positively to the firm’s approach.

In discussing the award, Bill Connolly, Co-Head of Global Distribution at Putnam Investments, indicated that the firm is constantly evaluating and investing in resources to best serve wirehouses, regional and independent broker-dealers, RIAs and financial planners. “My colleagues and I are extremely grateful for this recognition and continue to be fully dedicated to providing our clients with the products, services and capabilities they need to address the long-term needs and goals of investors.”

Since 1997, the Money Management Institute has been the leading voice for financial services organizations that provide advice and professionally managed investment solutions to investors. Its annual Industry Leadership Awards, now in their seventh year, recognize innovation and achievement in the advisory solutions industry.

Nominations for the 2015 Industry Leadership Awards were submitted by MMI members, and the finalists were selected by a special committee representing all segments of the MMI membership. The winners in each category were determined by a vote of MMI member firms.

Putnam won “Advisory Solutions Manager Distribution Team of the Year” — presented to the investment manager that exhibited the most effective distribution strategy and execution, successfully linking marketing and sales and achieving significant absolute and relative growth in net sales

About the Money Management Institute (MMI): Since 1997 MMI has been the leading voice for the global financial services organizations that provide advice and professionally managed solutions to individual and institutional investors. Through industry advocacy, educational initiatives, regulatory affairs, data reporting and professional networking, MMI supports and advances the growth of advisory solutions. MMI members’ advice-driven investment solutions serve an evolving worldwide financial landscape and their organizations are committed to the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and ethical conduct and to creating the most successful outcomes for investors at every level of assets. For more information, visit www.MMInst.org.

Putnam Investments announces expanded marketing roster of PGA Tour professionals

BOSTON, April 2, 2015 — As the 2015 Masters kicks off professional golf’s championship season next week, Putnam Investments today officially announced the next phase of its sports marketing campaign, featuring Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour golfers Keegan Bradley, Jon Curran and Brendan Steele. Curran and Steele, new members of Putnam’s Performance in Motion affinity marketing program, will join Bradley, who has been working with the firm since 2011.

“Keegan, Jon and Brendan are a triumvirate of extremely talented young golfers who have committed themselves to attaining excellence in their chosen field of play and are constantly striving for peak performance against the best in the world each and every day,” said Putnam Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Reynolds. “The Putnam team is proud to partner with these fine professionals and wish them tremendous success throughout the 2015 PGA season.”

Putnam will be introducing several new digital advertisements during the Masters that feature Bradley, Curran and Steele playing on some of the nation’s greatest golf venues, noted Mark McKenna, Head of Global Marketing at Putnam Investments. The campaign is part of Putnam’s broader Performance in Motion sports marketing strategy, focused on partnering with athletes and teams whose characteristics and values closely align with those of the firm.

The new Putnam golf advertisements can be viewed on the firm’s Performance in Motion web site at https://www.putnam.com/performanceinmotion.

Partnering with PGA Tour Golfers Keegan Bradley, Jon Curran and Brendan Steele

The three PGA professionals will participate in Putnam’s advertising, social media efforts and overall support of brand development opportunities globally. In addition, the golfers will wear Putnam-branded competitive clothing and also participate in year-round events and activities attended by Putnam clients.

Putnam’s sponsorship helps support Bradley, Steele and Curran as they prepare for competition at the sport’s highest levels, including the PGA Tour.

Keegan Bradley — Five-time tournament winner, including 2011 PGA Championship victor
A native of Hopkinton, Massachusetts and alumnus of St. John’s University, the 28-year-old Bradley rocketed to fame with his sudden-death win in the 2011 Byron Nelson Championship, followed later that season by his dramatic, come-from-behind triumph at the Professional bGolfers’ Association Championship, one of the four major championships in men’s professional golf. His victory made Bradley one of only three professionals in golf history to win a championship in his first-ever appearance in a PGA major.

Jon Curran — Currently ranked 76th by Fed Ex in his PGA Tour rookie season
Curran, 28, was Keegan Bradley’s high school teammate in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. In between high school and the PGA, Curran starred in golf at Vanderbilt University, turning professional after college. The leading money winner on the National Golf Association (NGA) Pro Golf Tour in 2013, Curran is now regularly active on the PGA Tour.

Brendan Steele — Top 100 world ranking; currently 28th in Fed Ex standings
Steele, 32, whose first PGA Tour win came at the Valero Texas Open in 2011, also won the 2011 Franklin Templeton Shootout, a team event in which he was partnered with Keegan Bradley. The Idyllwild, California native and University of California-Riverside alumnus played in last year’s PGA Championship, his fifth appearance in one of the Tour’s iconic championship events.

Putnam Investments: Performance in Motion
The partnerships with PGA Tour golfers Keegan Bradley, Jon Curran and Brendan Steele are part of Putnam’s Performance in Motion sports marketing strategy that aligns the firm’s brand with sports that appeal to its advisor, institutional and investor audiences. Performance in Motion supports those partnerships through connections with the athletes who best personify Putnam’s emphasis on results. Putnam’s other Performance in Motion marketing partners include Olympic gold medal-winning skier Ted Ligety, the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding, the New England Revolution soccer team and the four-time Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots. For more information, visit www.putnam.com/performanceinmotion.

Putnam Investments honored with five Lipper Fund Awards

BOSTON, April 1, 2015Putnam Investments today announced that five of its mutual funds received 2015 Lipper Fund Awards at an industry dinner held last night in New York City. The awards honor individual mutual funds for their consistently strong risk-adjusted performance, relative to their peers over periods of three years or more.

The Putnam Capital Spectrum Fund Y (PVSYX) received special recognition for wining in multiple performance periods. The fund was named the top performing fund in the Flexible Portfolio Funds category for both the three- and five-year periods. The full list of Putnam mutual funds receiving 2015 Lipper Awards for the period ending November 30, 2014, includes:

  • Putnam Capital Spectrum Fund Y (PVSYX) — 3 & 5 years
  • Putnam U.S. Government Income Trust Y (PUSYX) — 3 years
  • Putnam International Value Fund Y (PNGYX) — 5 years
  • Putnam RetirementReady 2050 Fund Y — 3 years
  • Putnam RetirementReady 2055 Fund Y — 3 years

“Achieving strong, sustained investment performance for our clients is our firm’s primary focus,” said Robert L. Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer, Putnam Investments. “It is an honor to receive these Lipper Fund Awards, which validate our company’s commitment to excellence — and exhibited by many talented professionals across our organization every single day.”

Putnam Capital Spectrum Fund Y (PVSYX) was the top-performing fund in the Flexible Portfolio Funds category for both the three- and five-year periods. Managed by David L. Glancy, the fund invests in total return opportunities across the capital structure, including common stocks, bonds, bank loans and convertibles. This is the second consecutive year that Putnam Capital Spectrum Fund has received this award.

Putnam U.S. Government Income Trust Y (PUSYX), managed by Michael Salm, was the top-performing fund within the GNMA Fund category for the three-year period. The fund invests its assets in U.S. government securities, including agency mortgage-backed securities.

Putnam International Value Fund Y (PNGYX) was honored for its performance over a five-year period in the International Large-Cap Value Fund category. The fund also received a Lipper Funds Award last year in the category. Managed by Darren A. Jaroch, CFA, and Karan S. Sodhi, CFA, Putnam International Value Fund invests in international large and midsize companies to benefit from business opportunities outside the United States.

Putnam RetirementReady 2050 Fund Y was named the top performing fund for the three-year period in the Mixed-Asset Target 2050 category. The fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with a decreasing emphasis on capital appreciation and an increasing emphasis on current income as it approaches its 2050 target date. The fund is managed by James Fetch, Robert Kea, Joshua Kutin, Robert Schoen and Jason Vaillancourt.

Putnam RetirementReady 2055 Fund Y, managed by James Fetch, Robert Kea, Joshua Kutin, Robert Schoen and Jason Vaillancourt, was named the no. 1 fund in the Mixed-Asset Target 2055 category for the three-year period. The fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with a decreasing emphasis on capital appreciation and an increasing emphasis on current income as it approaches its 2050 target date.
About the Lipper Fund Awards

The Lipper Fund Awards program honors funds that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance, relative to peers. The Lipper Fund Awards take place in 23 countries in Asia, Europe, MENA and the Americas. The award winners are formally announced between January and April. Ceremonies take place in select countries.