Vanguard to Streamline Fund Lineup with Planned Merger and Liquidation

Rhea-AI Summary

On February 14, 2023, Vanguard announced a strategic move to merge the Vanguard Managed Allocation Fund into the Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund, with the liquidation of the Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund also planned. This is expected to occur in Q2 2023, reflecting limited investor demand and a desire to consolidate funds with similar objectives. The merger is projected to be tax-free; however, some shareholders may face tax consequences from asset sales. The LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund has a lower expense ratio of 0.13%, compared to 0.31% for the Managed Allocation Fund.

Positive

• The merger aims to consolidate funds with similar investment objectives, potentially enhancing operational efficiency.
• The LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund offers a lower expense ratio of 0.13%, which could benefit investors.

Negative

• Limited demand for the Managed Allocation Fund may indicate lackluster performance or investor interest.
• The liquidation of the Alternative Strategies Fund may result in tax implications for certain shareholders.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Feb. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard today announced plans to merge Vanguard Managed Allocation Fund into Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund and to liquidate Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund. The merger and liquidation are expected to take place in the second quarter of 2023. 

"We strive to offer a broad lineup of investment solutions that meets the long-term needs of Vanguard's diverse investor base," said Dan Reyes, head of Vanguard Portfolio Review Department. "We continually monitor our funds to ensure that they're serving our clients well, and we refine and evolve our lineup to better position investors to succeed."

In light of limited investor demand and the opportunity to consolidate two funds with similar investment objectives, the Managed Allocation Fund will be merged into the LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund. The Managed Allocation Fund and the LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund have similar asset class exposure with comparable asset allocations and similar risk profiles, while the LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund has a lower expense ratio.¹ Shareholders of the Managed Allocation Fund do not need to take any action in advance of the merger.

The merger itself is expected to be a tax-free event. However, to prepare the Managed Allocation Fund for the merger, a portion of the fund's assets will be sold, which will have tax consequences for certain shareholders of the Managed Allocation Fund depending on their individual tax situation. This includes the liquidation of the Alternative Strategies Fund (see below for details), which is an underlying investment of the Managed Allocation Fund. Any realized capital gains, including those resulting from shareholder redemptions, will be distributed to the shareholders of the Managed Allocation Fund prior to the merger.

Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund was launched in 2015 to help investors further diversify beyond traditional asset classes with the potential to lower a portfolio's overall volatility. The fund, however, has not gained broad acceptance among investors. Shareholders are being notified and will have the opportunity to exchange into another Vanguard fund or redeem shares prior to the liquidation date, at which time the fund's assets will be sold and the proceeds distributed to any remaining shareholders. The liquidation may have tax consequences for certain investors depending on their individual tax situation.

About Vanguard
Founded in 1975, Vanguard is one of the world's leading investment management companies. The firm offers investments, advice, and retirement services to individual investors, institutions, and financial professionals. Vanguard operates under a unique, investor-owned structure where Vanguard fund shareholders own the funds, which in turn own Vanguard. As such, Vanguard adheres to a simple purpose: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. For more information, visit vanguard.com.

¹ The effective dates for the expense ratios are 2/25/2022 for the LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund and 4/29/2022 for the Managed Allocation Fund. The LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund has an expense ratio of 0.13% compared with 0.31% for the Managed Allocation Fund. Excluding borrowing and dividend expenses on securities sold short by certain underlying funds, the Managed Allocation Fund's total annual fund operating expenses are 0.18%.

For more information about Vanguard funds, visit vanguard.com/fundprospectus to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Each LifeStrategy Fund invests in four broadly diversified Vanguard funds and is subject to the risks associated with those underlying funds. Funds that concentrate on a relatively narrow market sector face the risk of higher share-price volatility.

Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

 

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SOURCE Vanguard

FAQ

What is the purpose of the merger between Vanguard Managed Allocation Fund and LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund?

The merger aims to consolidate two funds with similar investment objectives and enhance operational efficiency.

When is the merger and liquidation expected to occur?

The merger and liquidation are expected to take place in the second quarter of 2023.

What are the tax implications of the fund merger for shareholders of VYMI?

The merger is expected to be tax-free, but asset sales prior to the merger may have tax consequences for certain shareholders.

How does the expense ratio of LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund compare to Managed Allocation Fund?

The LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund has a lower expense ratio of 0.13%, compared to 0.31% for the Managed Allocation Fund.

What options do shareholders of the Alternative Strategies Fund have before its liquidation?

Shareholders can exchange into another Vanguard fund or redeem shares before the liquidation date.