Form DEFA14A HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
| ☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ☐ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☒ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |
The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc.
(Name of Registrants as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| ☒ | No fee required. |
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
Wellington [Video For Hartford Funds Internal Use Only]
|
|
Mortimer, Stephen 0:09 Hi, I’m Steve Mortimer, portfolio manager for the Hartford Growth Opportunities Fund. I’d like to speak to you briefly today to explain why we’re asking for a proxy change to reclassify the fund from a diversified fund to a non-diversified fund. First of all, we know that the market has become significantly more top-heavy. A small number of very large companies now represent an unusually high share of the major U.S. equity benchmarks, making the SEC 1940 Act diversification limits increasingly restrictive for active managers. Within the Russell 3000 growth, 5% positions total just under 43% as of July this year, And with future large IPOs likely, we think this concentration could move even higher. Second, the proposed change gives the investment team greater flexibility. Moving to a non-diversified status would allow position sizes, particularly in the largest benchmark companies, to reflect our fundamental views rather than be constrained by the fund’s diversification classification. In times when there is a significant positive correlated return among these largest stocks, it would be impossible to be overweight all of them currently if that was the right thing to do for you. We saw this last in 2023, and while the fund outperformed that year, all the largest names were up more than the benchmark, and our success was solely attributed to owning only the very best of that group of stocks. Third, it’s important to highlight our investment philosophy and process is not changing. We’ll continue to evaluate companies and make investment decisions using the same research, conviction, and risk-reward framework we have before. Fourth, the goal for this is better implementation for shareholders. Greater flexibility allows us to express conviction and manage benchmark relative risk in a more dynamic way as market leadership, the number of mega caps, and individual company weights evolve. Having this flexibility going forward is super important in a market that’s exhibiting high levels of volatility and return potential. And finally, I’ll leave you with a stat that more than half of the assets in the Morningstar U.S. large cap growth category are already in non-diversified funds. So this move is not without precedent. Thanks very much for your time, and I look forward to continuing to earn your trust. | |
|
|
stopped transcription
Proxies may be solicited from a representative of Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC or any affiliate. Information regarding the persons who may be deemed participants in the solicitation, and a description of their direct and indirect interests in the proposals, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the definitive |
|
|
proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC. A copy of the definitive proxy statement can be found at hartfordfunds.com/proxy2026statement.
Forward-Looking Statements. Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding the anticipated effects and benefits to shareholders of the proposed change to non-diversified status for certain Hartford Funds, the anticipated portfolio management flexibility and investment outcomes following shareholder approval, and any statements regarding the expected continuity of a Fund’s investment objective, strategies, and fees. There can be no assurance that shareholder approval will be obtained or that the anticipated effects of the proposal will be realized. Neither Hartford Funds nor Wellington Management undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
This information is not a recommendation or advice regarding any particular security, strategy or product. Hartford Funds does not represent that any products or strategies discussed are appropriate for any particular investor so investors should seek their own professional advice before investing.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the mutual fund summary prospectus and/or prospectus, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.
Mutual funds are distributed by Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (HFD), Member FINRA. |
Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!
You May Also Be Interested In
- York Space Systems Shareholder Alert: ClaimsFiler Reminds Investors With Losses In Excess Of $100,000 Of Lead Plaintiff Deadline In Class Action Lawsuit Against York Space Systems, Inc. - YSS
- Canto advances AI-powered digital asset management with new capabilities and earns G2 Best Results across enterprise categories
- FMPay Sets Out Acquiring and Card Payout Model for Mid-Sized Digital Businesses
Create E-mail Alert Related Categories
SEC FilingsSign up for StreetInsider Free!
Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more!



Tweet
Share