Putnam Premier Income Trust (the Fund) is a diversified closed-end management investment company. The Fund seeks high current income consistent with the preservation of capital by allocating its investments among the United States Government sector, high yield sector and international sector of the fixed-income securities market. The Fund's portfolio includes the United States Government and agency mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds and notes, foreign government and agency bonds and notes, senior loans, common stocks, purchased swap options outstanding, preferred stocks and preferred stocks. The Fund may invest in higher-yielding, lower-rated bonds that may have a higher rate of default. The Fund may invest its assets in securitized debt instruments, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments. Putnam Investment Management, LLC is the Fund's investment manager.