485APOS 1 a485apos.htm a485apos.htm
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2014

1933 Act File No. 033-11387
1940 Act File No. 811-04984

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
[ X ]
 
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
[     ]
 
Post-Effective Amendment No. 189
[ X ]
and/or
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
[ X ]
 
Amendment No. 188
[ X ]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450
Fort Worth, Texas  76155
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (817) 391-6100

Gene L. Needles, Jr., President
4151 Amon Carter Boulevard
MD 2450
Fort Worth, Texas  76155
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
 
With copies to:
Kathy K. Ingber, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-1600
 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[       ]
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[       ]
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[       ]
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[       ]
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[  X  ]
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[       ]
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
 
If appropriate, check the following box:
[       ]
This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 
 

 
 
 
The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.  This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state the offer or sale is not permitted.
 


 
 
 


PROSPECTUS
xx xx, 201x

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund
A CLASS [xxxx]
C CLASS [xxxx]
Y CLASS [xxxx]
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS [xxxx]
INVESTOR CLASS [xxxx]

















This Prospectus contains important information you should know about investing, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference.

As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 
 

 

 
Table of Contents

 Fund Summary
American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund
xx
Additional Information About the Fund
 
Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies
xx
Additional Information About Investments
xx
Additional Information About Risks
xx
Additional Information About the Performance Benchmark
xx
Fund Management
 
The Manager
xx
The Sub-Advisor
xx
Valuation of Shares
xx
About Your Investment
 
Choosing Your Share Class
xx
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
xx
General Policies
xx
Frequent Trading and Market Timing
xx
Distributions and Taxes
xx
Additional Information
 
Distribution and Service Plans
xx
Portfolio Holdings
xx
Delivery of Documents
xx
Financial Highlights
xx
Back Cover

 
 

 

American Beacon
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page xx of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page xx of the statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
 
Share class
 
A
 
C
 
Y
 
Institutional
 
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price)
5.75%
 
None
 
None
 
None
 
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower
of original offering price or redemption proceeds)
0.50%1
 
1.00%
 
None
 
None
 
None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

   
Share class
   
A
 
C
 
Y
 
Institutional
 
Investor
                                     
Management fees
   
0.58
%
   
0.58
%
   
0.58
%
   
0.58
%
   
0.58
%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees
   
0.25
%
   
1.00
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
Other expenses2
   
1.28
%
   
1.28
%
   
1.13
%
   
1.03
%
   
1.40
%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
   
0.01
%
   
0.01
%
   
0.01
%
   
0.01
%
   
0.01
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
   
2.11
%
   
2.86
%
   
1.71
%
   
1.61
%
   
1.99
%
Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement
   
-0.62
%
   
-0.62
%
   
-0.62
%
   
-0.62
%
   
-0.62
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or recoupment3
   
1.49
%
   
2.24
%
   
1.09
%
   
0.99
%
   
1.37
%

1  
A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 0.50% will be charged on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase.
2  
Other expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated expenses for the current fiscal year.
3  
The Manager has contractually agreed to reduce and/or reimburse the A Class, C Class, Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class of the Fund for Other Expenses, as applicable, through April 29, 2016 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses  exceed 1.48% for the A Class, 2.23% for the C Class, 1.08% for the Y Class, 0.98% for the Institutional Class and 1.36% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses such as litigation). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed only with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the percentage limit contractually agreed.

Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the
 
 
 

 
 
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

Share class
 
1 year
 
3 years
   
A
 
$ xx
 
$ xx
   
C
 
$ xx
 
$ xx
   
Y
 
$ xx
 
$ xx
   
Institutional
 
$ xx
 
$ xx
   
Investor
 
$ xx
 
$ xx
   
 
Assuming no redemption of shares:
 
Share class
 
1 year
 
3 years
 
C
 
$xx
 
$xx
 

Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate for the Fund’s last fiscal year is not provided because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this prospectus.

Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in securities of small capitalization companies.   The Fund considers a company to be a small capitalization company if it has a market capitalization, at the time of investment, within the range of the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell 2000 Index.  The capitalization range of that index is subject to change over time due to market activity or changes in the composition of the index.  As of January 31, 2014, the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell 2000 Index ranged from $15 million to $5.8 billion.

The Fund’s investment sub-advisor, Bahl & Gaynor Inc., d/b/a Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel (“Bahl & Gaynor”) pursues its small cap growth strategy by focusing on high-quality dividend-paying stocks.  The Fund’s sub-advisor uses a bottom up quantitative strategy to identify companies with perceived competitive advantages by evaluating their historical revenue growth, earnings growth, long-term debt/capital, and cash flows.  The sub-advisor conducts fundamental research on potential portfolio companies in different market sectors before making investment decisions.  The sub-advisor typically will sell an investment if the company’s fundamentals have changed or the company exhibits signs of failure versus its peers.

The Fund’s equity investments may include common stocks, depositary receipts, and real estate investments trusts (“REITs”).

The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including money market funds and may purchase and sell futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances and in anticipation of liquidity needs.  The Fund may lend its securities to broker-dealers and other institutions to earn additional income.

Principal Risks
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of income and is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, depositary receipts, and REITs. Such investments may expose the Fund to additional risks.

Common Stocks. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company’s products or services. A stock’s value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company’s stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in
 
 
 

 

 
their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company’s common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock.
  
Depositary Receipts. Investments in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.
REITs. Real estate investment trusts or other real estate-related securities are subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, overbuilding, changes in interest rates, and liabilities resulting from environmental problems. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent on management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity REITs are affected by the changes in the value of the properties owned by the trust. Mortgage REITs are affected by the quality of the credit extended. Both equity and mortgage REITs may not be diversified with regard to the types of tenants, may not be diversified with regard to the geographic locations of the properties, are subject to cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers, and could fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code. REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund’s investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs’ operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses.

Foreign Exposure Risk
The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADRs and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. These securities are subject to many of the risks inherent in investing in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular ADR or foreign stock. Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased price volatility, and (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies.

Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are derivative investments pursuant to a contract with a counterparty to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. Futures contracts may experience dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlation between the price of the contract and the underlying security or index which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed.

There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contract. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Growth Companies Risk
Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, the prices of these stocks may go down, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Growth company stocks also typically lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock prices in market downturns. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund’s growth style could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a value or non-growth approach to investing or have a broader investment style.

Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Issuer Risk
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.

Market Events Risk
Turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide which could adversely affect the Fund.

Market Risk
Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors,
 
 
 

 
 
industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund’ s equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market. From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.

Model and Data Risk
Models and data are used to screen potential investments for the Fund. When models or data prove to be incorrect or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose the Fund to potential risks. Some of the models used by the sub-advisor are predictive in nature. The use of predictive models has inherent risks. Because predictive models are usually constructed based on historical data supplied by third parties, the success of relying on such models may depend heavily on the accuracy and reliability of the supplied historical data.

Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including open-end funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), business development companies and money market funds. To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those funds.

Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks. Borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities. The securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.

Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected by the sub-advisor or the Manager for the Fund may not perform to expectations. The sub-advisor’s investment models may rely in part on data derived from third parties and may not perform as intended. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Small Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies. Since smaller companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

Fund Performance
Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.

Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.

Sub-Advisor
The Fund’s investment sub-advisor is Bahl & Gaynor.

Portfolio Managers
 
Bahl & Gaynor    
Edward A. Woods
Vice President, Principal & Portfolio Manager
   
Since Fund Inception (201x)
Scott D. Rodes
Vice President, Principal & Portfolio Manager
   Since Fund Inception (201x)
Stephanie S. Thomas
Vice President, Principal & Portfolio Manager
  Since Fund Inception (201x)
 
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Fund on any business day, which is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. You may purchase, redeem or exchange Institutional Class, Investor Class and Y Class shares directly from the Fund by calling 1-800-658-5811, writing to the Fund at P.O. Box 219643, Kansas City, MO 64121, or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
 
 
 

 
 
For overnight delivery, please mail your request to American Beacon Funds, c/o BFDS, 330 West 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. You also may purchase, redeem or exchange all classes of shares offered in this Prospectus through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. The minimum initial purchase into the Fund is $250,000 for Institutional Class shares, $100,000 for Y Class shares, $2,500 for A Class and Investor Class shares, and $1,000 for C Class shares. The minimum subsequent investment by wire is $500 for A Class, C Class and Investor Class shares. No minimums apply to subsequent investments by wire for other classes of shares. For all classes, the minimum subsequent investment is $50 if the investment is made by ACH, check or exchange.

Tax Information

Dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, which you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local taxes, unless your account is tax-exempt or tax deferred (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account).

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and the Fund’s distributor or the Manager may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your individual financial adviser to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 
 

 
 
Additional Information About the Fund


To help you better understand the Fund, this section provides a detailed discussion of the Fund’s investment policies, its principal strategies and risks and performance benchmarks. However, this Prospectus does not describe all of the Fund’s investment practices. For additional information, please see the Fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”), which is available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or by contacting us via telephone at 1-800-658-5811, by U.S. mail at P.O. Box 219643, Kansas City, MO 64121-9643, or by e-mail at americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com.

Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies
Investment Objective
  The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

The Fund’s investment objective is “non-fundamental”, which means that it may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (“Board”) without the approval of Fund shareholders.

80% Investment Policy
The Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of small capitalization companies.

If the Fund changes this policy, a notice will be sent to shareholders at least 60 days in advance of the change and this prospectus will be supplemented.

Temporary Defensive Policy
The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy by taking temporary defensive or interim positions in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During these times, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Additional Information About the Management of the Fund

The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager. The Manager provides or oversees the provision of all administrative, investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Fund. The Manager:

•  
develops overall investment strategies for the Fund,
•  
monitors and evaluates the sub-advisor’s investment performance,
•  
monitors the sub-advisor’s compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions,
•  
directs the investment of the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisor determines should be allocated to short-term investments, and
•  
oversees the Fund’s securities lending activities and actions taken by the securities lending agent, to the extent applicable.

The assets of the Fund are currently allocated by the Manager to one sub-advisor, Bahl & Gaynor. Bahl & Gaynor has full discretion to purchase and sell securities for the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s objectives, policies, restrictions and more specific strategies provided by the Manager. The Manager oversees the sub-advisor but does not reassess individual security selections made by the sub-advisor for the Fund.

The Fund operates in a manager of managers structure.  The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that permits the Fund, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of shareholders.  The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The order also exempts the Fund from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Fund to individual sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. Instead, the fees payable to unaffiliated sub-advisors are aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. Disclosure of the separate fees paid to an affiliated sub-advisor would be required. One condition of the order is that whenever a sub-advisor change is proposed in reliance on the order, the Board, including a majority of its “non-interested” trustees, must approve the change and make a separate finding that the change is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and does not involve a conflict of interest from which the Manager or a sub-advisor derives an inappropriate advantage. In addition, the Fund is required to provide shareholders with certain information regarding any new sub-advisor within 90 days of the hiring of any new sub-advisor.

Additional Information About Investments

This section provides more detailed information regarding certain of the investments the Fund may invest in as well as information
 
 
 

 
 
regarding the Fund’s strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.

Cash Management Investments
The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), including money market funds that are advised by the Manager or the sub-advisor. If the Fund invests in money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Fund invests, such as advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with money market funds and the portfolio investments of such money market funds, including that a money market fund’s yield will be lower than the return that the Fund would have derived from other investments that would provide liquidity.

To gain market exposure on cash balances and in anticipation of liquidity needs, the Fund also may purchase and sell futures contracts on a daily basis. A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an index, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under such contracts, no delivery of the actual securities is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of a security or index at expiration, net of the variation margin that was previously paid. As cash balances are invested in securities, the Fund may invest simultaneously those balances in futures contracts until the cash balances are delivered to settle the securities transactions. Because the Fund will have market exposure simultaneously in both the invested securities and futures contracts, the Fund may have more than 100% of its assets exposed to the markets. This can magnify gains and losses in the Fund. The Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or collateral obligations. The risks associated with the use of futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.

Derivative Investments
Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value which depends upon, or is derived from, a reference asset, such as one or more underlying securities, pools of securities, futures, indexes or currencies. The Fund may invest in the following derivative instruments:

•  
Futures. A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an index, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under such contracts, no delivery of the actual securities is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of a security or index at expiration, net of the variation margin that was previously paid.

Equity Investments
The Fund’s equity investments may include:

•  
Common Stock. Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Common stock may be exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
•  
Depositary Receipts. ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by domestic banks and represent the deposit with the bank of a security of a foreign issuer.  Depositary receipts may be issued as sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities trade in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program.
•  
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”). REITs are pooled investment vehicles that own, and usually operate, income producing real estate. REITs are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, such as declines in property values, increase in property taxes, operating expenses, rising interest rates or overbuilding, zoning changes, and losses from casualty or condemnation. REITs typically are subject to management fees and other expenses that are separate from those of the Fund.

Additional Information About Risks

The greatest risk of investing in a mutual fund is that it returns will fluctuate and you could lose money.  The following section provides additional information regarding certain of the Fund’s principal risk factors of the Fund in light of its principal investment strategies.

Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are a type of derivative investment. A derivative refers to any financial instrument whose value is derived, at least, in part, from the price of another security or a specified index, asset or rate. The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. Derivatives can be highly complex and their use within a management strategy can require specialized skills. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. If the Fund’s portfolio
 
 
 

 
 
managers incorrectly forecast stock market values, the direction of interest rates or currency exchange rates in utilizing a specific derivatives strategy for the Fund, the Fund could lose money. In addition, leverage can expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Gains or losses in a derivative instrument may be magnified and be much greater than the derivative’s original cost (generally initial margin).

There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contract. In addition, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a futures contract. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If such a default occurs, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the futures contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities, however, the Fund’s securities lending agent may indemnify the Fund against that risk. There is a risk that the assets of the Fund’s securities lending agent may be insufficient to satisfy any contractual indemnification requirements to the Fund.  The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated money market fund. The Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.

Small Capitalization Companies Risk
Investments in small capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility than investments in larger capitalization and more established companies. Small capitalization companies often have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks. Additionally, small capitalization companies may have less market liquidity than larger capitalization companies, and they can be sensitive to changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.

Additional Information About the Performance Benchmark

The annual total return of the Fund will be compared to the Russell 2000® Growth Index.
 
The Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000® Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.  The Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged index of approximately 2000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors.

Notice Regarding Index Data:
 
Russell 2000® Growth Index and Russell 2000® Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company.
 
The American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with Russell Investment Group (“Russell”). Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Fund nor any associated literature or publications and Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise.
 
Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Russell Indexes. Russell has no obligation to take the needs of any particular fund or its participants or any other product or person into consideration in determining, composing or calculating any of the Russell Indexes.
 
Russell's publication of the Russell Indexes in no way suggests or implies an opinion by Russell as to the attractiveness or appropriateness of investment in any or all securities upon which the Russell Indexes are based. RUSSELL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OR GUARANTEE AS TO THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE OF THE RUSSELL INDEXES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED IN THE RUSSELL INDEXES. RUSSELL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE REGARDING THE USE, OR THE RESULTS OF USE, OF THE RUSSELL INDEXES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, OR ANY SECURITY (OR COMBINATION THEREOF) COMPRISING THE RUSSELL INDEXES. RUSSELL MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY, OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL INDEX(ES) OR ANY DATA OR ANY SECURITY (OR COMBINATION THEREOF) INCLUDED THEREIN.

 
 

 
 
Fund Management

 
The Manager

AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC. (the “Manager”) serves as the Manager and administrator of the Fund. The Manager, located at 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, and administrative services. The Manager is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Manager is not registered as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) with respect to the Fund. On behalf of the Fund, the Manager has filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from CPO registration.  The Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.

The Fund’s Management Agreement with the Manager provides for the Fund to pay the Manager an annualized management fee equal to 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Manager also may receive up to 25% of the net monthly income generated from the Fund’s securities lending activities as compensation for oversight of the Fund’s securities lending program, including the securities lending agent, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Currently, the Manager is authorized to receive 10% of any such income. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the Fund to invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in shares of one or more private or registered investment companies managed by the Manager.

A discussion of the Board’s consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager will be available in the Fund’s annual report dated December 31, 201x.

The Sub-Advisor

Set forth below is a brief description of the sub-advisor and its portfolio managers with primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Fund and their compensation.

BAHL & GAYNOR INC., D/B/A BAHL & GAYNOR INVESTMENT COUNSEL (“Bahl & Gaynor”), is located at 212 East Third Street, Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH 45202. Bahl & Gaynor was established in 1990. Bahl & Gaynor is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Bahl & Gaynor managed approximately $6.7 billion in assets as of March 31, 2014.  Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement among the Fund, the Manager and the sub-advisor, the Fund has agreed to pay an annualized advisory fee to the sub-advisor that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

Assets managed up to $500 million
0.525%
Assets managed over $500 million
0.50%

A discussion of the Board’s consideration and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Fund, the sub-advisor and the Manager will be available in the Fund’s annual report dated December 31, 201x.
 
Edward A. Woods is Vice President and Principal. Mr. Woods is responsible for portfolio management, investment research of the insurance industry, fixed income, and client service.  Prior to joining Bahl & Gaynor, Mr. Woods was a Vice President and Senior Investment Counselor with the Northern Trust Company in Chicago. He was responsible for investment management of high net worth client relationships with total assets under management in excess of $750 million. In addition, Mr. Woods was a member of the Equity Selection, Fixed Income, and Asset Allocation committees.  Prior to Northern Trust, Mr. Woods was an Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager with LaSalle Bank in Chicago where his responsibilities included managing high net worth personal portfolios and investment research coverage of the finance sector.  Prior to LaSalle Bank, Mr. Woods was a Portfolio Manager with Star Bank in Cincinnati where he was responsible for managing institutional investment portfolios and research coverage of the finance sector.  From 1989 to 1994, Mr. Woods was a Trust Officer and Portfolio Manager with Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati.
 
 
Scott D. Rodes is Vice President and Principal. Mr. Rodes is responsible for portfolio management, investment research of the technology and basic materials sectors, and client service. Prior to joining Bahl & Gaynor, Mr. Rodes was a Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for Northern Trust in Chicago. He was responsible for investment management of agency accounts for high net worth individuals, with assets under management in excess of $900 million. In addition, Mr. Rodes was a member of the Northern Investment Counselors Equity Selection Committee.  Prior to joining Northern Trust, Mr. Rodes was a research analyst for Waddell & Reed in Kansas
 
 
 

 
 
City, where his responsibilities included coverage of technology industries. From 1989 to 1997, Mr. Rodes was an Assistant Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati.
 
Stephanie S. Thomas is Vice President and Principal. Ms. Thomas is responsible for portfolio management, investment research of the REIT sector, and client service. Prior to joining Bahl & Gaynor, Ms. Thomas served as the Managing Director of Client Management for Fifth Third Asset Management, Inc. since 2003. She managed a team of senior relationship managers and staff supporting over 250 institutional clients with $6 billion in assets. Ms. Thomas stewarded the evolution of all aspects of client management in the areas of investment review, reporting, compliance, and account management to provide outstanding client service and to build efficiencies for the firm. As a managing director, Ms. Thomas was a member of a collaborative seven person senior leadership team overseeing sales, product development, system conversion, compliance, client management, marketing and legal aspects of the firm. In addition to her management responsibilities, Ms. Thomas served as relationship manager and primary point of contact for many of the firm’s largest clients. She has over 20 years of client management experience and strongly believes in the benefit of long-term relationships. Ms. Thomas was a Senior Investment officer in Fifth Third's Investment Advisors Division from 1998 to 2003. She was a member of the Commercial Banking team from 1989 to 1995.
 
Prior Performance of Similar Accounts Managed by Bahl & Gaynor
 
Bahl & Gaynor has been managing equity portfolios since 1990 and began maintaining a composite of all substantially similarly managed accounts using the small cap growth strategy (“Composite”), pursuant to which it will manage the Fund, on December 31, 2005. The performance information has been provided by Bahl & Gaynor and relates to the historical performance of all accounts managed by Bahl & Gaynor in its Composite, as measured against a broad-based market index. The accounts included in the Composite and the Fund have substantially similar investment objectives, policies, and strategies.
 
Performance information for the Fund has not been provided because the Fund has not commenced operations. The performance of the Composite does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be considered indicative of future performance of the Fund. Results may differ because of, among other things, differences in brokerage commissions, account expenses, including management fees, the size of positions taken in relation to account size and diversification of securities, timing of purchases and sales, and availability of cash for new investments. In addition, the accounts included in the Composite are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification or other restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance results of the Composite.
 
The performance is shown net of the advisory fees charged by Bahl & Gaynor to accounts included in the Composite. Advisory fees are the only fees Bahl & Gaynor charged to accounts included in the Composite. The Composite has not been adjusted to reflect the higher expenses of the Fund. If the Fund’s higher expenses were reflected, the Composite performance presented would be lower. The Composite’s rate of return includes realized and unrealized gains plus income, including accrued income. Returns from cash and cash equivalents in the Composite are included in the performance calculations, and the cash and cash equivalents are included in the total assets on which the performance is calculated. Composite performance is calculated on a before tax basis and performance would have been lower if taxes were included.
 
The Composite performance information is calculated in accordance with GIPS®, created and administered by the CFA Institute. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC’s standardized methodology that will be used to calculate the Fund’s performance and may result in an average annual total return that may be higher than that derived from the SEC’s standardized methodology.
 
Bahl & Gaynor Historical Performance Composite
 
Calendar Year Returns
Years Ended December 31

 
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth
Composite (Gross of Actual Expenses)
11.60%
4.81%
-26.64%
29.39%
29.19%
3.79%
11.44%
44.62%
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth
Composite (Net of Actual Expenses)
11.52%
4.71%
-26.72%
29.27%
29.17%
3.68%
11.28%
44.39%
Russell 2000 Growth Index1
13.35%
7.05%
-38.54%
34.47%
29.09%
-2.92%
14.59%
43.29%

 
In addition to year-by-year performance figures, annualized performance figures are also illustrated below.
 
 
 

 
 
Average Annual Returns
As of December 31, 2013

 
1 Year
2 Years
3 Years
4 Years
5 Years
6 Years
7 Years
Since
Inception
(12/31/2005)*
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth
Composite (Gross of Actual Expenses)
44.62%
26.95%
18.71%
21.25%
22.83%
12.72%
11.55%
11.56%
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth
Composite (Net of Actual Expenses)
44.39%
26.76%
18.55%
21.12%
22.71%
12.60%
11.44%
11.45%
Russell 2000 Growth Index1
43.29%
28.14%
16.81%
19.77%
22.57%
9.25%
8.93%
9.48%
*Annualized for years 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
 
1 The Russell 2000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000® Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.  The Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged index of approximately 2000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors.

Valuation of Shares

The price of the Fund’s shares is based on its net asset value “NAV” per share. The Fund’s NAV is computed by adding total assets, subtracting all of the Fund’s liabilities, and dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding.

The NAV of each class of the Fund’s shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of the Fund’s investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. The Fund’s NAV per share is determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day on which it is open for business.

Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued based on market value. Certain derivative instruments (other than short-term securities) usually are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual funds on the day of valuation. Equity securities, including shares of closed-end funds and ETFs are valued at the last sale price or official closing price.

Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing will be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, as determined by the Manager, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted or stopped; (ii) a security’s trading market is closed (other than customary closings); or (iii) a security has been de-listed from a national exchange. A security with limited market liquidity may require fair value pricing if the Manager determines that the available price does not reflect the security’s true market value. In addition, if a significant event that the Manager determines to affect the value of one or more securities held by the Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Fund’s NAV, fair value pricing may be used on the affected security or securities. Securities of small capitalization companies are also more likely to require a fair value determination using these procedures because they are more thinly traded and less liquid than the securities of larger capitalization companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.

Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund’s fair valuation procedures.  You may view the Fund’s most recent NAV per share at www.americanbeaconfunds.com by clicking on “Quick Links” and then “Daily NAVs.”

 
 

 
 
About Your Investment


Choosing Your Share Class

Each share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities for the Fund, but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best fits your situation.

Factors you should consider when choosing a class of shares include:

•  
How long you expect to own the shares;
•  
How much you intend to invest;
•  
Total expenses associated with owning shares of each class;
•  
Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges;
•  
Whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future; and
•  
Availability of share classes.

Each investor’s financial considerations are different. You should speak with your financial adviser to help you decide which share class is best for you.

The Fund offers various classes of shares. Each class has a different combination of purchase restrictions, sales charges and ongoing fees, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. The following table and sections explain the sales charges or other fees you may pay when investing in each class.

Share Class
   
Minimal Initial Investment
 
Initial Sales Charge
 
Deferred Sales Charge
Annual 12b-1 Fee
Annual Shareholder Servicing Fee
A
$
2,500
 
Up to 5.75%; may be reduced,
 
0.50% on redemptions
Up to 0.25% of
Up to 0.25% of
         
waived or deferred for large
 
within 18 months of
average daily
average daily assets
         
purchases or certain investors.
 
purchasing $1,000,000 or
assets
 
         
See A Class Charges and
 
more of A Class shares
   
         
Waivers below.
       
C
$
1,000
 
None
 
1% on redemptions within
Up to 1% of
Up to 0.25% of
             
12 months of purchasing
average daily
average daily assets
             
shares
assets
 
Investor
$
2,500
 
None
 
None
None
Up to 0.375% of
                 
average daily assets
Y
$
100,000
 
None
 
None
None
Up to 0.10% of
                 
average daily assets
Institutional
$
250,000
 
None
 
None
None
None

A Class Shares
A Class shares of the Fund are available to eligible investors using intermediaries such as broker dealers, at their offering price, which is equal to the NAV per share plus the applicable front-end sales charge that you pay when you buy your A Class shares. The front-end sales charge is generally deducted directly from the amount of your investment. A Class shares are also subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee of up to 0.25% and a separate shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. You normally pay no contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) when you redeem A Class shares. However, you may pay a CDSC of 0.50% if you purchase $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of the Fund (and therefore pay no front-end sales charge) and redeem those shares within 18 months of your initial purchase. The minimum initial investment is $2,500.

C Class Shares
C Class shares are available to eligible investors using intermediaries such as broker-dealers, at the Fund’s NAV per share, without an initial sales charge. If you sell your shares within 12 months after buying them, you will normally pay a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00%. C Class shares also are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee of up to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and a separate shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The minimum initial investment is $1,000.

Investor Class Shares
Investor Class shares are offered without a sales charge to eligible investors, including investors using intermediary organizations such as broker-dealers or plan sponsors and retirement accounts. Investor Class shares do not pay a Rule 12b-1 fee. Investor Class shares are subject to a separate shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.375% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Investor Class shares are also
 
 
 

 
 
available to traditional individual retirement account (“IRA”) and Roth IRA shareholders investing directly in the Fund. The minimum initial investment is $2,500.

Y Class Shares
Y Class shares are offered without a sales charge to eligible investors who make an initial investment of at least $100,000. Y Class shares do not pay a Rule 12b-1 fee. Y Class shares are subject to a shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Institutional Class Shares
Institutional Class shares are offered without a sales charge to eligible investors who make an initial investment of at least $250,000. Institutional Class shares do not pay Rule 12b-1 or shareholder servicing fees.

A Class Charges and Waivers

The table below shows the amount of sales charges you will pay on purchases of A Class shares of the Fund both as a percentage of offering price and as a percentage of the amount you invest. The sales charge differs depending upon the Fund and the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below. If you invest more, the sales charge will be lower.

Any applicable sales charge will be deducted directly from your investment. Because of rounding of the calculation in determining the sales charges, you may pay more or less than what is shown in the table below. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a front-end sales charge. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge or the sales charge may be waived as described below in “A Class Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers.”
       
Amount of
As a % of
As a % of
Dealer Commission
Sale/Account Value
Offering Price
Investment
as a % of Offering Price
Less than $50,000
5.75%
6.10%
5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000
4.75%
4.99%
4.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000
3.75%
3.90%
3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000
2.75%
2.83%
2.05%
$500,000 but less than $1 million
2.00%
2.04%
1.50%
$1 million and above
0.00%
0.00%+
++

No initial sales charge applies on purchases of $1,000,000 or more. A CDSC of 0.50% of the offering price will be charged on purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or in part within eighteen (18) months of purchase.
++
See “Dealer Concessions on A Class Purchases Without a Front-End Sales Charge.”
Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) retains any portion of the commissions that are not paid to financial intermediaries for use solely to pay distribution-related expenses.

A Class Sales Charge Reductions & Waivers

A shareholder may qualify for a waiver or reduction in sales charges under certain circumstances. To receive a waiver or reduction in your A Class sales charge, you must advise the Fund’s transfer agent, your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of your eligibility at the time of purchase. If you or your financial intermediary do not let the Fund’s transfer agent know that you are eligible for a reduction, you may not receive a sales charge discount to which you are otherwise entitled.

Waiver of Sales Charges
There is no sales charge if you invest $1 million or more in A Class shares.

Sales charges also may be waived for certain shareholders or transactions, such as:

•  
The Manager or its affiliates;
•  
Present and former directors, trustees, officers, employees of the Manager, the Manager’s parent company, and the American Beacon Funds (and their “ immediate family” as defined in the SAI), and retirement plans established by them for their employees;
•  
Registered representatives or employees of intermediaries that have a selling agreement with the Fund;
•  
Shares acquired through merger or acquisition;
•  
Insurance company separate accounts;
•  
Employer-sponsored retirement plans;
•  
Dividend reinvestment programs;
 
 
 

 
 
•  
Purchases through certain fee-based programs under which investors pay advisory fees that may be offered through selected registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, and other financial intermediaries;
•  
Shareholders that purchase the Fund through a financial intermediary that offers our A Class shares uniformly on a “no load” ( or reduced load) basis to you and all similarly situated customers of the intermediary in accordance with the intermediary’s prescribed fee schedule for purchases of fund shares; and
•  
Reinvestment of proceeds within 90 days of a redemption from A Class account (see “Redemption Policies” for more information).

The availability of A Class sales charge waivers may depend upon the policies, procedures, and trading platform of your financial intermediary.

Reduced Sales Charges
Under a “Rights of Accumulation Program,” a “Letter of Intent” or through “Concurrent Purchases” you may be eligible to buy A Class shares of the Fund at the reduced sales charge rates that would apply to a larger purchase. The Fund reserves the right to modify or to cease offering these programs at any time.

This information is available, free of charge, on the Fund’s website, www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial advisor.

Dealer Concessions on A Class Purchases Without a Front-End Sales Charge
Brokers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of the Fund may receive a dealer concession from the Fund’s Distributor of 0.50% of the offering price of A Class shares of the Fund. If a client or broker is unable to provide account verification on purchases of $1,000,000 or more, the dealer concession will be forfeited by the broker and front-end sales loads will apply. Dealer concessions will not be paid on shares purchased by exchange or shares that were previously subject to a front-end sales charge or dealer concession. Dealer concessions will be paid only on eligible purchases where the applicability of the CDSC can be monitored. Purchases eligible for sales charge waivers as described under “A Class Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers” are not eligible for dealer concessions on purchases of $1,000,000 or more.

Rights of Accumulation Program
Under the Rights of Accumulation Program, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge by aggregating all of your investments held in certain accounts (“Qualified Accounts”). The following Qualified Accounts held in A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge may be grouped together to qualify for the reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program or Letter of Intent:

•  
Accounts owned by you, your spouse or your minor children under the age of 21, including trust or other fiduciary accounts in which you, your spouse or your minor children are the beneficiary;
•  
Uniform transfer or gift to minor accounts (“ UTMA/UGTMA” );
•  
IRAs, including traditional, Roth, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs; and
•  
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts or qualified 529 plans.

A fiduciary can apply a right of accumulation to all shares purchased for a trust, estate or other fiduciary account that has multiple accounts.

You must notify your financial intermediary or the Fund’s transfer agent in the case of shares held directly with the Fund, at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program. In addition, you must provide either a list of account numbers or copies of account statements verifying your qualification. You may combine the historical cost or current value, as of the day prior to your additional American Beacon Funds investments (whichever is higher) of your existing A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge with the amount of your current purchase in order to take advantage of the reduced sales charge. Historical cost is the price you actually paid for the shares you own, plus your reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. If you are using historical cost to qualify for a reduced sales charge, you should retain any records to substantiate your historical costs since the Fund, its transfer agent or your financial intermediary may not maintain this information.

If your shares are held through financial intermediaries and/or in a retirement account (such as a 401(k) or employee benefit plan), you may combine the current NAV of your existing A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge with the amount of your current purchase in order to take advantage of the reduced sales charge. You or your financial intermediary must notify the Fund’s transfer agent at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program and must provide copies of account statements dated within three months of your current purchase verifying your qualification.

Upon receipt of the above referenced supporting documentation, the financial intermediary or the Fund’s transfer agent will calculate the combined value of all of your Qualified Accounts to determine if the current purchase is eligible for a reduced sales charge. Purchases
 
 
 

 
 
made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with purchases for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.

Letter of Intent
If you plan to invest at least $50,000 (excluding any reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions) during the next 13 months in A Class shares of the Fund or any other American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge by completing the Letter of Intent section of your account application. A Letter of Intent indicates your intent to purchase at least $50,000 in A Class shares of any American Beacon Funds mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge over the next 13 months in exchange for a reduced sales charge indicated on the above tables. The minimum initial investment under a Letter of Intent is $2,500. You are not obligated to purchase additional shares if you complete a Letter of Intent. However, if you do not buy enough shares to qualify for the projected level of sales charge by the end of the 13-month period (or when you sell your shares, if earlier), your sales charge will be recalculated to reflect your actual purchase level. During the term of the Letter of Intent, shares representing 5% of your intended purchase will be held in escrow. If you do not purchase enough shares during the 13-month period to qualify for the projected reduced sales charge, the additional sales charge will be deducted from your account. If you have purchased A Class shares of any American Beacon mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge within 90 days prior to signing a Letter of Intent, they may be included as part of your intended purchase, however, previous purchase transactions will not be recalculated with the proposed new breakpoint. You must provide either a list of account numbers or copies of account statements verifying your purchases within the past 90 days.

Concurrent Purchases
You may combine simultaneous purchases in A Class shares of American Beacon Funds to qualify for a reduced A Class sales charge.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“ CDSC” ) - A Class Shares

Unless a waiver applies, investors who purchase $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of the Fund (and, thus, pay no initial sales charge) will be subject to a 0.50% CDSC if those shares are redeemed within 18 months after they are purchased. The CDSC does not apply if you are otherwise eligible to purchase A Class shares without an initial sales charge or are eligible for one of the waivers described herein or in the SAI.

CDSC - C Class Shares

If you redeem C Class shares within 12 months of purchase, you may be charged a CDSC of 1%. The CDSC generally will be deducted from your redemption proceeds. In some circumstances, you may be eligible for one of the waivers described herein or in the SAI. You must advise the transfer agent of your eligibility for a waiver when you place your redemption request.

How CDSCs will be Calculated

A CDSC is imposed on redemptions of A and C Class shares of the Fund, as described above. The amount of the CDSC will be based on the NAV of the redeemed shares at the time of the redemption or the original NAV, whichever is lower. Because of the rounding of the calculation in determining the CDSC, you may pay more or less than the indicated rate. Your CDSC holding period is based upon the date of your purchase. The CDSCs will be deducted from the proceeds of your redemption, not from amounts remaining in your account. A CDSC is not imposed on any increase in NAV over the initial purchase price or shares you received through the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.

To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Fund will redeem your shares in the following order:

•  
shares acquired by the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions;
•  
other shares that are not subject to the CDSC;
•  
shares held the longest during the holding period.

Waiver of CDSCs –  A and C Class Shares

A shareholder may qualify for a CDSC waiver under certain circumstances. To have your CDSC waived, you must advise the Fund’s transfer agent, your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of your eligibility at the time of redemption. If you or your financial intermediary do not let the Fund’s transfer agent know that you are eligible for a waiver, you may not receive a waiver to which might otherwise be otherwise entitled.
 
 
 

 
 
The CDSC may be waived if:

•  
The redemption is due to a shareholder’s death or post-purchase disability;
•  
The redemption is from a systematic withdrawal plan and represents no more than 10% of your annual account value;
•  
The redemption is a benefit payment made from a qualified retirement plan, unless the redemption is due to the termination of the plan or the transfer of the plan to another financial institution;
The redemption is for a mandatory withdrawal from a traditional IRA after age 701 / 2 ;
•  
The redemption is due to involuntary redemptions by the Fund as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of the Fund, or other actions;
•  
The redemption is from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a written agreement with the Distributor (or Manager) allowing this waiver;
•  
The redemption is to return excess contributions made to a retirement plan;
•  
The redemption is to return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.

The SAI contains further details about the CDSC and the conditions for waiving the CDSC.

Information regarding CDSC waivers for A and C Class shares is available, free of charge, on the Fund’s website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com . You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial advisor.
 
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
Eligibility

The A Class, C Class, Investor Class, Institutional Class and Y Class shares offered in this Prospectus are available to eligible investors who meet the minimum initial investment. American Beacon Funds do not accept accounts registered to foreign individuals or entities, including foreign correspondent accounts. The Fund does not conduct operations and is not offered for purchase outside of the United States. A Class and C Class shares are available to retail investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries, or through employee directed benefit plans. Investor Class shares are available for traditional and Roth IRAs investing directly through American Beacon.
Investors in the Fund may include:

•  
agents or fiduciaries acting on behalf of their clients (such as employee benefit plans, personal trusts and other accounts for which a trust company or financial advisor acts as agent or fiduciary);
•  
endowment funds and charitable foundations;
•  
employee welfare plans that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Code” );
•  
qualified pension and profit sharing plans;
•  
cash and deferred arrangements under Section 401(k) of the Code;
•  
corporations; and
•  
other investors who make an initial investment of at least the minimum investment amounts.

Subject to your eligibility, you may invest in the Fund directly or through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators and retirement plans.
 
If you invest directly with the Fund, the fees and policies with respect to the Fund’s shares that are outlined in this prospectus are set by the Fund.  The Manager and the Fund are not responsible for determining the suitability of the Fund or share class for any investor.

Because in most cases it is more advantageous for investors using an intermediary to purchase A Class shares than C Class shares for amounts of $1 million or more, the Fund will decline a request to purchase C Class shares for $1 million or more.

If you invest through a financial intermediary, most of the information you will need for managing your investment will come from your financial intermediary. This includes information on how to buy, sell and exchange shares of the Fund. If you establish an account through a financial intermediary, the investment minimums described in this section may not apply. Investors investing in the Fund through a financial intermediary should consult with their financial intermediary to ensure they obtain any proper “breakpoint” discount and regarding the differences between available share classes. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary also may charge fees that are in addition to those described in this prospectus. Please contact your intermediary for information regarding investment minimums, how to purchase and redeem shares and applicable fees.

 
 

 
 
Minimum Initial Investment by Share Class

     
Minimum
     
Initial
Share Class
   
Investment
C
$
1,000
A; Investor
$
2,500
Y
$
100,000
Institutional
$
250,000

The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for a Y Class or Institutional Class investor to meet the initial investment requirement. In addition, for investors such as trust companies and financial advisors who make investments for a group of clients, the minimum initial investment can be met through an aggregated purchase order for more than one client.

Opening an Account

You may open an account through your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for more information on how to open an account. Shares you purchase through your broker dealer will normally be held in your account with that firm.

You may also open an account directly through us. A completed, signed application is required. You may download an account application from the Fund’s web site at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You also may obtain an application form by calling 1-800-658-5811 or institutional shareholders should call 1-800-967-9009.
 
 
Complete the application, sign it and send it:

Regular Mail to:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
(or institutional shareholders may fax to)
(816) 374-7408
For Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o BFDS
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
(800) 658-5811

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account with the Fund or your financial institution, you will be asked for information that will allow the Fund or your financial institution to identify you. Non-public corporations and other entities may be required to provide articles of incorporation, trust or partnership agreements, taxpayer identification numbers and Social Security numbers of persons authorized to provide instructions on the account or other documentation. The Fund and your financial institution are required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.

Purchase Policies

Shares of the Fund are offered and purchase orders are typically accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first) on each day on which the NYSE is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Fund in good order prior to the Fund’s deadline, the purchase price will be the NAV per share next determined on that day, plus any applicable sales charges. If a purchase order is received in good order after the applicable deadline, the purchase price will be the NAV per share of the following day that the Fund is open for business plus any applicable sales charge.  Shares of the Fund will only be issued against full payment, as described more fully in this Prospectus and SAI.

The Fund has authorized certain third party financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, third party administrators and trust companies, to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund and to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. The Fund is deemed to have received such orders when they are received by the financial intermediaries or their designees. Thus, an order to purchase or sell Fund shares will be priced at the Fund’s next determined NAV after receipt by the financial intermediary or its designee. You should contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to find out by what time your purchase order must be received so that it can be processed the same day. It is the responsibility of your broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit orders that will be received by the Fund in proper form and in a timely manner.

Fund shares may be purchased only in U.S. States and Territories in which they can be legally sold. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether shares of the Fund are available for offer and sale in their jurisdiction.  The Fund reserves the right to refuse purchases if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund has the right to reject any purchase
 
 
 

 
 
order or cease offering any or all classes of shares at any time. Checks to purchase shares are accepted subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank. The Fund will not accept “starter” checks, credit card checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, or third party checks.

Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.

Redemption Policies

If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of the Fund.

If you purchased your shares directly from the Fund, your shares may be redeemed by telephone by calling 1-800-658-5811 to speak to a representative, via the Fund’s website, www.americanbeaconfunds.com , or by mail on any day that the Fund is open for business.

The redemption price will be the NAV next determined after a redemption request is received in good order, minus any applicable CDSC and/or redemption fees. In order to receive the redemption price calculated on a particular business day, redemption requests must be received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first). You should contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to find out by what time your order must be received so that it can be processed the same day.

You may, within 90 days of redemption, reinvest all or part of the proceeds of your redemption of shares of the Fund, without incurring any applicable additional sales charge, in the same class of another American Beacon Fund, by sending a written request and a check to your financial intermediary or directly to the Fund. Reinvestment must be into the same account from which you redeemed the shares or received the distribution. Proceeds from a redemption and all dividend payments and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Reinvestment will be at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your request. You must notify the Fund and your financial intermediary at the time of investment if you decide to exercise this privilege.

Wire proceeds from redemption requests received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first) generally are transmitted to shareholders on the next day the Fund is open for business. In any event, proceeds from a redemption request will typically be transmitted to a shareholder by no later than seven days after the receipt of a redemption request in good order. Delivery of proceeds from shares purchased by check or pre-authorized automatic investment may be delayed until the funds have cleared, which may take up to ten days.

The Fund reserves the right to suspend redemptions or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) when the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) when trading on the NYSE is restricted; (iii) when the SEC determines that an emergency exists so that disposal of the Fund’s investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) by order of the SEC for protection of the Fund’s shareholders.

Although the Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of securities or other assets held by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund redeems its shares in this manner, the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.

Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.

Exchange Policies

If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary to determine if you may take advantage of the exchange policies described in this section and for its policies to effect an exchange. If you purchased shares of the Fund directly, your shares may be exchanged by calling 1-800-658-5811 to speak to a representative, through our website, www.americanbeaconfunds.com, by mail on any day that the Fund is open for business  or use the Automated Voice Response System for Investor Class shares.
 
Shares of any class of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another American Beacon fund under certain limited circumstances. Shares of any class of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of another class of the same fund under certain limited circumstances. Shares exchanged between funds that impose a CDSC will be charged a CDSC if redeemed within 12 months or 18 months, as applicable, of the purchase of the initial shares. Since an exchange involves a concurrent purchase and redemption, please
 
 
 

 
 
review the sections titled “Purchase Policies” and “Redemption Policies” for additional limitations that apply to purchases and redemptions. There is no front-end sales charge on exchanges between A Class shares of the Fund for A Class shares of another fund. Shares otherwise subject to a CDSC will not be charged a CDSC in an exchange to shares of another fund having a CDSC.

Before exchanging shares, shareholders should consider how the exchange may affect any CDSC that might be imposed on the subsequent redemption of remaining shares.

If shares were purchased by check, a shareholder must have owned shares of the redeeming fund for at least ten days prior to exchanging out of one fund and into another.

The eligibility and minimum investment requirement must be met for the class into which the shareholder is exchanging. Fund shares may be acquired through exchange only in U.S. states and territories in which they can be legally sold. The Fund reserves the right to charge a fee and to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time. The Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders.

For federal income tax purposes, the conversion of shares of one share class for shares of a different share class of the same fund will not result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. However, an exchange of shares of one fund for shares of a different fund is considered a sale and a purchase, respectively, and may result in a gain or loss for tax purposes.  There can be no assurance of any particular tax treatment, however, and you are urged and advised to consult with your own tax advisor before entering into a fund or share class exchange. Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

The Fund and its affiliates (at their own expense) may pay compensation to financial intermediaries for shareholder-related services and, if applicable, distribution-related services, including administrative, sub-transfer agency type, recordkeeping and shareholder communication services. For example, compensation may be paid to make Fund shares available to sales representatives and/or customers of a fund supermarket platform or similar program sponsor or for services provided in connection with such fund supermarket platforms and programs.

The amount of compensation paid to different financial intermediaries may differ. The compensation paid to a financial intermediary may be based on a variety of factors, including average assets under management in accounts distributed and/or serviced by the financial intermediary, gross sales by the financial intermediary and/or the number of accounts serviced by the financial intermediary that invest in the Fund. To the extent that the Fund pays any such compensation, it is designed to compensate the financial intermediary for providing services that would otherwise be provided by the Manager, the Fund or its transfer agent. To the extent a Fund affiliate pays such compensation, it would likely include amounts from that affiliate’s own resources and constitute what is sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing.”

Compensation received by a financial intermediary from the Manager or another Fund affiliate may include payments for marketing and/or training expenses incurred by the financial intermediary, including expenses incurred by the financial intermediary in educating (itself and) its salespersons with respect to Fund shares. For example, such compensation may include reimbursements for expenses incurred in attending educational seminars regarding the Fund, including travel and lodging expenses. It may also cover costs incurred by financial intermediaries in connection with their efforts to sell Fund shares, including costs incurred compensating (registered) sales representatives and preparing, printing and distributing sales literature.

Any compensation received by a financial intermediary, whether from the Fund or its affiliate(s), and the prospect of receiving it may provide the financial intermediary with an incentive to recommend the shares of the Fund, or a certain class of shares of the Fund, over other potential investments. Similarly, the compensation may cause financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Fund within its organization by, for example, placing it on a list of preferred funds. You should ask your financial intermediary for details about any such payments it receives from the Manager or the Distributor, or any other fees, expenses, or commissions your financial intermediary may charge you in addition to those disclosed in this prospectus.

How to Purchase Shares
Through your Broker-Dealer or Other Financial Intermediary
Contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to purchase shares of the Fund. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary can help you open a new account, review your financial needs and formulate long-term investment goals and objectives. Your broker dealer or financial intermediary will transmit your request to the Fund and may charge you a fee for this service. The Fund will not accept a purchase order of $1,000,000 or more for C Class shares if the purchase is known to be on behalf of a single investor (not including dealer “street name” or omnibus accounts). Dealers, other financial intermediaries or fiduciaries purchasing shares for their customers are responsible for determining the suitability of a particular share class for an investor.
 
 
 

 
 
By Check
•  The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements for investments by check are:

   
Minimum
 
Minimum
   
Initial
 
Subsequent
   
Investment
 
Investment
Share Class
 
Amount
 
Amount
C
 
$
1,000
 
$
50
A
 
$
2,500
 
$
50
Investor
 
$
2,500
 
$
50
Institutional
 
$
250,000
 
$
50
Y
 
$
100,000
 
$
50

•  
Make the check payable to American Beacon Funds.
•  
Include the shareholder’s account number, fund name and fund number on the check.
•  
Mail the check to :

American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

For Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds c/o BFDS
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105

By Wire
The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements for investments by wire are:

   
Minimum
 
Minimum
   
Initial
 
Subsequent
   
Investment
 
Investment
Share Class
 
Amount
 
Amount
C
 
$
1,000
 
$
500
A
 
$
2,500
 
$
500
Investor
 
$
2,500
 
$
500
Y
 
$
100,000
   
None
Institutional
 
$
250,000
   
None

•  
If your account has been established, call 1-800-658-5811 to purchase shares by wire.
•  
Send a bank wire to State Street Bank and Trust Co. with these instructions:
Ø
ABA# 0110-0002-8; AC-9905-342-3,
Ø
Attn: American Beacon Funds,
Ø
the Fund name and Fund number, and
Ø
shareholder account number and registration.

By Exchange
The minimum requirements to establish an account by making an exchange and to make subsequent exchanges are as follows:

       
Minimum
 
     
Minimum Amount
   
     
to Establish a
 
Subsequent
 
Share Class
   
New Account
Exchange Amount
 
C
$
1,000
$
50
 
A
$
2,500
$
50
 
Investor
$
2,500
$
50
 
Y
$
100,000
$
50
 
Institutional
$
250,000
$
50
 
 
 
 

 
 
•  
To exchange shares, send a written request to the address above, or call 1-800-658-5811 and speak to a representative. You may use the Automated Voice Response System for exchanges in the Investor Class only.
•  
You also may exchange shares by visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com .
•  
If you purchased shares through a financial intermediary, please contact your broker dealer or other financial intermediary to exchange your shares.  Your financial intermediary may charge you a fee for exchanging your shares.

Via www.americanbeaconfunds.com
•  
Funds will be transferred automatically from your bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) if valid bank instructions were included on your application.
•  
If not, please call 1-800-658-5811 for assistance with establishing bank instructions.
  
A $50 minimum applies.

By Pre-Authorized Automatic Investment (A Class, C Class and Investor Class shares only)
•  
The minimum account size of $1,000 for C Class shares and $2,500 for A Class and Investor Class shares must be met before establishing an automatic investment plan.
•  
Fill in required information on the account application, including amount of automatic investment ($50 minimum). Attach a voided check to the account application.
•  
You may also establish an automatic investment plan through www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
•  
Funds will be transferred automatically from your bank account via ACH on or about the 5th day of each month or quarter, depending upon which periods you specify.
•  
If you establish your automatic investment plan through www.americanbeaconfunds.com, you can choose the date and frequency of transfer.
 
By Automated Voice Response
You may use the Automated Voice Response System for purchasing shares in Investor Class only.

How to Redeem Shares
Through your Broker-Dealer or other Financial Intermediary
Contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of the Fund. Your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting your sale request to the transfer agent in proper form and in a timely manner. Your financial intermediary may charge you a fee for selling your shares.

By Telephone
•  
Call 1-800-658-5811 to request a redemption.
•  
Minimum redemption amounts and applicable class limitations, and policies as to the disposition of the proceeds of telephone redemptions are as follows:

   
Minimum
     
Disposition of
Share Class
 
Redemption
 
Limitations
 
Redemption Proceeds
A, C and Investor
 
 
$500 by wire or $50 by check or ACH
 
$50,000 per account
 
Mailed to account address of record or transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
Y and Institutional
 
 
None by wire; $50 by check or ACH
 
 
None
 
 
Mailed to account address of record or transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.

By Mail
Write a letter of instruction including:
Ø
the fund name and fund number,
Ø
shareholder account number,
Ø
shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, and
Ø
authorized signature(s) of all persons required to sign for the account.

Mail to:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
 
For Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
 
 
 

 
 
c/o BFDS
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105

Ø
Proceeds will be mailed to the account address of record or transmitted to the commercial bank designated on the account application form.
Ø
Minimum redemption amounts are as follows:

Share Class
Minimum Redemption
A, C and Investor
   
$500 by wire, $50 by check or ACH
All other Classes
None by wire, $50 by check or ACH

Supporting documents may be required for redemptions by estates, trusts, guardianships, custodians, corporations, and welfare, pension and profit sharing plans. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions.

To protect the Fund and your account from fraud, a STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantee is required for redemption orders:
•  
with a request to send the proceeds to an address or commercial bank account other than the address or commercial bank account designated on the account application, or
•  
for an account whose address has changed within the last 30 days if proceeds are sent by check.
 
The Fund only accepts STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantees, which may be obtained at participating banks, broker-dealers and credit unions. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions and further assistance.

By Exchange
•  
Send a written request to the address above.
•  
Call 1-800-658-5811 and use the Automated Voice Response System (for Investor Class only) or speak to a representative to exchange shares.
•  
Visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com
•  
The minimum requirement to redeem shares by making an exchange is $50.
  
If you purchased shares through a financial intermediary, please contact your broker dealer or other financial intermediary to exchange your shares.
 
Via www.americanbeaconfunds.com
 
Funds will be transferred automatically from your bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) if valid bank instructions were included on your application.
 
If not, please call 1-800-658-5811 for assistance with establishing bank instructions.
 
 
Minimum wire, ACH and check redemption amounts and policies as to the disposition of the proceeds of redemptions on www.americanbeaconfunds.com are as follows:
 
Share Class
 
Minimum
Wire Amount
   
Minimum ACH or
Check Amount
 
Disposition of Redemption Proceeds
Investor
 
$500
 
$50
 
Check mailed to account address of record; Wire transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form; or funds transferred via ACH to bank account designated on application form.
Y and Institutional
 
None
 
$50
 
Check mailed to account address of record; Wire transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form; or funds transferred via ACH to bank account designated on application form.

By Pre-Authorized Automatic Redemption (A, C and Investor Class shares only)
•  Fill in required information on the account application or establish via www.americanbeaconfunds.com ($50 minimum).
•  Proceeds will be transferred automatically from your Fund account to your bank account via ACH.

General Policies

If a shareholder’s account balance falls below the following minimum levels, the shareholder may be asked to increase the balance.
 
 
 

 
 
Share Class
   
Account Balance
A
$
2,500
C
$
1,000
Investor
$
2,500
Y
$
25,000
Institutional
$
75,000

If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, the Fund reserves the right to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. IRAs will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian for maintaining either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. The Fund reserves the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.

A Signature Validation Program (“SVP”) stamp may be required in order to change an account’s registration or banking instructions. You may obtain a SVP stamp at participating banks, broker-dealers and credit unions, but not from a notary public. The SVP stamp is analogous to the STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee in that it is provided at similar institutions. However, it is used only for non-financial transactions.

The following policies apply to instructions you may provide to the Fund by telephone:

•  
The Fund, its officers, trustees, employees, or agents are not responsible for the authenticity of instructions provided by telephone, nor for any loss, liability, cost or expense incurred for acting on them.
•  
The Fund employs procedures reasonably designed to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
•  
Due to the volume of calls or other unusual circumstances, telephone redemptions may be difficult to implement during certain time periods.

The Fund reserves the right to:

•  
liquidate a shareholder’s account at the current day’s NAV and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution are unable to verify the shareholder’s identity within three business days of account opening,
•  
seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if payment for the purchase of Fund shares by check does not clear the shareholder’s bank, and
•  
reject a purchase order and seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if funds are not received by the applicable wire deadline.

A shareholder will not be required to pay a CDSC when the registration for A Class or C Class shares is transferred to the name of another person or entity. The transfer may occur by absolute assignment, gift or bequest, as long as it does not involve, directly or indirectly, a public sale of the shares. When A Class or C Class shares are transferred, any applicable CDSC will continue to apply to the transferred shares and will be calculated as if the transferee had acquired the shares in the same manner and at the same time as the transferring shareholder.

Escheatment

Please be advised that certain state escheatment laws may require the Fund to turn over your mutual fund account to the state listed in your account registration as abandoned property unless you contact the Fund. Many states have added “inactivity” or the absence of customer initiated contact as a component of their rules and guidelines for the escheatment of unclaimed property. These states consider property to be abandoned when there is no shareholder initiated activity on an account for at least three (3) to five (5) years.

Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, customer initiated contact might be achieved by one of the following methods:

•  
Sending a letter to American Beacon Funds via the United States Post Office,
•  
Speaking to a Customer Service Representative on the phone after you go through a security verification process.
•  
For residents of certain states, contact cannot be made by phone but must be in writing or through the Fund’s secure web application.
•  
Accessing your account through the Fund’s secure web application,
•  
Cashing checks that are received and are made payable to the owner of the account.

The Fund, the Manager, and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws. To learn more about the escheatment rules for your particular state, please contact your attorney or State Treasurer’s and/or Controller’s Offices.  If you do not hold your shares directly with the Fund, you should contact your broker-dealer, retirement plan,
 
 
 

 
 
or other third party intermediary regarding applicable state escheatment laws.

Contact information:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
1-800-658-5811 (phone)
www.americanbeaconfunds.com (web)
 
Frequent Trading and Market Timing

Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund’s NAV, (ii) an increase in the Fund’s expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio managers’ ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Frequent, short-term trading of Fund shares in an attempt to profit from day-to-day fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV is known as market timing.

The Fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures intended to discourage frequent trading and market timing. Shareholders may transact one “round trip” in the Fund in any rolling 90-day period. A “round trip” is defined as two transactions, each in an opposite direction. A round trip may involve (i) a purchase or exchange into the Fund followed by a redemption or exchange out of the Fund or (ii) a redemption or exchange out of the Fund followed by a purchase or exchange into the Fund. If the Manager detects that a shareholder has exceeded one round trip in the Fund in any rolling 90-day period, the Manager, without prior notice to the shareholder, may prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases of the Fund. In general, the Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order, terminate the exchange privilege, or liquidate the account of any shareholder that the Manager determines has engaged in frequent trading or market timing, regardless of whether the shareholder’s activity violates any policy stated in this prospectus. Additionally, the Manager may, in its discretion, reject any purchase or exchange into the Fund from any individual investor, institutional investor, or group whose trading activity could disrupt the management of the Fund or dilute the value of the Fund’s shares, including collective trading (e.g. following the advice of an investment newsletter). Such investors may be barred from future purchases of American Beacon Funds.

The round-trip limit does not apply to the following transaction types:

•  
shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions;
•  
systematic purchases and redemptions;
•  
shares redeemed to return excess IRA contributions; or
•  
certain transactions made within a retirement or employee benefit plan, such as payroll contributions, minimum required distributions, loans, and hardship withdrawals, or other transactions that are initiated by a party other than the plan participant.

Financial intermediaries that offer Fund shares, such as broker-dealers, third party administrators of retirement plans, and trust companies, will be asked to enforce the Fund’s policies to discourage frequent trading and market timing by investors. However, certain intermediaries that offer Fund shares have informed the Fund that they are currently unable to enforce the Fund’s policies on an automated basis. In those instances, the Manager will monitor trading activity of the intermediary in an attempt to detect patterns of activity that indicate frequent trading or market timing by underlying investors. In some cases, intermediaries that offer Fund shares have their own policies to deter frequent trading and market timing that differ from the Fund’s policies. The Fund may defer to an intermediary’s policies. For more information, please contact the financial intermediary through which you invest in the Fund.

The Manager monitors trading activity in the Fund to attempt to identify shareholders engaged in frequent trading or market timing. The Manager may exclude transactions below a certain dollar amount from monitoring and may change that dollar amount from time to time. The ability of the Manager to detect frequent trading and market timing activity by investors who own shares through an intermediary is dependent upon the intermediary’s provision of information necessary to identify transactions by the underlying investors. The Fund has entered into agreements with the intermediaries that service the Fund’s investors, pursuant to which the intermediaries agree to provide information on investor transactions to the Fund and to act on the Fund’s instructions to restrict transactions by investors who the Manager has identified as having violated the Fund’s policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing.

Wrap programs offered by certain intermediaries may be designated “Qualified Wrap Programs” by the Fund based on specific criteria established by the Fund and a certification by the intermediary that the criteria have been met. A Qualified Wrap Program is: (i) a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary certifies that it has investment discretion over $50 million or more in client assets invested in mutual funds at the time of the certification, (ii) a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary certifies that it directs transactions in accounts participating in the wrap program(s) in concert with changes in a model portfolio; (iii) managed by an intermediary that agrees to provide the Manager a description of the wrap program(s) that the intermediary seeks to qualify; and (iv) managed by an intermediary that agrees to provide the Manager sufficient information to identify individual accounts in the intermediary’s wrap program(s). For purposes
 
 
 

 
 
of applying the round-trip limit, transactions initiated by clients invested in a Qualified Wrap Program will not be matched to transactions initiated by the intermediary sponsoring the Qualified Wrap Program. For example, a client’s purchase of the Fund followed within 90 days by the intermediary’s redemption of the same Fund would not be considered a round trip. However, transactions initiated by a Qualified Wrap Program client are subject to the round-trip limit and will be matched to determine if the client has exceeded the round-trip limit. In addition, the Manager will monitor transactions initiated by Qualified Wrap Program intermediaries to determine whether any intermediary has engaged in frequent trading or market timing. If the Manager determines that an intermediary has engaged in activity that is harmful to the Fund, the Manager will revoke the intermediary’s Qualified Wrap Program status. Upon termination of status as a Qualified Wrap Program, all account transactions will be matched for purposes of testing compliance with the Fund’s frequent trading and market timing policies, including any applicable redemption fees.

The Fund reserves the right to modify the frequent trading and market timing policies and procedures and grant or eliminate waivers to such policies and procedures at any time without advance notice to shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing will have the intended effect nor that the Manager will be able to detect frequent trading and market timing.

Distributions and Taxes

The Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions (sometimes referred to below collectively as “distributions”). The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate and does not guarantee that it will pay any distributions in any particular period. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, but income dividends on different classes of shares may be different as a result of the services and/or fees applicable to certain classes of shares. Any income dividends and all other distributions are paid annually.

Options for Receiving Dividends and Other Distributions

When you open your Fund account, you can specify on your application how you want to receive distributions. To change that option, you must notify the Transfer Agent. Unless your account application instructs otherwise, distributions payable to you will be reinvested in additional Fund shares of the same class. There are four payment options available:

•  
Reinvest All Distributions. You can elect to reinvest all dividends and capital gain distributions in additional shares of the same class of the Fund.
•  
Reinvest Only Dividends or Capital Gain Distributions. You can elect to reinvest some types of distributions in Fund shares while receiving the other types of distributions by check or having them sent to your bank account by ACH. Different tax treatment applies to distributions of dividends and net capital gain (as defined in the table below).
•  
Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive all dividends and capital gain distributions by check or have them sent to your bank by ACH.
•  
Reinvest Your Distributions in another American Beacon Fund. You can reinvest all of your dividends and capital gain distributions in shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund that is available for exchanges. You must have an existing account in the same share class of the selected fund.

If you invest directly with the Fund, any election to receive distributions in cash and payable by check will only apply to distributions totaling $10.00 or more. Any distribution totaling less than $10.00 will be reinvested in Fund shares and will not be paid to you by check. This policy does not apply to you if you have elected to receive distributions that are directly deposited into your bank account.

If you select a cash distribution and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your check, or if your check remains uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest your distribution check in your account at the NAV on the day of the reinvestment and to reinvest all subsequent distributions in shares of the Fund. Interest will not accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.

Shareholders investing in the Fund through a financial intermediary should discuss their options for receiving dividends and other distributions with their financial advisor.

Taxes

Any distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement accounts and other tax-exempt investors. However, the portion of the Fund’s dividends derived from its investments in direct U.S. Government obligations, if any, is generally exempt from state and local income taxes. The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:

 
 

 
Type of Transaction
Tax Status
Dividends from net investment income*
Ordinary income**
Distributions of excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss*
Ordinary income
Distributions of net gains from certain foreign currency transactions*
Ordinary income
Distributions of excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss (“net capital gain”)*
Long-term capital gains
Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for more than one year
Long-term capital gains or losses
Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for one year or less
Net gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income; net losses are subject to special rules
*  
Whether reinvested or taken in cash.
**  
Except for dividends that are attributable to “qualified dividend income” (as described below).

To the extent distributions are attributable to net capital gain that the Fund recognizes on sales or exchanges of capital assets, they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (“individuals”) (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding $406,750 or $457,600 if married filing jointly), which amounts are indexed for inflation annually.

A portion of the income dividends the Fund pays to individuals may be “qualified dividend income” (“QDI”) and thus eligible for the preferential rates that apply to net capital gain. QDI is the aggregate of dividends the Fund receives from most domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions with respect to the shares on which the dividends are paid.  To be eligible for those rates, a shareholder must meet similar restrictions with respect to his or her Fund shares.

A portion of the dividends the Fund pays may also be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations, subject to similar holding period and other restrictions, but the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations only. However, dividends that a corporate shareholder receives and deducts pursuant to the dividends-received deduction may be subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.

A shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss when redeeming or exchanging shares. That gain or loss is treated as a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the redeemed or exchanged shares were held. Any capital gain an individual shareholder recognizes on a redemption or exchange of Fund shares that have been held for more than one year will qualify for the maximum federal income tax rates mentioned above.

A Fund shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method other than the average basis method (the Fund’s default method) with respect to Fund shares he or she acquires after December 31, 2011 (“Covered Shares”), must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The Fund, or its administrative agent, must report to the IRS and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for Covered Shares. See “Tax Information” in the SAI for a description of the rules regarding that election and the Fund’s reporting obligation.

An individual must pay a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the individual’s “net investment income,” which generally includes dividends, interest, and net gains from the disposition of investment property (including distributions the Fund pays and net gains realized on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares), or (2) the excess of the individual’s “modified adjusted gross income” over a threshold amount ($250,000 for married persons filing jointly and $200,000 for single taxpayers). This tax is in addition to any other taxes due on that income. A similar tax applies to estates and trusts. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, this tax may have on their investment in Fund shares.

The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important federal income tax considerations that may affect Fund shareholders, who should consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to the effect of federal, state and local income taxes on an investment in the Fund. Each year, the Fund’s shareholders will receive tax information to assist them in preparing their income tax returns.

 
 

 

Additional Information

 
Distribution and Service Plans

The A Class and C Class shares of the Fund have each adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which allows the A Class and C Class shares to pay distribution and other fees for the sale of Fund shares and for other services provided to shareholders. Each Plan also authorizes the use of any fees received by the Manager in accordance with the Administration and Management Agreements, and any fees received by the sub-advisor pursuant to its Investment Advisory Agreement with the Manager, to be used for the sale and distribution of Fund shares. The Plans provide that the A Class shares of the Fund will pay up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to the A Class, and the C Class shares of the Fund will pay up to 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to the C Class, to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board).

The Fund has also adopted a shareholder services plan for its A Class, C Class, Y Class and Investor Class shares for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. The shareholder services plan authorizes annual payment of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the A Class shares, up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the C Class shares, up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares, and up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Y Class shares of the Fund. Because these distribution and service plan fees are paid out of the Fund’s A Class, C Class, Y Class, and Investor Class assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may result in costs higher than other types of sales charges.

Portfolio Holdings

A complete list of the Fund’s holdings is made available on the Fund’s website on a monthly basis approximately twenty days after the end of the calendar month and remains available for six months thereafter. A list of the Fund’s ten largest holdings is made available on the Fund’s website on a quarterly basis. The ten largest holdings of the Fund are generally posted to the website approximately fifteen days after the end of each calendar quarter and remain available until the next quarter. To access the holdings information, go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com . The Fund’s ten largest holdings may also be accessed by selecting the Fund’s fact sheet. A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s SAI, which you may access on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-658-5811 to request a free copy.

Delivery of Documents

If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Fund’s summary prospectus or shareholder reports, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on “Quick Links” and then “Register for E -Delivery.”

To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the summary prospectus, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please contact your financial institution. Delivery of individual copies will commence thirty days after receiving your request.

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period of the Fund’s operation. Financial highlights are not provided because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.

 
 

 
 
Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund is found in the documents listed below. Request a free copy of these documents by calling 1-800-658-5811 or you may access them on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
 
To obtain more information about the Fund or to request a copy of the documents listed above:
 
 
Annual Report/Semi-Annual Report
The Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports will list the Fund’s actual investments as of the report’s date. They will include a discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance. The report of the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm will be included in the Annual Report.
     
Statement of Additional Information
The SAI contains more details about the Fund and its investment policies. The SAI is incorporated in this prospectus by reference (it is legally part of this prospectus). A current SAI is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
 
       
By Telephone:
By Mail:
By E-mail:
On the Internet:
Call 1-800-658-5811
American Beacon Funds
americanbeaconfunds@
Visit our website at
 
P.O. Box 219643
ambeacon.com
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
 
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
 
Visit the SEC website at
     
www.sec.gov

The SAI and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic mail to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. The SAI and other information about the Fund may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.
 
Fund Service Providers:
 
 
CUSTODIAN
   
TRANSFER AND
   
INDEPENDENT
   
DISTRIBUTOR
 
 
State Street Bank
   
DIVIDEND
   
REGISTERED
   
Foreside Fund
 
 
and
   
PAYING AGENT
   
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
   
Services, LLC
 
 
Trust Company
   
Boston Financial
   
FIRM
   
Portland, Maine
 
 
Boston,
   
Data
   
xxx
   
www.foreside.com
 
 
Massachusetts
   
Services
   
xxx
       
       
Kansas City,
             
       
Missouri
             


 
American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SEC File Number 811-4984

 
 

 
 
The information in this statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.


STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AMERICAN BEACON® FUNDS

xx xx, 20xx

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

A CLASS [xxx]
C CLASS [xxx]
Y CLASS [xxx]
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS [xxx]
INVESTOR CLASS [xxx]

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated xx xx, 20xx (the “Prospectus”) for the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the American Beacon Funds, a Massachusetts business trust. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 658-5811. You also may obtain copies of the Prospectus without charge by visiting the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. This SAI is incorporated herein by reference to the Fund’s Prospectus. In other words, it is legally a part of the Prospectus. This SAI is not a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by a current Prospectus.

The Fund has not commenced operations as of the date hereof. Accordingly, financial statements for the Fund are not available. Copies of the Fund’s Annual Report may be obtained when available, without charge, upon request by calling (800) 658-5811.

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Organization and History of the Fund
xx
Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks
xx
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
xx
Investment Restrictions
xx
Temporary Defensive and Interim Investments
xx
Portfolio Turnover
xx
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
xx
Lending of Portfolio Securities
xx
Trustees and Officers of the Trust
xx
Code of Ethics
xx
Proxy Voting Policies
xx
Control Persons and 5% Shareholders
xx
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement
xx
Management, Administrative and Distribution Services
xx
Other Service Providers
xx
Portfolio Managers
xx
Portfolio Securities Transactions
xx
Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares
xx
Additional Information Regarding Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
xx
Redemptions in Kind
xx
Tax Information
xx
Description of the Trust
xx
Financial Statements
xx
Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures for the Trust
A-1
Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies —   Investment Sub-Advisor
B-1


 
 

 

ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF THE FUND

The Fund is a separate series of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), an open- end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 16, 1987. The Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with a distinct investment objective and distinct purpose and strategy. The Fund is diversified. The Fund is comprised of multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. This SAI relates to the A Class, C Class, Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class shares of the Fund.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

The investment objective and principal investment strategies and risks of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. This section contains additional information about the Fund’s investment policies and risks and types of investments the Fund may purchase. The composition of the Fund’s portfolio and the strategies that the Fund may use in selecting investments may vary over time. The Fund is not required to use all of the investment strategies described below in pursuing its investment objectives. It may use some of the investment strategies only at some times or it may not use them at all.

Borrowing Risks — The Fund may borrow money in an amount up to one- third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks and other financial institutions. The Fund may borrow for temporary purposes. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the Fund’s NAV and in its total return. Interest expense and other fees associated with borrowing may reduce the Fund’s return.
 
 
Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances, government obligations, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt securities and repurchase agreements.
 
Bankers’ acceptances are short-term credit instruments designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then “accepted” by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

Certificates of deposit (“CDs”) are issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies), are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable. U.S. dollar denominated CDs issued by banks abroad are known as Eurodollar CDs. CDs issued by foreign branches of U.S. banks are known as Yankee CDs.

Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.

Common Stock — Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company’s products or services. A stock’s value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company’s stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that elect to pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company’s common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. Common stock may be exchange-traded or over-the-counter (“OTC”). OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
 
Depositary Receipts — American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) — ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund’s possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security. Please see “Foreign Securities” below for a description of the risks associated with investments in foreign securities.

Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual 
 
 
 

 
 
expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund’s expense ratio could be significant.
 
Foreign Securities — The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated equity securities of foreign issuers. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include corporations, banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. While investments in foreign securities are intended to reduce risk by providing further diversification, such investments involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund’s rights as an investor.
 
Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described in the preceding paragraph, and the additional risks of (1) adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and (2) adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which could prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). Additionally, dividends and interest payable on foreign securities (and gains realized on disposition thereof) may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from those payments.

Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the sub-advisor endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.

Foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custody arrangements and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures. In certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is un-invested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

Interest rates prevailing in other countries may affect the prices of foreign securities and exchange rates for foreign currencies. Local factors, including the strength of the local economy, the demand for borrowing, the government’s fiscal and monetary policies, and the international balance of payments, often affect interest rates in other countries. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.

Futures Contracts — Futures contracts obligate a purchaser to take delivery of a specific amount of an obligation underlying the futures contract at a specified time in the future for a specified price. Likewise, the seller incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation against receipt of the specified price. Futures are traded on both U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. Futures contracts will be traded for the same purposes as entering into forward contracts. The purchase of futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures can serve as a short hedge.
 
No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit “initial margin” consisting of cash or U.S. Government Securities in an amount set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and varying based on the volatility of the underlying asset. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by a futures exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.

Subsequent “variation margin” payments are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund’s obligations to or from a futures broker. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need
 
 
 

 
 
to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures contracts may be closed only on a futures exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. The Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract.

Although futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of securities or currency, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without having to make or take delivery of the securities or currency. The offsetting of a contractual obligation is accomplished by buying (or selling, as appropriate) on a commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. Such a transaction, which is effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the securities or currency. Since all transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases or sells futures contracts.

Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.

If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the futures contract or option thereon or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.

The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures market, due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions that could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of securities price or currency exchange rate trends by the sub-advisor may still not result in a successful transaction.

In addition, futures contracts entail risks. Although the use of such contracts may benefit the Fund, if investment judgment about the general direction of, for example, an index is incorrect, the Fund’s overall performance would be worse than if it had not entered into any such contract. In addition, there are differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives.

Growth Companies Risk — Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, the prices of these stocks may go down, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Growth company stocks may lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock prices in market downturns. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment.  The Fund’s investments in growth stocks may underperform value or non-growth stocks that have a broader investment style.
 
Illiquid and Restricted Securities — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which it has been valued.
 
Historically, illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. These securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment. However, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale of such investments to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of their liquidity.

 
 

 
 
Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven calendar days. In addition, the Fund may get only limited information about an issuer, so it may be less able to predict a loss. The Fund also might have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.  In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the SEC adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”). Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund’s illiquidity. The Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, acting under guidelines established by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board”), may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States.

Section 4(2) securities are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to institutional investors, such as the Fund that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(2) securities normally are resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or dealers that make a market in the Section 4(2) securities, thus providing liquidity.

The Manager and the sub-advisor will carefully monitor the Fund’s investments in Section 4(2) securities offered and sold under Rule 144A, focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity, and availability of information. Investments in Section 4(2) securities could have the effect of reducing the Fund’s liquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these restricted securities.

Index Futures Contracts — The Fund may enter into contracts providing for the making and acceptance of a cash settlement based upon changes in the value of an index of securities (“Index Futures Contracts”) for investment purposes, including for short-term cash management purposes.
 
U.S. futures contracts traded on exchanges that have been designated “contract markets” by the CFTC and must be executed through a futures commission merchant, or brokerage firm, which is a member of the relevant contract market. Futures contracts trade on a number of exchange markets.

At the same time a futures contract on an index is purchased or sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit payment (“initial deposit”) based on the contract’s face value. Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued and the payment of “variation margin” may be required.

Transactions in Index Futures Contracts involve certain risks. These risks could include a lack of correlation between the Futures Contract and the equity market, a potential lack of liquidity in the market and incorrect assessments of market trends, which may result in worse overall performance than if a Futures Contract had not been entered into.

Brokerage costs will be incurred and “margin” will be required to be posted and maintained as a good-faith deposit against performance of obligations under Futures Contracts written into by the Fund.

Initial Public Offerings — The Fund can invest in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). By definition, securities issued in IPOs have not traded publicly until the time of their offerings. Special risks associated with IPOs may include, among others, the fact that there may only be a limited number of shares available for trading. The market for those securities may be unseasoned. The issuer may have a limited operating history. These factors may contribute to price volatility. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. In addition, some companies initially offering their shares publicly are involved in relatively new industries or lines of business, which may not be widely understood by investors. Some of the companies involved in new industries may be regarded as developmental state companies, without revenues or operating income, or the near-term prospects of them. Many IPOs are by small- or micro-cap companies that are undercapitalized.
 
Interfund Lending — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the American Beacon Funds may participate in a credit facility whereby each American Beacon Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other American Beacon Funds for temporary purposes. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report on credit facility activities to the Board. The credit facility can provide a borrowing fund with savings at times when the cash position of the fund is insufficient to meet temporary cash requirements. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When the funds liquidate portfolio securities to meet
 
 
 

 
 
redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to three days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). However, redemption requests normally are satisfied immediately. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. Although the credit facility may reduce the Fund’s need to borrow from banks, the Fund remains free to establish lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.
 
Issuer Risk — The value of an investment may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.

Limited Liability Companies — The Fund may purchase securities of entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability companies, business trusts and companies organized outside the United States.
 
Loan Transactions — Loan transactions involve the lending of securities to a broker-dealer or institutional investor for its use in connection with short sales, arbitrages or other security transactions. Such loan transactions are referred to in this SAI as “qualified” loan transactions. The purpose of a qualified loan transaction is to capture a demand premium paid by the borrower or to afford a lender the opportunity to continue to earn income on the securities loaned and at the same time earn fee income or income on the collateral held or reinvested by it. Cash collateral received through qualified loan transactions may be invested only in those categories of high quality liquid securities previously authorized by the Board. Please see the “Lending of Portfolio Securities” section for additional information.
 
Securities loans will be made in accordance with the following conditions: (1) the Fund receives at least 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, and approved bank letters of credit; (2) the borrower increases the collateral whenever the market value of the loaned securities (determined on a daily basis) rises above the level of collateral; (3) the Fund is able to terminate the loan after notice, at any time; (4) the Fund receives reasonable interest on the loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest or other distributions on the securities loaned, and any increase in market value of the loaned securities; (5) the Fund only pays reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) voting rights on the securities loaned may pass to the borrower, provided, however, that if a material event affecting the investment is known with sufficient time in advance of the shareholder meeting record date, the Fund would be allowed to terminate the loan in an attempt to facilitate the voting of proxies.

While there may be delays in recovery of loaned securities or even a loss of rights in collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be made only to firms deemed by the Board to be of good financial standing and will not be made unless the consideration to be earned from such loans is deemed by the Manager to justify the risk. If the borrower of the securities fails financially, there is a risk of delay in recovery of the securities loaned or loss of rights in the collateral.

Market Events — Turbulence in the economic, political and financial system has historically resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the capital markets. Both domestic and foreign capital markets have been experiencing increased volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected, and it is uncertain whether or for how long these conditions could continue.
 
Reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets may adversely affect many issuers worldwide. This reduced liquidity may result in less money being available to purchase raw materials, goods and services from emerging markets, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in small or emerging market issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing, which may, in turn, cause a decline in their security prices. These events and possible continued market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund.

Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of mid- capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have limited operating history, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and can be sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
 
Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange Traded Products — The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), exchange- traded notes (“ETNs”), unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or the sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.
 
 
 

 
 
The Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as money market funds under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. The Fund would invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If the Fund invests in money market funds shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager.

The Fund may purchase shares of ETFs. ETFs trade like a common stock and passive ETFs usually represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. Typically, the Fund would purchase passive ETF shares for the same reason it would purchase (and as an alternative to purchasing) futures contracts: to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. ETF shares may have advantages over futures in certain circumstances. Depending on the market, the holding period, and other factors, ETF shares can be less costly and more tax-efficient than futures. In addition, ETF shares can be purchased for smaller sums, offer exposure to market sectors and styles for which there is no suitable or liquid futures contract, and do not involve leverage. As a shareholder of an ETF, the Fund would be subject to its ratable share of the ETF’s expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses.

An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objective, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value; (2) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or (3) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “ circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

Preferred Stock — A preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock generally has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks associated with other types of equity securities, as well as additional risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, potentially greater volatility and risks related to deferral, non-cumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights.
 
Publicly Traded Partnerships; Master Limited Partnerships — The Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as master limited partnerships (“MLPs”). MLPs issue units that are registered with the SEC and are freely tradable on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. An MLP may have one or more general partners, who conduct the business, and one or more limited partners, who contribute capital. The general partner or are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. The Fund invests as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amount the Fund have contributed but it would not be shielded to the same extent that a shareholder of a corporation would be. In certain instances, creditors of an MLP would have the right to seek a return of capital that had been distributed to a limited partner. The right of an MLP’s creditors would continue even after the Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. MLPs typically invest in real estate, oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.
 
Real Estate Related Investments — The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and common, preferred and convertible securities of issuers in real estate-related industries. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Investing in securities issued by real estate and real estate-related companies may subject the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Changes in interest rates, debt leverage ratios, debt maturity schedules, and the availability of credit to real estate companies may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in real estate securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills at the operating company level, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. The real estate industry tends to be cyclical. Such cycles may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of a REIT’s ongoing operating fees and expense. In addition, U.S.-qualified REITs are subject to the possibility of failing to a) qualify for tax-free pass-through of income and gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”) and b) maintain exemption eligibility from the investment company registration requirements.
 
Small Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of small capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since smaller companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
 
 
 

 
 
U.S. Government Agency Securities — U.S. Government agency securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to certain U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, since it is not so obligated by law. U.S. Government securities include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank obligations, Federal Intermediate Credit Bank obligations, U.S. Government agency obligations and repurchase agreements secured thereby. U.S. Government agency securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
 
U.S. Treasury Obligations — U.S. Treasury obligations include bills (initial maturities of one year or less), notes (initial maturities between two and ten years), and bonds (initial maturities over ten years) issued by the U.S. Treasury, Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal component parts of such obligations known as STRIPS and inflation-indexed securities. The prices of these securities (like all debt securities) change between issuance and maturity in response to fluctuating market interest rates. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.

Valuation Risk — This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.
 
Value Stocks Risk — Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices may go down. While the Fund’s investments in value stocks may limit its downside risk over time, the Fund may produce more modest gains than riskier stock funds as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund’s investments in value stocks may underperform growth or non-value stocks that have a broader investment style.
 
OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the Fund may:

1. Engage in dollar rolls or purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. The purchase or sale of when-issued securities enables an investor to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices by locking in an attractive price or yield. The price of when-issued securities is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase or sell is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities takes place at a later date, normally one to two months after the date of purchase. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the purchaser to the issuer and no interest accrues to the purchaser. Such transactions therefore involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold increases prior to the settlement date. A sale of a when-issued security also involves the risk that the other party will be unable to settle the transaction. Dollar rolls are a type of forward commitment transaction. Purchases and sales of securities on a forward commitment basis involve a commitment to purchase or sell securities with payment and delivery to take place at some future date, normally one to two months after the date of the transaction. As with when-issued securities, these transactions involve certain risks, but they also enable an investor to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. Forward commitment transactions are executed for existing obligations, whereas in a when-issued transaction, the obligations have not yet been issued. When purchasing securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, a segregated amount of liquid assets at least equal to the value of purchase commitments for such securities will be maintained until the settlement date.

2. Invest in other investment companies (including affiliated investment companies) to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act, or exemptive relief granted by the SEC.

3. Loan securities to broker-dealers or other institutional investors. Securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 331/3 % of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received). For purposes of complying with the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions, collateral received in connection with securities loans is deemed an asset of the Fund to the extent required by law.

4. Enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which securities are acquired by the Fund from a securities dealer or bank subject to resale at an agreed upon price on a later date. The acquiring Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. However, the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, attempts to minimize this risk by entering into repurchase agreements only with financial institutions that are deemed to be of good financial standing.

5. Purchase securities in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by
 
 
 

 
 
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Section 4(2) securities”). The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in Section 4(2) securities and illiquid securities unless the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, determines, by continuous reference to the appropriate trading markets and pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board that any Section 4(2) securities held by such Fund in excess of this level are at all times liquid.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Fundamental Policies. The Fund has the following fundamental investment policy that enables it to invest in another investment company or series thereof that has substantially similar investment objectives and policies:

Notwithstanding any other limitation, the Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management investment company with substantially the same investment objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund. For this purpose, “all of the Fund’s investable assets” means that the only investment securities that will be held by the Fund will be the Fund’s interest in the investment company.

Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following discusses the investment policies of the Fund.

The following restrictions have been adopted by the Fund and may be changed with respect to the Fund only by the majority vote of the Fund’s outstanding interests. “Majority of the outstanding voting securities” under the Investment Company Act and as used herein means, with respect to the Fund, the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund present at the meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present and represented at the shareholders’ meeting or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Fund.

The Fund may not:

1. Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that the Fund may dispose of real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments and invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein when consistent with the other policies and limitations described in the Prospectus.

2. Invest in physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling foreign currency, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, securities on a forward-commitment or delayed-delivery basis, and other similar financial instruments).

3. Engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of securities, the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities law.

4. Lend any security or make any other loan except (i) as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act, (ii) pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff, (iii) through the purchase of a portion of an issue of debt securities in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations, or (iv) by engaging in repurchase agreements.

5. Issue any senior security except as otherwise permitted (i) under the Investment Company Act or (ii) pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff.

6. Borrow money, except as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act or pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff, including (i) as a temporary measure, (ii) by entering into reverse repurchase agreements, and (iii) by lending portfolio securities as collateral. For purposes of this investment limitation, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and other similar financial instruments and margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements with respect to such instruments shall not constitute borrowing.

7. Invest more than 5% of its total assets (taken at market value) in securities of any one issuer, other than obligations issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any one issuer, with respect to 75% of the Fund’s total assets.

8. Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any industry or group of industries provided that this limitation does not apply to: (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities; and (ii) tax-exempt securities issued by municipalities and their agencies and authorities.

The above percentage limits (except the limitation on borrowings) are based upon asset values at the time of the applicable transaction; accordingly, a subsequent change in asset values will not affect a transaction that was in compliance with the investment restrictions at the time such transaction was effected. With respect to the fundamental investment restriction relating to making loans set forth in number 4 above,
 
 
 

 
 
securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33 1/3% of its total net assets (including the market value of collateral received).

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following non-fundamental investment restrictions apply to the Fund (except where noted otherwise) and may be changed with respect to the Fund by a vote of a majority of the Board. The Fund may not:

1. Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including time deposits and repurchase agreements that mature in more than seven days; or

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that (1) the Fund may obtain such short term credits as necessary for the clearance of transactions, and (2) the Fund may make margin payments in connection with foreign currency, futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, securities purchased or sold on a forward-commitment or delayed-delivery basis or other financial instruments.

All percentage limitations on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions listed above as fundamental or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus, the other investment policies described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees.

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE AND INTERIM INVESTMENTS

In times of unstable or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, where the Manager or the sub-advisor believes it is appropriate and in the Fund’s best interest, the Fund can invest up to 100% in cash and other types of securities for defensive or temporary purposes. It can also hold cash or purchase these types of securities for liquidity purposes to meet cash needs due to redemptions of Fund shares, or to hold while waiting to invest cash received from purchases of Fund shares or the sale of other portfolio securities.

These temporary investments can include (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agents or instrumentalities; (ii) commercial paper rated in the highest short term category by a rating organization; (iii) domestic, Yankee and Eurodollar certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of banks rated in the highest short term category by a rating organization; (iv) any of the foregoing securities that mature in one year or less (generally known as “cash equivalents”); (v) other short- term corporate debt obligations; (vi) repurchase agreements; (vii) futures; or (viii) shares of money market funds, including funds advised by the Manager or the sub-advisor.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Portfolio turnover is a measure of trading activity in a portfolio of securities, usually calculated over a period of one year. The rate is calculated by dividing the lesser amount of purchases or sales of securities by the average amount of securities held over the period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover can increase the Fund’s transaction costs and generate additional capital gains or losses.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:

1. a complete list of holdings for the Fund on an annual and semi-annual basis in the reports to shareholders within sixty days of the end of each fiscal semi-annual period and in publicly available filings of Form N-CSR with the SEC within ten days thereafter;

2. a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of its first and third fiscal quarters in publicly available filings of Form N-Q with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter;

3. a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each month on the Fund’s website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) approximately twenty days after the end of the month; and

4. ten largest holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Fund’s website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) and in sales materials approximately fifteen days after the end of the calendar quarter.

Public disclosure of the Fund’s holdings on the website and in sales materials may be delayed when an investment manager informs the Fund that such disclosure could be harmful to the Fund. In addition, individual holdings may be omitted from website and sales material disclosure, when such omission is deemed to be in the Fund’s best interest.

Disclosure of Nonpublic Holdings
Occasionally, certain interested parties — including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute shares of the Fund, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and others — may request portfolio holdings information that has not
 
 
 

 
 
yet been publicly disclosed by the Fund. The Fund’s policy is to control the disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information in an attempt to prevent parties from utilizing such information to engage in trading activity harmful to Fund shareholders. To this end, the Board has adopted a Policy and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information (the “Holdings Policy”). The purpose of the Holdings Policy is to define those interested parties who are authorized to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information on a selective basis and to set forth conditions upon which such information may be provided. In general, nonpublic portfolio holdings may be disclosed on a selective basis only when it is determined that (i) there is a legitimate business purpose for the information, (ii) recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the nonpublic information; and (iii) disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. The Holdings Policy is summarized below.

A variety of third party service providers require access to Fund holdings to provide services to the Fund or to assist the Manager and the sub-advisor in managing the Fund (“service providers”). The service providers have a duty to keep the Fund’s nonpublic information confidential either through written contractual arrangements with the Fund (or another Fund service provider) or by the nature of their role with respect to the Fund (or the service provider). The Fund has determined that disclosure of nonpublic holdings information to service providers fulfills a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interest of shareholders.  In addition, the Fund has determined that disclosure of nonpublic holdings information to members of the Board fulfills a legitimate business purpose, is in the best interest of Fund shareholders, and each Trustee is subject to a duty of confidentiality.

The Fund has ongoing arrangements to provide nonpublic holdings information to the following service providers:

Service Provider
 
Service
 
Holdings Access
Manager
 
Investment management and administrator
 
Complete list on intraday basis with no lag
Sub-Advisor
 
Investment management
 
Holdings under sub-advisor’s management on intraday basis with no lag
State Street Bank and Trust Co. (“State Street”) and its designated foreign sub-custodians
 
Fund’s custodian and foreign custody manager, and foreign sub-custodians
 
Complete list on intraday basis with no lag
Investment Technology Group, Inc.
 
Fair valuation of portfolio securities for Funds with significant foreign securities holdings
 
Complete list on daily basis with no lag and more frequently when the Manager seeks advice with respect to certain holdings
xxx
 
Fund’s independent public accounting firm
 
Complete list on annual basis with no lag
Abel Noser Services
 
Trade execution cost analysis
 
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.
 
Performance and portfolio analytics reporting for the Manager and sub-advisor
 
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Bloomberg, L.P.
 
Performance and portfolio analytics reporting
 
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
 
Proxy voting research provider for sub-advisor
 
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Baseline Analytics
 
Performance and portfolio analytics reporting
 
Complete list on daily basis with no lag

Certain third parties are provided with nonpublic holdings information (either complete or partial lists) by the Manager or another service provider on an ad hoc basis. These third parties include: broker-dealers, prospective sub-advisors, borrowers of the Fund’s portfolio securities, pricing services, legal counsel, and issuers (or their agents). Broker-dealers utilized by the Fund in the process of purchasing and selling portfolio securities or providing market quotations receive limited holdings information on a current basis with no lag. The Manager provides current holdings to investment managers being considered for appointment as a sub-advisor to the Fund. If the Fund participates in securities lending activities, potential borrowers of the Fund’s securities receive information pertaining to the Fund’s securities available for loan. Such information is provided on a current basis with no lag. The Fund utilizes various pricing services to supply market quotations and evaluated prices to State Street. State Street and the Manager may disclose current nonpublic holdings to those pricing services. An investment manager may provide holdings information to legal counsel when seeking advice regarding those holdings. From time to time, an issuer (or its agent) may contact the Fund requesting confirmation of ownership of the issuer’s securities. Such holdings information is provided to the issuer (or its agent) as of the date requested. The Fund does not have written contractual arrangements with these third parties regarding the confidentiality of the holdings information. However, the Fund would not continue to utilize a third party that the Manager determined to have misused nonpublic holdings information.

The Fund has ongoing arrangements to provide periodic holdings information to certain organizations that publish ratings and/or rankings for the Fund or that redistribute the Fund’s holdings to financial intermediaries to facilitate their analysis of the Fund. The Fund has determined that disclosure of holdings information to such organizations fulfills a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interest of shareholders, as it provides existing and potential shareholders with an independent basis for evaluating the Fund in comparison to other mutual funds. As of the date of this SAI, all such organizations receive holdings information after it has been made public on the Fund’s website.

No compensation or other consideration may be paid to the Fund, the Fund’s service providers, or any other party in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information.
 
 
 

 
 
Under the Holdings Policy, disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to parties other than those discussed above must meet all of the following conditions:

1.  
Recipients of portfolio holdings information must agree in writing to keep the information confidential until it has been posted to the Fund’s website and not to trade based on the information;

2.  
Holdings may only be disclosed as of a month-end date;

3.  
No compensation may be paid to the Fund, the Manager or any other party in connection with the disclosure of information about portfolio securities; and

4.  
A member of the Manager’s Compliance staff must approve requests for nonpublic holdings information.

In determining whether to approve a request for portfolio holdings disclosure by the Manager, Compliance staff generally considers the type of requestor and its relationship to the Fund, the stated reason for the request, any historical pattern of requests from that same individual or entity, the style and strategy of the Fund for which holdings have been requested (e.g. passive versus active management), whether the Fund is managed by one or multiple investment managers, and any other factors it deems relevant. Any potential conflicts between shareholders and affiliated persons of the Fund that arise as a result of a request for portfolio holdings information shall be decided by the Manager in the best interests of shareholders. However, if a conflict exists between the interests of shareholders and the Manager, the Manager may present the details of the request to the Board for a determination to either approve or deny the request. On a quarterly basis, the Manager will prepare a report for the Board outlining any instances of selective disclosures of nonpublic holdings during the period that did not comply with the Holdings Policy. The Compliance staff generally determines whether a historical pattern of requests by the same individual or entity constitutes an “ongoing arrangement” and should be disclosed in the Fund’s SAI.

The Manager and sub-advisor to the Fund may manage substantially similar portfolios for clients other than the Fund. Those other clients may receive and publicly disclose their portfolio holdings information prior to public disclosure by the Fund. The Holdings Policy is not intended to limit the Manager or the sub-advisor from making such disclosures to their clients.

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such loans, the Fund remains the beneficial owner of the loaned securities and continues to be entitled to payments in amounts approximately equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities. The Fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time. The Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, it is the Fund’s policy to attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that the Fund determines are material to its interests. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 331/3 % of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan). The Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S. dollars, foreign currency, or securities issued or fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. If the collateral consists of cash, the Fund will reinvest the cash and pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” from any return earned on the investment. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the Manager to present acceptable credit risk on a fully collateralized basis. In a loan transaction, the Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. The Fund seeks to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to registered money market funds, including money market funds advised by the Manager that invest in U.S. Government and agency securities advised by the Manager.

For all funds that engage in securities lending, the Manager receives compensation for administrative and oversight functions with respect to securities lending, including oversight of the securities lending agent, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.. The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities. The Fund continues to receive dividends or interest or the equivalent, as applicable, on the securities loaned and simultaneously earns either interest on the investment of the cash collateral or fee income if the loan is otherwise collateralized.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

The Board of Trustees

The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for and oversees the overall management and operations of the Trust and the Fund, which includes the general oversight and review of the Fund’s investment activities, in accordance with federal law and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the stated policies of the Fund. The Board oversees the Trust’s officers and service providers, including American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“American Beacon”), which is responsible for the management of the day-to-day
 
 
 

 
 
operations of the Fund based on policies and agreements reviewed and approved by the Board. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Board regularly interacts with and receives reports from senior personnel of service providers, including American Beacon’s investment personnel and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). The Board also is assisted by the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm (which reports directly to the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee), independent counsel and other experts as appropriate, all of whom are selected by the Board.

Risk Oversight

Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Trust and its Fund, the Board oversees the management of risks relating to the administration and operation of the Trust and the Fund. American Beacon, as part of its responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Fund, is responsible for day-to-day risk management for the Fund. The Board, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, also separately considers potential risks that may impact the Fund. The Board performs this risk management oversight directly and, as to certain matters, through its committees (described above) and through the Independent Trustees. The following provides an overview of the principal, but not all, aspects of the Board’s oversight of risk management for the Trust and the Fund.

In general, the Fund’s risks include, among others, investment risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, securities selection risk and valuation risk. The Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, policies and procedures designed to address these and other risks to the Trust and the Fund. In addition, under the general oversight of the Board, American Beacon, the Fund’s investment adviser, and other service providers to the Fund have themselves adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the Fund. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Further, American Beacon as manager of the Fund oversees and regularly monitors the investments, operations and compliance of the Fund’s investment advisers.

The Board also oversees risk management for the Trust and the Fund through review of regular reports, presentations and other information from officers of the Trust and other persons. Senior officers of the Trust, and senior officers of American Beacon, and the Fund’s CCO regularly report to the Board on a range of matters, including those relating to risk management. The Board and the Investment Committee also regularly receive reports from American Beacon with respect to the investments, securities trading and securities lending activities of the Fund. In addition to regular reports from American Beacon, the Board also receives reports regarding other service providers to the Trust, either directly or through American Beacon or the Fund’s CCO, on a periodic or regular basis. At least annually, the Board receives a report from the Fund’s CCO regarding the effectiveness of the Fund’ s compliance program. Also, on an annual basis, the Board receives reports, presentations and other information from American Beacon in connection with the Board’s consideration of the renewal of each of the Trust’s agreements with American Beacon and the Trust’s distribution plans under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act.

Senior officers of the Trust and American Beacon also report regularly to the Audit and Compliance Committee on Fund valuation matters and on the Trust’s internal controls and accounting and financial reporting policies and practices. In addition, the Audit and Compliance Committee receives regular reports from the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. On at least a quarterly basis, the Independent Trustees meet with the Fund’s CCO to discuss matters relating to the Fund’s compliance program.

Board Structure and Related Matters

Board members who are not “interested persons,” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (“Independent Trustees” ) constitute at least two-thirds of the Board. Richard A. Massman, an Independent Trustee, serves as Independent Chair of the Board. The Independent Chair’s responsibilities include: setting an agenda for each meeting of the Board; presiding at all meetings of the Board and Interested Trustees; and serving as a liaison with other Trustees, the Trust’s officers and other management personnel, and counsel to the Fund. The Independent Chair shall perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time determine.

The Trustees discharge their responsibilities collectively as a Board, as well as through Board committees, each of which operates pursuant to a charter approved by the Board that delineates the specific responsibilities of that committee. The Board has established three standing committees: the Audit and Compliance Committee, the Investment Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. For example, the Investment Committee is responsible for oversight of the annual process by which the Board considers and approves the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with American Beacon, while specific matters related to oversight of the Fund’s independent auditors have been delegated by the Board to its Audit and Compliance Committee, subject to approval of the Audit and Compliance Committee’s recommendations by the Board. The members and responsibilities of each Board committee are summarized below.

The Board periodically evaluates its structure and composition as well as various aspects of its operations. The Board believes that its leadership structure, including its Independent Chair position and its committees, is appropriate for the Trust in light of, among other factors, the asset size and nature of the Funds, the number of Funds overseen by the Board, the arrangements for the conduct of the Fund’s operations, the number of Trustees, and the Board’s responsibilities. On an annual basis, the Board conducts a self-evaluation that considers, among other matters, whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively and whether, given the size and composition of the Board and each of its committees, the Trustees are able to oversee effectively the number of Funds in the complex.

 
 

 
 
The Trust is part of the American Beacon Funds Complex, which is comprised of the 30 series within the Trust and 2 series within the American Beacon Select Funds. The same persons who constitute the Board also constitute the board of trustees of American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts’ combined 32 series.

The Board holds four regularly scheduled meetings each year. The Board may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone, to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also hold at least one in-person meeting each year during a portion of which management is not present and may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone.

The Trustees of the Trust are identified in the tables below, which provide information as to their principal business occupations and directorships held during the last five years and certain other information. Subject to the Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Policy described below, a Trustee serves until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The address of each Trustee listed below is 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term, or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement*. Each Trustee has and continues to serve the same term as a Trustee of the American Beacon Select Funds as he or she has with the Trust.
 
 
Name (Age)
 
Position and Length of Time Served with each Trust
 
Principal Occupation(s) and
Directorships During Past 5 Years
 
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
         
Gerard J. Arpey** (55)
 
Trustee since 2012
 
Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AMR Corp. and American Airlines, Inc. (2003-2011); Director, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008- present).
 
           
Alan D. Feld*** (77)
 
Trustee since 1996
 
Sole Shareholder of a professional corporation which is a Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960- Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-2012).
 
           
NON-INTERESTED
         
TRUSTEES
         
W. Humphrey Bogart (70)
 
Trustee since 2004
 
Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012).
 
           
Brenda A. Cline (53)
 
Trustee since 2004
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer  and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Trustee,  American Beacon  Mileage Funds (2004-2012).
 
           
Eugene J. Duffy (59)
 
Trustee since 2008
 
Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994- Present); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012).
 
           
Thomas M. Dunning (71)    Trustee since 2008  
Chairman  Emeritus  (2008-Present); Lockton Dunning Benefits (consulting firm in employee benefits); Lead Director, Oncor Electric  Delivery  Company  LLC  (2007-Present);  Board  Member,  BancTec (2010-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012).
 
           
Richard A. Massman (70)    Trustee since 2004
Chairman
since 2008
 
Consultant  and  General  Counsel  Emeritus  (2009-Present)  and  Senior  Vice President and General Counsel (1994-2009), Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming,  ranching  and  venture  capital  activities);  Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012).
 
           
Barbara J. McKenna (51)
 
Trustee since 2012
 
Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005- Present).
 
           
R. Gerald Turner (68)
 
Trustee since 2001
 
President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc.  (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon
 
 
 
 

 
 
Name (Age)
 
Position and Length of Time Served with each Trust
 
Principal Occupation(s) and
Directorships During Past 5 Years
 
R. Gerald Turner (68)
 
Trustee since 2001
 
Mileage Funds (2001-2012).
 


*  
The Board has adopted a retirement plan that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 72, provided, however, that the Board may determine to grant one or more annual exemptions to this requirement.

**  
Mr. Arpey is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. Mr. Arpey previously served as CEO of AMR Corp., which has a material relationship with the Manager.

***  
Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two years to the Manager and one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

In addition to the information set forth in the tables above and other relevant qualifications, experience, attributes or skills applicable to a particular Trustee, the following provides further information about the qualifications and experience of each Trustee.

Gerard J. Arpey: Mr. Arpey has extensive organizational management, financial and international experience serving as chairman, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer of one of the largest global airlines, service as a director of public and private companies, and service to several charitable organizations.

W. Humphrey Bogart: Mr. Bogart has extensive experience in the investment management business including as president and chief executive officer of an investment adviser and as a consultant, significant organizational management experience through start-up efforts with a national bank, service as a board member of a university medical center foundation, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Brenda A. Cline: Ms. Cline has extensive organizational management, financial and investment experience as executive vice president, chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer to a private foundation, service as a trustee to a private university, a children’s hospital and a school, including acting as a member of their investment and\or audit committees, extensive experience as an audit senior manager with a large public accounting firm, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Eugene J. Duffy: Mr. Duffy has extensive experience in the investment management business and organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director of a bank, service as a chairman of a charitable fund and as a trustee to an association, service on the board of a private university and non-profit organization, service as chair to an financial services industry association, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Thomas M. Dunning: Mr. Dunning has extensive organizational management experience founding and serving as chairman and chief executive officer of a private company, service as a director of a private company, service as chairman of a large state municipal bond issuer and chairman of a large airport authority, also an issuer of bonds, service as a board member of a state department of transportation, service as a director of various foundations, service as chair of civic organizations, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Alan D. Feld: Mr. Feld has extensive experience as a business attorney, organizational management experience as chairman of a law firm, experience as a director of several publicly held companies; service as a trustee of a private university and a board member of a hospital, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Richard A. Massman: Mr. Massman has extensive experience as a business attorney, organizational management experience as a founding member of a law firm, experience as a senior vice president and general counsel of a large private company, service as the chairman and director of several foundations, including services on their Investment Committees and Finance Committees, chairman of a governmental board, chairman of various professional organizations and multiple years of service as a Trustee and as Independent Chair.

Barbara J. McKenna: Ms. McKenna has extensive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director of an investment manager, and member of numerous financial services industry associations.

R. Gerald Turner: Mr. Turner has extensive organizational management experience as president of a private university, service as a director and member of the audit and governance committees of various publicly held companies, service as a member to several charitable boards, service as a co-chair to an intercollegiate athletic commission, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

 
 

 
 
Committees of the Board

The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee (“Audit Committee”), consisting of Ms. Cline (Chair), and Messrs. Duffy and Dunning. Mr. Massman, as Chairman of the Trust, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio capacity. None of the members of the committee are “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. As set forth in its charter, the primary duties of the Trust’s Audit Committee are: (a) to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Trust and the Funds and their internal controls and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal controls of certain third-party service providers; (b) to oversee the quality and integrity of the Trust’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trust’s independent auditors and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Trust’s independent auditors; (d) to oversee the Trust’s compliance with all regulatory obligations arising under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations and oversee management’s implementation and enforcement of the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures (“Compliance Program”); and (e) to coordinate the Board’s oversight of the Trust’s CCO in connection with his or her implementation of the Trust’s Compliance Program. The Audit Committee met xx (xx) times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 201x.

The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee (“Nominating Committee”) that is comprised of Messrs. Feld (Chair), Turner and Massman.  As set forth in its charter, the Nominating Committee’s primary duties are: (a) to make recommendations regarding the nomination of non-interested Trustees to the Board; (b) to make recommendations regarding the appointment of an Independent Trustee as Chairman of the Board; (c) to evaluate qualifications of potential “interested” members of the Board and Trust officers; (d) to review shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board; (e) to make recommendations to the Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board; (f) to consider and evaluate the structure, composition and operation of the Board; (g) to review shareholder recommendations for proposals to be submitted for consideration during a meeting of Fund shareholders; (h) to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Trustees and of those officers as to whom the Board is charged with approving compensation; and (i) to evaluate requests for exemptions from the mandatory retirement policy and make related recommendations to the Board. Shareholder recommendations for Trustee candidates may be mailed in writing, including a comprehensive resume and any supporting documentation, to the Nominating Committee in care of the Secretary of the Fund. The Nominating and Governance Committee met xx (xx) times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 201x.

The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of Mr. Bogart (Chair), Ms. McKenna and Mr. Arpey. Mr. Massman, as Chairman of the Trust, serves on the Investment Committee in an ex-officio capacity. As set forth in its charter, the Investment Committee’s primary duties are: (a) to review and evaluate the short- and long-term investment performance of the Manager and each of the designated sub-advisors to the Fund; (b) to evaluate recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to the Fund; (c) to review material changes recommended by the Manager to the allocation of Fund assets to a sub-advisor; (d) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the investment objective or principal investment strategies of the Fund; and (e) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the material provisions of the advisory agreement with a sub-advisor, including, but not limited to, changes to the provision regarding compensation. The Investment Committee met xx (xx) times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 201x.

Trustee Ownership in the Funds

As of the date of this SAI, no Trustee owns Shares of the Fund. The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned in the American Beacon Funds family by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2013.

INTERESTED

American Beacon Fund
Arpey
Feld
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth
xx
xx
 
       
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all
Trusts (32 Funds)
Over $100,000
 Over $100,000
 
 
NON-INTERESTED
 
American Beacon Fund
Bogart
Cline
Duffy
Dunning
Massman
McKenna
Turner
Bahl & Gaynor Small
     Cap Growth
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
Aggregate Dollar
     Range of Equity
     Securities
     in all Trusts (32
     Funds)
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
None
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
None
Over $100,000
 
 
 

 
 
Trustee Compensation

As compensation for their service to the Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Fund and fund complex as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $110,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $2,500 for attendance by Board members at quarterly Board meetings, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating Committee, (d) $2,500 for attendance by any Trustee at an annual Investment Committee meeting to review the Trust’s management and investment advisory agreements, and (e) $2,500 for attendance by any Trustee at an annual investment research symposium sponsored by the Manager where the Investment Committee meets with designated investment sub-advisors, and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars.

Mr. Massman was elected as Chairman April 15, 2008. For his service as Chairman, Mr. Massman receives an additional annual payment of $25,000. He also receives an additional $2,500 per quarter for his service as an ex-officio member of multiple committees. The following table shows estimated compensation (excluding reimbursements) that will be paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ending December 31, 201x*.

Name of Trustee
Aggregate
Compensation
From the Trust
Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued as Part
of the Trust’s Expenses
Total Compensation
From the Trusts
(32 funds)
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
     
Gerard J. Arpey
$ 66,315
 
$ 67,500
Alan D. Feld
$ 61,894
1
$ 63,000
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
     
W. Humphrey Bogart
$ 66,315
1
$ 67,500
Brenda A. Cline
$ 66,301
1
$ 67,500
Eugene J. Duffy
$ 61,402
 
$ 62,500
Thomas M. Dunning
$ 63,858
 
$ 65,000
Richard A. Massman
$ 71,227
1
$ 72,500
Barbara J. McKenna
$ 66,315
 
$ 67,500
R. Gerald Turner
$ 61,894
1
$ 63,000
*Estimated compensation for the period xxx, 20xx – December 31, 20xx.
1 Upon retirement from the Board, each of these Trustees is eligible for flight benefits afforded to Trustees who served on the Boards as of June 4, 2008 as described below.

The Boards adopted a Trustee Retirement Policy and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan (“Plan”). The Plan provides that a Trustee who has served on the Boards as of June 4, 2008, and who has reached a mandatory retirement age established by the Board (currently 72) is eligible to elect Trustee Emeritus status. The Boards, through a majority vote, may determine to grant one or more annual exemptions to this mandatory retirement requirement. Additionally, a Trustee who has served on the Board of one or more Trusts for at least 5 years as of June 4, 2008, may elect to retire from the Boards at an earlier age and immediately assume Trustee Emeritus status.

Upon assuming Trustee Emeritus status, each eligible Trustee and his or her spouse (or designated companion) may receive annual flight benefits from the Trusts of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax grossed up basis, on American Airlines (a subsidiary of the Manager’s former parent company).  Eligible Trustees who independently have flight benefits on American Airlines may opt to receive annual payments of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits.

An eligible Trustee may serve as a Trustee Emeritus and receive related benefits for a period up to a maximum of 10 years depending upon their length of service. Only those Trustees who retire from the Boards and elect Trustee Emeritus status may receive benefits under the Plan. A Trustee Emeritus must commit to provide certain ongoing services and advice to the Board members and the Trusts; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Fund. Currently, two individuals have assumed Trustee Emeritus status. One receives an annual stipend of $20,000 from the Trusts. The other individual and his spouse receive annual flight benefits of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines.

Principal Officers of the Trust

The Officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. As of the date of this SAI, the Officers of the Trust, their ages, their business address and their principal occupations and directorships during the past five years are as set forth below. The address of each Officer is 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. Each Officer serves for a term of one year or until his or her resignation, retirement, or removal. Each Officer has and continues to hold the same position with the American Beacon Select Funds as listed below for the
 
 
 

 
 
Trust.

Name (Age)
 
Position and Length of Time
Served with each Trust
 
Principal Occupation(s) and
Directorships During Past 5 Years
OFFICERS
       
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (59)
 
President since 2009
Executive Vice President 2009
 
President, CEO and Director, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2009-Present); President, CEO and Director (2009-Present), Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.  (2009- Present); Manager and President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.  (2012-Present); President, Touchstone Investments (2008-2009).
         
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (39)
 
Vice President since 2010
 
Chief Operating Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2010-Present); Vice President, American Private  Equity  Management,  L.L.C.  (2012- Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Inc. (2013-Present); Vice President, Product Management, Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (2007-2010).
       
Rosemary K. Behan (55)
 
Vice President
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006
 
Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present);  Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-Present); Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-Present); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2008-Present).
         
Brian E. Brett (54)
 
Vice President since 2004
 
Vice President, Director of Sales, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004- Present).
         
Wyatt L. Crumpler (47)
 
Vice President since 2007
 
Chief   Investment   Officer   (2012-Present),   Vice   President,   Asset Management (2009-2012) and Vice President, Trust Investments (2007-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present).
         
Erica B. Duncan (43)
 
Vice President since 2011
 
Vice President, Marketing & Client Services, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Supervisor, Brand Marketing, Invesco (2010-2011); Supervisor, Marketing Communications (2009-2010) and Senior Financial Writer (2004-2009), Invesco AIM.
         
Michael W. Fields (60)
 
Vice President since 1989
 
Chief Fixed Income Officer (2011-Present) and Vice President, Fixed Income Investments (1988-2011),  American Beacon Advisors,  Inc.; Director, American  Beacon Global  Funds  SPC  (2002-2011).
         
Melinda G. Heika (53)
 
Treasurer since 2010
 
Treasurer (2010-Present), Controller (2005-2009),  American  Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer,   Lighthouse  Holdings, Inc. (2010-Present); Treasurer; Lighthouse  Holdings  Parent,  Inc. (2010-Present); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present).
         
Terri L. McKinney (50)
 
Vice President since 2010
 
Vice President, Enterprise Services (2009-Present),  Managing  Director (2003-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
         
Samuel J. Silver (51)
 
Vice President since 2011
 
Vice  President,  Fixed  Income  Investments  (2011-Present)  and  Senior Portfolio  Manager,  Fixed  Income  Investments  (1999-2011),  American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
   
Sonia L. Bates (57)
 
Asst. Treasurer since 2011
 
Director, Tax and Financial Reporting (2011-Present), Manager, Tax and Financial Reporting (2005-2010), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.  (2011-Present); Asst.  Treasurer, Lighthouse   Holdings   Parent,   Inc.   (2011-Present);   Asst.   Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present).
         
 
 
 

 
 
Name (Age)
 
Position and Length of Time
Served with each Trust
 
Principal Occupation(s) and
Directorships During Past 5 Years
 
       
John J. Okray (40)
 
Asst. Secretary since 2010
 
Deputy General Counsel (2012-Present), Asst. General Counsel (2010-2012) and Asst. Secretary (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Asst. Secretary, Lighthouse  Holdings, Inc. (2010-Present); Asst. Secretary, Lighthouse   Holdings Parent, Inc. (2010-Present); Asst. Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Vice President, OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (2004-2010).
         
Christina E. Sears (42)
 
Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Asst. Secretary since 1999
 
Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., (2004- Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American   Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present).

CODE OF ETHICS

The Manager, the Trust and the sub-advisor have each adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. Each Code of Ethics significantly restricts the personal trading of all employees with access to non-public portfolio information. For example, each Code of Ethics generally requires pre-clearance of all personal securities trades (with limited exceptions) and prohibits employees from purchasing or selling a security that is being purchased or sold or being considered for purchase (with limited exceptions) or sale by any Fund. In addition, the Manager’s and Trust’s Code of Ethics require employees to report trades in shares of the Trusts. Each Code of Ethics is on public file with, and may be obtained from, the SEC.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

From time to time, the Fund may own a security whose issuer solicits a proxy vote on certain matters. The Board seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders and has delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager. The Manager in turn has delegated proxy voting authority to the sub-advisor with respect to the Fund’s assets under the sub-advisor’s management. The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the “Policy”) that governs proxy voting by the Manager and sub-advisor, including procedures to address potential conflicts of interest between the Fund’s shareholders and the Manager, the sub-advisor or their affiliates. The Trust’s Board of Trustees has approved the Manager’s proxy voting policies and procedures with respect to Fund assets under the Manager’s management. Please see Appendix A for a copy of the Policy. The sub-advisor’s proxy voting policy and procedures are summarized (or included in their entirety) in Appendix B. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is available as of August 31 of each year upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The proxy voting record can be found in Form N-PX on the SEC’s website.

CONTROL PERSONS AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any Class of the Fund’s outstanding shares. A control person is a shareholder that owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. Shareholders owning voting securities in excess of 25% may determine the outcome of any matter affecting and voted on by shareholders of the Fund. The actions of an entity or person that controls the Fund could have an effect on other shareholders. For instance, a control person may have effective voting control over the Fund or large redemptions by a control person could cause the Fund’s other shareholders to pay a higher pro rata portion of the Fund’s expenses. As of the date of this SAI, the Manager is the sole shareholder of the Fund.

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Fund’s sub-advisor is listed below with information regarding its controlling persons or entities. According to the Investment Company Act, a person or entity with control with respect to an investment adviser has “the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company.” Persons and entities affiliated with the sub-advisor are considered affiliates for the portion of Fund assets managed by that sub-advisor.

Bahl & Gaynor Inc., d/b/a Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel (“Bahl & Gaynor”):

Controlling Person/Entity
 
Basis of Control
 
Person/Entity Business
William F. Bahl
 
President
 
Financial Services
Vere Warburton Gaynor
 
Chairman
 
Financial Services
 
 
 

 
 
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, the Manager has agreed to pay an annualized advisory fee to the sub-advisor according to the following schedule:

Up to $500 million
 
0.525%
Over $500 million
 
0.50%
*Bahl & Gaynor is not an affiliated person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act) of the Trust, the Fund or the Manager.

The sub-advisor is located at 212 East 3rd Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Bahl & Gaynor pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay Bahl & Gaynor an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily assets. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate if assigned, and may be terminated without penalty at any time by the Manager, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on no less than thirty (30) days’ nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice to the sub-advisor, or by the sub-advisor upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Trust. The Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect provided that annually such continuance is specifically approved by a vote of the Trustees, including the affirmative votes of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such approval, or by the vote of shareholders.  Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no subadvisory fees have been paid to Bahl & Gaynor.

MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

The Manager

The Manager, located at 4151 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 2450 Fort Worth, Texas 76155 is a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (“Lighthouse”). Lighthouse is indirectly majority owned by investment funds affiliated with Pharos Capital Group, LLC (“Pharos”) and TPG Capital, L.P. (“TPG”).

Listed below are individuals and entities that may be deemed control persons of the Manager

Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control/Status
Nature of Controlling
Person/Entity
Business/Business History
Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.
Parent Company
Founded in 2008
William Quinn
Director of Manager; Executive Chairman
 
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
Director of Manager, President, CEO
 
Richard P. Schifter
Director of Manager
Affiliated with TPG
Kneeland C. Youngblood
Director of Manager
Affiliated with Pharos

The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for providing the Trust with advisory and asset allocation services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class. Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class. Pursuant to management and administration agreements, the Manager provides the Trust with office space, office equipment and personnel necessary to manage and administer the Trust’s operations. This includes:

complying with reporting requirements;
corresponding with shareholders;
maintaining internal bookkeeping, accounting and auditing services and records; and
supervising the provision of services to the Trust by third parties.

In addition to its oversight of the sub-advisor, the Manager may invest the portion of the Fund’s assets that the sub-advisor determines to be allocated to short-term investments.

The Fund is responsible for expenses not otherwise assumed by the Manager, including the following: audits by independent auditors; transfer agency, custodian, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder recordkeeping services; taxes, if any, and the preparation of the Fund’s tax returns; interest; costs of Trustee and shareholder meetings; preparing, printing and mailing Prospectuses and reports to existing shareholders; fees for filing reports with regulatory bodies and the maintenance of the Fund’s existence; legal fees; fees to federal and state authorities for the registration of shares; fees and expenses of Trustees; insurance and fidelity bond premiums; fees paid to consultants providing reports regarding
 
 
 

 
 
 adherence by the sub-advisor to the investment style of the Fund; fees paid for brokerage commission analysis for the purpose of monitoring best execution practices of the sub-advisor; and any extraordinary expenses of a nonrecurring nature.

The management agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized management fee equal to 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no fees have been paid to the Manager.

In addition to the management fee, the Manager is paid an administration fee for providing administrative services to the Fund. The administration agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized administration fee that is calculated and accrued daily, equal to the sum of: 0.40% of the net assets of the A Class, 0.40% of the net assets of the C Class, 0.30 % of the net assets of the Y Class, 0.30 % of the net assets of the Investor Class, and 0.30 % of the net assets of the Institutional Class. Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, the Fund has not paid any administration fees to the Manager for the last three fiscal years.

The Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) under a distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, is paid up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class shares and up to 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class shares of the Fund for distribution and shareholder servicing related services, including expenses relating to selling efforts of various broker-dealers, shareholder servicing fees and the preparation and distribution of A Class and C Class advertising material and sales literature. The Manager will receive Rule 12b-1 fees from the A Class and C Class regardless of the amount of the Manager’s actual expenses related to distribution and shareholder servicing efforts on behalf of each Class. Thus, the Manager may realize a profit or a loss based upon its actual distribution and shareholder servicing related expenditures for the A Class and C Class. The Manager anticipates that the Rule 12b-1 plan will benefit shareholders by providing broader access to the Fund through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries who require compensation for their expenses in order to offer shares of the Fund. Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, there were no prior distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act.

The A Class, C Class, Y Class and Investor Class have each adopted a Service Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). The Plans authorize the payment to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) of up to 0.375% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares, up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class shares, up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class shares and up to 0.10% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Y Class shares.  The Manager or other approved entities may spend such amounts on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in or relate to the servicing of A Class, C Class, Y Class and Investor Class shares including, but not limited to, payment of shareholder service fees and transfer agency or sub-transfer agency expenses. The fees, which are included as part of the Fund’s “Other Expenses” in the Table of Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, will be payable monthly in arrears. The fees for each Class will be paid on the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the entity for the services provided pursuant to the respective Class and its Service Plan. The primary expenses expected to be incurred under the Plans are shareholder servicing, record keeping fees and servicing fees paid to financial intermediaries such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers.  Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, there were no prior service fees.

The Manager also may receive up to 25% of the net monthly income generated from the securities lending activities of the Fund as compensation for administrative and oversight functions with respect to securities lending of the Fund. Currently, the Manager receives 10% of such income for other series of the Trust. The Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI. Accordingly, the Manager has not received any fees from the securities lending activities of the Fund. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the Fund to invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in shares of one or more private or registered investment companies managed by the Manager.

The Manager has contractually agreed from time to time to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for the Fund. In July of 2003, the Board approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the previously agreed upon contractual expense limit.

The Distributor

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or “Distributor”), located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101, is the distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust or the Fund. Pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement between Foreside and the Manager, Foreside receives a fee from the Manager for providing administrative services in connection with the marketing and distribution of shares of the Trust, including the registration of Manager employees as registered representatives of the Distributor to facilitate distribution of Fund shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales
 
 
 

 
 
charge paid by the purchasers of A and C Class shares. For A and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of A and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker dealers. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers, for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

State Street, located at 1 Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as custodian for the Fund.  In addition to its other duties as custodian, pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement and instructions given by the Manager, State Street may receive compensation from the Fund for investing certain excess cash balances in designated futures, forwards or registered money market funds.   State Street also serves as the Fund’s Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to rules adopted under the Investment Company Act, where it selects and monitors eligible foreign sub-custodians.

Boston Financial Data Services (an affiliate of State Street), located at 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, is the transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Trust and provides these services to Fund shareholders.

The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm is xxx, which is located at [address]. K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The portfolio managers of the Fund (the “Portfolio Managers”) have responsibility for the day-to- day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by the Portfolio Managers’ firm and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of xx xx, 201x.

 
   
Number of Other Accounts Managed
and Assets by Account Type
 
Number of Accounts and Assets for Which
Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
 
 
Name of
Investment Adviser
and Portfolio Manager
 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
 
Other
accounts
 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   
Other
accounts
 
Bahl & Gaynor
                               
Edward A. Woods
    0 ($0)       0 ($0)  
184 ($327 mil)
    0       0       0  
Scott D. Rodes
    0 ($0)       0 ($0)  
133 ($227 mil)
    0       0       0  
Stephanie S. Thomas
    0 ($0)       0 ($0)  
18 ($17 mil)
    0       0       0  

Conflicts of Interest

As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts other than the Fund. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between the Portfolio Managers’ management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other hand. Set forth below is a description by the sub-advisor of any foreseeable material conflicts of interest that may arise from the concurrent management of the Fund and other accounts. The information regarding potential conflicts of interest was provided by the sub-advisor.

Bahl & Gaynor: Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. Where conflicts of interest arise between the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the sub-advisor will proceed in a manner that ensures that the Fund will not be treated less favorably. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by the portfolio managers. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the sub-advisor’s trade allocation policy.

Compensation

The following is a description provided by the investment sub-advisor regarding the structure of and criteria for determining the compensation of the Portfolio Managers.

Bahl & Gaynor: Each portfolio manager receives a base salary from the sub-advisor, a discretionary bonus, and contributions to a retirement plan. No payment or portfolio manager compensation formulas are tied to the Fund or its performance. In addition, the portfolio managers that are principal owners of Bahl & Gaynor receive benefits indirectly from the revenue generated from the firm. The portfolio managers are not entitled to any deferred benefits.

 
 

 
 
Ownership of the Fund

The Portfolio Managers’ beneficial ownership of the Fund is defined as the Portfolio Managers having the opportunity to share in any profit from transactions in the Fund, either directly or indirectly, as the result of any contract, understanding, arrangement, relationship or otherwise. Therefore, ownership of Fund shares by members of the Portfolio Managers’ immediate family or by a trust of which the Portfolio Managers are a trustee could be considered ownership by the Portfolio Managers. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund has not commenced operations. Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers do not beneficially own any shares of the Fund.

PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

In selecting brokers or dealers to execute particular transactions, the Manager and the sub-advisor are authorized to consider “ brokerage and research services” ( as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), provision of statistical quotations (including the quotations necessary to determine the Fund’s net asset value), and other information provided to the Fund, to the Manager and/or to the sub-advisor (or their affiliates), provided, however, that the Manager or the sub-advisor must always seek best execution. Research and brokerage services may include information on portfolio companies, economic analyses, and other investment research services. The Trusts do not allow the Manager or sub-advisor to enter arrangements to direct transactions to broker-dealers as compensation for the promotion or sale of Trust shares by those broker-dealers. The Manager and the sub-advisor are also authorized to cause the Fund to pay a commission (as defined in SEC interpretations) to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services for executing a portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction. The Manager or the sub-advisor, as appropriate, must determine in good faith, however, that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided, viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all the accounts over which the Manager or the sub-advisor exercises investment discretion. The fees of the sub-advisors are not reduced by reason of receipt of such brokerage and research services. However, with disclosure to and pursuant to written guidelines approved by the Board, as applicable, the Manager, or the sub-advisor (or a broker-dealer affiliated with them) may execute portfolio transactions and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of Rule 17e-1 under the Investment Company Act) for doing so. Brokerage and research services obtained with Fund commissions might be used by the Manager and/or the sub-advisor, as applicable, to benefit their other accounts under management.

The Manager and the sub-advisor will place its own orders to execute securities transactions that are designed to implement the Fund’s investment objective and policies. In placing such orders, the sub-advisor will seek best execution. The full range and quality of services offered by the executing broker or dealer will be considered when making these determinations. Pursuant to written guidelines approved by the Board, as appropriate, the sub-advisor of the Fund, or its affiliated broker-dealer, may execute portfolio transactions and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of Rule 17e-1 of the Investment Company Act) for doing so. The Fund’s turnover rate, or the frequency of portfolio transactions, will vary from year to year depending on market conditions and the Fund’s cash flows. High portfolio activity increases the Fund’s transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions.

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides, in substance, that in executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the principal objective of the sub-advisor is to seek best execution. In assessing available execution venues, the sub-advisor shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the value of any eligible research, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. Transactions with respect to the securities of small and emerging growth companies in which the Fund may invest may involve specialized services on the part of the broker or dealer and thereby may entail higher commissions or spreads than would be the case with transactions involving more widely traded securities.

The Fund may establish brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If the sub-advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. Neither the Manager nor the sub-advisor receives any benefits from the commission recapture program. The sub-advisor’s participation in the brokerage commission recapture program is optional. The sub-advisor retains full discretion in selecting brokerage firms for securities transactions and is instructed to use the commission recapture program for a transaction only if it is consistent with the sub-advisor’s obligation to seek the best execution available.

The Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI. Accordingly, no brokerage commissions were paid by the Fund during the previous three fiscal years and the Fund did not receive any amount as a result of participation in the commission recapture program.

ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION FOR A CLASS SHARES

Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers

As described in the Prospectus, there are various ways to reduce your sales charge when purchasing A Class shares. Additional information about A Class sales charge reductions is provided below.

 
 

 
 
Letter of Intent (“LOI”). The LOI may be revised upward at any time during the 13-month period of the LOI (“LOI Period”), and such a revision will be treated as a new LOI, except that the LOI Period during which the purchases must be made will remain unchanged. Purchases made from the date of revision will receive the reduced sales charge, if any, resulting from the revised LOI. The LOI will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within the 13-month LOI Period. Commissions to dealers will not be adjusted or paid on the difference between the LOI amount and the amount actually invested before the shareholder’s death.
 
All dividends and capital gain distributions on shares held in escrow will be credited to the shareholder’s account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the intended investment is not completed within the specified LOI Period, the purchaser may be required to remit to the transfer agent the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which would have been paid if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. Any dealers assigned to the shareholder’s account at the time a purchase was made during the LOI Period will receive a corresponding commission adjustment if appropriate. If the difference is not paid by the close of the LOI Period, the appropriate number of shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay such difference. If the proceeds from this redemption are inadequate, the purchaser may be liable to the transfer agent for the balance still outstanding.

Rights of Accumulation. Subject to the limitations described in the aggregation policy, you may take into account your accumulated holdings in A Class shares of the Fund to determine your sales charge on investments in accounts eligible to be aggregated. If you make a gift of A Class shares, upon your request, you may purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your investments in A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds.
 
Aggregation. Qualifying investments for aggregation include those made by you and your “immediate family” as defined in the Prospectus, if all parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:
 individual-type employee benefit plans, such as an IRA, individual 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan;
business accounts solely controlled by you or your immediate family (for example, you own the entire business);
trust accounts established by you or your immediate family (for trusts with only one primary beneficiary, upon the trustor’s death the trust account may be aggregated with such beneficiary’s own accounts; for trusts with multiple primary beneficiaries, upon the trustor’s death the trustees of the trust may instruct the Fund’s transfer agent to establish separate trust accounts for each primary beneficiary; each primary beneficiary’s separate trust account may then be aggregated with such beneficiary’s own accounts);
endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or your immediate family; or
529 accounts, which will be aggregated at the account owner level (Class 529-E accounts may only be aggregated with an eligible employer plan).

Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or other fiduciary(ies) may also be aggregated if the investments are:

for a single trust estate or fiduciary account, including employee benefit plans other than the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
made for two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of affiliated employers as defined in the Investment Company Act, excluding the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
for nonprofit, charitable or educational organizations, or any endowments or foundations established and controlled by such organizations, or any employer-sponsored retirement plans established for the benefit of the employees of such organizations, their endowments, or their foundations; or
for individually established participant accounts of a 403(b) plan that is treated similarly to an employer-sponsored plan for sales charge purposes (see “Purchases by certain 403(b) plans” under “Sales Charges” above), or made for two or more such 403(b) plans that are treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for sales charge purposes, in each case of a single employer or affiliated employers as defined in the Investment Company Act.

Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a broker- dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with those made for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.

Concurrent Purchases . As described in the Prospectus, you may reduce your A Class sales charge by combining purchases of A Class shares of the Fund subject to a sales load.
 
Other Purchases . Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by the Manager, A Class shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value (without the imposition of a front-end sales charge) to:

1.  
current or retired trustees, and officers of the American Beacon Funds family, current or retired employees and directors of the Manager and its affiliated companies, certain family members and employees of the above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such persons;
 
 
 

 
 
2.  
currently registered representatives and assistants directly employed by such representatives, retired registered representatives with respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees (collectively, “Eligible Persons” ) (and their spouses, and children, including children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in- law and daughters-in-law, if the Eligible Persons or the spouses or children of the Eligible Persons are listed in the account registration with the spouse or parent) of broker-dealers who have sales agreements with the Distributor (or who clear transactions through such dealers), plans for the dealers, and plans that include as participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses and/or children;

3.  
companies exchanging securities with the Fund through a merger, acquisition or exchange offer;

4.  
insurance company separate accounts;

5.  
accounts managed by the Manager, the sub-advisor to the Fund and its affiliated companies;

6.  
the Manager or the sub-advisor to the Fund and its affiliated companies;

7.  
an individual or entity with a substantial business relationship with the Manager, which may include the officers and employees of the Fund’s custodian and transfer agent, or a sub- advisor to the Fund and its affiliated companies, or an individual or entity related or relating to such individual or entity;

8.  
full-time employees of banks that have sales agreements with the Distributor, who are solely dedicated to directly supporting the sale of mutual funds;

9.  
directors, officers and employees of financial institutions that have a selling group agreement with the Distributor;

10.  
banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including registered investment advisers and financial planners) that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor or one of its affiliates, purchasing shares on behalf of clients participating in the fund supermarket or in a wrap program, asset allocation program or other program in which the clients pay an asset-based fee;

11.  
clients of authorized dealers purchasing shares in fixed or flat fee brokerage accounts;

12.  
Employer-sponsored defined contribution — type plans, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and individual retirement account (“IRA”) rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in the Fund in the American Beacon Funds fund family; and

13.  
Employee benefit and retirement plans for the Manager and its affiliates.

Shares are offered at net asset value to these persons and organizations due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account is established under this net asset value privilege, additional investments can be made at net asset value for the life of the account.

It is possible that a broker-dealer may not be able to offer one or more of these waiver categories. If this situation occurs, it is possible that the investor would need to invest directly through American Beacon Funds in order to take advantage of the waiver. The Fund may terminate or amend the terms of these sales charge waivers at any time.

Moving Between Accounts . Investments in certain account types may be moved to other account types without incurring additional A Class sales charges. These transactions include, for example:

 redemption proceeds from a non-retirement account (for example, a joint tenant account) used to purchase Fund shares in an IRA or other individual-type retirement account;

required minimum distributions from an IRA or other individual-type retirement account used to purchase Fund shares in a non-retirement account; and;

death distributions paid to a beneficiary’s account that are used by the beneficiary to purchase Fund shares in a different account.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES

As discussed in the Prospectus, the redemption of C Class shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if you redeem your shares within 12 months of purchase. If you purchased $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of the Fund (and therefore paid no initial sales charges) and subsequently redeem your shares within 18 months of your purchase, you may be charged a CDSC upon redemption. In
 
 
 

 
 
determining whether the CDSC is payable, it is assumed that shares not subject to the CDSC are the first redeemed followed by other shares held for the longest period of time. The CDSC will not be imposed upon shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions, or upon amounts representing share appreciation. As described in the Prospectus, there are various circumstances under which the CDSC will be waived. Additional information about CDSC waivers is provided below.

The CDSC is waived under the following circumstances:

Any partial or complete redemption following death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) of a shareholder (including one who owns the shares with his or her spouse as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship) from an account in which the deceased or disabled is named. The Manager or the Fund’s transfer agent may require documentation prior to waiver of the charge, including death certificates, physicians’ certificates, etc.

Redemptions from a systematic withdrawal plan. If the systematic withdrawal plan is based on a fixed dollar amount or number of shares, systematic withdrawal redemptions are limited to no more than 10% of your account value or number of shares per year, as of the date the Manager or the Fund’s transfer agent receives your request. If the systematic withdrawal plan is based on a fixed percentage of your account value, each redemption is limited to an amount that would not exceed 10% of your annual account value at the time of withdrawal.

Redemptions from retirement plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The CDSC will be waived for benefit payments made by American Beacon Funds directly to plan participants. Benefit payments will include, but are not limited to, payments resulting from death, disability, retirement, separation from service, required minimum distributions (as described under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code), in-service distributions, hardships, loans and qualified domestic relations orders. The CDSC waiver will not apply in the event of termination of the plan or transfer of the plan to another financial institution.

Redemptions that are mandatory withdrawals from a traditional IRA after age 70 1/2.

Involuntary redemptions as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of the Fund, or other actions by the Fund.

Distributions from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a written agreement with the Distributor (or Manager) allowing this waiver.

To return excess contributions made to a retirement plan.

To return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.

The following example illustrates the operation of the CDSC. Assume that you open an account and purchase 1,000 shares at $10 per share and that six months later the NAV per share is $12 and, during such time, you have acquired 50 additional shares through reinvestment of distributions. If at such time you should redeem 450 shares (proceeds of $5,400), 50 shares will not be subject to the charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the remaining 400 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in NAV of $2 per share. Therefore, $4,000 of the $5,400 redemption proceeds will pay the charge. At the rate of 1.00%, the CDSC would be $40 for redemptions of C Class shares. In determining whether an amount is available for redemption without incurring a deferred sales charge, the purchase payments made for all shares in your account are aggregated.

REDEMPTIONS IN KIND

Although the Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, it reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of securities or other assets. However, shareholders always will be entitled to redeem shares for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value during any 90- day period. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. In addition, to the extent the Fund redeems its shares in this manner the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.

TAX INFORMATION

The tax information set forth in the Prospectus and in this section relates solely to federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) (as discussed below). The tax information in this section is only a summary of certain key federal tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders and is in addition to the information provided in the Prospectus. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal income tax treatment of the Fund or the tax implications to its shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. The information is based on the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or court decisions may
 
 
 

 
 
significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.

Taxation of the Fund

The Fund intends to qualify each taxable year for treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code.  To qualify, the Fund (which is treated as a separate corporation for these purposes) must, among other requirements:

Derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from (1) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or certain other income, including gains from options, futures or forward contracts, derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies and (2) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (“QPTP”) (“Gross Income Requirement”). A QPTP is a “ publicly traded partnership” other than a partnership at least 90% of the gross income of which is described in clause (1).

Diversify its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (1) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items, Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with those other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities (equity securities of QPTPs being considered voting securities for these purposes) and (2) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in (a) securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) securities of one or more QPTPs (“ Diversification Requirements” ); and

Distribute annually to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income, plus the excess (if any) of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and net gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) (“ Distribution Requirement” ).

The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax (“Excise Tax”) to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary (taxable) income for that year and substantially all of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts.

If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for treatment as a RIC either (1) by failing to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, even if it satisfied the Income and Diversification Requirements, or (2) by failing to satisfy the Income Requirement and/or either Diversification Requirement and was unable, or determined not to, avail itself of provisions enacted as part of the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 that enable a RIC to cure a failure to satisfy any of the Income and Diversification Requirements as long as the failure “is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect” and the RIC pays a deductible tax calculated in accordance with those provisions and meets certain other requirements — then for federal tax purposes, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for dividends paid to shareholders, and the dividends it distributes would be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly, for individual and certain other non-corporate (collectively, “individual” ) shareholders as “qualified dividend income” (as described in the Prospectus)) to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify for RIC treatment would therefore have a negative impact on the Fund’s income and performance. Furthermore, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying for RIC treatment. It is possible that the Fund will not qualify as a RIC in any given taxable year.

Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies

If the Fund acquires stock in a foreign corporation that is a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”)- generally, any foreign corporation, with certain exceptions, that, in general, meets either of the following tests for the taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income-and holds the stock beyond the end of the year of acquisition, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on any “excess distribution” it receives on the stock or of any gain it realizes from disposition of that stock (collectively “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible for the 15% and 20% maximum federal income tax rates on individuals’ “qualified dividend income” described in the Prospectus.  The Fund may avoid this tax and interest if it elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund”; however, the requirements for that election are difficult to satisfy. If such an election were made, the Fund would be required to include in its income each taxable year a portion of the ordinary income and net capital gains of the PFIC, even if the income and gains were not distributed to the Fund. Any such income and gains would be subject to the Distribution Requirement and to the calendar year Excise Tax distribution requirement.

The Fund may elect to “mark-to-market” its stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year. Under such an election, the Fund (1)
 
 
 

 
 
would include in gross income each taxable year (and treat as ordinary income) an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the PFIC stock as of the close of the taxable year over the Fund’s adjusted basis in the PFIC stock and (2) would be allowed a deduction (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) for the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in the PFIC stock over the fair market value of the PFIC stock as of the close of the taxable year, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included by the Fund for prior taxable years. The Fund’s adjusted basis in PFIC stock would be adjusted to reflect the amounts included in income or deducted under this election. Any gain or loss realized on the sale or other disposition of PFIC stock would be treated as ordinary income or loss. The Fund generally would not be subject to the deferred tax and interest charge discussed above with respect to PFIC stock for which a mark-to-market election has been made.

Investors should be aware that the Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation’s shares, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC and that a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires shares therein.

Hedging strategies, such as entering into forward contracts and selling (writing) and purchasing options and futures contracts, involve complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of gains and losses the Fund may realize in connection therewith. In general, the Fund’s (1) gains from the disposition of foreign currencies and (2) gains from options, futures and forward contracts derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies will be treated as qualifying income under the Gross Income Requirement.

The Fund may invest in one or more limited liability companies (“LLCs”) and limited partnerships (“LPs”) that will be classified for federal tax purposes as partnerships (and, except as expressly stated below, this discussion assumes that classification). LLCs and LPs in which the Fund may invest may include (1) a “publicly traded partnership” (that is, a partnership the interests in which are “traded on an established securities market” or “readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof)”) (a “PTP”), which may be a QPTP, or (2) a non-PTP at least 90% of the income of which satisfies the Gross Income Requirement.

If an LLC or LP in which the Fund invests is a QPTP, all its net income (regardless of source) will be qualifying income to the Fund under the Gross Income Requirement. The Fund’s investment in QPTPs, together with certain other investments, however, may not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets at the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to satisfy one of the Diversification Requirements. In addition, the Fund’s holding of more than 10% of a QPTP’s equity securities will not count toward its satisfying those requirements.

With respect to non-QPTPs, (1) if an LLC or LP (including a PTP) is treated for federal tax purposes as a corporation, distributions from it to the Fund might be treated as “qualified dividend income” and disposition of the Fund’s interest therein would generate gain or loss from the disposition of a security, or (2) if such an LLC or LP is not treated as a corporation, the Fund would be treated as having earned its proportionate share of each item of income the LLC or LP earned. In the latter case, the Fund would be able to treat its share of the entity’s income as qualifying income under the Gross Income Requirement only to the extent that income would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the LLC or LP.

Certain LLCs and LPs (e.g. private funds) in which the Fund invests may generate income and gains that is not qualifying income under the Gross Income Requirement. The Fund will monitor its investments in LLCs and LPs to assure its compliance with the requirements for qualification as a RIC.

Dividends and interest the Fund receives, and gains it realizes on foreign securities, may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively, “foreign taxes”) that would reduce the yield and/or total return on its securities. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains on investments by foreign investors.

Some futures contracts, foreign currency contracts and “non-equity” options (i.e., certain listed options, such as those on a “broad-based” securities index)— except any “securities futures contract” that is not a “dealer securities futures contract” ( both as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement— in which the Fund invests may be subject to Internal Revenue Code section 1256 (collectively, “section 1256 contracts”). Any section 1256 contracts the Fund holds at the end of its taxable year generally must be “marked-to-market” (that is, treated as having been sold at that time for its fair market value) for federal income tax purposes, with the result that unrealized gains or losses will be treated as though they were realized. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss realized on these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales of section 1256 contracts, will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax. These rules may operate to increase the amount that the Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement (i.e., with respect to the portion treated as short-term capital gain), which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them, and to increase the net capital gain the Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to it.

Section 988 of the Internal Revenue Code also may apply to the Fund’s forward currency contracts, and options and futures on foreign currencies. Under that section, each foreign currency gain or loss generally is computed separately and treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund’s investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as
 
 
 

 
 
ordinary income, rather than affecting the amount of its net capital gain. If section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year before the losses were realized would be re-characterized as a return of capital to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares.

Offsetting positions the Fund enters into or holds in any actively traded option, futures or forward contract may constitute a “straddle” for federal income tax purposes. Straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the amount, character and timing of the Fund’s gains and losses with respect to positions of the straddle by requiring, among other things, that (1) losses realized on disposition of one position of a straddle be deferred to the extent of any unrealized gain in an offsetting position until the latter position is disposed of, (2) the Fund’s holding period in certain straddle positions not begin until the straddle is terminated (possibly resulting in gain being treated as short-term rather than long-term capital gain) and (3) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions, that otherwise would constitute short-term capital losses, be treated as long-term capital losses. Applicable regulations also provide certain “wash sale” rules, which apply to transactions where a position is sold at a loss and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period, and “short sale” rules applicable to straddles. Different elections are available, which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to “mixed straddles” (i.e., a straddle of which at least one, but not all, positions are section 1256 contracts).

When a covered call option written (sold) by the Fund expires, it will realize a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. When the Fund terminates its obligations under such an option by entering into a closing transaction, it will realize a short-term capital gain (or loss), depending on whether the cost of the closing transaction is less (or more) than the premium it received when it wrote the option. When a covered call option written by the Fund is exercised, it will be treated as having sold the underlying security, producing long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period of the underlying security and whether the sum of the option price received on the exercise plus the premium received when it wrote the option is more or less than the underlying security’s basis.

If the Fund has an “appreciated financial position” — generally, any position (i.e. an interest including an interest through an option, futures or forward contract, or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than “straight debt”) or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis — and enters into a “constructive sale” of the position, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with the result that it will recognize gain at that time. A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures, or forward contract the Fund or a related person enters into with respect to the same or substantially identical property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property will be deemed a constructive sale. The foregoing will not apply, however, to any Fund transaction during any taxable year that otherwise would be treated as a constructive sale if the transaction is closed within 30 days after the end of that year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing (i.e., at no time during that 60-day period is the Fund’s risk of loss regarding that position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities).

Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income tax withheld at the source, and the amount of tax withheld will generally be treated as an expense of the Fund. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, tax on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Fund’s assets to be invested in various countries is not known.

Taxation of the Fund’s Shareholders

General -Dividends and other distributions the Fund declares in the last quarter of any calendar year that are payable to shareholders of record on a date in that quarter will be deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by those shareholders on December 31 of that year if the Fund pays the distributions during the following January. Accordingly, those distributions will be reported by, and taxed to, those shareholders for the taxable year in which that December 31 falls.

If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received thereon. Investors also should be aware that the price of Fund shares at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming dividend or capital gain distribution. So, if an investor purchases Fund shares shortly before the record date for a distribution, the investor will pay full price for the shares and receive some portion of the price back as a taxable distribution even though it represents in part a return of invested capital.

If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to, and may, file an election with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that will enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive the benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign taxes paid by it. If the Fund makes this election, it will treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder will be required to (1) include in gross income, and treat as paid by him, his proportionate share of those taxes, (2) treat his share of foreign taxes and of any dividend the Fund pays that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources as his own income from those sources and (3) either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit
 
 
 

 
 
against his federal income tax or, alternatively, deduct the taxes deemed paid by him in computing his taxable income. If the Fund makes this election, it will report to its shareholders shortly after each taxable year their respective shares of the Fund’s income from foreign and U.S. possessions sources and foreign taxes paid. Pursuant to that election, individuals who have no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign source income is “qualified passive income” may elect each year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation and will be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required.

Basis Election and Reporting

Fund shareholders who want to use an acceptable method for basis determination other than the average basis method with respect to Fund shares acquired after December 31, 2011 (“Covered Shares”), must elect to do so in writing (which may be electronic). If a shareholder of the Fund fails to affirmatively elect such a method, the basis determination will be made in accordance with the Fund’s default basis method which is average cost. The basis determination method the Fund shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption of Covered Shares after the settlement date of the redemption.

In addition to the requirement to report the gross proceeds from the redemption of shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for Covered Shares and indicate whether they had a short-term (one year or less) or long-term (more than one year) holding period. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted basis determination method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the basis reporting law applies to them. Fund shareholders who acquire and hold shares through a financial intermediary should contact their financial intermediary for information related to the basis election and reporting.

Backup Withholding

The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury 28% of dividends, capital gain distributions, and redemption proceeds (regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized) otherwise payable to any individual shareholder who fails to certify that the taxpayer identification number furnished to the Fund is correct or who furnishes an incorrect number (together with the withholding described in the next sentence, “backup withholding”). Withholding at that rate also is required from the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions otherwise payable to such a shareholder who (1) is subject to backup withholding for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly or (2) fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to backup withholding or that it is a corporation or other “exempt recipient.”

Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather any amounts so withheld may be credited against your federal income tax liability or refunded.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) - Under FATCA, “foreign financial institutions” (“FFIs”) or “non-financial foreign entities” (“NFFEs”) that are Fund shareholders may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on (1) income dividends the Fund pays after June 30, 2014, and (2) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds of a redemption of Fund shares it pays after December 31, 2016.   As discussed below, the FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided (a) by an FFI, if it reports certain information regarding direct and indirect ownership of financial accounts U.S. persons hold with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if (i) it certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) it does have such owners and reports information relating to them to the withholding agent.  The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (“IGAs”) with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA; entities in those countries may be required to comply with the terms of the IGA instead of Treasury regulations. An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a “participating FFI,” which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under such an agreement, a participating FFI agrees to (1) verify and document whether it has U.S. accountholders, (2) report certain information regarding their accounts to the IRS, and (3) meet certain other specified requirements.

An FFI resident in a country that has entered into a Model I IGA with the United States must report to that country’s government (pursuant to the terms of the applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS.   An FFI resident in a Model II IGA country generally must comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, with certain exceptions, including the treatment of recalcitrant accountholders. An FFI resident in one of those countries that complies with whichever of the foregoing applies will be exempt from FATCA withholding.  An NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each such owner.  The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS.  Those foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted, or deemed compliant categories established by Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA.  An FFI or NFFE that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA to avoid FATCA withholding.  The requirements imposed by FATCA are different from, and in addition to, the tax certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.  Investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these requirements to their own situation.

 
 

 
 
Other Taxes - Statutory rules and regulations regarding state and local taxation of ordinary income, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions may differ from the federal income taxation rules described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s participation situation.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST

The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for its obligations. However, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of Trust property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust may maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding) for the protection of the Trust, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents to cover possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its obligations. The Trust has not engaged in any other business.

The Trust was originally created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans for American Airlines, Inc. The following individuals (and members of that individual’s “immediate family”), are eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, (ii) employees of the sub-advisor for the Fund where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) officers and directors of American Airlines Group Inc., (iv) members of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, (v) employees of TPG/Pharos, and (vi) members of the Manager’s Board of Directors. The term “immediate family” refers to one’s spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, parents in law, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters in law, a sibling’s spouse, a spouse’ s sibling, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by virtue of remarriage (step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included. Any shareholders that the Manager transfers to the Institutional Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000.

The Investor Class was created to give individuals and other smaller investors an opportunity to invest in the American Beacon Funds. The Y Class and Institutional Class were created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans. The A Class and C Class were created for investors investing in the Fund through their broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, xx, audits and reports on the Fund’s annual financial statements. The audited financial statements include the schedule of investments, statement of assets and liabilities, statement of operations, statements of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm. Shareholders will receive annual audited financial statements and semi-annual unaudited financial statements. As of the date hereof, the Fund has not commenced operations. Accordingly, financial statements are not available for the Fund.

 
 

 

APPENDIX A
 

AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC.

SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to secure the best long-term interests of the advisory clients of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“AmBeacon”). AmBeacon’s proxy voting policies and procedures are designed to implement AmBeacon’s duty to vote proxies in clients’ best interests. Given that AmBeacon manages portfolios that invest solely in fixed-income securities, the only securities for which we expect to receive proxies are money market mutual funds. As such, the proxy voting policies and procedures set forth voting guidelines for the proxy issues and proposals common to money market funds.

For routine proposals that will not change the structure, bylaws or operations of the money market fund, AmBeacon’s policy is to support management; however, each proposal will be considered individually focusing on the financial interests of the client portfolio. Non-routine proposals, such as board elections, advisory contract and distribution plan approvals, investment objective changes, and mergers, will generally be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with AmBeacon first and foremost considering the effect of the proposal on the portfolio.

Items to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and proposals not contemplated in the policies set forth above will be assessed by AmBeacon. In these situations, AmBeacon will use its judgment to vote in the best interest of the client portfolio. For all proposals, especially controversial or case-by-case evaluations, AmBeacon will be responsible for individually identifying significant issues that could impact the investment performance of the portfolio.

AmBeacon manages portfolios for the American Beacon Funds (the “Beacon Funds”) and the American Beacon Select Funds (the “Select Funds”). AmBeacon may invest a Beacon Fund in shares of one or more Select Funds. If a Select Fund solicits a proxy for which a Beacon Fund is entitled to vote, AmBeacon’s interests as manager of the Select Fund seeking shareholder votes may conflict with the interests of the Beacon Fund as shareholder of the Select Fund. To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interests in these cases, AmBeacon will vote the Beacon Fund’s shares in accordance with the Beacon Fund’s Board of Trustees’ recommendations in the proxy statement.

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Last Amended July 1, 2012

Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to secure the best long-term interests of shareholders of the American Beacon Funds and the American Beacon Select Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Therefore, these Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the “Policy”) have been adopted by the Funds.

The Funds are managed by American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”). The Manager allocates discrete portions of the American Beacon Funds among sub-advisors, but the Manager may directly manage all or a portion of the assets of certain Funds directly. The Funds’ Boards of Trustees have delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager. The Manager has in turn delegated proxy voting authority to each sub-advisor with respect to the sub-advisor’s respective portion of the Fund(s) under management, but the Manager has retained the authority to override a proposed proxy voting decision by a sub-advisor. For the securities held in their respective portion of each Fund, the Manager and the sub-advisors make voting decisions pursuant to their own proxy voting policies and procedures, which have been adopted by the applicable Fund and approved by the applicable Fund’s Board of Trustees.

Conflicts of Interest

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of Fund shareholders. For certain proxy proposals, the interests of the Manager, the sub-advisors and/or their affiliates may differ from Fund shareholders’ interests. To avoid the appearance of impropriety and to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders in these circumstances, the Manager and the sub-advisors are required to establish procedures that are reasonably designed to address material conflicts between their interests and those of the Funds.

When a sub-advisor deems that it is conflicted with respect to a voting matter, its policy may call for it to seek voting instructions from the client. The Manager is authorized by the Boards of Trustees to consider any such matters and provide voting instructions to the sub-advisor, unless the Manager has determined that its interests are conflicted with Fund shareholders with respect to the voting matter. In those instances, the Manager will vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party proxy voting advisory service.

 
 

 
 
Each American Beacon Fund has the ability to invest in the shares of any of the American Beacon Select Funds. For example, the American Beacon High Yield Bond Fund may purchase shares of the American Beacon Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon Money Market Select Fund issues a proxy for which the American Beacon High Yield Bond Fund is entitled to vote, the Manager’s interests regarding the Money Market Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the High Yield Bond Fund. In these cases, the Manager will vote in accordance with the American Beacon Select Funds Board of Trustees’ recommendations in the proxy statement.

If the methods for addressing conflicts of interest, as described above, are deemed by the Manager to be unreasonable due to cost, timing or other factors, then the Manager may decline to vote in those instances.

Securities on Loan

The Manager shall engage a proxy voting service to notify the Manager before the record date about the occurrence of future shareholder meetings, as feasible. The Manager will determine whether or not to recall shares of the applicable security that are on loan with the intent of the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, voting such shares. The Manager’s determination shall be based on factors which may include the nature of the meeting (i.e., annual or special), the percentage of the proxy issuer’s outstanding securities on loan, any other information regarding the proxy proposals of which the Manager may be aware, and the loss of securities lending income to the Fund as a result of recalling the shares on loan.

Recordkeeping

The Manager and the sub-advisors shall maintain records of all votes cast on behalf of the Funds. Such documentation will include the firm’s proxy voting policies and procedures company reports provided by proxy voting advisory services, additional information gathered by the Manager or sub-advisor that was material to reaching a voting decision, and communications to the Manager regarding any identified conflicts. The Manager and the sub-advisors shall maintain voting records in a manner to facilitate the Funds’ production of the Form N-PX filing on an annual basis.

Disclosure

The Manager will coordinate the compilation of the Fund’s proxy voting record for each year ended June 30 and file the required information with the SEC via Form N-PX by August 31. The Manager will include a summary of the Policy and/or the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Manager and the sub-advisors, as applicable, in each Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). In each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, the Manager will disclose that a description of the Policy and/or the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Manager and the sub-advisors, as applicable, is a) available upon request, without charge, by toll-free telephone request, b) on the Fund’s website (if applicable), and c) on the SEC’s website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the Fund’s proxy voting record is available by toll-free telephone request (or on the Funds’ website) and on the SEC’s website by way of the Form N- PX. Within three business days of receiving a request, the Manager will send a copy of the policy description or voting record by first-class mail.

Manager Oversight

The Manager shall review a sub-advisor’s proxy voting policies and procedures for compliance with this Policy and applicable laws and regulations prior to initial delegation of proxy voting authority and on at least an annual basis thereafter.

Board Oversight

On at least an annual basis, the Manager will present a summary of the voting records of the Fund to the Boards of Trustees for their review. The Manager will notify the Boards of Trustees of any material changes to its proxy voting policies and procedures.

 
 

 

APPENDIX B

PROXY VOTING POLICIES — INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISOR

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


Bahl & Gaynor, Inc.
 
 
Proxy Voting
 

 
Introduction
 
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser to adopt and implement written policies and procedures, reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients.  The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a summary of the adviser’s proxy voting process and offer to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to clients upon request.  Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to clients how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.
 
Policy
 
It is the policy of B&G to vote client proxies via a third party provider, Broadridge Financial Solutions, One Park Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Broadridge receives the proxy voting materials, vote proxies pursuant to detailed policies and procedures on file with B&G, and make the proxy voting record available to B&G and its clients.  Bahl & Gaynor follows Glass Lewis & Co. proxy voting guidelines.
 
Recordkeeping
 
B&G must maintain the documentation described in the following section for a period of not less than five (5) years, the first two (2) years at its principal place of business.  The Compliance Officer will be responsible for the following procedures and for ensuring that the required documentation is retained.
 
Client request to review proxy votes:
 
Any request, whether written (including e-mail) or oral, received by any employee of B&G, must be promptly reported to the Compliance Officer.  All written requests must be retained in the permanent file.
 
The Compliance Officer will record the identity of the client, the date of the request, and the disposition (e.g., provided a written or oral response to client’s request, referred to third party, not a proxy voting client, other dispositions, etc.) in a suitable place.
 
In order to facilitate the management of proxy voting record keeping process, and to facilitate dissemination of such proxy voting records to clients, the Compliance Officer will distribute to any client requesting proxy voting information the complete proxy voting record of B&G for the period requested.  Reports containing proxy information of only those issuers held by a certain client will not be created or distributed.1
 
Any report disseminated to a client(s) will contain the following legend:
 
●        
“This report contains the full proxy voting record of Bahl & Gaynor.  If securities of a particular issuer were held in your account on the date of the shareholder meeting indicated, your proxy was voted in the direction indicated (absent your expressed written direction otherwise).”
 


1 For clients who have provided B&G with specific direction on proxy voting, the Compliance Officer will review the proxy voting record and permanent file in order to identify those proposals voted differently than how Broadridge voted clients not providing direction.
 
 
 

 
 
Furnish the information requested, free of charge, to the client within a reasonable time period (within 10 business days).  Maintain a copy of the written record provided in response to client’s written (including e-mail) or oral request.  A copy of the written response should be attached and maintained with the client’s written request, if applicable and maintained in the permanent file.
 
Clients are permitted to request the proxy voting record for the 5 year period prior to their request.
 
Disclosure
 
B&G will ensure that Part II of Form ADV is updated as necessary to reflect: (i) all material changes to the Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures; and (ii) regulatory requirements.

Proxy Solicitation
 
 
The Compliance Officer is to be promptly informed of the receipt of any solicitation from any person to vote proxies on behalf of clients.  At no time may any employee accept any remuneration in the solicitation of proxies.  The Compliance Officer shall handle all responses to such solicitations.
 

 
 

 

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 28.
Exhibits
     
(a)
 
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated November 12, 2013 – (lvviii)
     
(b)
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated June 4, 2013 – (lvviv)
     
(c)
 
Rights of holders of the securities being registered are contained in Articles III, VIII, X, XI and XII of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust and Articles III, V, VI and XI of the Registrant’s Bylaws
     
(d)
(1)(A)
Management Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Mileage Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Master Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated September 12, 2008 – (xx)
     
 
(1)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to Management Agreement, dated November 12, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(2)(A)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated February 20, 2014 – (lvviii)
     
 
(2)(B)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(C)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated June 24, 2011 – (xl)
     
 
(2)(C)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated July 1, 2012- (xlix)
     
 
(2)(D)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Calamos Advisors LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(D)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Calamos Advisors LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(E)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)

 
(2)(F)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Dreman Value Management LLC, dated January 19, 2011 – (xxxvii)
     
 
 
 

 
 
(2)(F)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Dreman Value Management LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(G)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated January 13, 2011 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(G)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(H)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xl)
     
 
(2)(H)(ii)
Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated March 17, 2011 – (xl)
     
 
(2)(H)(iii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(I)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(J)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Logan Circle Partners, L.P., dated January 14, 2011 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(J)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Logan Circle Partners, L.P., dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(K)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(K)(ii)
Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., dated January 1, 2009 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(L)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and NISA Investment Advisors, L.L.C., dated March 26, 2014 – (lvviv)
     
 
(2)(M)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Opus Capital Group, LLC, dated March 26, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(N)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Pzena Investment Management, LLC, dated March 26, 2014 – (lvvv)
 
 
 

 
 
(2)(O)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(P)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC, dated September 12, 2008 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(P)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(Q)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Standish Mellon Asset Management Company LLC dated January 20, 2011 –  (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(R)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds,  American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Zebra Capital Management, LLC dated March 26, 2014 –  (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(S)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Strategic Income Management, LLC – (xxxv)
     
 
(2)(S)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(T)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Dean Capital Management, LLC - (xli)
     
 
(2)(T)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Dean Capital Management, LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(U)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Fox Asset Management, LLC – (xli)
     
 
(2)(U)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Fox Asset Management, LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(V)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Signia Capital Management, LLC, dated March 20, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(W)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. dated January 20, 2011 – (xxxvii)
     
 
(2)(X)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Massachusetts Financial Services Company, dated April 1, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(Y)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds,  American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and GAM
 
 
 

 
    International Management Limited, dated March 28, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(Z)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, dated June 24, 2011 – (xl)
     
 
(2)(Z)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(AA)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Lee Munder Capital Group, LLC, dated June 13, 2011 – (xl)
     
 
(2)(AA)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors and Lee Munder Capital Group, LLC, dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(BB)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated March 26, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(CC)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated November 17, 2011 – (xliii)
     
 
(2)(CC)(ii)
Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(CC)(iii)
Second Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated May 1, 2013 – (liv)
     
 
(2)(DD)(i)
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds,  American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Holland Capital Management LLC, dated March 28, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(2)(EE)(i)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and PENN Capital Management Company, Inc., dated September 13, 2011 – (xliv)
     
 
(2)(EE)(ii)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and PENN Capital Management Company, Inc., dated July 1, 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(2)(FF)
Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated May 21, 2012 – (xlviii)
     
 
(2)(GG)
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds,  American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Earnest Partners, LLC, dated August 26, 2013 – (lvii)
     
 
(2)(HH)
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors Inc. and Acadian Asset Management LLC,
 
 
 

 
    dated September 6, 2013 – (lviii)
     
 
(2)(II)
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors Inc. and Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP, dated September 4, 2013 – (lviv)
     
 
(2)(JJ)
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors Inc. and Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated November 18, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(2)(KK)
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and AHL Partners LLP – (to be filed by subsequent amendment)
     
 
(2)(LL)
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., dated May 1, 2014 – (filed herewith)
     
(e)
(1)
Form of Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Mileage Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, dated March 31, 2009 – (xxx)
     
 
(2)(A)
Amended and Restated Appendix A to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, dated November 19, 2013 – (lvv)
     
(f)
 
Bonus, profit sharing or pension plans – (none)
     
(g)
(1)
Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 1, 1997 – (ii)
     
 
(2)
Amended and Restated Schedule D to the Custodian Agreement, dated December 20, 2012 – (l)
     
 
(3)
Amendment to Amended and Restated Schedule D to the Custodian Agreement, effective as of January 21, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
(h)
(1)(A)
Transfer Agency Policy and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated January 1, 1998 – (ii)
     
 
(1)(B)
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement regarding anti-money laundering procedures, dated July 24, 2002 – (viii)
     
 
(1)(C)
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement regarding anti-money laundering procedures, dated September 24, 2002 – (ix)
     
 
(1)(D)
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement to replace fee schedule, dated March 26, 2004 – (xviii)
     
 
(1)(E)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 21, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
 
(1)(F)
Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., dated March 15, 2008 (xxxiv)
     
 
(2)(A)
First Amendment to the Securities Lending Agency Agreement, dated
 
 
 

 
    May 2, 2008 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(2)(B)
Second Amendment to the Securities Lending Agency Agreement, dated May 20, 2009(xxxiv)
     
 
(2)(C)
Third Amendment to the Securities Lending Agency Agreement, dated November 3, 2009(xxxiv)
     
 
(3)(A)
Restated and Amended Administration Agreement among American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated May 10, 2012 – (xlviii)
     
 
(3)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to Restated and Amended Administration Agreement among American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated November 12, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(4)(A)
Administrative Services Agreement among American AAdvantage Funds, American AAdvantage Mileage Funds, AMR Investment Services Trust, AMR Investment Services, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated November 29, 1999 – (iii)
     
 
(4)(B)
Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement among American AAdvantage Funds, American AAdvantage Mileage Funds, AMR Investment Services Trust, AMR Investment Services, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company to add Mid-Cap Value Fund and Emerging Markets Fund, dated June 30, 2004 – (xiii)
     
 
(4)(C)
Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated March 1, 2005 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(4)(D)
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 7, 2010 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(4)(E)
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 6, 2012 – (xliii)
     
 
(4)(F)
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 29, 2012 – (xlviii)
     
 
(4)(G)
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated January 1, 2013 – (l)
     
 
 
 

 
 
(4)(H)
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated August 28, 2013 – (lviii)
     
 
(5)
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Investor Class, dated March 6, 2009 – (xxiii)
     
 
(6)
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Advisor Class (formerly known as the AAdvantage Funds Service Class), dated May 1, 2003 – (x)
     
 
(7)(A)
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Retirement Class, dated April 30, 2009 – (xxii)
     
 
(7)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Retirement Class, dated December 15, 2010 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(8)(A)
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Y Class, dated July 24, 2009 – (xxiii)
     
 
(8)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Y Class, dated February 3, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
 
(9)(A)
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated February 16, 2010 – (xxvii)
     
 
(9)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated February 3, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
 
(10)(A)
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated May 25, 2010 – (xxxi)
     
 
(10)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated February 3, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
 
(11)
Master-Feeder Participation Agreement among Small Cap Index Fund, International Equity Index Fund, Quantitative Master Series Trust, and Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc., dated June 30, 2000 – (iv)
     
 
(12)
Master-Feeder Participation Agreement among S&P 500 Index Fund, Equity 500 Index Portfolio and SSgA Funds Management, Inc., dated May 1, 2001 – (vii)
     
 
(13)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 31, 2008 – (xix)
     
 
(14)(A)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated November 8, 2011 – (xlii)
     
 
(14)(B)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated January 27, 2012 – (xliii)
     
 
(14)(C)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American
 
 
 

 
    Beacon Funds, dated January 31, 2012 – (xlv)
     
 
(14)(D)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated February 23, 2012 – (xlvii)
     
 
(14)(E)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon London Company Income Equity Fund, dated May 14, 2012 – (xlviii)
     
 
(14)(F)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated January 31, 2013 – (li)
     
 
(14)(G)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated March 8, 2013 – (lii)
     
 
(14)(H)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon Earnest Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund, dated August 9, 2013 – (lvii)
     
 
(14)(I)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund, dated August 9, 2013 – (lviii)
     
 
(14)(J)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund, dated August 9, 2013 – (lviv)
     
 
(14)(K)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund, dated November 12, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(14)(L)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated December 19, 2013  – (lvviii)
     
 
(14)(M)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for certain American Beacon Funds, dated March 28, 2014 – (lvvv)
     
 
(14)(N)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund – (to be filed by subsequent amendment)
     
 
(14)(O)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund – (to be filed by subsequent amendment)
     
 
(14)(P)
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund – (to be filed by subsequent amendment)
     
(i)
 
Opinion and consent of counsel – (to be filed by subsequent amendment)
     
(j)
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – (none)
     
(k)
 
Financial statements omitted from prospectus – (none)
     
(l)
 
Letter of investment intent – (i)
     
(m)
(1)
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Advisor Class (formerly known as the Service Class) – (x)
 
 
 

 
 
(2)(A)
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Retirement Class – (xxiii)
     
 
(2)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Retirement Class, dated December 15, 2010 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(3)(A)
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class – (xxx)
     
 
(3)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, dated February 3, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
 
(4)(A)
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class – (xxxi)
     
 
(4)(B)
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, dated February 3, 2014 – (lvvii)
     
(n)
 
Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, dated March 9, 2011 – (xxxviii)
     
(p)
(1)
Code of Ethics of American Beacon Advisors, Inc., American Beacon Funds, and American Beacon Select Funds, dated February 18, 2014 – (lvviii)
     
 
(2)
Code of Ethics of State Street Master Funds, dated April 1, 2012 – (xlvii)
     
 
(3)
Code of Ethics of Quantitative Master Series LLC, dated March 22, 2013 – (liii)
     
 
(4)
Code of Ethics of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated December 31, 2010 – (xxxvi)
     
 
(5)
Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated January 2011 – (xxxviii)
     
 
(6)
Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy of Calamos Advisors LLC, dated March 17, 2009 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(7)
Code of Ethics of Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 25, 2005 and revised August 10, 2010 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(8)
Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy of Dreman Value Management LLC, February 24, 2010 – (xxxiv)
     
 
(9)
Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated December 2013 – (lvviii)
     
 
(10)
Code of Ethics and Personal Investment Policy of Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated January 2012 – (xlix)
     
 
(11)
Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Guidelines of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., effective September 16, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(12)
Code of Ethics and Standard of Professional Conduct of NISA Investment Advisors, L.L.C., dated October 28, 2013 – (lvviii)
     
 
(13)
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Opus Capital Group, LLC, dated January 7, 2005 and revised March 31, 2010 – (xxxiv)
 
 
 

 
 
(14)
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Pzena Investment Management, LLC, revised January 2009 – (xxi)
     
 
(15)
Code of Ethics and Policy Statement on Insider Trading of Franklin Templeton, parent company of  Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Templeton Investments Counsel, LLC, dated May 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(16)
Code of Conduct and Personal Securities Trading Policy of The Bank of New York Mellon, parent company of The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC and Standish Mellon Asset Management LLC, dated March 2012 – (li)
     
 
(17)
Code of Ethics of Zebra Capital Management, LLC, dated November 2011 – (xlvi)
     
 
(18)
Code of Ethics for Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated March 2013 – (liv)
     
 
(19)
Code of Ethics for Dean Capital Management, LLC, dated October 11, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(20)
Code of Ethics for Fox Asset Management, LLC, revised July 1, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(21)
Code of Ethics for Signia Capital Management, LLC, dated May 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(22)
Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Co., dated November 22, 2013 – (lvviii)
     
 
(23)
Code of Ethics of Brandes Investment Partners, L.P., dated August 15, 2010 – (xl)
     
 
(24)
Code of Ethics of Fortress Investment Group LLC (on behalf of Logan Circle Partners, L.P.), dated January 2012 – (xlvi)
     
 
(25)
Code of Ethics of GAM International Management Limited – (xxxix)
     
 
(26)
Code of Ethics of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), dated May 2009 – (xxxviii)
     
 
(27)
Code of Ethics for Lee Munder Capital Group, LLC, dated May 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(28)
Code of Ethics for Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated April 2012 – (li)
     
 
(29)
Code of Ethics for Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated June 23, 2011 –  (xliii)
     
 
(30)
Code of Ethics for Holland Capital Management LLC, dated June 2012 and revised October 2013 – (lvvi)
     
 
(31)
Code of Ethics for PENN Capital Management Company, Inc., dated February 21, 2012 – (xliv)
     
 
(32)
Code of Ethics for The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated April 2, 2012 – (xlviii)
 
 
 

 
 
 
(33)
Code of Ethics for Earnest Partners, dated August 4, 2008 – (liv)
     
 
(34)
Code of Ethics for Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP – (lv)
     
 
(35)
Code of Ethics for Acadian Asset Management LLC, dated January 2013 – (lvi)
     
 
(36)
Code of Ethics for Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated January 1, 2013 – (lvv)
     
 
(37)
Code of Ethics for AHL Partners LLP – (to be filed by subsequent amendment)
     
 
(38)
Code of Ethics for Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., amended 2014 – (filed herewith)
Other Exhibits
Powers of Attorney for Trustees of American Beacon Funds and the American Beacon Select Funds, dated August 9, 2012 – (filed herewith)
 
Powers of Attorney for Trustees of the State Street Master Funds, dated April 30, 2013 – (liii)
 
Powers of Attorney for Trustees of the Quantitative Master Series LLC, dated February 22, 2013 – (liii)
_________________________
(i)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 1997. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(ii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 1998.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(iii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 1999.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(iv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2000.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(v)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2000.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(vi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2001.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(vii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2002.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(viii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2002.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(ix)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2003.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
   
 
 
 

 
(x)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2003.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2003.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2004.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xiii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2004.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xiv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2004.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2005.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xvi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2005.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xvii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2006.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xviii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2007.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xix)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2008.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xx)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2008.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2009.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2009.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxiii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2009.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxiv)
Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of CNL Funds filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 18, 2007 (File Nos. 333-140838 and 811-22017)
(xxv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2009.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
   
 
 
 

 
(xxvi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxvii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxviii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxix)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxx)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2010.   (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 92 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxiii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxiv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2010.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 98 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxvi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxvii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxviii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xxxix)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xl)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xli)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
   
 
 
 

 
(xlii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2011.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xliii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xliv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 131 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xlv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xlvi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xlvii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xlviii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(xlix)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 148 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 26, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(l)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 27, 2012.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(li)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 153 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2013.  (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 155 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(liii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(liv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
   
 
 
 

 
(lviii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 166 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2013. (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lviv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2013 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2013 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvvi)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 177 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2014 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvvii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2014 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvviii)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2014 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvviv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2014 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)
(lvvv)
Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 185 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2014 (File Nos. 811-04984 and 033-11387)

Item 29.          Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

       None.

Item 30.          Indemnification

Article XI of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust provides that:

Limitation of Liability

         Section 1. Provided they have exercised reasonable care and have acted under the reasonable belief that their actions are in the best interest of the Trust, the Trustees shall not be responsible for or liable in any event for neglect or wrongdoing of them or any officer, agent, employee or investment adviser of the Trust, but nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Indemnification

Section 2.

(a)     Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:

 
 

 
 
 
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as "Covered Person") shall be indemnified by the appropriate portfolios to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
 
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or thereafter, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.

(b)          No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
 
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office (A) by the court or other body approving the settlement; (B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or (C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); provided, however, that any Shareholder may, by appropriate legal proceedings, challenge any such determination by the Trustees, or by independent counsel.

(c)          The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, other than Trustees and officers, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

(d)          Expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit, or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this Section 2 may be paid by the applicable Portfolio from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him to the Trust if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 2; provided, however, that:

 
 

 

(i)   such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking;
 
(ii)   the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments; or
 
(iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to indemnification under this Section 2.

According to Article XII, Section 1 of the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is a trust, not a partnership.  Trustees are not liable personally to any person extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust, a particular Portfolio or the Trustees.  A Trustee, however, is not protected from liability due to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

Article XII, Section 2 provides that, subject to the provisions of Section 1 of Article XII and to Article XI, the Trustees are not liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, or for any act or omission in accordance with advice of counsel or other experts or for failing to follow such advice.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Management Agreement provides that:

8. Limitation of Liability of the Manager. The Manager shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Trust or any Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relate except a loss resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. Any person, even though also an officer, partner, employee, or agent of the Manager, who may be or become an officer, Board member, employee or agent of a Trust shall be deemed, when rendering services to a Trust or acting in any business of a Trust, to be rendering such services to or acting solely for a Trust and not as an officer, partner, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of the Manager even though paid by it.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Acadian Asset Management LLC provides that:

9.  Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Straus, Inc. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur

 
 

 
 
due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 11 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC provides that:

11. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders
or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which
occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders, the Manager or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Manager shall indemnify the Adviser, its officers, directors and employees, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, controls the Adviser, for any liability and expenses, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be sustained as a result of the Manager’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Calamos Advisors LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. Adviser will not be liable for any loss suffered by reason of any investment, decision, recommendation, or other action taken or omitted in what Adviser in good faith believes to be the proper performance of its duties hereunder. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Causeway Capital Management LLC provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be

 
 

 
 
subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Dean Capital Management, LLC  provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to  any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Dreman Value Management LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Earnest Partners, LLC  provides that:

9.  Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Fox Asset Management, LLC  provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to  any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Franklin Advisers, Inc. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with GAM International Management Limited provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which

 
 

 
 
occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Global Evolution USA, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Holland Capital Management LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Lazard Asset Management LLC provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Lee Munder Capital Group, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or
any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which
occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Logan Circle Partners, L.P. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which

 
 

 

occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Massachusetts Financial Services Co. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 7 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. provides that:

 7. (a) Standard of Care. Except as may otherwise be provided by applicable laws and regulations, neither the Adviser nor any of its affiliates or its or their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be subject to any liability to the Manager, the Trust, the Portfolios or any shareholder of a Portfolio or the Trust for any error of judgment or any loss arising out of any investment or other act or omission in the course of, connected with, or arising out of any service to be rendered under this Agreement, except by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser’s duties hereunder or by reason of the Adviser’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. The Manager acknowledges and agrees that the Adviser makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that any level of performance or investment results will be achieved by the Portfolios or the Assets designated by the Manager to the Adviser, or that the Portfolios or such Assets will perform comparably with any standard or index, including other clients of the Adviser, whether public or private.

(b) Indemnification. The Manager shall hold harmless and indemnify the Adviser for any and all claims, losses, liabilities, costs, damages or expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) (“Losses”) incurred by the Adviser in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall require that the Adviser be indemnified for Losses resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser’s duties hereunder or by reason of the Adviser’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.

The Adviser shall hold harmless and indemnify the Manager for any and all Losses incurred by the Manager that arise from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or by reason of the Adviser’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall require that the Manager be indemnified for Losses resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Manager’s duties hereunder or by reason of the Manager’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with NISA Investment Advisors, L.L.C. provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. Adviser will not be liable for any loss suffered by reason of any

 
 

 
 
investment, decision, recommendation, or other action taken or omitted in what Adviser in good faith believes to be the proper performance of its duties hereunder. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Opus Capital Group, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Pacific Investment Management Company LLC provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or
any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which
occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with PENN Capital Management Company, Inc. provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or
any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which
occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Pzena Investment Management, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in its reasonable judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement, or in accordance with (or in the absence of) specific directions or instructions from the Manager. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Signia Capital Management, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

 
 

 

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Standish Mellon Asset Management LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Manager shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Adviser for (a) any action taken, omitted or suffered by Adviser in connection with this Agreement or the services provided hereunder, unless such act or omission shall have resulted from Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence; or (b) any loss arising from Adviser’s adherence to Manager’s instructions.  Adviser shall in no event be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, exemplary or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Strategic Income Management, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP provides that:

9.  Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

 
 

 
 
Numbered Paragraph 8 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC provides that:

8. Liability of Adviser. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with The London Company of Virginia, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Zebra Capital Management, LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no  liability to the Trust,  its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to  any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 11 of the Administration Agreement provides that:

11. Limitation of Liability of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“ABA”). ABA shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Trust or any Series in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relate except a loss resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. Any person, even though also an officer, partner, employee, or agent of ABA, who may be or become an officer, Board member, employee or agent of a Trust shall be deemed, when rendering services to any Trust or acting in any business of a Trust, to be rendering such services to or acting solely for the Trust and not as an officer, partner, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of ABA even though paid by it.

Section 4.2 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:

(a)   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Foreside shall not be responsible for, and the Clients shall on behalf of each applicable Fund or Class thereof, indemnify and hold harmless Foreside, its employees, directors, officers and managers and any person who controls Foreside within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (for purposes of this Section 4.2(a), "Foreside Indemnitees") from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, liabilities and other expenses of every nature and character (including, but not limited to, direct and indirect reasonable reprocessing costs) arising out of or attributable to all and any of the following (for purposes of this Section 4.2(a), a "Foreside Claim"):

 
 

 
 
(i)   any action (or omission to act) of Foreside or its agents taken in connection with this Agreement; provided, that such action (or omission to act) is taken in good faith and without willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by Foreside of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
 
(ii)  any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Clients in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or exhibits to the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Foreside;
 
(iii) any material breach of the Clients' agreements, representations, warranties, and covenants in Sections 2.9 and 5.2 of this Agreement; or
 
(iv)  the reliance on or use by Foreside or its agents or subcontractors of information, records, documents or services which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Clients or any agent of the Clients, including but not limited to any Predecessor Records provided pursuant to Section 2.9(b).

(b)   Foreside will indemnify, defend and hold the Clients and their several officers and members of their Governing Bodies and any person who controls the Clients within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (collectively, the "Clients Indemnitees" and, with the Foreside Indemnitees, an "Indemnitee"), free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands, actions, suits or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith), but only to the extent that such claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses result from, arise out of or are based upon all and any of the following (for purposes of this Section 4.2(c), a "Clients Claim" and, with a Foreside Claim, a "Claim"):

(i)   any material action (or omission to act) of Foreside or its agents taken in connection with this Agreement, provided that such action (or omission to act) is not taken in good faith and with willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by Foreside of its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
 
(ii)  any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Clients in writing in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Foreside; or
 
(iii) any material breach of Foreside's agreements, representations, warranties and covenants set forth in Section 2.4 and 5.1 hereof

 
 

 
 
(d)   The Clients or Foreside (for purpose of this Section 4.2(d), an "Indemnifying Party") may assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any Foreside Claim or Clients Claim, respectively, and may retain counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and approved by the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnifying Party shall advise the other Party that it will assume the defense of the suit and retain counsel within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice of the claim. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such suit and retains counsel, the other Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel that they retain. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of any such suit, or if other Party does not approve of counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party, or if the other Party has been advised that it may have available defenses or claims that are not available to or conflict with those available to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party will reimburse any Indemnitee named as defendant in such suit for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel that the Indemnitee retains. An Indemnitee shall not settle or confess any claim without the prior written consent of the applicable Client, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

(e)   An Indemnifying Party's obligation to provide indemnification under this section is conditioned upon the Indemnifying Party receiving notice of any action brought against an Indemnitee within twenty (20) days after the summons or other first legal process is served. Such notice shall refer to the Person or Persons against whom the action is brought. The failure to provide such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability that it may have to any Indemnitee except to the extent that the ability of the party entitled to such notice to defend such action has been materially adversely affected by the failure to provide notice.

(f)   The provisions of this section and the parties' representations and warranties in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee and shall survive the sale and redemption of any Shares made pursuant to subscriptions obtained by Foreside. The indemnification provisions of this section will inure exclusively to the benefit of each person that may be an Indemnitee at any time and their respective successors and assigns (it being intended that such persons be deemed to be third party beneficiaries under this Agreement).

Section 4.3 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except as specifically set forth below:

(a)   Neither Party shall be liable for losses, delays, failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring directly or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; action or inaction of civil or military authority; public enemy; war; terrorism; riot; fire; flood; sabotage; epidemics; labor disputes; civil commotion; interruption, loss or malfunction of utilities, transportation, computer or communications capabilities; insurrection; or elements of nature;

(b)   Neither Party shall be liable for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages suffered by the other Party, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was known by the Party;

(c)   No affiliate, director, officer, employee, manager, shareholder, partner, agent, counsel

 
 

 

or consultant of either Party shall be liable at law or in equity for the obligations of such Party under this Agreement or for any damages suffered by the other Party related to this Agreement;

(d)   Except as set forth in Section 4.2(f), there are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement;

(e)   Each Party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which the other Party may become responsible;

(f)   The assets and liabilities of each Fund are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund, and no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise; and in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, Foreside shall look only to the assets and property of the Fund to which Foreside's rights or claims relate in settlement of such rights or claims; and

(g)   Each Party agrees promptly to notify the other party of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding of which it becomes aware arising out of or in any way connected with the issuance or sale of Shares.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Supplemental Limited Indemnification from the Administrator

Each of the Trustees of the Trust has entered into an arrangement with the Trust’s Administrator, whereby she or he may be indemnified by the Administrator for liability arising from a failure of the Administrator to carry out its duties under the Administration Agreement with the Trust and for certain securities laws claims.  The arrangement is principally designed to supplement the indemnification afforded under the Trust’s Declaration of Trust as well as liability coverage provided by insurance policies.  The arrangement is limited to civil and administrative claims.

Item 31.

       I.   Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) offers investment management and administrative services to the Registrant.  It acts in the same capacity to other investment companies, including those listed below.

 
 

 
 
Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Michael M. Albert; Director
 
Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Director, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.
Sonia L. Bates; Asst. Treasurer, Dir. Tax & Financial Reporting
 
Asst. Treasurer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.
Rosemary K. Behan; Secretary
 
Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.
Melinda G. Heika; Treasurer
 
Treasurer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Director, President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Director, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.
John J. Okray; Asst. Secretary, Deputy General Counsel
 
Asst. Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Asst. Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Asst. Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Asst. Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Asst. Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed
 
 
 

 
    Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.
William F. Quinn; Director, Chairman
 
Chairman & Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Chairman & Director, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Director, American Airlines Federal Credit Union; Director, Hicks Acquisition II, Inc.; Independent Trustee, National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl, Chief Operating Officer
 
Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Vice President, American Private Equity Management; Director, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.
Richard P. Schifter; Director
 
Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Director, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Partner, TPG Capital; Director, American Airlines Group Inc.; Director, Republic Airways Holdings Inc.; Director, LPL Investment Holdings Inc.; Director, Everbank Financial Corp.;  Director, Direct General Corporation; Director, Private Equity Growth Capital Council
Kneeland C. Youngblood; Director
 
Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Director, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Partner, Pharos Capital Group, LLC; Director, Energy Future Holdings Corp.; Director, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

The principal address of the Manager, the American Beacon Funds, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C., Lighthouse Holdings, Inc., and Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. is 4151 Amon Carter Blvd., MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.

II.           Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

The investment advisers listed below provide investment advisory services to the Trust.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 4151 Amon Carter Blvd., MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.

 
 

 
 
Acadian Asset Management LLC (“Acadian”) is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund.  The principal address of Acadian is 260 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Acadian is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Acadian
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Laurent de Greef, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
John Chisholm, Executive Vice President, CIO, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Churchill Franklin, CEO, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Ronald Frashure, Chairman, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Mark Minichiello, Executive Vice President, COO, Treasurer, Secretary, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Brendan Bradley, Senior Vice President, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Ross Dowd, Executive Vice President, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Hunter Smith, Senior Vice President, CTO, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Linda Gibson, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Christopher Hadley, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Aidan Riordan, Member of Board of Managers
 
None
Stephen Belgard, Member of Board of Managers
 
None

AHL Partners LLP (“AHL”), is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.  The principal address of AHL is 2 Swan Lane, London, United Kingdom EC4R 3AD.  Information as to the officers and directors of the Investment Adviser is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 167882), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. (“Bahl & Gaynor”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund.  The principal address of Bahl & Gaynor is 212 East Third Street, Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH 45202.  Information as to the officers and directors of the Investment Adviser is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 106139), and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

 
 
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (“Barrow”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Intermediate Bond Fund.  The principal address of Barrow is 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-2761.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Barrow is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Barrow
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
James P. Barrow; President, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director, Member Board of Managers
 
None
J. Ray. Nixon; Executive Director, Member Board of Managers
 
None
Patricia B. Andrews; Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, Director
 
None
John S. Williams; Managing Director
 
None
Linda T. Gibson; Member Board of Managers
 
Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. (Parent Company), Executive Vice President and Head of Global Distribution
Aidan J. Riordan; Member Board of Managers
 
Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. (Parent Company), Executive Vice President and  Head of Affiliate Management

Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. (“Brandes”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Emerging Markets Fund.  The principal address of Brandes is 11988 El Camino Real, Suite 600, San Diego, CA 92130.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Brandes is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Brandes
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Charles H. Brandes; Chairman
 
None
Glenn R. Carlson; Executive Director
 
None
Jeffrey A. Busby; Executive Director
 
None
Ian N. Rose; General Counsel
 
None
Brent V. Woods; Chief Executive Director
 
None
Gregory S. Houck; Managing Director of Operations
 
None
Gary K. Iwamura; Finance Director
 
None
 
 
 

 
Roberta L. Loubier; Global Head of Compliance, Chief Compliance Officer
 
None

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Brandywine is 2929 Arch Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Brandywine is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Brandywine
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
David F. Hoffman, Senior Managing Director
 
None
Mark P. Glassman, Chief Administrative Officer
 
None
Patrick S. Kaser, Managing Director
 
None
Paul R. Lesutis, Senior Managing Director
 
None
Henry F. Otto, Senior Managing Director
 
None
Stephen S. Smith, Senior Managing Director
 
None
Adam B. Spector, Managing Director
 
None
Steven M. Tonkovich, Senior Managing Director
 
None
Edward A. Trumpbour, Senior Managing Director
 
None
Edward A. Whitaker, Jr., Managing Director
 
None
Thomas C. Merchant, Secretary
 
None
Elisabeth F. Craig, Assistant Secretary
 
None

Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc. (“Bridgeway”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Bridgeway is 20 Greenway Plaza, Suite 450, Houston, Texas 77046.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Bridgeway is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Bridgeway
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
John N. R. Montgomery, Director/Chairman of the Board of Directors/Chief Investment Officer
 
Vice President and Director, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Linda G. Giuffre, Chief Compliance Officer
 
Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Michael D. Mulcahy, Director/President/Chief Operating Officer
 
President and Director, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Von D. Celestine, Treasurer/Vice President/Secretary
 
None
 
 
 

 
Richard P. Cancelmo, Vice President
 
Vice President, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Franklin J. Montgomery, Director
 
Andover Properties, Ltd. – Owner
Andover Richmond Apartment, Ltd. – General Partner
Ann M. Montgomery, Director
 
Sage Education Group, LLC - Owner

Calamos Advisors, LLC (“Calamos”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Retirement Income and Appreciation Fund.  The principal address of Calamos is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, IL 60563-2787.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Calamos is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Calamos
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
John P. Calamos; CEO, Global Co-CIO
 
Member of Board of Trustees of Benedictine University
Member of Board of Trustees of Illinois Institute of Technology
Board of Directors – National Hellenic Museum
Board of Directors – Choose DuPage
Gary D. Black; EVP, Global Co-CIO
 
None
J. Christopher Jackson; SVP, General Counsel and Secretary
 
None
Nimish S. Bhatt; SVP, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Fund Administration
 
None
Elizabeth A. Watkins; VP, Chief Compliance Officer
 
None

Causeway Capital Management, LLC (“Causeway”), a Delaware limited liability company, is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund.  The principal address of Causeway is 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025.   Information as to the officers and directors of the Investment Adviser is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 113308), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Dean Capital Management, LLC (“Dean”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value II Fund.  The principal address of Dean is 7450 West 130th Street, Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66213.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Dean is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 
 

 

Name; Current Position with Dean
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Douglas A. Leach; Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Kevin E. Laub; LLC Member
 
None
Patrick J. Krumm; LLC Member
 
None
Steven D. Roth; LLC Member
 
None
Stephen M. Miller; LLC Member
 
None

Dreman Value Management, LLC (“Dreman”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Dreman is 777 South Flagler Drive, Suite 800-West Tower, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Dreman is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Dreman
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Emory C. Hoover; Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director
 
None
Mark J. Roach; Managing Director
 
None
David N. Dreman; Chairman
 
None
Nelson P. Woodard; Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director
 
None
David H. Kanefsky; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Andrew A. Romanello;  Chief Financial Officer
 
None

Earnest Partners (“Earnest”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Earnest Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund.  The principal address of Earnest is 1180 Peachtree Street, Suite 2300 Atlanta, GA 30309.

Set forth below is the information as to any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Earnest is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged in his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Earnest
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Paul E. Viera; CEO & Manager
Managing Member of Westchester Limited, LLC; Manager, GREYBULL Partners LLC
John G. Whitmore, COO
COO, GREYBULL Partners LLC; Secretary, Westchester Limited, LLC
 
 
 

 
James M. Wilson, CCO and Secretary
CCO and Secretary, GREYBULL Partners LLC

 
Fox Asset Management, LLC (“Fox”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value II Fund.  The principal address of Fox is 1040 Broad Street, Suite 203, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.

Reference is made to: (i) the information set forth under the caption “Management and Organization” in the Statement of Additional Information; (ii) the Eaton Vance Corp. Form 10-K filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (File No. 1-8100); and (iii) the Form ADV of Eaton Vance Management (File No. 801-15930) and Fox Asset Management LLC (File No. 801-60656) filed with the Commission, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon High Yield Bond Fund.  The principal address of Franklin is One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Franklin is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Franklin
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Edward B. Jamieson; Director, President and CIO
None
Kenneth A. Lewis; Chief Financial Officer
None
Craig S. Tyle; Chief Legal Officer
None
John M. Lusk; Director and Vice President
None
Breda M. Beckerle; Chief Compliance Officer
None
Mark L. Constant; Treasurer
None
William Y. Yun; Executive Vice President
None
Madison S. Gulley; Executive Vice President
None
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.; Director
None
Christopher J. Molumphy; Director and Executive Vice President
None

GAM International Management, LTD. (“GAM”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.  The principal address of GAM is 12 St. James Place, London SW1A 1NX, United Kingdom.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of GAM is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 
 

 
 
Name; Current Position with GAM
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Andrew N. Hanges, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board
None
Nikki M. Cagan, Chief Compliance Officer
None

Global Evolution USA, LLC (“Global Evolution”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund.  The principal address of Global Evolution is 655 North Central Avenue #1714, Glendale, California 91203.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Global Evolution is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Global Evolution
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Soren Rump, Chief Executive Officer
None
Morten Bugge, Chief Investment Officer
None

Holland Capital Management LLC (“Holland”) is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund.  The principal address of Holland is One North Wacker Drive, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Holland is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Holland
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Louis A. Holland; Director
 
Consultant:  Cumota LLC; Cumota Consulting LLC; Brickland Partners, Inc.
Monica L. Walker; President, Chief Investment Officer – Equity; Director; Former Managing Director, Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager
 
None
Laura J. Janus; Chief Investment Officer – Fixed Income; Director; Former Managing Partner and
Portfolio Manager
 
None
Susan M. Chamberlain; Chief Compliance Officer
 
None

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC (“Hotchkis”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balance Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Hotchkis is 725 South Figueroa Street, 39th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012-5439.

 
 

 
 
Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Hotchkis is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Hotchkis
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
George H. Davis; Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee Member
 
Trustee of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Director of Hotchkis & Wiley (UK) Limited.
James E. Menvielle; Chief Financial Officer
 
Vice President and Treasurer of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and director of Hotchkis & Wiley (UK) Limited and Hotchkis & Wiley (Luxembourg) S.A..
Anna Marie S. Lopez; Chief Operating Officer
 
President of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and director of Hotchkis & Wiley (UK) Limited and Hotchkis & Wiley (Luxembourg) S.A..
Tina H. Kodama; Chief Compliance Officer
 
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds

Lazard Asset Management, LLC (“Lazard”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund.  The principal address of Lazard is 30 Rockerfeller Plaza, 55th Floor, New York, NY 10112.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Lazard is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
 
Name; Current Position with Lazard
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Ashish Bhutani; Director, CEO
 
Vice Chairman, Lazard Ltd.
Gerard B. Mazzari; COO
 
Chief Financial Officer, Lazard Asset Management Securities, LLC
Nathan A. Paul; General Counsel
 
Vice President and Secretary of the Fund; Chief Legal Officer of Lazard Asset Management Securities, LLC
Brian D. Simon; Chief Compliance Officer
 
Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management, LLC
Kenneth M. Jacobs; Director
 
None
Alexander F. Stern; Director
 
None
Charles Carroll; Deputy Chairman
 
Head of Global Marketing, Lazard Asset Management, LLC; Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Lacey; Deputy Chairman
 
None
 
 
 

 
John Reinsberg; Deputy Chairman
None
Robert P. DeConcini; Chairman
None
Andreas Huebner; Senior Managing Director
None
Robert Prugue; Senior Managing Director
None
Bill Smith; Senior Managing Director
None

Lee Munder Capital Group, LLC (“LMCG”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund.  The principal business address of LMCG is 200 Clarendon Street, 28th Floor, Boston, MA, 02116.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of LMCG is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with LMCG
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Jeffrey Davis, Chief Investment Officer
 
Member of the Presidential Advisory Council, Non-Trustee Member of the Investment Committee for the Endowment and Pension Fund
Lee Munder, Founding partner/general
 
Managing Partner, Rednum Family Investments, LP
Richard H. Adler, Board Member
 
President & CEO, Board Member Convergent Capital Management; Board Member, AMBS Investment Counsel, LLC; Board Member, CCM Advisors, LLC; Board Member, Clifford Swan Investment Counsel; Board Member, Convergent Wealth Advisors; Board Member, Mid-Continent Capital; Board Member, SKBA Capital Management; Board Member, City National Asset Management; Board Member, Rochdale Investment Management LLC
William J. Freeman, Board Member
 
Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Development for the Wealth Management Affiliates; Board Member, Convergent Capital Management, LLC; Board Member, Convergent Wealth Advisors, Board Member, City National Asset Management Inc., Board Member, Clifford Swan Investment Counsel; Board Member, City National Securities, Inc.; Board Member, Rochdale Investment Management, LLC
Richard S. Gershen, Board Member
 
 
Executive Vice President, Wealth Management;  City National Bank; Board Member, Convergent Capital Management LLC; Board Member, Convergent Wealth Advisors

 
 

 
Logan Circle Partners, L.P. (“Logan”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon High Yield Bond Fund.  The principal address of Logan is 1717 Arch Street, Suite 1500; Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Logan is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Logan
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Jude T. Driscoll; CEO/Chief Investment Officer
None
Jennifer E. Vollmer; General Counsel
None
William C. Gadsden; Chief Operating Officer
None

           Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of MFS is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199.  MFS is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial, Inc. (a diversified financial services company), located at Sun Life Financial Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director and principal executive officer of MFS is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with MFS
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
During the Past Two Fiscal Years
Robert J. Manning; Director, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
Trustee of various funds within the MFS Funds complex+
Mark N. Polebaum; Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
 
None+
Michael W. Roberge; President, Chief Investment Officer, Director of Global Research, and Director
 
None+
Amrit Kanwal; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
None+
David A. Antonelli; Vice Chairman
 
None+
Robin A. Stelmach; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Trustee of various funds within the MFS Funds complex+
Carol W. Geremia; Executive Vice President
 
None+
James A. Jessee; Executive Vice President
 
None+
 
 
 

 
Timothy M. Fagan; Chief Compliance Officer
 
None+
Thomas A. Bogart; Director
 
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and General Counsel of Sun Life Financial Inc.
Colm J. Freyne; Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of Sun Life Financial, Inc.

+Certain principal executive officers and directors of Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS") serve as officers or directors of some or all of MFS’ corporate affiliates and certain officers of MFS serve as officers of some or all of the MFS Funds and/or officers or directors of certain MFS non-U.S. investment companies. Except as set forth above or in Schedules B and D of Form ADV filed by MFS pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (SEC File No. 801-17352), each principal executive officer of MFS has been engaged during the past two fiscal years in no business profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than as an officer of MFS or certain of MFS' corporate affiliates.

The identity of those corporate affiliates is identified below or is incorporated by reference from Schedules B and D of such Form ADV.

Investment Adviser Corporate Affiliate
 
Address
MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc.
 
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 07618 U.S.A.
MFS Fund Distributors, Inc.
 
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 07618 U.S.A.
MFS Service Center Inc.
 
100 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02171 U.S.A.
MFS International LTD.
 
Canon's Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM12, Bermuda
MFS International (U.K.) Limited
 
Paternoster House, 65 St. Paul 's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AB, U.K.
MFS International (Hong Kong) Limited
 
Wheelock House, 20 Pedder Street, Level 19, Suite 1901, Central, Hong Kong
MFS do Brasil Desenvolvimento de Mercado Ltda. (Brazil)
 
Rua Joaquim Floriano, 1.052 – 11o Andar,
conjunto 111, Itaim Bibi,
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil 04534-004
MFS International Singapore PTE. LTD.
 
501 Orchard Road,
#13-01/03/04 Wheelock Place
Singapore 238880
MFS Investment Management Company (LUX.) S.a.r.l.
 
19, Rue de Bitbourg,
L-1273 Luxembourg
MFS Investment Management K.K.
 
16 F Daido Seimei Kasumigaseki Building, 1-4-2 Kasumigaseki 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan  100-0013
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc.
 
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 07618  U.S.A.
 
 
 

 
 
3060097 Nova Scotia Company
1959 Upper Water Street
Suite 1100, Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada  B3J3N2
MFS Investment Management Canada Limited
77 King Street West, 35th Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5K 1B7
MFS Bermuda Holdings LTD.
Canon's Court
22 Victoria Street
Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda
MFS Heritage Trust Company
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 07618  U.S.A.

The MFS Funds include the following.  The address of the MFS Funds is:  111 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA  02199.

Massachusetts Investors Trust
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund
MFS Series Trust I
MFS Series Trust II
MFS Series Trust III
MFS Series Trust IV
MFS Series Trust V
MFS Series Trust VI
MFS Series Trust VII
MFS Series Trust VIII
MFS Series Trust IX
MFS Series Trust X
MFS Series Trust XI
MFS Series Trust XII
MFS Series Trust XIII
MFS Series Trust XIV
MFS Series Trust XV
MFS Series Trust XVI
MFS Municipal Series Trust
MFS Variable Insurance Trust
MFS Variable Insurance Trust II
MFS Variable Insurance Trust III
MFS Institutional Trust
MFS California Municipal Fund
MFS Charter Income Trust
MFS Government Markets Income Trust
MFS High Income Municipal Trust
MFS High Yield Municipal Trust
MFS InterMarket Income Trust I
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund
MFS Intermediate Income Trust
MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust
MFS Municipal Income Trust
MFS Multimarket Income Trust
 
 

 
MFS Special Value Trust


Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. (“Morgan Stanley IM”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Emerging Markets Fund.  The principal address of Morgan Stanley IM is 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Morgan Stanley IM is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Morgan Stanley IM
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Gregory J. Fleming
Managing Director and President
 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.
Christopher O’Dell
Managing Director and Secretary
 
Managing Director and Secretary of Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc. and Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc.; Secretary of other entities affiliated with Morgan Stanley IM.
Stefanie Chang Yu
Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer
 
Chief Compliance Officer of the Morgan Stanley Funds.
Jeffrey Gelfand
Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc., Chief Financial Officer of Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.
Mary Alice Dunne
Managing Director and Director
 
None.
Arthur Lev; Managing Director and Director
 
Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc. and Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc.
James Janover
Managing Director and Director
 
None.
Kevin Klingert
Managing Director and Director
 
Managing Director and Director of Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc.
Karen Cassidy
Managing Director and Treasurer
 
Treasurer of other entities affiliated with Morgan Stanley IM.
John Chiota
Executive Director and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer
 
Anti-Money Laundering Officer of other entities affiliated with Morgan Stanley IM.

NISA Investment Advisors, LLC (“NISA”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund.  The principal address of NISA is 150 North Meramec Avenue, Suite 640, St. Louis, MO 63105-3753.

 
 

 
Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of NISA is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with NISA
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Jess B. Yawitz; Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Managing Member
 
None
William J. Marshall; President & Managing Member
 
None
Bella L.F., Sanevich; General Counsel & Member
 
None
Ellen D. Dennis; Chief Risk Officer
 
None
Kenneth L. Lester; Managing Director, Portfolio Management & Member
 
None
Marianne O’Doherty; Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
David G. Eichhorn; Managing Director, Investment Strategies & Member
 
None
Clarence R. Krebs; Director, Client Services & Member
 
None
Paul L. Jones; Director, Equity Portfolio Management
 
None
Joseph A. Murphy; Director, Portfolio Management
 
None
Anthony R. Pope; Managing Director, Portfolio Management & Member
 
None
Gregory J. Yess; Managing Director, Client Services & Member
 
None

Opus Capital Group, LLC (“Opus”) is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Opus is 221 East Fourth Street, Suite 2700, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Opus is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Opus
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Jakki L. Haussler; Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
 
Board of Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Leonard A. Haussler; President
 
None
Joseph P. Condren; Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Kevin P. Whelan; Vice President
 
None
Jonathon M. Detter; Vice President
 
None

 
 

 
Pacific Investment Management Company, LLC (“PIMCO”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.  The principal address of PIMCO is 840 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of PIMCO is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
 
Name; Current Position with PIMCO
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Mohamed A. El-Erian; Managing Director, Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer
 
Senior Vice President of the Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust. Formerly President and CEO of Harvard Management Co.
Jennifer E. Durham; Chief Compliance Officer and Executive Vice President
 
Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust
William H. Gross; Managing Director, Executive Committee and Chief Investment Officer
 
Director and Vice President, StocksPLUS Management, Inc. Senior Vice President of the Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust
Neel T. Kashkari; Managing Director
 
Trustee and President of the Trust and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Formerly Interim Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability, Assistant Secretary for International Economics and Senior Advisor to Secretary Paulson, United States Department of Treasury
Douglas M. Hodge; Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer
 
Senior Vice President of the Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust. Trustee, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust. Director and Vice President, StocksPLUS Management Inc.; Director, PIMCO Europe Ltd., PIMCO Asia Pte Ltd., PIMCO Australia Pty Ltd, PIMCO Japan Ltd. and PIMCO Asia Limited (Hong Kong)
David C. Flattum; Managing Director and General Counsel
 
Chief Legal Officer of the Trust, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust
Brent R. Harris; Managing Director and Executive Committee Member
 
Director and President, StocksPLUS Management, Inc. Trustee and Chairman of the Trust and PIMCO Equity Series VIT. Trustee, Chairman and President of PIMCO
 
 

 
    Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO ETF Trust. Director, PIMCO Luxembourg S.A. and PIMCO Luxembourg II
Ki M. Hong; Managing Director
 
Formerly, Vice Chairman of Asia Pacific, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Sabrina C. Callin; Managing Director
 
Acting Head of PIMCO Advisory; and Vice President, StocksPLUS Management, Inc.
Makoto Takano; Managing Director
 
Director and President, PIMCO Japan Ltd.
Joseph V. McDevitt; Managing Director
 
Director and Chief Executive Officer, PIMCO Europe Limited.

 
Penn Capital Management Company, Inc. (“PENN”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon High Yield Bond Fund.  The principal address of PENN is Three Crescent Drive, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19112.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of PENN is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with PENN
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Marcia A. Hocker; President
 
None
Richard A. Hocker; Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer
 
None
Gerald McBride; Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
 
None
John G. Livewell; Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Eric Green; Director of Research & Senior Portfolio Manager
 
None
Christian M. Noyes; Director of Marketing & Client Services/ Senior Managing Partner
 
None
Scott D. Schumacher; Senior Portfolio Manager, Senior Managing Partner
 
None
J. Paulo Silva; Senior Portfolio Manager
 
None

Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Pzena is 120 West 45th Street, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Pzena is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Pzena
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
John P. Goetz; Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and Member with Class B Units
 
None
Richard S. Pzena; Managing Principal; Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and Member with Class B Units
 
None
William L. Lipsey; Managing Principal, Marketing & Client Services, and Member with Class B Units
 
None
Joan F. Berger; General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Member with Class B Units
 
None
Gary J. Bachman; Chief Financial Officer (Gary only has Class A common stock
 
None
Benjamin Silver; Co-Director of Research, Portfolio Manager, and Member with Class B Units
 
None
Antonio DeSpirito; Managing Principal, Portfolio Manager, Executive Vice President and Member with Class B Units
 
None
Michael D. Peterson;  Managing Principal, Portfolio Manager, Executive Vice President and Member with Class B Units
 
None

Signia Capital Management, LLC (“Signia”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value II Fund.  The principal address of Signia is 108 N. Washington St., Suite 305, Spokane, WA 99201.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Signia is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 
 

 
Name; Current Position with Signia
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Richard S. Beaven; Operating Member
 
None
Anthony L. Bennett; Manager/Operating Member
 
None
Daniel E. Cronen; Operating Member
 
None
David C. Krebs; Chief Compliance Officer/Operating Member
 
None
Lawrence G. Braitman; Non-Operating Member
 
Playkast
Paul Greenwood; Non-Operating Member
 
Northern Lights Ventures
Richard L. Thompson; Non-Operating Member
 
Signia Venture Partners

Standish Mellon Asset Management Company, LLC (“Standish”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund.  The principal address of Standish is BNY Mellon Center, 201 Washington Street, Suite 2900, Boston, MA 02108-4408. 

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Standish is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.


Name; Current Position with Standish
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
James D. MacIntyre; President and Chief Executive Officer, Board Member
 
None
Julia Braithwaite; Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary
 
None
Steven Lipiner; Treasurer
 
None
Mitchell E. Harris; Chairman of Fixed Income Cash and Currency Group, Executive Chairman Board Member, Trustee of Sole Owner
 
None
Alexander B. Over; Managing Director of Global Sales and Marketing, Board Member, Chief Executive Officer of BNY Mellon Asset Management (UK) Ltd.
 
None
John A. Park; Trustee of Sole Owner
 
None
Phillip N. Maisano; Board Member
 
None
Edward H. Ladd; Board Member
 
None

Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC (“SIMG”) is the investment sub-
 
 
 

 
advisor for the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund.  The principal address of SIMG and Stephens Inc. is 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of SIMG is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with SIMG
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Joseph W. Simpson; President and Chief Executive Officer, Manager
 
Executive Vice President, Stephens Inc.
Ryan E. Crane; Chief Investment Officer, Manager, Member Class B
 
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
Michael W. Nolte; Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, Manager
 
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
David C. Prince; Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel
 
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.

Strategic Income Management, LLC (“SiM”) is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund.  The principal address of SiM is 720 Olive Way, Suite 1675, Seattle, WA 98101.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of SiM is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with SiM
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Randall L. Yoakum; Manager, Member, Chief Executive Officer
 
None
Gary J. Pokrzywinski; Manager, Member, Chief Investment Officer
 
None
Timothy T. Black; Elected Manager, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer
 
Partner in IV Technologies LLC

Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP (“SGA”) is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund.  The principal address of SGA is 301 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1310, Stamford, CT 06901.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of SGA is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 
 

 
Name; Current Position with SGA
Other Substantial Business and Connections
George P. Fraise, Co-Founder
None
Gordon Marchand, Co-Founder
Board Director- Chase Investment Counsel; Board Director- Zounds Hearing Inc.
Robert L. Rohn, Co-Founder
None

Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC (“Templeton”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund.  The principal address of Templeton is 300 Southeast 2nd Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301.
 
Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Templeton is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Templeton
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Donald F. Reed; Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
 
None
Cynthia L. Sweeting; President/Director of Portfolio Management for the Templeton Global Equity Group
 
None
Antonio T. Docal; Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager
 
None
Neil Devlin; Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager
 
None
Craig S. Tyle; Chief Legal Officer
 
None
Mark L. Constant; Treasurer
 
None
Michael J. D’Agrosa; Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Gregory E. McGowan; Exec. Vice President
 
None
Madison S. Gulley; Executive Vice President
 
None

The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (“Boston Company”) is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund and the American Beacon Emerging Markets Fund.  The principal address of Boston Company is One Boston Place, Boston, MA 02108.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Boston Company is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 
 

 

Name; Current Position with Boston Company
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Bart A. Grenier; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer/Manager
 
None
Joseph P. Gennaco – President and Chief Operating Officer
 
None

The London Company Of Virginia, LLC (“London Company”) is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon London Company Income Equity Fund.  The principal place of business address of London Company is 1801 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, Virginia 23226.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of London Company is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with London Company
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections During the Past Two Fiscal Years
Stephen, M. Goddard, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
 
None
Jonathan Moody, Principal and Portfolio Manager
 
None
Andrew Wetzel, Chief Compliance Officer
 
None

Zebra Capital Management, LLC (“Zebra”) is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund.  The principal address of Zebra is 612 Wheelers Farms Rd., Milford, CT 06461.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Zebra is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with Zebra
 
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Peter A. Schaffer; Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Roger G. Ibbotson; Managing Member
 
None

Information as to the officers and directors of each of the above investment advisers may also be included in that adviser's current Form ADV filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 32.
Principal Underwriter

 
 

 
(a)           Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 
1.
AdvisorShares Trust
 
2.
American Beacon Funds
 
3.
American Beacon Select Funds
 
4.
Avenue Mutual Funds Trust
 
5.
BP Capital TwinLine Energy Fund, Series of Professionally Managed Portfolios
 
6.
BP Capital TwinLine MLP Fund, Series of Professionally Managed Portfolios
 
7.
Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
 
8.
Broadmark Funds
 
9.
Capital Innovations Global Agri, Timber, Infrastructure Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
 
10.
Center Coast MLP Focus Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
 
11.
Chilton Realty Income & Growth Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
 
12.
Direxion Shares ETF Trust
 
13.
Exchange Traded Concepts Trust II
 
14.
FlexShares Trust
 
15.
Forum Funds
 
16.
Forum Funds II
 
17.
FQF Trust
 
18.
FSI Low Beta Absolute Return Fund
 
19.
Gottex Multi-Alternatives Fund - I
 
20.
Gottex Multi-Alternatives Fund - II
 
21.
Gottex Multi-Asset Endowment Fund - I
 
22.
Gottex Multi-Asset Endowment Fund – II
 
23.
Gottex Trust
 
24.
Henderson Global Funds
 
25.
Infinity Core Alternative Fund
 
26.
Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
 
27.
Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
 
28.
Liberty Street Horizon Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
 
29.
Manor Investment Funds
 
30.
Nomura Partners Funds, Inc.
 
31.
Outlook Funds Trust
 
32.
Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
 
33.
Pine Grove Alternative Fund
 
34.
Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund
 
35.
Plan Investment Fund, Inc.
 
36.
PMC Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
 
37.
Precidian ETFs Trust
 
38.
Quaker Investment Trust
 
39.
Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds
 
40.
RevenueShares ETF Trust
 
41.
Salient MF Trust
 
42.
Scotia Institutional Funds (f/k/a DundeeWealth Funds)
 
43.
Sound Shore Fund, Inc.
 
44.
Steben Select Multi-Strategy Fund
 
45.
The Roxbury Funds
 
46.
Toroso Newfound Tactical Allocation Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
 
47.
Turner Funds
 
 
 

 
 
48.
Wintergreen Fund, Inc.

(b)          The following are the Officers and Managers of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter.  The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

Name
 
Address
 
Position with Underwriter
 
Position with Registrant
Mark A. Fairbanks
 
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101
 
President and Manager
 
None
Richard J. Berthy
 
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101
 
Vice President, Treasurer and Manager
 
None
Jennifer E. Hoopes
 
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101
 
Secretary
 
None
Nanette K. Chern
 
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101
 
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
 
None
Lisa S. Clifford
 
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101
 
Vice President and Managing Director of Compliance
 
None
Nishant Bhatnagar
 
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101
 
Assistant Secretary
 
None

(c)          Not applicable.

Item 33.               Location of Accounts and Records

The books and other documents required by Section 31(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained in the physical possession of 1) the Trust's custodian at State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110; 2) the Manager at American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 4151 Amon Carter Blvd., MD 2450, Fort Worth, Texas 76155; 3) Boston Financial Data Services, an affiliate of the Trust’s transfer agent, 330 West 9th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64105; 4) Mastercraft, 3021 Wichita Court, Fort Worth, Texas 76140; or 5) the Trust's investment advisers at the addresses listed in Item 31 above.

Item 34.               Management Services
 
Not applicable.

Item 35.               Undertakings

Not applicable.
 
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 189 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Fort Worth and the State of Texas, on May 1, 2014.
 
 
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
 
  By:
/s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.   
   
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
   
President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 189 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
 
Title
Date
       
/s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.
 
President (Principal Executive Officer)
May 1, 2014
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
     
       
/s/ Melinda G. Heika
 
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
May 1, 2014
Melinda G. Heika
     
       
Gerard J. Arpey*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
Gerard J. Arpey
     
       
W. Humphrey Bogart*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
W. Humphrey Bogart
     
       
Brenda A. Cline*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
Brenda A. Cline
     
       
Eugene J. Duffy*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
Eugene J. Duffy
     
       
Thomas M. Dunning*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
Thomas M. Dunning
     
       
Alan D. Feld*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
Alan D. Feld
     
       
Richard A. Massman*
 
Chairman and Trustee
May 1, 2014
Richard A. Massman
     
       
Barbara J. McKenna*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
Barbara J. McKenna
     
       
R. Gerald Turner*
 
Trustee
May 1, 2014
R. Gerald Turner
     
       

*By        /s/ Rosemary K. Behan
Rosemary K. Behan
Attorney-In-Fact

 
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Type:
Description:
 
99.(d)(2)(LL) Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Bahl & Gaynor, Inc.
   
99.(p)(38)
Code of Ethics for Bahl & Gaynor, Inc.
   
Other Exhibits
 
 
Powers of Attorney for Trustees of American Beacon Funds and the American Beacon Select Funds, dated August 9, 2012