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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2022

 

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
  Pre-Effective Amendment No.
  Post-Effective Amendment No. 393
     

and/or

 

  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
  Amendment No. 394

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

 

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (817) 391-6100

 

Gene L. Needles, Jr., President

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard

Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(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 March 1, 2022 pursuant to paragraph (b)
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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.

 

 

 

image 
American Beacon
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 2022
Share Class
A
C
Y
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
American Beacon Balanced Fund
ABFAX
ABCCX
ACBYX
ABLSX
AADBX
AABPX
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
GHQYX
GHQRX
GHQIX
GHQPX
American Beacon International Equity Fund
AIEAX
AILCX
ABEYX
AAERX
AAISX
AAIEX
AAIPX
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
ALVAX
ALVCX
ABLYX
AALRX
AVASX
AADEX
AAGPX
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
ABMAX
AMCCX
ACMYX
AMDRX
AMCSX
AACIX
AMPAX
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
ABSAX
ASVCX
ABSYX
AASRX
AASSX
AVFIX
AVPAX
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
1
1
Back Cover

 

American Beacon
Balanced FundSM
image 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is income and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 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 all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 75 of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 79 of the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in Appendix A to the Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information.”
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
A
C
Y
Advisor
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
5.75
%
None
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
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
Advisor
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.52
%
0.52
%
0.52
%
0.52
%
0.52
%
0.52
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.25
%
1.00
%
0.00
%
0.25
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses
0.25
%
0.23
%
0.25
%
0.39
%
0.18
%
0.47
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.02
%
1.75
%
0.77
%
1.16
%
0.70
%
0.99
%
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.
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
5 Years
10 Years
A
$673
$881
$1,106
$1,751
C
$278
$551
$949
$2,062
Y
$79
$246
$428
$954
Advisor
$118
$368
$638
$1,409
R5
$72
$224
$390
$871
Investor
$101
$315
$547
$1,213
Assuming no redemption of shares:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
C
$178
$551
$949
$2,062
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, between 50% and 70% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in equity securities and between 30% and 50% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in debt securities.
The Fund’s equity investments may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, income deposit securities, income trusts, initial public offerings (“IPOs”), master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), depositary receipts, which may include American depositary receipts (“ADRs”) and global depositary receipts (“GDRs”), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges (collectively referred to as “stocks”). The Fund principally invests in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies, and to a lesser extent in small-capitalization companies. The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors.
The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.
Prospectus – Fund Summaries1 

 

Back To Table of Contents

The Fund’s sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to the S&P 500® Index):

 

above-average earnings growth potential,

 

below-average price to earnings ratio,

 

below-average price to book value ratio, and

 

above-average dividend yields.
 
Each of the Fund’s sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The sub-advisors typically seek to invest in companies that they believe to be undervalued at the time of purchase. The decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks.
The Fund’s debt securities may include: debentures; obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government); U.S. and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign corporate debt securities, such as notes and bonds; mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities, dollar rolls, and mortgage pass-through securities; asset-backed securities; and variable and floating rate securities, which pay interest at variable rates, certain of which are based on a lending rate.
The Fund will only buy debt securities that are deemed by the Manager or sub-advisors, as applicable, to be investment grade at the time of the purchase. If an investment held by the Fund is downgraded below investment grade, the Manager or sub-advisors, as applicable will take action that they believe to be advantageous to the Fund. The Fund has no limitations regarding the duration of the debt securities it can buy.
The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher.
In determining which debt securities to buy and sell, the Manager and the sub-advisors generally use a “top-down” or “bottom-up” investment strategy, or a combination of both strategies. The top-down fixed income investment strategy is implemented as follows:

 

Develop an overall investment strategy, including a portfolio duration target, by examining the current trends in the U.S. economy.

 

Set desired portfolio duration structure by comparing the differences between corporate and U.S. Government securities of similar duration to judge their potential for optimal return in accordance with the target duration benchmark.

 

Determine the weightings of each security type by analyzing the difference in yield spreads between corporate and U.S. Government securities.

 

Select specific debt securities within each security type.

 

Review and monitor portfolio composition for changes in credit, risk-return profile and comparisons with benchmarks.
 
The bottom-up fixed income investment strategy is implemented as follows:

 

Search for eligible securities with a yield to maturity advantage versus a U.S. Government security with a similar duration.

 

Evaluate credit quality of the securities.

 

Perform an analysis of the expected price volatility of the securities to changes in interest rates by examining actual price volatility between U.S. Government and non-U.S. Government securities.
 
Each sub-advisor’s investment processes incorporate the sub-advisor’s environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) analysis as a consideration in the assessment of all potential portfolio investments. However, as ESG information is just one investment consideration, ESG considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by a sub-advisor. In addition, the sub-advisors do not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds, and may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may invest in rights and warrants. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.
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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Allocation Risk
The allocations among strategies, asset classes and market exposures may be less than optimal and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that judgments about allocations will be correct. The Fund’s allocations may be invested in strategies, asset classes and market exposures during a period when such strategies, asset classes and market exposures underperform.
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
Investments in asset-backed securities are influenced by factors affecting the assets underlying the securities, including the broader market sector and individual markets, such as the auto markets. These securities may be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in asset-backed securities also are subject to risks of fixed-income securities, which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. A decline in the credit quality of the issuers of asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Fund. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security’s value.
Asset Selection Risk
Assets selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. The investment models used to manage the Fund 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.
2Prospectus – Fund Summaries 

 

Back To Table of Contents

Convertible Securities Risk
The value of a convertible security typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in below investment grade debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible security‘s investment value. Convertible securities are sensitive to movement in interest rates.
Credit Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities, could affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Debentures Risk
Debentures are unsecured debt securities. The holder of a debenture is protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer. The Fund may invest in both corporate and government debentures.
Derivatives Risk
Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. The use of derivatives may also increase any adverse effects resulting from the underperformance of strategies, asset classes and market exposures to which the Fund has allocated its assets. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Derivatives may also be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange, which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk and credit risk. As a result, the Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Ongoing changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

 

Futures Contracts Risk. Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to 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, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold, and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, 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). Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index.

 

Rights Risk. The price of a right may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a right may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. A right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

 

Warrants Risk. Warrants are derivative securities that give the holder the right to purchase a specified amount of securities at a specified price. Warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. The market for warrants may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants.
 
Dividend Risk
An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by a sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
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Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

 

Income Deposit Securities Risk. Although income deposit securities (“IDSs”), which are units representing shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by a company, trade on an exchange, there may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting both common stock and subordinated debt securities. IDSs are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk.

 

Income Trust Risk. Securities of income trusts, which hold income producing assets and pass the income on to security holders, share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership. Income trusts may also lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Income trusts are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk.

 

Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) Risk. The Fund may purchase shares of an issuer as part of that issuer’s initial public offering (“IPO”). The prices of securities purchased through IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks, due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market; unseasoned trading; the small number of shares available for trading; and the limited information about an issuer’s business model, quality of management, earnings growth potential and other criteria used to evaluate its investment prospects. Consequently, investments in IPO securities may also involve high transaction costs.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”).

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”). 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. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Interest Rate Risk
Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed income securities or derivatives, will move in the opposite direction to movements in interest rates. Factors including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates, and changes in general economic conditions may cause interest rates to rise, which could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. Interest rate changes may have a more pronounced effect on the market value of fixed-rate instruments than on floating-rate instruments. The prices of fixed income securities or derivatives are also affected by their durations. Fixed income securities or derivatives with longer durations generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For example, if a bond has a duration of eight years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in an 8% decrease in the value of the bond. An increase in interest rates can impact markets broadly as well. As of the date of this Prospectus, interest rates are at or near historic lows and some investments may have negative interest rates. To the extent the Fund holds an investment with a negative interest rate to maturity, the Fund may generate a negative return on that investment. Conversely, in the future, interest rates may rise, perhaps significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to the Fund.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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.
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Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk
The Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability, be subject to restrictions on sale, be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices or become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse credit events that may affect issuers or guarantors of a security. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such instruments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Fund. The Fund may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the Fund. For example, liquidity risk may be magnified in rising interest rate environments in the event of higher than normal redemption rates. Unexpected redemptions may force the Fund to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.
Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
 
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  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk
Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are influenced by the factors affecting the mortgages underlying the securities or the housing market. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities also are subject to market risks for fixed income securities, which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. A decline in the credit quality of the issuers of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Fund. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security’s value. Additionally, certain mortgage-related securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories; the risk of defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include such subprime mortgages.

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMOs”) Risk. CMOs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government securities, but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and credit risk. In addition, CMOs typically will be issued in a variety of classes or series, which have different maturities and are retired in sequence. In the event of a default by an issuer of a CMO, there is no assurance that the collateral securing such CMO will be sufficient to pay principal and interest. It is possible that there will be limited opportunities for trading CMOs in the OTC market, the depth and liquidity of which will vary from time to time.

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) Risk. CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. CMBS are subject to the risks generally associated with mortgage-backed securities. CMBS may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMBS also are subject to many of the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants.

 

Dollar Rolls Risk. The Fund may enter into dollar roll transactions, in which the Fund sells a mortgage-backed or other security for settlement on one date and buys back a substantially similar security for settlement at a later date. Dollar rolls involve a risk of loss if the market value of the securities that the Fund is committed to buy declines below the price of the securities the Fund has sold. Dollar rolls also subject the Fund to leverage risk and counterparty risk.

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for the “pass through” of the monthly payments made by individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees by the security issuer and guarantor, as applicable, to the holder of the security. Small movements in interest rates, both increases and decreases, may quickly and significantly affect the value of certain mortgage pass-through securities. Mortgage pass-through securities involve interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and extension risk.
 
Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
The Manager may allocate the Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund’s assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors’ investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, it is possible that the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. In certain situations, an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.
Prepayment and Extension Risk
Prepayment risk is the risk that the principal amount of a bond may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow into the issuer, a debt security may be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment. The Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in another investment at a lower rate, may not benefit from an increase in value that may result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. The rate of prepayments tends to increase as interest rates fall, which could cause the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten. Variable and floating rate securities may be less sensitive to prepayment risk. Extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity, increase the risk of default and delayed payment, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in its price. In addition, as a consequence of a decrease in prepayments, the amount of principal available to the Fund for investment would be reduced.
Redemption Risk
The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains.
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Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. A rise in interest rates or other market developments may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund’s performance.
Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.
 
Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk
Debt obligations may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Interests in secured and partially-secured obligations have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured or partially-secured obligation would satisfy the borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing an obligation in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the obligation. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund’s access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Unsecured debt, including senior unsecured and subordinated debt, will not be secured by any collateral and will be effectively subordinated to a borrower’s secured indebtedness (to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness). With respect to unsecured obligations, the Fund lacks any collateral on which to foreclose to satisfy its claim in whole or in part. Such instruments generally have greater price volatility than that of fully secured holdings and may be less liquid.
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund’s payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
Segregated Assets Risk
In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, the Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the obligation. Segregated assets generally cannot be sold while the position they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other assets of equal value. The need to segregate cash or other liquid securities could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets, and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
U.S. Government Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises Risk
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (‘‘Fannie Mae’’), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (‘‘Freddie Mac’’), Federal Home Loan Bank (‘‘FHLB’’), Federal Farm Credit Bank (“FFCB”), and the Tennessee Valley Authority, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support if these organizations do not have the funds to meet future payment obligations. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored entities are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The rising U.S. national debt may lead to adverse impacts on the value of U.S. government securities due to potentially higher costs for the U.S. government to obtain new financing.
Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. The Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time; however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund’s investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk
The coupons on variable and floating-rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate security has a coupon that is adjusted at pre-designated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the coupon is based. The coupon on a floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate, such as a money-market index, LIBOR, or a Treasury bill rate. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically decrease.
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Alternatively, during periods of rising short-term interest rates, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of variable and floating-rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating-rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Certain types of variable and floating rate instruments may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a composite index and the two broad-based securities market indices that comprise the composite index, for the periods indicated.
The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class shares for all periods.
You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
15.36%4th Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-19.59%1st Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Investor Class
08/01/1994
Returns Before Taxes
16.33
%
9.20
%
9.53
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
13.09
%
6.28
%
7.30
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
11.13
%
6.59
%
7.19
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Share Class (Before Taxes)
A
05/17/2010
9.56
%
7.90
%
8.82
%
C
09/01/2010
14.48
%
8.39
%
8.66
%
Y
03/01/2010
16.66
%
9.45
%
9.81
%
Advisor
05/31/2005
16.21
%
9.00
%
9.35
%
R5
07/17/1987
16.67
%
9.49
%
9.87
%
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Balanced Composite Index (40% Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index/60% Russell 1000 Value Index)
13.99
%
8.45
%
9.11
%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
-1.54
%
3.57
%
2.90
%
Russell 1000® Value Index
25.16
%
11.16
%
12.97
%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
Sub-Advisors
The Fund’s assets are currently allocated among the Manager and the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
 
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Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2012
Paul B. Cavazos
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Since 2016
Kirk L. Brown
Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 2016
Samuel Silver
Vice President,
Fixed Income Investments
Since 2014
Erin Higginbotham
Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 2011
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
Mark Giambrone
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Since 2015
Mark C. Luchsinger
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Co-Head of Fixed Income
Since 1998
Justin Martin
Portfolio Manager/Director
Since 2021
Deborah A. Petruzzelli
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2003
J. Scott McDonald
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Co-Head of Fixed Income
Since 1998
Matthew Routh
Portfolio Manager/Director
Since 2021
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
George Davis
Principal, Portfolio Manager, and Executive Chairman
Since 1989
Scott McBride
Portfolio Manager and Chief Executive Officer
Since 2004
Judd Peters
Portfolio Manager
Since 2003
Patricia McKenna
Principal and Portfolio Manager
Since 1995
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Prospectus – Fund Summaries9 

 

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American Beacon
Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond FundSM
image 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is high current income consistent with preservation of capital.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. More information is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 75 of the Prospectus.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
Y
R6
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
None
None
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds)
None
None
None
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Share Class
Y
R6
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses
0.19
%
0.09
%
0.12
%
0.74
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.74
%
0.64
%
0.67
%
1.29
%
Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement1
(0.23
%)
(0.23
%)
(0.22
%)
(0.46
%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
0.51
%
0.41
%
0.45
%
0.83
%
1 American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund’s Y Class, R6 Class, R5 Class, and Investor Class shares through February 28, 2023 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 0.51% for the Y Class, 0.41% for the R6 Class, 0.45% for the R5 Class, and 0.83% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.
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, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for each share class through February 28, 2023. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Y
$52
$213
$389
$897
R6
$42
$182
$334
$777
R5
$46
$192
$351
$814
Investor
$85
$364
$663
$1,516
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 71% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in investment grade bonds. For purposes of the 80% policy, investment grade bonds include other investment grade debt securities. The Fund considers investment grade debt securities to be debt securities that are rated A- or better by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”).
The types of investment grade debt securities that the Fund invests in primarily include obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government), corporate bonds, debentures, and mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, including mortgage pass-through securities. These types of obligations may have fixed-rate or floating-rate coupons (or variable rate coupons), which pay interest at variable rates based on a lending rate, such as ICE LIBOR (“LIBOR”) or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), and are commonly referred to as fixed income securities or bonds. If an investment held by the Fund is downgraded below investment grade, the sub-advisor may sell the security or request the Manager’s permission to continue to hold the security.
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In selecting investment grade debt securities within the corporate sector, the sub-advisor first focuses on the largest U.S. issuers and companies rated A- or better by at least two of the three rating agencies. The sub-advisor then eliminates foreign companies, Yankee bonds, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and defense companies. The sub-advisor then evaluates the remaining issues based on the sustainability of their operations and their consideration of environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) principles as an integrated part of the sub-advisor’s evaluation and investment process, although these are just two investment considerations and are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by the sub-advisor. Other than alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and defense companies, the sub-advisor does not currently use ESG considerations to exclude sectors or industries from the Fund’s investment universe. The sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund seeks to maintain a weighted-average duration of zero to seven years. Duration is an indicator of a bond’s price sensitivity to a change in interest rates. For example, a duration of seven years means that a security’s price would be expected to decrease by approximately 7% with a 1% increase in interest rates. The Fund may invest in securities of any maturity, but typically invests in securities with maximum maturities of up to 30 years.
The sub-advisor follows a fixed income investment strategy that focuses on high current income, given its outlook for interest rates, and the preservation of capital. In selecting securities for the Fund, the sub-advisor employs a top-down approach, which includes a broad fundamental analysis of the current fixed income markets, including duration, the yield curve, and the performance of market sectors. Through this analysis, the sub-advisor creates defined parameters for the selection of investments for the Fund’s portfolio and implements a proprietary investment process comprised of qualitative and quantitative components. The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher. The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds.
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 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Callable Securities Risk
The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, the Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by the Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates and may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Fund.
Credit Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities, could affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Debentures Risk
Debentures are unsecured debt securities. The holder of a debenture is protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer. The Fund may invest in both corporate and government debentures.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by the sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may choose not to, or may not be able to, take advantage of certain investment opportunities due to these considerations, which may adversely affect investment performance. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
Interest Rate Risk
Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed income securities, will move in the opposite direction to movements in interest rates. Factors including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates, and changes in general economic conditions may cause interest rates to rise, which could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. The prices of fixed income securities are also affected by their durations. Fixed income securities with longer durations generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For example, if a bond has a duration of seven years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 7% decrease in the value of the bond. An increase in interest rates can impact markets broadly as well. As of the date of this Prospectus, interest rates are at or near historic lows and some investments may have negative interest rates. To the extent the Fund holds an investment with a negative interest rate to maturity, the Fund may generate a negative return on that investment. Conversely, in the future, interest rates may rise, perhaps significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to the Fund.
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Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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.
LIBOR Risk
Certain of the instruments identified in the Fund’s principal investment strategies have variable or floating coupon rates that are based on the ICE LIBOR (“LIBOR”), the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”), Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a “Reference Rate”). These Reference Rates are generally intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings within certain financial markets. Most maturities and currencies of LIBOR were phased out at the end of 2021, with the remaining ones to be phased out on June 30, 2023. These events and any additional regulatory or market changes may have an adverse impact on the Fund or its investments, including increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. There remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund and the financial markets generally. SOFR has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a Reference Rate in the United States. Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives to identify replacement Reference Rates for LIBOR in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing investments and transactions to a new Reference Rate, as well as risks associated with using a new Reference Rate with respect to new investments and transactions. The transition process, or the failure of an industry to transition, could lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates and a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments, all of which would impact the Fund. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to June 30, 2023. At this time, it is not possible to completely identify or predict the effect of any transition, establishment of alternative Reference Rates or other reforms to Reference Rates that may be enacted in the UK or elsewhere. In addition, any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or NAV.
Liquidity Risk
The Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability, be subject to restrictions on sale, be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices or become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse credit events that may affect issuers or guarantors of a security. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such instruments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Fund. The Fund may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the Fund. For example, liquidity risk may be magnified in rising interest rate environments in the event of higher than normal redemption rates. Unexpected redemptions may force the Fund to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.
Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from
 
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the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk
Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are influenced by the factors affecting the mortgages underlying the securities or the housing market. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities also are subject to market risks for fixed income securities, which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. A decline in the credit quality of the issuers of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Fund. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security’s value.

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for the “pass through” of the monthly payments made by individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees by the security issuer and guarantor, as applicable, to the holder of the security. Small movements in interest rates, both increases and decreases, may quickly and significantly affect the value of certain mortgage pass-through securities. Mortgage pass-through securities involve interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and extension risk.
 
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Prepayment and Extension Risk
Prepayment risk is the risk that the principal amount of a bond may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow into the issuer, a debt security may be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment. The Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in another investment at a lower rate, may not benefit from an increase in value that may result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. The rate of prepayments tends to increase as interest rates fall, which could cause the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten. Variable and floating rate securities may be less sensitive to prepayment risk. Extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity, increase the risk of default and delayed payment, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in its price. In addition, as a consequence of a decrease in prepayments, the amount of principal available to the Fund for investment would be reduced.
Redemption Risk
The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. A rise in interest rates or other market developments may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund’s performance.
Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions
 
Prospectus – Fund Summaries13 

 

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and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.
 
Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk
Debt obligations may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Interests in secured and partially-secured obligations have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured or partially-secured obligation would satisfy the borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing an obligation in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the obligation. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund’s access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Unsecured debt, including senior unsecured and subordinated debt, will not be secured by any collateral and will be effectively subordinated to a borrower’s secured indebtedness (to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness). With respect to unsecured obligations, the Fund lacks any collateral on which to foreclose to satisfy its claim in whole or in part. Such instruments generally have greater price volatility than that of fully secured holdings and may be less liquid.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
U.S. Government Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises Risk
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (‘‘Fannie Mae’’), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (‘‘Freddie Mac’’), Federal Home Loan Bank (‘‘FHLB’’), Federal Farm Credit Bank (“FFCB”), and the Tennessee Valley Authority, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support if these organizations do not have the funds to meet future payment obligations. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored entities are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The rising U.S. national debt may lead to adverse impacts on the value of U.S. government securities due to potentially higher costs for the U.S. government to obtain new financing.
U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
The value of U.S. Treasury obligations may vary due to changes in interest rates. In addition, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund’s investments in obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury to decline. Certain political events in the U.S., such as a prolonged government shut down, may also cause investors to lose confidence in the U.S. government and may cause the value of U.S. Treasury obligations to decline.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk
The coupons on variable and floating-rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate security has a coupon that is adjusted at pre-designated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the coupon is based. The coupon on a floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate, such as a money-market index, LIBOR, or a Treasury bill rate. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising short-term interest rates, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of variable and floating-rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating-rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Certain types of variable and floating rate instruments may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index, for the periods indicated.
In the table below, the performance of the R6 Class shares for periods prior to February 28, 2019 represents the performance of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, the R5 Class shares of the Fund had different expenses than the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. The R6 Class performance shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R6 Class and R5 Class shares.
You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
4.53%2nd Quarter 2020
01/01/2017 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-1.58%1st Quarter 2021
01/01/2017 through 12/31/2021
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Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
Since Inception
Investor Class
04/04/2016
Returns Before Taxes
-2.23
%
1.88
%
1.34
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
-2.69
%
1.16
%
0.67
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
-1.32
%
1.16
%
0.76
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
Since Inception (04/04/2016)
Share Class (Before Taxes)
Y
04/04/2016
-1.93
%
2.19
%
1.63
%
R5
04/04/2016
-1.87
%
2.29
%
1.72
%
R6
02/28/2019
-1.92
%
2.29
%
1.73
%
1 Year
5 Years
Since Inception (04/04/2016)
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
-1.54
%
3.57
%
3.02
%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
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 Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.
Portfolio Managers
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.
Gilbert Andrew Garcia, CFA
Managing Partner & Portfolio Manager
Since Fund Inception (2016)
Nancy Rodriguez
Partner & Portfolio Manager
Since Fund Inception (2016)
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
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New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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American Beacon
International Equity FundSM
image 
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, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 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 all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 75 of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 79 of the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in Appendix A to the Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information.”
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
A
C
Y
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
5.75
%
None
None
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
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
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.61
%
0.61
%
0.61
%
0.61
%
0.61
%
0.61
%
0.61
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.25
%
1.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.25
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses2,3
0.27
%
0.25
%
0.18
%
0.10
%
0.34
%
0.12
%
0.45
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.13
%
1.86
%
0.79
%
0.71
%
1.20
%
0.73
%
1.06
%
Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement4
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
(0.01
%)
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
1.13
%
1.86
%
0.79
%
0.70
%
1.20
%
0.73
%
1.06
%
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 During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid amounts to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) that were previously waived and/or reimbursed under a contractual fee waiver/expense reimbursement agreement for the Fund’s R6 Class shares in the amount of 0.01%.
3 Other Expenses for R6 Class shares include 0.01% securities lending expenses.
4 The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund’s R6 Class through February 28, 2023, to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 0.69% for the R6 Class shares (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.
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, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for the R6 Class shares through February 28, 2023. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
A
$684
$913
$1,161
$1,871
C
$289
$585
$1,006
$2,180
Y
$81
$252
$439
$978
R6
$72
$226
$394
$882
Advisor
$122
$381
$660
$1,455
R5
$75
$233
$406
$906
Investor
$108
$337
$585
$1,294
Assuming no redemption of shares:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
C
$189
$585
$1,006
$2,180
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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 41% of the average value of its portfolio.
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 common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks (collectively, “stocks”) of issuers based in at least three different countries located outside the United States. The Fund’s investments in stocks may include master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), depositary receipts, which may include American depositary receipts (“ADRs”) and global depositary receipts (“GDRs”), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. The Fund will primarily invest in countries comprising the MSCI® EAFE Index. The MSCI EAFE Index is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities across 21 developed markets countries, including countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excluding the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Companies included in the MSCI EAFE Index are selected from among the larger capitalization companies in these markets. The Fund principally invests in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies, and to a lesser extent in small-capitalization companies. The Fund may invest in certain emerging market countries. The Fund may use futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forward contracts (“NDFs”), and currency swaps as a hedge against foreign currency fluctuations.
The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.
The sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to that stock’s country, sector or industry):

 

above-average return on equity or earnings growth potential,

 

below-average price to earnings or price to cash flow ratio,

 

below-average price to book value ratio, and

 

above-average dividend yields.
 
The sub-advisors may consider potential changes in currency exchange rates when choosing stocks. Each of the sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks. The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region.
Each sub-advisor’s investment processes incorporate the sub-advisor’s environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) analysis as a consideration in the assessment of all potential portfolio investments. However, as ESG information is just one investment consideration, ESG considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by a sub-advisor. In addition, the sub-advisors do not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds, and may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.
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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Convertible Securities Risk
The value of a convertible security typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in below investment grade debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible security‘s investment value. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies. The stocks of small- and mid-capitalization companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole and there may also be less trading in small- or mid-capitalization stocks. Convertible securities are sensitive to movement in interest rates.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or a derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Fund.
Credit Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities, could affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
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Currency Risk
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by using various instruments. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, and may be affected by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currencies may also decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund’s investments.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Derivatives Risk
Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. The use of derivatives may also increase any adverse effects resulting from the underperformance of strategies, asset classes and market exposures to which the Fund has allocated its assets. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Derivatives may also be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange, which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk and credit risk. As a result, the Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Ongoing changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk. Foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”), are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract and include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract.

 

Futures Contracts Risk. Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to 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, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold, and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, 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). Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index. Foreign currency futures contracts expose the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies.

 

Swap Agreements Risk. Swap agreements or “swaps” are transactions in which the Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates or the performance of specified securities, indices or other assets based on a specified amount (the “notional” amount). Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leverage risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, the Fund is subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, the occurrence of unexpected price movements or the non-occurrence of expected price movements. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Swaps may be subject to liquidity risk and counterparty risk, and swaps that are traded over-the-counter are not subject to standardized clearing requirements and may involve greater liquidity and counterparty risks. The Fund may invest in the following types of swaps:

 

    Currency swaps, which may be subject to currency risk and credit risk.
 
Dividend Risk
An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.
Emerging Markets Risk
When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political or economic uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading suspensions and other restrictions on investment; delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures; and significant limitations on investor rights and recourse. The governments of emerging market countries may also be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or
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impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by a sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”).

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”). 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. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Geographic Concentration Risk
From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance. Investing in such a manner could cause the Fund’s performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds.
Hedging Risk
If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss. In addition, hedges, even when successful in mitigating risk, may not prevent the Fund from experiencing losses on its investments. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had the Fund not used the hedging instruments.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.
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Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Market Timing Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of the Fund’s investments, which requires the Fund, in certain instances, to fair value certain of its investments. Some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s shares. 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 ability to execute efficient investment strategies.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
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Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
The Manager may allocate the Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund’s assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors’ investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, it is possible that the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.
 
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund’s payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
Segregated Assets Risk
In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, the Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the obligation. Segregated assets generally cannot be sold while the position they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other assets of equal value. The need to segregate cash or other liquid securities could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets, and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Valuation Risk
The Fund may value certain assets at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that are illiquid or may become illiquid, or securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. The Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time; however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund’s investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index, as well as an additional broad-based market index, for the periods indicated.
The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class shares for all periods. The Fund began offering R6 Class shares on February 28, 2017. In the table below, the performance of the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2017 represents the performance of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the
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same portfolio securities. However, the R5 Class shares of the Fund had different expenses than the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. The R6 Class performance shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R6 Class shares and the R5 Class shares.
You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
20.63%4th Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-29.98%1st Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Investor Class
08/01/1994
Returns Before Taxes
9.30
%
6.32
%
6.35
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
7.09
%
5.32
%
5.72
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
7.62
%
5.09
%
5.27
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Share Class (Before Taxes)
A
05/17/2010
2.93
%
5.01
%
5.63
%
C
09/01/2010
7.42
%
5.48
%
5.48
%
Y
08/03/2009
9.51
%
6.59
%
6.62
%
R6
02/28/2017
9.70
%
6.75
%
6.75
%
Advisor
05/01/2003
9.15
%
6.18
%
6.21
%
R5
08/07/1991
9.63
%
6.67
%
6.71
%
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted)
MSCI® EAFE Index (Net)*
11.26
%
9.55
%
8.03
%
MSCI® EAFE Value Index (Net)*
10.89
%
5.34
%
5.81
%
* Reflects the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using a tax rate applicable to non-resident individuals who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
Sub-Advisors
The Fund’s assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

American Century Investment Management, Inc.

 

Causeway Capital Management LLC

 

Lazard Asset Management LLC
 
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Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2012
Matt L. Peden
Director of Investments & Portfolio Manager
Since 2022
Paul B. Cavazos
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Since 2016
Kirk L. Brown
Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 1994
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Alvin Polit
Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 2020
Jonathan Veiga
Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Analyst
Since 2020
Causeway Capital Management LLC
Sarah H. Ketterer
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2001
Jonathan P. Eng
Director
Since 2006
Harry W. Hartford
President
Since 2001
Brian Cho
Director
Since 2021
Conor Muldoon
Director
Since 2010
Alessandro Valentini
Director
Since 2013
Ellen Lee
Director
Since 2015
Steven Nguyen
Director
Since 2019
Lazard Asset Management LLC
John R. Reinsberg
Deputy Chairman
Since 1999
Michael G. Fry
Managing Director
Since 2005
Kevin J. Matthews
Managing Director
Since 2013
Paul Selvey-Clinton
Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Since 2022
Michael A. Bennett
Managing Director
Since 2003
Michael Powers
Senior Advisor
Since 2003
Giles Edwards
Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Since 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
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Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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American Beacon
Large Cap Value FundSM
image 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 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 all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 75 of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 79 of the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in Appendix A to the Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information.”
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
A
C
Y
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
5.75
%
None
None
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
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
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.25
%
1.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.25
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses2
0.16
%
0.13
%
0.14
%
0.05
%
0.30
%
0.08
%
0.43
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.96
%
1.68
%
0.69
%
0.60
%
1.10
%
0.63
%
0.98
%
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 During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid amounts to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) that were previously waived and/or reimbursed under a contractual fee waiver/expense reimbursement agreement for the Fund’s R6 Class shares in the amount of 0.01%. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.
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
5 Years
10 Years
A
$667
$863
$1,075
$1,685
C
$271
$530
$913
$1,987
Y
$70
$221
$384
$859
R6
$61
$192
$335
$750
Advisor
$112
$350
$606
$1,340
R5
$64
$202
$351
$786
Investor
$100
$312
$542
$1,201
Assuming no redemption of shares:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
C
$171
$530
$913
$1,987
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 23% of the average value of its portfolio.
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 equity securities of large market capitalization U.S. companies. These companies have market capitalizations within the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell 1000® Index at the time of investment. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total
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market capitalization. As of December 31, 2021, the Russell 1000 Index consisted of companies with market capitalization of $163.8 million and greater. The Fund principally invests in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies, and to a lesser extent in small-capitalization companies.
The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), depositary receipts, which may include American depositary receipts (“ADRs”) and global depositary receipts (“GDRs”), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges (collectively referred to as “stocks”).
The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk. The Fund’s sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to the S&P 500® Index):

 

above-average earnings growth potential,

 

below-average price to earnings ratio,

 

below-average price to book value ratio, and

 

above-average dividend yields.
 
Each of the Fund’s sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The sub-advisors typically seek to invest in companies that they believe are undervalued at the time of purchase. The decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks. The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher. The Fund may invest in rights and warrants.
Each sub-advisor’s investment processes incorporate the sub-advisor’s environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) analysis as a consideration in the assessment of all potential portfolio investments. However, as ESG information is just one investment consideration, ESG considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by a sub-advisor. In addition, the sub-advisors do not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds, and may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.
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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Derivatives Risk
Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. The use of derivatives may also increase any adverse effects resulting from the underperformance of strategies, asset classes and market exposures to which the Fund has allocated its assets. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Derivatives may also be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange, which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk and credit risk. As a result, the Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Ongoing changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

 

Futures Contracts Risk. Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to 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, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold, and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of
 
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initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index.

 

Rights Risk. The price of a right may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a right may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. A right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

 

Warrants Risk. Warrants are derivative securities that give the holder the right to purchase a specified amount of securities at a specified price. Warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. The market for warrants may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants.
 
Dividend Risk
An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by a sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”).

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”). 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. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.
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Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
The Manager may allocate the Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund’s assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors’ investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, it is possible that the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.
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Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.
 
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund’s payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets, and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. The Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time; however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund’s investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index, for the periods indicated.
The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class shares for all periods. The Fund began offering R6 Class shares on February 28, 2017. In the table below, the performance of the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2017 represents the performance of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, the R5 Class shares of the Fund had different expenses than the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. The R6 Class performance shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R5 Class shares and the R6 Class shares.
You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
20.56%4th Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-30.18%1st Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
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Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Investor Class
08/01/1994
Returns Before Taxes
27.54
%
11.67
%
12.70
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
23.94
%
8.68
%
10.52
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
18.37
%
8.65
%
10.04
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Share Class (Before Taxes)
A
05/17/2010
20.24
%
10.33
%
11.96
%
C
09/01/2010
25.65
%
10.89
%
11.81
%
Y
08/03/2009
27.88
%
11.96
%
12.99
%
R6
02/28/2017
27.98
%
12.08
%
13.09
%
Advisor
05/31/2005
27.37
%
11.52
%
12.54
%
R5
07/17/1987
27.98
%
12.04
%
13.08
%
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Russell 1000® Value Index
25.16
%
11.16
%
12.97
%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
Sub-Advisors
The Fund’s assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

 

Massachusetts Financial Services Company
 
Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2012
Matt L. Peden
Director of Investments & Portfolio Manager
Since 2022
Paul B. Cavazos
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Since 2016
Kirk L. Brown
Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 2016
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
Mark Giambrone
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Since 2015
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
George Davis
Principal, Portfolio Manager, and Executive Chairman
Since 1989
Scott McBride
Portfolio Manager and Chief Executive Officer
Since 2004
Judd Peters
Portfolio Manager
Since 2003
Patricia McKenna
Principal and Portfolio Manager
Since 1995
Massachusetts Financial Services Company
Katherine Cannan
Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
Since 2019
Nevin Chitkara
Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
Since 2010
Prospectus – Fund Summaries31 

 

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
32Prospectus – Fund Summaries 

 

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American Beacon
Mid-Cap Value FundSM
image 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 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 all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 75 of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 79 of the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in Appendix A to the Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information.”
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
A
C
Y
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
5.75
%
None
None
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
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
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.25
%
1.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.25
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses
0.37
%
0.34
%
0.32
%
0.22
%
0.62
%
0.25
%
0.54
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.45
%
2.17
%
1.15
%
1.05
%
1.70
%
1.08
%
1.37
%
Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement2
(0.19
%)
(0.16
%)
(0.16
%)
(0.15
%)
(0.21
%)
(0.17
%)
(0.20
%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
1.26
%
2.01
%
0.99
%
0.90
%
1.49
%
0.91
%
1.17
%
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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund’s A Class, C Class, Y Class, R6 Class, Advisor Class, R5 Class and Investor Class through February 28, 2023, to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.26% for the A Class, 2.01% for the C Class, 0.99% for the Y Class, 0.90% for the R6 Class, 1.49% for the Advisor Class, 0.91% for the R5 Class, and 1.17% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.
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, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for each share class through February 28, 2023. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
A
$696
$990
$1,305
$2,195
C
$304
$664
$1,150
$2,491
Y
$101
$350
$618
$1,383
R6
$92
$319
$565
$1,269
Advisor
$152
$515
$903
$1,991
R5
$93
$327
$579
$1,302
Investor
$119
$414
$731
$1,629
Assuming no redemption of shares:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
C
$204
$664
$1,150
$2,491
Prospectus – Fund Summaries33 

 

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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.
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 equity securities of middle market capitalization U.S. companies. These companies have market capitalizations within the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell Midcap® Index at the time of investment. As of December 31, 2021, the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell Midcap Index ranged from $163.8 million to $71.7 billion. To a lesser extent, the Fund may have exposure to issuers considered small-capitalization companies. The Fund’s investments may include common stocks, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), American depositary receipts (“ADRs”), master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges (collectively referred to as “stocks”).
The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.
In general, the sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to the Russell Midcap Index):

 

above-average earnings growth potential,

 

below-average price to earnings ratio, and

 

below-average price to book value ratio.
 
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (“Barrow Hanley”), one of the Fund’s sub-advisors, invests in medium-sized companies with low price to earnings and price to book value ratios and high dividend yields in relation to the Russell Midcap Index. Through extensive research and meetings with company management teams, Barrow Hanley seeks to identify companies that not only possess these three characteristics, but that also exhibit high or improving profitability translating into earnings growth above that of the overall Russell Midcap Index. Barrow Hanley’s portfolio will generally consist of 40 to 50 stocks.
Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”), another one of the Fund’s sub-advisors, invests in medium-sized companies and intends to maintain a concentrated portfolio of 30 to 40 stocks selected from the most undervalued or “deep” value portion of its investment universe. Pzena looks for companies within that universe that sell for a low price relative to normal earnings (with “normal earnings” defined as a 5-year estimate of what the company should earn in a normal environment based on research of the company’s history and the history of its industry).
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P. (“WEDGE”), another one of the Fund’s sub-advisors, is primarily focused on identifying unrecognized value among high quality, market-leading companies, with a defendable competitive advantage, and market capitalization within the broad mid-cap market segment captured by the mid-cap Russell and S&P indices. Focusing on companies that meet initial value and financial quality parameters, research analysts employ comprehensive, qualitative and quantitative analysis, seeking stocks with unrecognized value. Areas of emphasis include independent earnings forecasts and financial statement analysis, an evaluation of free cash flow generation and return on invested capital, absolute and relative valuations, industry analysis and competitive positioning, and management capabilities and incentives.
The decision to sell a security is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks. The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher.
The sub-advisors’ investment processes incorporate the sub-advisors’ environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) analysis as a consideration in the assessment of all potential portfolio investments. However, as ESG information is just one investment consideration, ESG considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by a sub-advisor. The sub-advisors do not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds, and may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs.
The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.
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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Dividend Risk
An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.
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Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by a sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”).

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”). 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. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to 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, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold, and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, 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). Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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 Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of
Prospectus – Fund Summaries35 

 

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volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
The Manager may allocate the Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund’s assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors’ investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, it is possible that the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
36Prospectus – Fund Summaries 

 

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Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.
 
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund’s payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets, and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. The Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time; however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund’s investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index, for the periods indicated.
The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class shares for all periods. The Fund began offering R6 Class shares on February 28, 2018. In the table below, the performance of the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2018 represents the performance of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, the R5 Class shares of the Fund had different expenses than the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. The R6 Class performance shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R5 Class shares and the R6 Class shares.
You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
29.08%4th Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-39.99%1st Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
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Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Investor Class
02/28/2006
Returns Before Taxes
28.21
%
9.27
%
11.86
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
25.18
%
8.11
%
10.72
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
18.77
%
7.15
%
9.61
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Share Class (Before Taxes)
A
05/17/2010
20.76
%
7.85
%
11.01
%
C
09/01/2010
26.12
%
8.35
%
10.86
%
Y
03/01/2010
28.44
%
9.46
%
12.05
%
R6
02/28/2018
28.59
%
9.61
%
12.16
%
Advisor
06/29/2007
27.74
%
8.93
%
11.52
%
R5
11/30/2005
28.59
%
9.55
%
12.13
%
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Russell Midcap® Value Index
28.34
%
11.22
%
13.44
%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
Sub-Advisors
The Fund’s assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Pzena Investment Management, LLC

 

WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P.
 
Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2012
Paul B. Cavazos
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Since 2016
Colin J. Hamer
Portfolio Manager
Since 2018
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
Terry L. Pelzel
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2018
Mark Giambrone
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Since Fund Inception (2004)
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
Richard S. Pzena
Managing Principal, CEO,
Co-Chief Investment Officer & Founder
Since Fund Inception (2004)
Ben Silver
Principal and Portfolio Manager
Since 2017
John Flynn
Principal and Portfolio Manager
Since 2015
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P.
John Carr General Partner
Since 2015
Andrew Rosenberg
General Partner
Since 2020
Michael Ritzer General Partner
Since 2019
Richard Wells
General Partner
Since 2015
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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Prospectus – Fund Summaries39 

 

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American Beacon
Small Cap Value FundSM
image 
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 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 all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 75 of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 79 of the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in Appendix A to the Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information.”
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
A
C
Y
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
5.75
%
None
None
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
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
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.25
%
1.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.25
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses
0.26
%
0.22
%
0.16
%
0.06
%
0.31
%
0.08
%
0.42
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.24
%
1.95
%
0.89
%
0.79
%
1.29
%
0.81
%
1.15
%
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.
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
5 Years
10 Years
A
$694
$946
$1,217
$1,989
C
$298
$612
$1,052
$2,275
Y
$91
$284
$493
$1,096
R6
$81
$252
$439
$978
Advisor
$131
$409
$708
$1,556
R5
$83
$259
$450
$1,002
Investor
$117
$365
$633
$1,398
Assuming no redemption of shares:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
C
$198
$612
$1,052
$2,275
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 48% of the average value of its portfolio.
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 equity securities of small market capitalization U.S. companies. These companies have market capitalizations of $5 billion or less at the time of investment. To a lesser extent, the Fund may invest in mid-capitalization and micro-capitalization companies. The Fund’s investments may include common stocks, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges (collectively, “stocks”).
The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk. The sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to the Russell 2000® Index):
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above-average earnings growth potential,

 

below-average price to earnings ratio,

 

below-average price to book value ratio

 

below-average price to revenue ratio, and

 

above average free cash flow yield and return on capital.
 
Except for Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”), each of the sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The process is research driven and takes into consideration items such as a company’s tangible assets, sustainability of its cash flows, capital intensity and financial leverage.
Brandywine Global employs a purely quantitative strategy that focuses on buying stocks deemed to be less expensive based on price to earnings ratio or price to book value ratio and that have positive price momentum.
For each sub-advisor, the decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks. The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher.
The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs.
The investment process of each sub-advisor, other than Newton Investment Management North America, LLC, incorporates each sub-advisor’s environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) analysis as a consideration in the assessment of all potential portfolio investments. However, as ESG information is just one investment consideration, ESG considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by an applicable sub-advisor. In addition, the sub-advisors do not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.
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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by a sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”).

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of
 
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where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”). 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. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to 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, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold, and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, 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). Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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 Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from
 
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the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk
Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
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 a 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. There is no assurance that the models are complete or accurate, or representative of future market cycles, nor will they always be beneficial to the Fund if they are accurate. Additionally, programs may become outdated or experience malfunctions which may not be identified by the sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses to the Fund. These models may negatively affect Fund performance for various other reasons, including human judgment, inaccuracy of historical data and non-quantitative factors (such as market or trading system dysfunctions, investor fear or overreaction).
Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
The Manager may allocate the Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund’s assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors’ investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, it is possible that the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

ETFs Risk. Because exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are listed on an exchange, they may be subject to trading halts, may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value (“NAV”) and may not be liquid. An ETF that tracks an index may not precisely replicate the returns of that index, and an actively-managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. Future legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in taxation, could impact the operation of ETFs.

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Quantitative Strategy Risk
The success of the Fund’s investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor’s quantitative tools for screening securities. These strategies may incorporate factors that are not predictive of a security’s value. The quantitative tools may not react as expected to market events, resulting in losses for the Fund. Additionally, a previously successful strategy may become outdated or inaccurate, which may not be identified by a sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses.
Prospectus – Fund Summaries43 

 

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Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.
 
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund’s payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets, and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. The Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time; however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund’s investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index, for the periods indicated.
The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class shares for all periods. The Fund began offering R6 Class shares on February 28, 2017. In the table below, the performance of R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2017 represents the performance of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, the R5 Class shares of the Fund had different expenses than the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. The R6 Class performance shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R5 Class shares and the R6 Class shares.
You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
33.77%4th Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-38.48%1st Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
44Prospectus – Fund Summaries 

 

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Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Investor Class
02/28/1999
Returns Before Taxes
27.72
%
8.24
%
11.63
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
23.61
%
6.22
%
9.75
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
17.92
%
5.95
%
9.10
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Share Class (Before Taxes)
A
05/17/2010
20.30
%
6.87
%
10.85
%
C
09/01/2010
25.69
%
7.40
%
10.71
%
Y
08/03/2009
28.07
%
8.51
%
11.91
%
R6
02/28/2017
28.21
%
8.61
%
12.01
%
Advisor
05/01/2003
27.56
%
8.07
%
11.45
%
R5
12/31/1998
28.15
%
8.59
%
12.00
%
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Russell 2000® Value Index
28.27
%
9.07
%
12.03
%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
Sub-Advisors
The Fund’s assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

 

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

 

Newton Investment Management North America LLC
 
Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2012
Paul B. Cavazos
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Since 2016
Robyn A. Serrano
Associate Portfolio Manager
Since 2021
Colin J. Hamer
Portfolio Manager
Since 2018
Matt L. Peden
Director of Investments & Portfolio Manager
Since 2021
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
James S. McClure
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2003
Coleman Hubbard
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2020
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
Henry F. Otto
Managing Director
Since Fund Inception (1998)
Steven M. Tonkovich
Managing Director
Since Fund Inception (1998)
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
David Green
Principal, Portfolio Manager
Since Fund Inception (1998)
Jim Miles
Principal, Portfolio Manager
Since Fund Inception (1998)
Newton Investment Management North America LLC
Joseph M. Corrado
Executive Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 2004
Andrew Leger
Senior Portfolio Manager
Since 2022
Prospectus – Fund Summaries45 

 

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Additional Information About the Funds
To help you better understand the Funds, this section provides a detailed discussion of the Funds’ investment policies, their principal strategies and principal risks and performance benchmarks; however, this Prospectus does not describe all of a Fund’s investment practices. Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined are defined in Appendix B. For additional information, please see the Funds’ 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 Objectives

 

The American Beacon Balanced Fund’s investment objective is income and capital appreciation.

 

The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund’s investment objective is high current income consistent with preservation of capital.

 

The American Beacon International Equity Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

 

The American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current income.

 

The American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current income.

 

The American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation and current income.
 
With the exception of the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, each Fund’s investment objective is “fundamental,” which means that it may be changed only with the approval of Fund shareholders. The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund’s investment objective is “non-fundamental,” which means that it may be changed by the Fund’s Board without the approval of Fund shareholders.
80% Investment Policies

 

The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond 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 investment grade bonds.

 

The American Beacon International Equity 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 common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of issuers based in at least three different countries located outside the United States.

 

The American Beacon Large Cap Value 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 equity securities of large market capitalization U.S. companies.
 
46Prospectus – Additional Information About the Funds 

 

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The American Beacon Mid-Cap Value 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 equity securities of middle market capitalization U.S. companies.

 

The American Beacon Small Cap Value 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 equity securities of small market capitalization U.S. companies.
 
If a Fund changes its 80% investment 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
Each 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, a Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Additional Information About the Management of the Funds
The Funds have retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as their Manager. The Manager may allocate the assets of each Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager provides or oversees the provision of all administrative, investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Funds. The Manager:

 

develops overall investment strategies for each Fund,

 

selects and changes sub-advisors,

 

allocates assets among sub-advisors,

 

monitors and evaluates the sub-advisors’ investment performance,

 

monitors the sub-advisors’ compliance with each Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions,

 

oversees a Fund’s securities lending activities and actions taken by the securities lending agent to the extent applicable,

 

directs the investment of the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisors determine should be allocated to short-term investments, and

 

manages directly a portion of the assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund.
 
Each Fund’s assets are allocated among one or more sub-advisors by the Manager. The assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund are allocated by the Manager among the Manager and multiple sub-advisors.
Each sub-advisor has full discretion to purchase and sell securities for its segment of the Funds’ assets in accordance with the Funds’ objectives, policies, restrictions and more specific strategies provided by the Manager. The Manager oversees the sub-advisors but does not reassess individual security selections made by the sub-advisors for their portfolios.
The Funds operate in a manager of managers structure. The Funds and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Funds, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors, and materially amend agreements with sub-advisors, that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of the shareholders. In the future, the Funds and the Manager may rely on an SEC staff no-action letter, dated July 9, 2019, that would permit the Funds to expand their exemptive relief to hire and replace sub-advisors that are affiliated and unaffiliated with the Manager without shareholder approval, subject to approval by the Board and other conditions. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The SEC order also exempts the Funds from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Funds to individual sub-advisors in a multi-manager fund in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In the future, the Funds may rely on the SEC staff no-action letter to expand their exemptive relief to individual sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager. Under that no-action letter, the fees payable to sub-advisors unaffiliated with or partially-owned by the Manager or its parent company would be aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are wholly-owned by the Manager or its parent company, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. Whenever a sub-advisor change is proposed in reliance on the order, in order for the change to be implemented, the Board, including a majority of its “non-interested” trustees, must approve the change. In addition, the Funds are required to provide shareholders with certain information regarding any new sub-advisor within 90 days of the hiring of any new sub-advisor.
Each Fund’s sub-advisors are set forth below.
American Beacon Balanced Fund
The Fund’s assets are allocated among the Manager and the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
 
Currently, approximately one-half of the Fund’s assets are allocated to Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, who decides the proportion of assets to invest in equity and fixed income securities in accordance with the Fund’s guidelines. The remaining one-half of the Fund’s assets are allocated between the Manager, who invests its allocation in fixed income securities and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, who invests its allocation in equity securities.
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
The Manager allocates the Fund’s assets to one sub-advisor, Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.
American Beacon International Equity Fund
The Fund’s assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

American Century Investment Management, Inc.

 

Causeway Capital Management LLC

 

Lazard Asset Management LLC
 
Currently, the Fund’s assets are allocated among the sub-advisors generally on an equal basis.
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
The Fund’s assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

 

Massachusetts Financial Services Company
 
Prospectus – Additional Information About the Funds47 

 

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Currently, the Fund’s assets are allocated among the sub-advisors generally on an equal basis.
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
The Fund’s assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Pzena Investment Management, LLC

 

WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P.
 
Currently, the Fund’s assets are allocated among the sub-advisors generally on an equal basis.
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
The Fund’s assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

 

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

 

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

 

Newton Investment Management North America LLC
 
The Manager intends to allocate new and existing assets among the Fund’s sub-advisors, as permitted by their respective capacity commitments to the Fund and other considerations by the Manager.
Additional Information About Investments
This section provides more detailed information regarding certain of the Funds’ principal investment strategies as well as information regarding the Funds’ strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.
Asset-Backed, Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities
Asset-backed securities are fractional interests in pools of loans, receivables or other assets. They are issued by trusts or other special purpose vehicles and are collateralized by the loans, receivables or other assets that make up the pool. The trust or other issuer passes the income from the underlying asset pool to the investor. A Fund, the Manager, and the sub-advisors do not select the loans or other assets that are included in the collateral backing those pools. A Fund may also invest in debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHLB, FFCB and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Although chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, these entities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are supported by the issuers’ right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, the discretionary authority of the U.S. Treasury to lend to the issuers. The types of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities that a Fund may invest in include:

 

CMOs - CMOs and interests in REMICs are debt securities collateralized by mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities. CMOs divide the cash flow generated from the underlying mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities into different groups referred to as “tranches,” which are then retired sequentially over time in order of priority. The principal governmental issuers of such securities are Fannie Mae, a government sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders, and Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the United States created pursuant to an act of Congress that is owned entirely by the Federal Home Loan Banks. The issuers of CMOs are structured as trusts or corporations established for the purpose of issuing such CMOs and often have no assets other than those underlying the securities and any credit support provided. A REMIC is a mortgage securities vehicle that holds residential or commercial mortgages and issues securities representing interests in those mortgages. A REMIC may be formed as a corporation, partnership, or segregated pool of assets. A REMIC itself is generally exempt from federal income tax, but the income from its mortgages is taxable to its investors. For investment purposes, interests in REMIC securities are virtually indistinguishable from CMOs.

 

CMBS - CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, a mortgage loan or pool of mortgage loans on commercial real estate property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, hotels, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. CMBS may be structured with multiple tranches, with subordinate tranches incurring greater risk of loss in exchange for a greater yield. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS often are structured so that a substantial portion of the loan principal, rather than being amortized over the loan term, is instead payable at maturity (as a “balloon payment”). Repayment of a significant portion of loan principal thus often depends upon the future availability of real estate financing (to refinance the loan) and/or upon the value and saleability of the real estate at the relevant time. If borrowers are not able or willing to refinance or dispose of the encumbered property to pay the principal and interest owed on such mortgage loans, payments on the related CMBS (particularly subordinated classes of CMBS) will likely be adversely affected. The ultimate extent of the loss, if any, may only be determined after a negotiated discounted settlement, restructuring or sale of the mortgage note, or the foreclosure of the mortgage encumbering the property and subsequent liquidation of the property, which can be costly and delayed by litigation and/or bankruptcy. There are usually fewer properties in a pool of assets backing CMBS than in a pool of assets backing residential mortgage-backed securities, and they therefore may be more sensitive to the performance of fewer mortgage assets.

 

Dollar Rolls - A dollar roll is a contract to sell mortgage-backed securities as collateral against a commitment to repurchase similar, but not identical, mortgage-backed securities on a specified future date. During this “roll period,” a Fund would forego principal and interest paid on such securities, and the other party to the contract is entitled to all principal, interest, and prepayment cash flows while it holds the collateral. A Fund would be compensated by the difference between the current sale price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar roll transactions may result in higher transaction costs. A Fund maintains with its custodian segregated, or earmarked, liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the forward purchase obligation.

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities - Mortgage pass-through securities are securities representing interests in “pools” of mortgages in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are generally made monthly, in effect “passing through” monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans that underlie the securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities). They are issued by governmental, government-related and private organizations which are backed by pools of mortgage loans.
Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, as in the case of securities guaranteed by GNMA, or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, as in the case of securities guaranteed by FNMA or FHLMC, which are supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations.
Mortgage pass-through securities created by nongovernmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit, which may be issued by governmental entities, private insurers or the mortgage poolers.
 
48Prospectus – Additional Information About the Funds 

 

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There are a number of important differences among the agencies, instrumentalities and government-sponsored enterprises of the U.S. government that issue mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. Such agencies and securities include:

 

GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates - The GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ginnie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. Ginnie Maes entitle the holder to receive all payments (including prepayments) of principal and interest owed by the individual mortgagors, net of fees paid to the GNMA and to the issuer which assembles the mortgage pool and passes through the monthly mortgage payments to the certificate holders (typically, a mortgage banking firm), regardless of whether the individual mortgagor actually makes the payment. Because payments are made to certificate holders regardless of whether payments are actually received on the underlying mortgages, Ginnie Maes are of the “modified pass-through” mortgage certificate type. The GNMA is authorized to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on the Ginnie Maes. The GNMA guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and the GNMA has unlimited authority to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under the guarantee. The market for Ginnie Maes is highly liquid because of the size of the market and the active participation in the secondary market of security dealers and a variety of investors.

 

Mortgage-Related Securities Issued by Private Organizations - Pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payments in such pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is often partially supported by various enhancements such as over-collateralization and senior/subordination structures and by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by government entities, private insurers or the mortgage poolers. Although the market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid, securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.

 

Freddie Mac Mortgage Participation Certificates - Freddie Macs represent interests in groups of specified first lien residential conventional mortgages underwritten and owned by Freddie Mac. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. In cases where Freddie Mac has not guaranteed timely payment of principal, Freddie Mac may remit the amount due because of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the United States or by any of the Federal Home Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States or of any Federal Home Loan Bank.

 

Fannie Mae Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates - Fannie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of conventional mortgage loans secured by first mortgages or deeds of trust, on one family or two to four family, residential properties. Fannie Mae is obligated to distribute scheduled monthly installments of principal and interest on the mortgages in the pool, whether or not received, plus full principal of any foreclosed or otherwise liquidated mortgages. The obligation of Fannie Mae under its guarantee is solely its obligation and is not backed by, nor entitled to, the full faith and credit of the United States.
 
Cash Equivalents
A Fund may invest in cash equivalents including among others, time deposits, certificates of deposit, government obligations, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt securities and repurchase agreements.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate. Certificates of deposit 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.
Commercial Paper is a short-term, unsecured promissory note issued by finance companies, banks, and corporations generally used as a source of working capital and other short-term financing. Commercial Paper has maturities ranging from 1 to 270 days.
Cash Management Investments
A Fund may invest cash balances in government money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including government money market funds that are advised by the Manager, and in index futures contracts. If a Fund invests in government money market funds, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the government money market funds in which a Fund invests, such as advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with a Fund’s own operations. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with government money market funds and the portfolio investments of such government money market funds, including the risk that a government money market fund’s yield will be lower than the return that a Fund would have derived from other investments that provide liquidity.
A Fund may also 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, a Fund would purchase passive ETF shares to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. As a shareholder of an ETF, a Fund would be subject to its ratable share of the ETF’s expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses.
To gain market exposure on cash balances held in anticipation of liquidity needs or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs, a Fund also may purchase and sell non-commodity based futures contracts on a daily basis that relate to securities in which they may invest directly and indices comprised of such securities.
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, a Fund may invest simultaneously those balances in futures contracts until the cash balances are delivered to settle the securities transactions. This exposes a Fund to the market risks associated with the underlying securities and indices. Because a Fund will have market exposure simultaneously in both the invested securities and futures contracts, a Fund may have more than 100% of its assets exposed to the markets. This can magnify gains and losses in a Fund. A 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 a Fund and the prices of futures contracts or the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying investment or indices and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.
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Convertible Securities
Convertible securities, including convertible preferred securities, include corporate bonds, notes, preferred stock, convertible preferred securities or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. While typically providing a fixed-income stream, a convertible security also gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security’s underlying common stock. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders, but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.
Currencies
A Fund may invest in foreign currencies and foreign currency-denominated securities. A Fund may also purchase and sell foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable foreign currency forwards, and foreign currency futures contracts, and may engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time or through forward currency contracts (see “Derivative Investments - Foreign Currency Forward Contracts”). A Fund may engage in these transactions in order to hedge or protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities or other derivative positions. A Fund also may use foreign currency, foreign currency denominated instruments and foreign currency forward contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another.
Derivative Investments
Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value that depends upon, or is derived from, a reference asset, such as one or more underlying securities, pools of securities, options, futures, indexes or currencies. A Fund may invest in the following derivative instruments:

 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. Forward contracts are two-party contracts pursuant to which one party agrees to pay the counterparty a fixed price for an agreed upon amount of commodities or securities, or the cash value of commodities, securities or a securities index, at an agreed upon future date. A forward currency contract is an obligation to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. An NDF currency contract is a forward contract where there is no physical settlement of the two currencies at maturity. Rather, on the contract settlement date, a net cash settlement will be made by one party to the other based on the difference between the contracted forward rate and the prevailing spot rate, on an agreed notional amount.

 

Futures Contracts. A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular asset, such as securities, indices, or currencies, or the cash value of an index, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under many such contracts, no delivery of the actual underlying asset 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 the asset (e.g., a security or an index) at expiration, net of the initial and variation margin that was previously paid. An equity index futures contract is based on the value of an underlying index. A Fund may, from time to time, use futures positions to equitize cash and expose its portfolio to changes in securities prices or index prices. This can magnify gains and losses in the Fund. A 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 prices of futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.

 

Rights. Rights are short-term warrants issued in conjunction with new stock or bond issues. Rights entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specified period of time. Generally, rights are issued to existing stockholders to provide those stockholders the right to purchase additional shares of stock at a later date.

 

Swap Agreements. A swap is a transaction in which a Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities, indices or other assets based on a specified amount (the “notional” amount). The terms of the swap transaction are either negotiated by a sub-advisor and the swap counterparty or established based on terms generally available on an exchange or contract market. Nearly any type of derivative, including forward contracts can be structured as a swap. A Fund may enter into currency swaps to hedge foreign currency exchange risk embedded in the funding agreements. A currency swap involves the exchange of payments denominated in one currency for payments denominated in another. Payments are based on a notional principal amount the value of which is fixed in exchange rate terms at the swap’s inception.

 

Warrants. Warrants are options to purchase an issuer’s securities at a stated price during a stated term. If the market price of the underlying common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indices (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of the exercise. Warrants may also be linked to the performance of oil and/or the GDP of specific frontier and emerging markets.
 
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Equity Investments
A 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 traded via an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges. 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. GDRs may be offered in one or more foreign countries and represent the deposit with a foreign bank of a security of a foreign issuer. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges 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 a 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, a 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 a Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security.

 

Income Deposit Securities. An IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.

 

Income Trusts. An income trust is an investment trust that holds income-producing assets and passes the income on to its security holders. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts are structured to avoid taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust, if properly structured, should not be subject to federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.

 

Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”). An IPO is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded. In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), best offering price and time to bring it to market. The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall.

 

Master Limited Partnerships. MLPs are limited partnerships (or similar entities) in which the ownership units (e.g., limited partnership interests) are publicly traded and units are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. The majority of MLPs operate in oil and gas related businesses, including energy processing and distribution. An MLP is an investment that combines the tax benefits of a limited partnership with the liquidity of publicly traded securities. Many MLPs are pass-through entities that generally are taxed at the security holder level and generally are not subject to federal or state income tax at the partnership level. Annual income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of an MLP pass through directly to its security holders. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of capital. A Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited by tax considerations. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the MLP.

 

REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that own, and often operate, income producing real estate (known as “equity REITs”) or invest in mortgages secured by loans on such real estate (known as “mortgage REITs”) or both (known as “hybrid REITs”). 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 a Fund.
 
Fixed Income Instruments
A Fund’s investments in fixed income instruments may include:

 

Corporate Debt and Other Fixed-Income Securities. Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses to finance their operations. Corporate debt securities include bonds, notes, debentures and commercial paper issued by companies to investors with a promise to repay the principal amount invested at maturity, with the primary difference being their maturities and secured or unsecured status. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by domestic or foreign companies of all kinds, including companies of all market capitalizations. Corporate debt may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may carry fixed or floating rates of interest. Corporate bonds typically carry a set interest or coupon rate, while commercial paper is commonly issued at a discount to par with no coupon. The perceived ability of the company to meet its principal and interest payment obligations is referred to as its creditworthiness, and it may be supplemented by collateral securing the company’s obligations.

 

  Because of the wide range of types and maturities of corporate debt securities, as well as the range of creditworthiness of their issuers, corporate debt securities have widely varying potentials for return and risk profiles. For example, commercial paper issued by a large established domestic corporation that is rated investment grade may have a modest return on principal, but carries relatively limited risk. On the other hand, a long-term corporate note issued by a small foreign corporation from an emerging market country that has not been rated may have the potential for relatively large returns on principal, but carries a relatively high degree of risk. Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause a Fund’s net asset value to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed-income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. The credit risk of a particular issuer’s debt security may vary based on its priority for repayment. For example, higher ranking (senior) debt securities have a higher priority than lower ranking (subordinated) securities. This means that the issuer might not make payments on subordinated securities while continuing to make payments on senior securities. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy, holders of higher-ranking senior securities may receive amounts otherwise payable to the holders of more junior securities.
 
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Emerging Markets Debt. A Fund may invest its assets in debt securities associated with a particular geographic region or country, including emerging markets. A Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging market indices. The countries that comprise emerging markets change from time to time.

 

Government-Sponsored Enterprises. A Fund may invest in debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FFCB, FHLB and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Although chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, these entities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are supported by the issuers’ right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, the discretionary authority of the U.S. Treasury to lend to the issuers and the U.S. Treasury’s commitment to purchase stock to ensure the issuers’ positive net worth.

 

Investment Grade Securities. Investment grade securities that a Fund may purchase, either as part of its principal investment strategy or to implement its temporary defensive policy, include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a rating organization rating that security (such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or Fitch, Inc.) or comparably rated by a sub-advisor if unrated by a rating organization. A Fund, at the discretion of a sub-advisor, may retain a security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria.

 

U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government securities may include U.S. Treasury securities and securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, or debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises.
 
Other Investment Companies Securities
A Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including government money market funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). A Fund may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear a 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 a Fund’s own operations. These other fees and expenses, if applicable, are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for a Fund in this Prospectus. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.
A Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as government money market funds under the Investment Company Act, to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. A Fund could invest in government money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If a Fund invests in government money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the government money market funds in which a Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager.
Although a government money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a government money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the government money market fund has purchased may reduce the government money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a government money market security to decrease. In addition, a government money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.
A Fund may invest in ETFs. ETFs trade like a common stock and passively-managed ETFs usually represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. ETF shares typically are purchased and redeemed through in-kind purchases and redemptions, and trade on a stock exchange at market prices, which may differ from an ETF’s NAV. Typically, a Fund would purchase passive ETF shares to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. As a shareholder of an ETF, a 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 but also presents some additional risks due to being exchange traded. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of an ETF’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to its NAV; (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 delisted 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
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 it does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock 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 typically set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be variable, changed or omitted by the issuer.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities
The coupons on certain fixed income securities in which a Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. The coupon on a variable or floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate such as a money market index, LIBOR or a Treasury bill rate. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate obligations at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations are subject to interest rate risk and may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating rate securities typically should decrease. Alternatively, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupons of variable and floating rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.
Additional Information About Risks
The greatest risk of investing in a mutual fund is that its returns will fluctuate and you could lose money. The following table identifies the risk factors of each Fund in light of each Fund’s respective principal investment strategies. These risk factors are explained following the table. References to “the Fund” and “a Fund” in the risk explanations are intended to refer the Fund(s) identified in the table as having that risk factor. The principal risks of investing in each Fund listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in a Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
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Risk
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Allocation Risk
X
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
X
Asset Selection Risk
X
Callable Securities Risk
X
Convertible Securities Risk
X
X
Counterparty Risk
X
X
Credit Risk
X
X
X
Currency Risk
X
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Debentures Risk
X
X
Derivatives Risk
X
X
X
  • Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk

X
  • Futures Contracts Risk

X
X
X
  • Rights Risk

X
X
  • Swap Agreements Risk

X
Currency swaps
X
  • Warrants Risk

X
X
Dividend Risk
X
X
X
X
Emerging Markets Risk
X
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Equity Investments Risk
X
X
X
X
X
  • Common Stock Risk

X
X
X
X
X
  • Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U. S. Exchanges Risk

X
X
X
X
X
  • Income Deposit Securities Risk

X
  • Income Trust Risk

X
  • Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) Risk

X
  • Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk

X
X
X
X
X
  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk

X
X
X
X
X
Foreign Investing Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Futures Contracts Risk
X
X
Geographic Concentration Risk
X
Hedging Risk
X
Interest Rate Risk
X
X
Investment Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Issuer Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
LIBOR Risk
X
Liquidity Risk
X
X
Market Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
  • Recent Market Events Risk

X
X
X
X
X
X
Market Timing Risk
X
Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
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Risk
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Model and Data Risk
X
Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk
X
X
  • Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMOs”) Risk

X
  • Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) Risk

X
  • Dollar Rolls Risk

X
  • Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk

X
X
Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Other Investment Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
  • ETFs Risk

X
  • Government Money Market Funds Risk

X
X
X
X
X
X
Preferred Stock Risk
X
Prepayment and Extension Risk
X
X
Quantitative Strategy Risk
X
Redemption Risk
X
X
Sector Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
  • Financials Sector Risk

X
X
X
X
X
X
Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk
X
X
Securities Lending Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Securities Selection Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Segregated Assets Risk
X
X
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
U.S. Government Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises Risk
X
X
U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
X
Valuation Risk
X
Value Stocks Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk
X
X
Allocation Risk
This is the risk that allocations among strategies, asset classes and market exposures may be less than optimal and may adversely affect a Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that judgments about asset allocation will be correct. Some broad asset categories and sub-classes may perform below expectations, or below the securities markets generally, over short and extended periods. A Fund may be negatively impacted if market correlations change abruptly or unexpectedly. A Fund’s allocations may be invested in strategies, asset classes and market exposures during a period when such strategies, asset classes and market exposures underperform.
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
Investments in asset-backed securities are influenced by the factors affecting the assets underlying the securities, including the broader market sector and individual markets, such as the auto markets. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in asset-backed securities are subject to market risks for fixed income securities which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain asset-backed securities. If interest rates fall, the rate of prepayments tends to increase as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. When obligations are prepaid and when securities are called, a Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of dividends and yield. Because prepayments increase when interest rates fall, the prices of asset-backed securities do not increase as much as other fixed income securities when interest rates fall. When interest rates rise, borrowers are less likely to prepay their loans. A decreased rate of prepayments lengthens the expected maturity of asset-backed securities. Therefore, the prices of asset-backed securities may decrease more than prices of other fixed income securities when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may increase the risk of default by borrowers. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, a Fund that holds these types of securities may experience additional volatility and losses. A decline in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to a Fund.
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Asset Selection Risk
Assets selected for a Fund may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential performance of a particular asset class or individual security may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that individual securities will perform as anticipated. Additionally, asset classes tend to go through cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to each other and to the general securities markets. The investment models used to manage a Fund may rely in part on data derived from third parties and may not perform as intended. This could result in a Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
Callable Securities Risk
A Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, a Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, the proceeds received by a Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates or other less favorable characteristics, and a Fund may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates. Thus, a Fund’s income could be reduced as a result of a call and this may reduce the amount of a Fund’s distributions. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on a Fund’s total return.
Convertible Securities Risk
The conversion value of a convertible security, including a convertible preferred security, is the market value that would be received if the convertible were converted to its underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. When conversion value is substantially below investment value, the convertible’s price tends to be influenced more by its yield, so changes in the price of the underlying common stock may not have as much of an impact. Conversely, the convertible’s price tends to be influenced more by the price of the underlying common stock when conversion value is comparable to or exceeds investment value. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks, and its price may be as volatile as that of the underlying stock when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price. A convertible security also is subject to the market risks of debt securities, and is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The investment value of a convertible is based on its yield and tends to decline as interest rates increase. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk, and there is a risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. Because their value can be influenced by many different factors, convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than the underlying common stocks. Securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities that are convertible at the option of the holder. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company’s convertible securities is generally lower than that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered “junior” securities — that is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and a Fund could lose its entire investment. In addition, to the extent a Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies. The stocks of small- and mid-capitalization companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole and there may also be less trading in small- or mid-capitalization stocks.
Counterparty Risk
A Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to a Fund. As a result, a Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
A Fund is also subject to the risk that an FCM would default on an obligation set forth in an agreement between a Fund and the FCM. This risk exists at and from the time that a Fund enters into derivatives transactions that are centrally cleared. In such cases, a clearing organization becomes a Fund’s counterparty and the principal counterparty risk is that the clearing organization itself will default. In addition, the FCM may hold margin posted in connection with those contracts and that margin may be re-hypothecated (or re-pledged) by the FCM, and lost, or its return delayed, due to a default by the FCM or other customer of the FCM. The FCM may itself file for bankruptcy, which would either delay the return of, or jeopardize altogether, the assets posted by the FCM as margin in response to margin calls relating to cleared positions. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, goes bankrupt, or otherwise experiences a business interruption, a Fund could miss investment opportunities or otherwise hold investments it would prefer to sell, resulting in losses for a Fund.
Credit Risk
A Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. The strategies utilized by a sub-advisor require accurate and detailed credit analysis of issuers and there can be no assurance that its analysis will be accurate or complete. A Fund may be subject to substantial losses in the event of credit deterioration or bankruptcy of one or more issuers in its portfolio. Financial strength and solvency of an issuer are the primary factors influencing credit risk. In addition, inadequacy of collateral or credit enhancement for a debt instrument may affect its credit risk. Credit risk may change over the life of an instrument and debt obligations which are rated by rating agencies may be subject to downgrade. The credit ratings of debt instruments and investments represent the rating agencies’ opinions regarding their credit quality, are not a guarantee of future credit performance of such securities, are not a guarantee of quality and do not protect against a decline in the value of a security. Rating agencies attempt to evaluate the safety of the timely payment of principal and interest (or dividends) and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. The ratings assigned to securities by rating agencies do not purport to fully reflect the true risks of an investment. Further, in recent years many highly-rated structured securities have been subject to substantial losses as the economic assumptions on which their ratings were based proved to be materially inaccurate. A decline in the credit rating of an individual security held by a Fund may have an adverse impact on its price and may make it difficult for a Fund to sell it. Rating agencies might not always change their credit rating on an issuer or security in a timely manner to reflect events that could affect the issuer’s ability to make timely payments on its obligations. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of a Fund’s securities, could affect a Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk
A Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by using various instruments. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, and may be affected by the imposition of currency controls or
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political developments in the U.S. or abroad. As a result, a Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of a Fund. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect a Fund’s investments. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency derivatives may not always work as intended, and in specific cases, a Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). In the case of hedging positions, the U.S. dollar or other currency may decline in value relative to the foreign currency that is being hedged and thereby affect a Fund’s investments. There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, a Fund may choose to not hedge its currency risks.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact a Fund, its service providers, and third-party fund distribution platforms, as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with a Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (also known as “denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, the inability to process Fund transactions, interference with a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory scrutiny, penalties, fines, reputational damage, additional compliance requirements, and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Fund or its shareholders. The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager, other Fund service providers, or third-party fund distribution platforms to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which a Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Debentures Risk
Debentures are unsecured, medium- to long-term debt securities protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer, not by collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by the issuer, as unsecured creditors, debenture holders will not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuer and will therefore only be paid from the issuer’s assets after the secured creditors have been paid. A Fund is subject to the risk that the value of a debenture will fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the perceived ability of the issuer to make interest or principal payments on time. A Fund may invest in both corporate and government debentures.
Derivatives Risk
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, options, futures, indexes or currencies. A Fund may use derivatives to enhance total return of its portfolio, to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of its portfolio, or to manage certain investment risks or for exposure to a market as a substitute for the purchase or sale of the underlying currencies or securities. A Fund may also hold derivative instruments to obtain economic exposure to an issuer without directly holding its securities. Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose a Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those 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 a sub-advisor incorrectly forecasts stock market values, or the direction of interest rates or currency exchange rates in utilizing a specific derivatives strategy for a Fund, a Fund could lose money. In addition, leverage embedded in a derivative instrument can expose a Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Gains or losses in the value of a derivative instrument may be magnified and be much greater than the derivative’s original cost (generally the initial margin deposit). There may also be material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of a Fund’s initial investment, for example, where a Fund may be called upon to deliver a security it does not own. As a result, a Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. The use of derivatives may also increase any adverse effects resulting from the underperformance of strategies, asset classes and market exposures to which a Fund has allocated its assets. Derivatives may at times be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. A Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may also be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil.
A Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on organized exchanges. A Fund may also enter into transactions that are not cleared through clearing organizations. These types of transactions may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk and credit risk. As a result, a Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Certain derivatives require a Fund to post margin to secure its future obligation; if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell investments from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. A Fund’s use of derivatives also may create financial leverage, which may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and accelerate the rate of losses. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that a Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Because the markets for certain derivative instruments (including markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new and still developing, suitable derivatives transactions may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes. Upon the expiration of a particular contract, a sub-advisor may wish to retain a Fund’s position in the derivative instrument by entering into a similar contract, but may be unable to do so if the counterparty to the original contract is unwilling to enter into the new contract and no other suitable counterparty can be found. Although a Fund may attempt to hedge against certain risks, the hedging instruments may not perform as expected and could produce losses. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had a Fund not used the hedging instruments. A Fund may not hedge certain risks in particular situations, even if suitable instruments are available.
A Fund’s ability to use derivatives may also be limited by certain regulatory and tax considerations. For example, the CFTC and the designated contract markets have established position limits for futures contracts that may restrict the ability of a Fund, or the Manager or sub-advisor entering trades on a Fund’s behalf, to make certain trading decisions. In addition, the SEC recently voted to adopt Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, which will regulate the use of derivatives for certain funds registered under the Investment Company Act (‘‘Rule 18f-4’’). Unless a Fund qualifies as a ‘‘limited derivatives user’’ as defined in Rule 18f-4, Rule 18f-4 would, among other things, require a Fund to establish a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, to comply
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with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits, to appoint a derivatives risk manager and to provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. For funds that qualify as limited derivatives users, Rule 18f-4 requires a fund to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. These requirements could have an impact on a Fund, including a potential increase in cost to enter into derivatives transactions. The full impact of Rule 18f-4 on a Fund remains uncertain, however, due to the compliance timeline within Rule 18f-4, it is unlikely that a Fund will be required to fully comply with the requirements until 2022. Ongoing changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation may make derivatives more costly, may limit their availability, may disrupt markets, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. In addition to other changes, these rules provide for central clearing of derivatives that in the past were traded exclusively over-the-counter and may increase costs and margin requirements, but are expected to reduce certain counterparty risks. A Fund may be subject to the risks associated with investments in derivatives, including but not limited to the following:

 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk. Foreign currency forward contracts, including NDFs, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose a Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract. Foreign currency forward transactions, including NDFs, and forward currency contracts include risks associated with fluctuations in currency, and other risks inherent in trading derivatives. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the price of a forward contract and the underlying currency, which may increase the volatility of a Fund. A Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect a Fund’s rights as a creditor. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed.

 

Futures Contracts Risk. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or index. Futures contracts may experience dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlations between the price of the contract and the underlying security, index or currency, which may increase the volatility of a Fund. Futures contracts 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, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index. Foreign currency futures contracts expose the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies.

 

Rights Risk. The price of a right may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a right may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Further, there is no guarantee of a liquid secondary market for rights, which may cause a Fund to incur losses on the sale of rights. A right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Further, the failure to exercise a right could result in the dilution of a Fund’s interest in the issuer.

 

Swap Agreements Risk. Swap agreements or “swaps” are transactions in which a Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities, indices or other assets based on a specified amount (the “notional” amount). Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, a Fund is subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, a lack of correlation between the swaps and the portfolio of assets that the swaps are designed to hedge or replace. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Swaps may be subject to liquidity risk and counterparty risk. The value of swaps may be affected by changes in overall market movements and changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Some swaps are now executed through an organized exchange or regulated facility and cleared through a regulated clearing organization. A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for certain swaps, and there can be no assurance that one will develop. The use of an organized exchange or market for swap transactions may result in certain trading and valuation efficiencies for swaps, however, this may not always be the case. The absence of an organized exchange or market for swaps transactions may result in difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Swaps that are traded over-the-counter also are not subject to standardized clearing requirements and the direct oversight of self-regulatory organizations. Swaps may involve greater liquidity and counterparty risks, including settlement risk, as well as collateral risk (i.e., the risk that the swap will not be properly secured with sufficient collateral), legal risk (i.e., the risk that a swap will not be legally enforceable on all of its terms) and operational risk (i.e., the risk of processing and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology errors or malfunctions). A Fund may invest in the following types of swaps, which may be subject to the risks discussed above, as well as the additional risks as described below:

 

    Currency swaps, which may be subject to foreign exchange currency market risk and credit risk.

 

Warrants Risk. Warrants are derivative securities that give the holder the right to purchase a specified amount of securities at a specified price. Warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Detached warrants may be traded on a stock exchange; however, non-detached warrants can only be exercised by the investor. The market for warrants may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants.
 
Dividend Risk
A Fund’s investments in dividend-paying stocks could cause a Fund to underperform funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends. An issuer of stock held by a Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. In addition, stocks of companies with a history of paying dividends may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as most other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or an economic downturn could cause a company to unexpectedly reduce or eliminate its dividend. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise, the prices of such securities may fall. At times, a Fund may not be able to identify dividend-paying stocks that are attractive investments. The income received by a Fund will also fluctuate due to the amount of dividends that companies elect to pay.
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Emerging Markets Risk
When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets have unique risks that are greater than, or in addition to, the risks associated with investing in developed markets because emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political and economic uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities, resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading suspensions and other restrictions on investment; delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures; and significant limitations on investor rights and recourse. The economies and political environments of emerging market countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of return than the developed markets and substantially greater risk to investors. The governments of emerging market countries may also be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. Emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping requirements and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration, and custodial procedures. In addition, there may be less publicly available or less reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, which can impede a sub-advisor’s ability to accurately evaluate foreign securities. Such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain emerging market countries, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries, and investor protections may be more limited than those in other countries. It may be difficult to obtain or enforce legal judgments against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in foreign jurisdictions, either through the foreign judicial system or through a private arbitration process. These matters have the potential to impact a Fund’s investment objective and performance.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by a sub-advisor may cause a Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in a Fund. The use of ESG investment considerations may also affect a Fund’s exposure to certain investments, which may impact a Fund’s relative investment performance depending on the performance of those issuers. Depending on how ESG considerations are incorporated, a Fund may choose not to or may not be able to take advantage of certain investment opportunities due to these considerations, which may adversely affect investment performance. A Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks and, because there are few generally accepted standards to use in such considerations, the information and considerations used for a Fund may differ from the information and considerations used for other funds.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. A Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose a Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. 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. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay common stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders and preferred stockholders have been made.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U. S. Exchanges Risk. A 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 generally subject to many of the same risks of investing in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement. There may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.

 

Income Deposit Securities Risk. Income deposit securities (“IDS”) are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk. Although IDSs, which are units representing shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by a company, trade on an exchange, there may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. IDSs also are subject to the risk that regulatory changes could adversely affect the tax treatment of these instruments. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting both common stock and subordinated debt securities.

 

Income Trust Risk. Securities of income trusts, which hold income producing assets and pass the income on to security holders, also are subject to the operating risk associated with their underlying investments and the risk that regulatory changes could reduce or eliminate any tax benefits and adversely affect the value of such securities. Income trust securities share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership. In addition, the potential growth of an income trust investment may be diminished because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the trust. Income trust securities are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk.

 

Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) Risk. A Fund may purchase shares of an issuer as part of that issuer’s IPO. The prices of securities purchased through IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks, and sometimes experience significant price drops shortly after the initial issuance. The high fluctuation in price may be due to multiple factors, including but not limited to, the absence of a prior public market; unseasoned trading; the small number of shares available for trading; and the limited information about an issuer’s business model, quality of management, earnings growth potential and other criteria used to evaluate its investment prospects. Consequently, investments in IPO securities may also involve high transaction costs. When IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited. If a Fund desires to acquire shares in an IPO, it may not be able to purchase any, or as many, shares as it would like at the offering price.

 

MLPs Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. A Fund invests as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amounts a Fund has contributed but it would not
 
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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 a 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. A Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for a Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of the amount originally invested, which would not be taxable to the extent the distributions do not exceed the investor’s adjusted basis on its MLP interest. These reductions in a Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) recognized by a Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. REITs or other real estate-related securities are subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; risks related to general and local economic conditions; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. All REITs are dependent on management skills, are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally are not diversified. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. 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. Equity, mortgage and hybrid 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, and are subject to cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers, and any domestic REIT could fail to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code, or to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act. REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by a Fund. Accordingly, a 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 indirectly paying Fund expenses. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) greater volatility; (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency, and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank, depository, or their agents goes bankrupt. To the extent a Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. A Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject a Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that a Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities, a Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and a Fund could incur significant losses.
Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of futures contracts may expose a Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those futures contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or index. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes and imperfect correlations between the price of the contract and the underlying security, index or currency, which may increase the volatility of a Fund. An abrupt change in the price of an underlying security could render the underlying derivative instrument worthless. Futures contracts 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, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts are subject to the risk that an exchange may impose price fluctuation limits, which may make it difficult or impossible for a Fund to close out a position when desired. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. Equity index futures contracts expose a Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways.
Geographic Concentration Risk
From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, a Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on a Fund’s performance. Investing in such a manner could cause a Fund’s performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds. The economies and financial markets of certain countries or regions can be highly interdependent. Therefore, a decline in the economies or financial markets of one country or region may adversely affect the economies or financial markets of another.
Hedging Risk
A Fund may enter into hedging transactions with the intention of reducing or controlling risk. It is possible that hedging strategies will not be effective in controlling risk, due to unexpected non-correlation (or even positive correlation) between the hedging instrument and the position being hedged, increasing, rather than reducing, both risk and losses. To the extent that a Fund enters into hedging transactions, the hedges will not be static but rather will need to be
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continually adjusted based on a sub-advisor’s assessment of market conditions, as well as the expected degree of non-correlation between the hedges and the portfolio being hedged. The success of a Fund’s hedging strategies will depend on a sub-advisor’s ability to implement such strategies efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as on the accuracy of a sub-advisor’s judgments concerning the hedging positions to be acquired by a Fund. A counterparty to a hedging transaction may be unable to honor its financial obligation to a Fund. In addition, a sub-advisor may be unable to close the transaction at the time it would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth. A Fund may not, in general, attempt to hedge all market or other risks inherent in a Fund’s investments, and may hedge certain risks only partially, if at all. Certain risks, either in respect of particular investments or in respect of a Fund’s overall portfolio, may not be hedged, particularly if doing so is economically unattractive. As a result, various directional market risks may remain unhedged. Gains or losses from positions in hedging instruments may be much greater than the instrument’s original cost. If a Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful. The use of hedges may fail to mitigate risks, reduce a Fund’s return, or create a loss. In addition, hedges, even when successful in mitigating risk, may not prevent a Fund from experiencing losses on its investments. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had a Fund not used the hedging instruments. When hedging is combined with leverage, a Fund risks losses that are multiplied by the degree of leverage used.
Interest Rate Risk
Investments in fixed income securities or derivatives that are influenced by interest rates are subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed income securities or derivatives, will move in the opposite direction as movements in interest rates. For example, the value of a Fund’s fixed income investments or derivatives typically will fall when interest rates rise. Factors including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates, and changes in general economic conditions may cause interest rates to rise, which could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. Fixed income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than fixed income securities with shorter durations. A Fund may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates if it invests in fixed income securities with intermediate and long terms to maturity. For example, if a bond has a duration of eight years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in an 8% decrease in the value of the bond. Yields of fixed income securities will fluctuate over time. As of the date of this Prospectus, interest rates are at or near historic lows. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, a Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns. Certain European countries and Japan have recently experienced negative interest rates on deposits and debt securities have traded at negative yields. Negative interest rates may become more prevalent among U.S. and foreign issuers. To the extent a Fund holds an investment with a negative interest rate to maturity, a Fund may generate a negative return on that investment. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent a Fund is exposed to such interest rates. Conversely, in the future, interest rates may rise significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to a Fund.
Investment Risk
An investment in a Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. A Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. The share price of a Fund fluctuates, which means that when you sell your shares of a Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in a Fund.
Issuer Risk
The value of, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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. When the issuer of a security implements strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, there is the risk that the market response to such initiatives will cause the share price of the issuer’s securities to fall. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market, in some cases for extended periods of time, because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.
LIBOR Risk
Certain of the instruments identified in a Fund’s principal investment strategies have variable or floating coupon rates that are based on LIBOR, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a “Reference Rate”). These Reference Rates are generally intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings within certain financial markets. LIBOR is produced daily by averaging the rates reported by a number of banks and may be a significant factor in determining a Fund’s payment obligations under a derivative instrument, the cost of financing to a Fund, or an investment’s value or return to a Fund, and may be used in other ways that affect a Fund’s performance. Most maturities and currencies of LIBOR were phased out at the end of 2021, with the remaining ones to be phased out on June 30, 2023. These events and any additional regulatory or market changes may have an adverse impact on a Fund or its investments, including increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR.
Regulators and market participants are working together to develop successor Reference Rates. SOFR has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a Reference Rate in the United States. Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives to identify replacement Reference Rates for LIBOR in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing investments and transactions to a new Reference Rate, as well as risks associated with using a new Reference Rate with respect to new investments and transactions. It is expected that market participants will focus on the transition mechanisms by which the Reference Rates in existing contracts or instruments may be amended, whether through legislation, market wide protocols, fallback contractual provisions, bespoke negotiations or amendments or otherwise. Nonetheless, there remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on a Fund and the financial markets generally, and the termination of certain Reference Rates presents risks to a Fund. Financial industry groups have begun transitioning to the use of a different Reference Rate or benchmark rate, but there are obstacles to converting certain securities and transactions to a new Reference Rate or benchmark rate. The transition process, or the failure of an industry to transition, could lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates and a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments, all of which would impact a Fund. Various complexities brought about by significant changes to operational processes and IT systems could take a long time to complete, and coordination with other market participants may become severely impacted, which may negatively impact a Fund. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to June 30, 2023. While some LIBOR-based instruments may
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contemplate a scenario where LIBOR becomes unavailable by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, not all may have such provisions and there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such methodologies. Further, U.S. issuers are currently not obligated to include any particular fallback language in transaction documents for new issuances of LIBOR-linked securities. In addition, the alternative reference or benchmark rate may be an ineffective substitute, potentially resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions for a Fund. The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of Reference Rates could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any securities or payments linked to those Reference Rates and other financial obligations held by a Fund or on its overall financial condition or results of operations. Any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect a Fund’s performance and/or NAV. At this time, it is not possible to completely identify or predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative Reference Rates or any other reforms to Reference Rates that may be enacted in the UK or elsewhere.
Liquidity Risk
A Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by a Fund may have limited marketability, be subject to restrictions on sale, be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices or become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse credit events that may affect issuers or guarantors of a security. Market prices for such instruments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect a Fund’s ability to limit losses. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. As a result, a Fund may have to lower the price on certain securities that it is trying to sell, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund’s NAV or prevent a Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. A Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to a Fund. Unexpected redemptions or redemptions by a few large investors in a Fund may force a Fund to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs and may have a significant adverse effect on a Fund’s NAV per share and remaining Fund shareholders. This could negatively affect a Fund’s ability to buy or sell debt securities and increase the related volatility and trading costs. A Fund may lose money if it is forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. For example, liquidity risk may be magnified in rising interest rate environments in the event of higher than normal redemption rates. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.
Market Risk
A Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect a Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future, particularly if markets enter a period of uncertainty or economic weakness. Periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or geographic region, continue to recur. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions or general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse geopolitical, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest, currency or inflation rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, public perceptions concerning these developments or adverse market sentiment generally. The value of a security may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole.
Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity, which may adversely affect the value of your investment. Such market disruptions have caused, and may continue to cause, broad changes in market value, negative public perceptions concerning these developments, a reduction in the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, difficulties for some borrowers in obtaining financing on attractive terms, if at all, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Adverse market events may also lead to increased shareholder redemptions, which could cause a Fund to sell investments at an inopportune time to meet redemption requests by shareholders and may increase a Fund’s portfolio turnover, which could increase the costs that a Fund incurs and lower a Fund’s performance. Even when securities markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by a Fund will increase in value along with the broader market.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibility of many markets being affected by events in a single country or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in a Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments. These fluctuations in securities prices could be a sustained trend or a drastic movement. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in December 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving, and the transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions, closed international, national and local borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and
 
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elsewhere, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event cancellations, reductions and other changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The current pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty and further developments could result in additional disruptions and uncertainty. These impacts have caused significant volatility in global financial markets, which have caused and may continue to cause losses for investors. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained economic downturn or recession. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons. Although promising vaccines have been released, it may be many months before vaccinations are sufficiently widespread in many countries to allow the restoration of full economic activity. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in a Fund may be increased.

 

  The U.S. Federal Reserve has taken numerous measures to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the reduction of the federal funds target rate and the introduction of several credit and liquidity facilities, and the U.S. federal government has taken steps to stimulate the U.S. economy, including adopting stimulus packages targeted at large parts of the economy. The ultimate effects of these and other efforts that may be taken may not be known for some time, and it is not known whether and to what extent they will be successful. In addition, COVID-19 has caused and may continue to cause employees and vendors at various businesses, including the Manager and other service providers, to work at external locations, and could cause extensive medical absences. Not all events that could affect the business of the Manager, or other service providers can be determined and addressed in advance. The impact of COVID-19 and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may in turn increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, increase market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce liquidity. The impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. Over the past several years, the United States has moved away from tighter legislation and regulation impacting businesses and the financial services industry. There is a potential for materially increased regulation in the future, as well as higher taxes or taxes restructured to incentivize different activities. These changes, should they occur, may impose added costs on a Fund and its service providers, and affect the businesses of various portfolio companies, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Markets may react strongly to expectations about the changes in these policies, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be an increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons. Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation. Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The full impact of Brexit and the nature of the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union remains uncertain. The United Kingdom and the European Union reached a trade agreement on December 31, 2020, which became effective on May 1, 2021 after being ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and European Union governmental bodies. The period following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is expected to be one of significant political and economic uncertainty particularly until the United Kingdom government and European Union member states agree and implement the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union. Brexit may create additional economic stresses for the United Kingdom, which may include causing a contraction of the United Kingdom economy and price volatility in United Kingdom stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of pounds sterling, and wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. A Fund may be negatively impacted by changes in law and tax treatment resulting from or following Brexit. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact the value of investments held by a Fund.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. A rise in sea levels, an increase in powerful windstorms and/or a climate-driven increase in sea levels or flooding could cause coastal properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change. These losses could adversely affect, among others, corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities.
 
Market Timing Risk
A Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of its investments, which requires a Fund in certain instances to fair value certain of its investments. Some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in a Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of a Fund’s shares. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in a Fund, including (i) the dilution of a Fund’s NAV, (ii) an increase in a Fund’s expenses, and (iii) interference with the ability to execute efficient investment strategies. While the Manager monitors trading in a Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.
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Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk
Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investments in mid-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investments in larger, more established companies. Mid-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 may face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks. Additionally, mid-capitalization companies may have less market liquidity than large-capitalization companies, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Model and Data Risk
Models and data are used to screen potential investments for a Fund. When models or data prove to be incorrect or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose a Fund to potential risks. Securities selected using models or data can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis, which could adversely affect value. Some of the models used by an applicable 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. Data for some companies, particularly non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. In addition, factors that affect a security’s value can change over time and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. There can be no assurance that the models are complete, accurate, or representative of future market cycles, nor that they will always be beneficial to a Fund if they are accurate. Additionally, programs may become outdated or experience malfunctions which may not be identified by a sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses to a Fund. A sub-advisor’s security selection can be adversely affected if it relies on erroneous or outdated data, and there is a risk that the finished model may contain errors, one or more of which would adversely affect a Fund’s performance. These models may negatively affect Fund performance for various other reasons, including human judgment, inaccuracy of historical data and non-quantitative factors (such as market or trading system dysfunctions, investor fear or overreaction). The data used to build the model is extremely complex and involves financial, economic, econometric and statistical theories which are then translated into computer code to create the applicable program. Human judgment plays a role in building, utilizing, testing and modifying the financial algorithms and formulas used in these models. Additionally, the data, which is typically supplied by third parties, can be imprecise or become stale due to new events or changing circumstances. Market performance can be affected by non-quantitative factors (for example, investor fear, over-reaction or other emotional considerations) that are not easily integrated into modeling programs. There may also be errors in the code for the models or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities.
Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk
Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are influenced by the factors affecting the assets underlying the securities or the housing market in general. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities. If interest rates fall, the rate of prepayments tends to increase as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. When mortgages and other obligations are prepaid and when securities are called, a Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of dividends and yield. Because prepayments increase when interest rates fall, the prices of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities do not increase as much as other fixed income securities when interest rates fall. When interest rates rise, borrowers are less likely to prepay their mortgage. A decreased rate of prepayments lengthens the expected maturity of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the prices of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities may decrease more than prices of other fixed income securities when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may increase the risk of default by borrowers. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, a Fund that holds these types of securities may experience additional volatility and losses. A decline in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to a Fund. In addition, certain mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories; the risk of defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include such subprime mortgages.

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMOs”) Risk. A CMO is a hybrid between a mortgage-backed bond and a mortgage pass-through security. Similar to a bond, interest and prepaid principal on CMOs is paid, in most cases, semiannually. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans, but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, and their income streams. CMOs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government securities, but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and credit risk. In addition, CMOs typically will be issued in a variety of classes or series, which have different maturities and are retired in sequence. Privately issued CMOs are not U.S. government securities nor are they supported in any way by any U.S. government agency or instrumentality. In the event of a default by an issuer of a CMO, there is no assurance that the collateral securing such CMO will be sufficient to pay principal and interest. It is possible that there will be limited opportunities for trading CMOs in the over-the-counter market, the depth and liquidity of which will vary from time to time.

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) Risk. CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. CMBS are generally multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property, such as office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, hotels, industrial or warehouse properties, mixed use properties or multi-family apartment buildings. CMBS are subject to the risks generally associated with mortgage-backed securities. CMBS may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMBS issued by non-government entities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater volatility than government issues. CMBS may react differently to changes in interest rates than other bonds and the prices of CMBS may reflect adverse economic and market conditions. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of CMBS. CMBS also are subject to many of the risks of investing in the real
 
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estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. Commercial mortgage loans generally lack standardized terms, which may complicate their structure and tend to have shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans. Commercial properties themselves tend to be unique and are more difficult to value than single-family residential properties. In addition, commercial properties, particularly industrial and warehouse properties, are subject to environmental risks and the burdens and costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

 

Dollar Rolls Risk. A Fund may enter into dollar roll transactions, in which a Fund sells a mortgage-backed or other security for settlement on one date and buys back a substantially similar security (but not the same security) for settlement at a later date. A Fund gives up the principal and interest payments on the security, but may invest the sale proceeds, during the “roll period.” When a Fund enters into a dollar roll transaction, any fluctuation in the market value of the security transferred or the securities in which the sales proceeds are invested can affect the market value of the Fund’s assets, and therefore, the Fund’s NAV. Dollar roll transactions may sometimes be considered to be the practical equivalent of borrowing and constitute a form of leverage. Dollar roll transactions also involve the risk that the market value of the securities a Fund is required to deliver may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. In addition, in the event that a Fund’s counterparty becomes insolvent or otherwise unable or unwilling to perform its obligations, the Fund’s use of the proceeds may become restricted pending a determination as to whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to purchase the substantially similar securities.

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for the “pass through” of the monthly payments made by individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees by the security issuer and guarantor, as applicable, to the holder of the security. Small movements in interest rates, both increases and decreases, may quickly and significantly affect the value of certain mortgage pass-through securities. Certain of the mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest in are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. There can be no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities where it was not obligated to do so, which can cause a Fund to lose money or underperform. The risks of investing in mortgage pass-through securities include, among others, interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and extension risk, as well as risks associated with the nature of the underlying mortgage assets and the servicing of those assets.
 
Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk
The Manager may allocate a Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of a Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, a Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating a Fund’s assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors’ investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of a Fund. Because each sub-advisor manages its allocated portion of a Fund independently from another sub-advisor, the same security may be held in different portions of a Fund, or may be acquired for one portion of a Fund at a time when a sub-advisor to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion, resulting in higher expenses without accomplishing any net result in a Fund’s holdings. Similarly, under certain market conditions, one sub-advisor may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate when another sub-advisor believes continued exposure to the equity or debt markets is appropriate for its allocated portion of a Fund. Because each sub-advisor directs the trading for its own portion of a Fund, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other sub-advisors, a Fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single sub-advisor were managing the entire Fund. In addition, while the Manager seeks to allocate a Fund’s assets among a Fund’s sub-advisors in a manner that it believes is consistent with achieving a Fund’s investment objective(s), the Manager may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in allocating a Fund’s assets among sub-advisors, due to factors that could impact the Manager’s revenues and profits.
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that a Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, a Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to a Fund’s direct fees and expenses. If a Fund invests in other investment companies, a Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to a Fund’s shareholders when distributed to them. A Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objective, the value of a Fund’s investment may decline, adversely affecting a Fund’s performance. To the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, a Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. A Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

ETFs Risk. Because ETFs are listed on an exchange, they may be subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of an ETF’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to its NAV; (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 delisted from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. An ETF that tracks an index may not precisely replicate the returns of that index and may not be permitted to sell poorly performing stocks that are included in its index. An actively-managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. Future legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in taxation, could impact the operation of ETFs.

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. If interest rates rise, the dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stocks may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions for their call or redemption prior to maturity, which can have a negative effect on their prices when interest rates decline. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. In certain situations, an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities. Issuers may threaten preferred stockholders with the cancellation of all dividends and liquidation preference rights in an attempt to force their conversion to less secure common stock. Certain preferred stocks are equity securities because they do not constitute a liability of the issuer and therefore do not offer the same degree of protection of capital or continuation of income as debt securities. The rights of preferred stock on distribution of a corporation ‘s assets in the event of its liquidation are generally subordinated to the rights associated with a corporation ‘s debt securities. Therefore, in the event of an issuer ‘s bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay preferred stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders have been made. Preferred stocks may also be subject to credit risk.
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Prepayment and Extension Risk
When interest rates fall, borrowers will generally repay the loans that underlie certain debt securities, especially mortgage-related and other types of asset backed securities, more quickly than expected, causing the issuer of the security to repay the principal prior to the security ‘s expected maturity date. This could also occur if a debt security is called or otherwise converted or redeemed before maturity. If this occurs, a Fund may need to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate, reducing its income. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when prevailing interest rates fall. If a Fund buys those securities at a premium, accelerated prepayments on those securities could cause a Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. The impact of prepayments on the price of a security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security’s price volatility. The rate of prepayments tends to increase as interest rates fall, which could cause the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten. Prepayments could also create capital gains tax liability in some instances. Variable and floating rate securities may be less sensitive to prepayment risk. Extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity, increase the risk of default and delayed payment, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in its price. In addition, as a consequence of a decrease in prepayments, the amount of principal available to a Fund for investment would be reduced. If a Fund’s investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of time, a Fund may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Quantitative Strategy Risk
The success of a Fund’s investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor’s quantitative tools for screening securities. Securities selected using quantitative analysis can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis, which could adversely affect their value. As a result, a portfolio of securities selected using quantitative analysis may underperform the market as a whole or a portfolio of securities selected using a different investment approach, such as fundamental analysis. A sub-advisor’s quantitative tools may use factors that may not be predictive of a security’s value, and any changes over time in the factors that affect a security’s value may not be reflected in the quantitative model. The quantitative tools may not react as expected to market events, resulting in losses for a Fund. Data for some companies, particularly for non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. There may also be errors in the computer code for the quantitative model or in the model itself, or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities. A sub-advisor’s stock selection can be adversely affected if it relies on insufficient, erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. Additionally, a previously successful strategy may become outdated or inaccurate, which may not be identified by a sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses.
Redemption Risk
A Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause a Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or a depressed value. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in a Fund, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. The risk of loss is also greater if redemption requests are frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities a Fund wishes to sell are illiquid. Heavy redemptions, whether by a few large investors or many smaller investors, could hurt a Fund’s performance. The ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities or otherwise to “make a market” in debt securities has also been reduced. These factors, along with an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on a security’s resale, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets, and heightened redemption risk. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. During periods of heavy redemptions, a Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. Redemption risk is heightened if a Fund invests in emerging market securities, which are generally less liquid than the securities of U.S. and other developed markets. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains or losses, which could cause a Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains.
Sector Risk
Sector risk is the risk associated with a Fund holding a significant amount of investments in similar businesses, which would be similarly affected by particular economic or market events that may, in certain circumstances, cause the value of the equity and debt securities of companies in a particular sector of the market to change. To the extent a Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks to a Fund associated with that sector increase. In addition, when a Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if a Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The businesses that constitute a sector may all react the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. A Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors do not perform as expected. The lack of exposure to one or more sectors may adversely affect performance. As a Fund’s portfolio changes over time, a Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Financials Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the Financials sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.
 
Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk
Debt obligations may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Debt obligations that are secured with specific collateral of the borrowing company provide the holder with a claim on that collateral in the event that the borrower does not pay scheduled interest or principal that is senior to that held by any unsecured creditors, subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. Obligations that are fully secured offer a Fund more protection than a partially secured or unsecured obligation in the event of such non-payment of scheduled interest or principal.
Interests in secured obligations have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured obligation would satisfy the borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing an obligation in which a Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the obligation. In most loan agreements there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral. In the event the borrower defaults, a Fund’s access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. In addition, the collateral securing the obligation may not be recognized for a variety of reasons, including the failure to make required filings by lenders, trustees or other
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responsible parties and, as a result, a Fund may not have priority over other creditors as anticipated. Further, in the event of a default, second lien secured loans will generally be paid only if the value of the collateral exceeds the amount of the borrower’s obligations to the first lien secured lenders, and the remaining collateral may not be sufficient to cover the full amount owed on the loan in which a Fund has an interest. In addition, if a secured loan is foreclosed, a Fund would likely bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. The collateral may be difficult to sell and a Fund would bear the risk that the collateral may decline in value while a Fund is holding it.
If an obligation in which a Fund invests is foreclosed, a Fund could become owner, in whole or in part, of any collateral, which could include, among other assets, real estate or other real or personal property, and as a creditor would likely bear its pro rata costs and liabilities associated with owning and holding or disposing of the collateral. The collateral may be difficult to sell, and a Fund would bear the risk that the collateral may decline in value while a Fund is holding it.
Some obligations in which a Fund may invest are only partially-secured or are unsecured. Unsecured debt, including senior unsecured and subordinated debt, will not be secured by any collateral, and will be effectively subordinated to a borrower’s secured indebtedness (to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness). With respect to unsecured obligations, a Fund lacks any collateral on which to foreclose to satisfy its claim in whole or in part. Such instruments generally have greater price volatility than that of fully secured holdings and may be less liquid. There is a possibility that originators will not be able to sell participations in unsecured bank loans. Because loan participations typically represent direct participation, together with other parties, in a loan to a corporate borrower, through which a Fund would become a part lender, difficulty on the part of originators in selling participations could limit the number of parties participating and create greater credit risk exposure for the holders of such loans.
Securities Lending Risk
A Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions in order to obtain additional income. Borrowers of a Fund’s securities provide collateral either in the form of cash, which a Fund reinvests in securities or in the form of non-cash collateral consisting of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. A Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated government money market fund. A Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to cover its payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan. A Fund could also lose money due to a decline in the value of non-cash collateral. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with a Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions or could result in increased costs. Moreover, if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, a Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral. There also is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligation to return loaned securities at a time when the value of a Fund’s collateral is inadequate. Although a Fund’s securities lending agent may indemnify a Fund against that risk, it is also possible that the securities lending agent will be unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to a Fund before an ex-dividend date, whether or not due to a default by the borrower, the payment in lieu of the dividend that a Fund receives from the securities’ borrower would not be treated as a dividend for federal income tax purposes and thus would not qualify for treatment as “qualified dividend income” (as described under “Distributions and Taxes – Taxes” below).
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for a Fund may decline substantially in value or may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and anticipated price movements of a security or asset class may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that securities will perform as anticipated. It may not be possible to predict, or to hedge against, a widening in the yield spread of the securities selected for a Fund. This could result in a Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
Segregated Assets Risk
In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, a Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the position. Segregated or earmarked securities cannot be sold while the position or transaction they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other securities of equal value. There is the possibility that the segregation or earmarking of a large percentage of a Fund’s assets may, in some circumstances, limit a Fund’s ability to take advantage of investment opportunities or meet redemption requests. In addition, the need to segregate cash or other liquid securities could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investments in small-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 of small-capitalization companies can be more volatile and these companies may face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
U.S. Government Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises Risk
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Additionally, circumstances could arise that would prevent the payment of interest or principal. This could result in losses to a Fund. Investments in securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises are debt obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government. These obligations vary in the level of support they receive from the U.S. government. They may be: (i) supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as those of GNMA; (ii) supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Farm Credit Banks, or the Tennessee Valley Authority; (iii) supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency obligations, such as those of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; or (iv) supported only by the credit of the issuer, such as those of the Federal Farm Credit Bureau. The U.S. government may choose not to provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities if it is not legally obligated to do so, in which case, if the issuer defaulted, to the extent a Fund holds securities of such issuer, it might not be able to recover its investment from the U.S. government. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored entities are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The rising U.S. national debt may lead to adverse impacts on the value of U.S. government securities due to potentially higher costs for the U.S. government to obtain new financing.
U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the United States; however, the U.S. government guarantees the securities only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity, and the market prices of such securities may fluctuate. The value of U.S. Treasury obligations may vary due to changes in interest rates. In addition, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government
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may cause the value of a Fund’s investments in obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury to decline. Certain political events in the U.S., such as a prolonged government shut down, may also cause investors to lose confidence in the U.S. government and may cause the value of U.S. Treasury obligations to decline. Because U.S. Treasury securities trade actively outside the United States, their prices may also rise and fall as changes in global economic conditions affect the demand for these securities.
The total public debt of the U.S. as a percent of GDP has grown rapidly since the beginning of the recent financial and market volatility as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they have the potential to create systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.
Valuation Risk
This is the risk that a Fund has valued a security at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that may be illiquid or may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. A Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents. If market conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require a Fund to value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if a Fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a Fund determines its NAV.
Value Stocks Risk
Investments in value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. This may result in the value stocks’ prices remaining undervalued for extended periods of time and they may not ever realize their intrinsic or full value. While a Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, a Fund may produce more modest gains 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. A Fund’s performance also may be affected adversely if value stocks become unpopular with, or lose favor among, investors. A Fund’s value style could cause it to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk
The coupons on variable and floating rate securities in which a Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising short-term interest rates, the coupons on variable and floating rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of variable and floating rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate instruments generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in instruments with a fixed interest rate. Variable and floating rate securities are less effective than fixed rate securities at locking in a particular yield and may be subject to credit risk. Certain types of floating rate instruments may also be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Additional Information About Performance Benchmarks
The annual total return of each Fund is compared to a broad-based market index. Set forth below is additional information regarding the index and composite, if applicable, to which each Fund’s performance is compared.
American Beacon Balanced Fund
Market Index
The Fund’s performance is compared to the Russell 1000® Value Index and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. To reflect the Fund’s allocation of its assets between investment grade fixed income securities and equity securities, the Fund’s performance is also compared to the Balanced Composite Index, which combines the returns of the Russell 1000® Value Index and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index in a 60%/40% proportion.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index is a registered trademark of Frank Russell Company. The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes components for Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. These major sectors are subdivided into more specific indices that are calculated and reported on a regular basis.
 
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
Market Index
The Fund’s performance is compared to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Set forth below is additional information regarding the index to which the Fund’s performance is compared.

 

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes components for Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. These major sectors are subdivided into more specific indices that are calculated and reported on a regular basis.
 
American Beacon International Equity Fund
Market Index
The Fund’s performance is compared to the MSCI® EAFE Index (Net) and the MSCI® EAFE Value Index (Net).

 

The MSCI® EAFE Index (Net) is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities across 21 developed markets countries, including countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excluding the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
 
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The MSCI® EAFE Value Index (Net) captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
 
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Market Index
The Fund’s performance is compared to the Russell 1000® Value Index.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index is a registered trademark of Frank Russell Company. The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
 
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Market Index
The Fund’s performance is compared to the Russell Midcap® Value Index.

 

The Russell Midcap® Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell Midcap® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000® Index. Russell Midcap® Index, Russell Midcap® Value Index and Russell 1000® Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company.
 
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Market Index
The Fund’s performance is compared to the Russell 2000® Value Index.

 

The Russell 2000® Value Index is a registered trademark of Frank Russell Company. The Russell 2000® Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged index comprised of approximately 2,000 smaller-capitalization stocks.
 
Notices Regarding Index Data
BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, “Bloomberg”). Bloomberg or Bloomberg’s licensors own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Indices. Bloomberg does not approve or endorse this material, or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or make any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, shall not have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.
Neither MSCI nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the MSCI data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any of such data. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, any of its affiliates or third party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages. No further distribution or dissemination of the MSCI data is permitted without MSCI’s express written consent.
American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell 1000® Value Index, the Russell 2000® Index, and the Russell 2000® Value Index (the “Indexes”) vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Indexes. Russell 1000® and Russell 2000® are trademarks of the relevant LSE Group company and are used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Indexes are calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Indexes or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from a Fund or the suitability of the Indexes for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager.
Fund Management
The Manager
AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC. (the “Manager”) serves as the Manager and administrator of the Funds. The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, which is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P.
The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, and administrative services. The Manager is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The Manager is not registered as a CPO with respect to the Funds in reliance on the delayed compliance date provided by No-Action Letter 12-38 of the Division of Swaps Dealer and Intermediary Oversight (“Division”) of the CFTC. Pursuant to this letter, the Manager is not required to register as a CPO, or rely on an exemption from registration, until six months from the date the Division issues revised guidance on the application of the calculation of the de minimis thresholds in the context of the CPO exclusion in CFTC Regulation 4.5. In addition, on behalf of the Funds, the Manager has also filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from CPO registration under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Funds.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, each Fund identified below paid aggregate management fees to the Manager and investment advisory fees to its sub-advisor(s) as a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets, net of any waivers and recoupments of the management fees and sub-advisory fees, as follows:
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American Beacon Fund
Aggregate Management and Investment Advisory Fees
American Beacon Balanced Fund
0.52%
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
0.35%
American Beacon International Equity Fund
0.61%
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
0.55%
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
0.78%
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
0.73%
As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by a Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers when a borrower posts collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits a 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.
As of the date of this prospectus, each Fund, except for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, intends to engage in securities lending activities.
A discussion of the Board’s consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between the Funds and the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreements among the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, each sub-advisor and the Manager is available in the Funds’ Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the following Funds and share classes to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed a percentage of that class’s average daily net assets (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) through February 28, 2023 as follows:
Contractual Expense Limitations
American Beacon Fund
A Class
C Class
Y Class
R6 Class
Advisor Class
R5 Class
Investor Class
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
n/a
n/a
0.51%
0.41%
n/a
0.45%
0.83%
American Beacon International Equity Fund
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.69%
n/a
n/a
n/a
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
1.26%
2.01%
0.99%
0.90%
1.49%
0.91%
1.17%
The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of a Fund’s Board. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund. The Board has approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.
The American Beacon team members, except for Samuel Silver and Erin Higginbotham, discussed below are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management oversight of the sub-advisors, including reviewing the sub-advisors’ performance, allocating the Fund’s assets among the sub-advisors and the Manager, as applicable, and investing the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisors determine should be allocated to short-term investments. Mr. Silver and Ms. Higginbotham are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fixed income portion of the American Beacon Balanced Fund allocated to the Manager.
American Beacon Funds
Team Members
American Beacon Balanced Fund
Kirk L. Brown, Paul B. Cavazos, Erin Higginbotham, Gene L. Needles, Jr., Samuel Silver
American Beacon International Equity Fund and American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Kirk L. Brown, Paul B. Cavazos, Gene L. Needles, Jr., Matt L. Peden
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Paul B. Cavazos, Colin J. Hamer, Gene L. Needles, Jr.
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Paul B. Cavazos, Colin J. Hamer, Gene L. Needles, Jr., Matt L. Peden, Robyn A. Serrano
Kirk L. Brown is Senior Portfolio Manager and has served on the portfolio management team since February 1994. Mr. Brown is a CFA® charterholder.
Paul B. Cavazos is Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer and became a member of the portfolio management team upon joining the Manager in 2016. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Cavazos was Chief Investment Officer and Assistant Treasurer of DTE Energy from 2007 to 2016.
Colin J. Hamer, Portfolio Manager, has served on the portfolio management team since 2018. Mr. Hamer has served on the asset management team since January 2015, is a CFA® charterholder, and has earned the CAIA designation. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Hamer worked at Fidelity Investments in various investment-related roles from 2008 to 2014.
Erin Higginbotham has served as Senior Portfolio Manager to the American Beacon Balanced Fund since February 2011. She has responsibility for credit and relative value analysis of corporate bonds. Ms. Higginbotham managed cash and money market portfolios at American Beacon Advisors and has been a Portfolio Manager since April 2003 and became a Senior Portfolio Manager in April 2005. Ms. Higginbotham is a CFA® charterholder.
Gene L. Needles, Jr. has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Manager since April 2009, President of the Manager from 2009 to 2018, and has served on the portfolio management team since June 2011. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Needles was President of Touchstone Investments from 2008 to 2009 and President and CEO of AIM Distributors from 2004 to 2007.
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Matt L. Peden, Director of Investments & Portfolio Manager, joined the Manager in 2021 and has served on the portfolio management team since 2021. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Peden worked at Guidestone Financial Resources from 1996 to 2021, where he served as Chief Investment Officer from 2015 to 2021. Mr. Peden is a CFA® charterholder.
Robyn A. Serrano, Associate Portfolio Manager, joined the Manager in 2013. Ms. Serrano has served on the portfolio management team since 2021 and has served on the asset management team since 2018. Prior to joining the Manager, Ms. Serrano worked at Fidelity Investments in various capacities from June 2010 to December 2013. Ms. Serrano has a BS in International Business from Bryant University. Ms. Serrano is a CFA® charterholder, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) professional, and she holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.
Samuel Silver oversees the team responsible for the portfolio management of a portion of the fixed income assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund. Mr. Silver has been with the Manager since September 1999 and has served as Vice President, Fixed Income Investments since October 2011. Prior to October 2011, Mr. Silver was a Senior Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Investments.
Messrs. Cavazos and Needles are responsible for recommending sub-advisors to the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Messrs. Brown, Hamer and Peden, and Ms. Serrano oversee the sub-advisors, review the sub-advisors’ performance and allocate the Fund’s assets among the sub-advisors, as applicable.
The Funds’ SAI provides additional information about the members of the portfolio management team, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Funds they manage and their compensation.
The Sub-Advisors
Set forth below is a brief description of the sub-advisors and the portfolio managers who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of a Fund. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Funds they manage and their compensation.
All other assets of a corporate client of the Manager, its affiliates and employee retirement plans under management by each respective sub-advisor, where applicable, may be considered when calculating the fees for each sub-advisor. Including these assets may lower the investment advisory fees for each applicable Fund.
American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”), 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, is a registered investment advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Century Companies, Inc. (“ACC”). ACC is a privately controlled company and the parent to a related group of subsidiaries involved in the management and distribution of investment products, collectively referred to as American Century Investments. Nearly all of the firm’s revenue is derived from investment management related activities, with minor ancillary revenues derived from rental income on office space that American Century Investments owns. As of December 31, 2021, American Century had approximately $246.8 billion in assets under management.
American Century serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the Fund’s portfolio.
Alvin Polit, Senior Portfolio Manager, Vice President, is a member of the team of investment professionals managing a portion of the Fund’s portfolio. He joined American Century in 2017. Previously, he was a partner, senior portfolio manager, and board member at Lombardia Capital Partners from 2011 to 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business from New York University and is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Institute.
Jonathan Veiga, Portfolio Manager, Senior Investment Analyst, is a member of the team of investment professionals managing a portion of the Fund’s portfolio. He joined American Century in 2017. Previously, he was a research analyst at Lombardia Capital Partners from 2008 to 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Los Angeles.
BARROW, HANLEY, MEWHINNEY & STRAUSS, LLC (‘‘Barrow Hanley’’), 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, is a professional investment counseling firm that has been providing investment advisory services since 1979. The firm is an indirect subsidiary of Perpetual Limited (ASX:PPT), an Australian financial services company. As of December 31, 2021, Barrow Hanley had discretionary investment management authority with respect to approximately $50.6 billion of assets, including assets of a corporate client of the Manager and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities.
Barrow Hanley serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. Barrow Hanley manages client assets on a team basis for their equity and fixed income strategies. The members of the team for each American Beacon Fund are listed below.
Name and Title of Portfolio Managers
Length of Service to Fund
Business Experience Past 5 Years
American Beacon Balanced Fund & American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Mark Giambrone
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Since 2015
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Mark Giambrone
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Since Inception (2004)
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
Terry L. Pelzel
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2018
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
James S. McClure
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2003
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
Coleman Hubbard
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2020
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
American Beacon Balanced Fund
J. Scott McDonald Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Co-Head of Fixed Income
Since 1998
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
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Mark C. Luchsinger
Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director
Co-Head of Fixed Income
Since 1998
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
Deborah A. Petruzzelli
Portfolio Manager/Managing Director
Since 2003
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
Justin Martin
Portfolio Manager/Director
Since 2021
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
Matthew Routh
Portfolio Manager/Director
Since 2021
Portfolio Manager/Barrow Hanley
All of Barrow Hanley’s equity portfolio managers and analysts work as a team for the purposes of generating and researching investment ideas. Portfolio managers have broad research responsibilities, although they focus their efforts on particular sectors. Analysts have specific sector/industry assignments for more specialized, in-depth research.
Barrow Hanley manages its fixed income portion of the American Beacon Balanced Fund using a team approach, with investment strategy decisions resulting from a consensus of its fixed income professionals including senior portfolio managers and dedicated research analysts. All portfolio managers are generalists, but each also has specific responsibilities for strategic focus on particular aspects of the marketplace and the portfolio structure strategy. Fixed income research responsibilities are divided among the team members, each specializing in areas in which they have particular expertise and interest. Individual bond selection decisions are also consistently made across all portfolios having similar investment objectives.
BRANDYWINE GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC (“Brandywine Global’’), 1735 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103, is a professional investment advisory firm founded in 1986. Brandywine Global is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. As of December 31, 2021, Brandywine Global had assets under management totaling approximately $70.1 billion, including assets of a corporate client of the Manager and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities.
Brandywine Global serves as a subadvisor to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.
Henry F. Otto is the founder and co-lead portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Equity strategies. Prior to joining Brandywine Global in 1988, he was with Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc., where he managed and traded small cap portfolios and developed computer systems to structure portfolios and analyze performance (1984-1987), and the Chicago Board of Trade as a financial economist developing financial-based futures and options (1982-1984). Mr. Otto is a member of the firm’s Executive Board.
Steve M. Tonkovich is co-lead portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Equity strategies. He plays an integral role in the team’s continual refinement of the Diversified Value Equity investment process and the firm’s ongoing research into value investing. Prior to joining the firm in 1989, he was with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania as a research analyst in the Finance Department (1987-1989) and the Moore School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania as a research assistant (1986-1987). He is a member of the firm’s Executive Board.
CAUSEWAY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC (“Causeway”), 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., 15th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, is an international and global equity investment management firm. Causeway began operations in June 2001. As of December 31, 2021, Causeway had approximately $45.17 billion in assets under management. Causeway serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon International Equity Fund.
Causeway’s portion of the American Beacon International Equity Fund is managed by a team of portfolio managers comprised of Sarah H. Ketterer, Harry W. Hartford, Jonathan P. Eng, Conor Muldoon, Alessandro Valentini, Ellen Lee, Steven Nguyen, and Brian Cho.
Sarah H. Ketterer is the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Ketterer co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Prior to that, she was with the Hotchkis and Wiley division of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (‘’MLIM’’) since 1996, where she was a Managing Director and co-head of the International and Global Value Equity Team in Los Angeles. Ms. Ketterer has co-managed the Fund since August 2001.
Harry W. Hartford is the President. Mr. Hartford co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Prior to that, he was with the Hotchkis and Wiley division of MLIM since 1996, where he was a Managing Director and co-head of the International and Global Value Equity Team in Los Angeles. Mr. Hartford has co-managed the Fund since August 2001.
Jonathan P. Eng is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global consumer discretionary, industrials and energy sectors. Mr. Eng joined the firm as a Research Associate in July 2001 and became a Portfolio Manager and Director in 2002. From 1997 to July 2001, Mr. Eng was with the Hotchkis and Wiley division of MLIM in Los Angeles and London, where he was an equity research associate for the International and Global Value Equity Team. Mr. Eng has co-managed the Fund since January 2006.
Conor Muldoon is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global financials, materials, and real estate sectors. Mr. Muldoon joined the firm in August 2003 as a Research Associate and became a Portfolio Manager in 2010. From 1995 to June 2003, Mr. Muldoon was an investment consultant for Fidelity Investments where he served as liaison between institutional clients and investment managers within Fidelity. Mr. Muldoon has co-managed the Fund since 2010.
Alessandro Valentini is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global health care, financials, materials, and real estate sectors. Mr. Valentini joined the firm in July 2006 as a Research Associate and became a Portfolio Manager in 2013. During the summer of 2005, Mr. Valentini worked as a research analyst at Thornburg Investment Management, where he conducted fundamental research for the International Value Fund and the Value Fund, focusing on the European telecommunication and Canadian oil sectors. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Valentini worked as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs in the European Equities Research-Sales division in New York. Mr. Valentini has co-managed the Fund since 2013.
Ellen Lee is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global consumer and utilities sectors. Ms. Lee joined the firm in August 2007 as a Research Associate and became a Portfolio Manager in January 2015. During the summer of 2006, Ms. Lee interned at Tiger Asia, a long short equity hedge fund focused on China, Japan, and Korea. From 2001-2004, Ms. Lee was an associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions division of Credit Suisse First Boston in Seoul, where she advised Korean corporates and multinational corporations. From 1999-2000, she was an analyst in the Mergers and Acquisitions division of Credit Suisse First Boston in Hong Kong. Ms. Lee has co-managed the Fund since 2015.
Steven Nguyen is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for investment research in the utilities and healthcare sectors. He joined the firm in April 2012. From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Nguyen was a Senior Credit Analyst at Bradford & Marzec covering high yield and investment grade companies in the telecommunication services, cable, media, gaming, insurance, and REIT industries. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Nguyen was a Credit Analyst/Portfolio Manager in
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the corporate bond department of Allegiance Capital. Mr. Nguyen earned a BA in Business Economics from Brown University and an MBA, with honors, from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is a CFA® charterholder. Mr. Nguyen has co-managed the Fund since 2019.
Brian Cho is a Director of Causeway. Mr. Cho joined Causeway in September 2013. His responsibilities include coverage of companies in the technology and communication services sectors. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Cho was a vice president at BofA-ML Equity Research, covering the IT hardware and supply chain sector. From 2007 to 2011, he worked as an associate at Goldman Sachs Equity Research covering the same sector. From 2006 to 2007, he worked as an analyst at Morgan Stanley Equity Research covering the internet and interactive software sector. Prior to that, he worked as an analyst at PA Consulting Group in the financial services practice. Mr. Cho earned a BSc in management science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Cho has co-managed the Fund since 2021.
GARCIA HAMILTON & ASSOCIATES, L.P. (“Garcia Hamilton”), 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas 77010, is an investment management company with assets under management of $18.7 billion as of December 31, 2021. Garcia Hamilton was founded in 1988 and offers high quality fixed income strategies for institutional investors. Its diversified client base includes public funds, jointly-trusteed plans, endowments and corporations.
Garcia Hamilton serves as sub-advisor to the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund. Investment decisions for the Fund are based on decisions made by Garcia Hamilton’s Investment Management Team. Collectively, the following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
Gilbert Andrew Garcia, CFA, is a Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager and began working at Garcia Hamilton in 2002. His responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research.
Nancy Rodriguez is a Partner and Portfolio Manager and began working at Garcia Hamilton in 1998. Her responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research.
HOTCHKIS AND WILEY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC (“Hotchkis”), 601 South Figueroa Street, 39th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90017-5704, is a limited liability company, the primary members of which are HWCap Holdings, a limited liability company with members who are current and former employees of Hotchkis, and Stephens-H&W, LLC, a limited liability company whose primary member is SF Holding Corp., which is a diversified holding company. Hotchkis’ predecessor entity was organized as an investment advisor in 1980. As of December 31, 2021, Hotchkis had approximately $34.9 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management.
Hotchkis serves as a subadvisor to the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. Hotchkis supervises and arranges the purchase and sale of securities held in its respective portions of the Funds’ portfolios.
In addition to the Funds, Hotchkis manages institutional separate accounts and is the advisor and sub-advisor to other mutual funds. The investment process employed is the same for similar accounts, including the Funds and is team-based utilizing primarily in-house, fundamental research. The investment research staff is organized by industry and sector and supports all of the accounts managed in each of Hotchkis’ investment strategies. Portfolio managers for each strategy ensure that the best thinking of the investment team is reflected in the ‘’target portfolios.’’ Investment ideas for each Fund are generated by Hotchkis’ investment team.
Although portions of the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund are managed by Hotchkis’ investment team, Hotchkis has identified the portfolio managers with the most significant responsibility for Hotchkis’ portion of each Fund’s assets. This list does not include all members of the investment team.
Hotchkis Portfolio Managers for the American Beacon Balanced and American Beacon Large Cap Value Funds
George Davis, Judd Peters, Scott McBride, and Patricia McKenna participate in the investment research review and decision making process for the Funds. Mr. McBride, Mr. Peters and Mr. Davis coordinate the day-to-day management of the Funds:
Mr. Davis, Principal, Portfolio Manager and Executive Chairman, joined Hotchkis’ investment team in 1988. Mr. Davis has been a Portfolio Manager since 1989 was Chief Executive Officer of Hotchkis from 2001 until October 2021, when Mr. Davis transitioned to Executive Chairman. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Davis plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process. He coordinates the day-to-day management of large cap fundamental value, large cap diversified value, mid cap value and value opportunities portfolios, represents these strategies to current and prospective clients, as well as provides expertise and insight into the capital goods and financials sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Davis was an assistant to the senior partner of RCM Capital Management. He began his career in equity research with internships at Cramer, Rosenthal & McGlynn and Fidelity Management & Research. Mr. Davis received his BA in Economics and History and MBA from Stanford University.
Mr. Peters, Portfolio Manager, joined Hotchkis’ investment team in 1999 and has been a Portfolio Manager since 2003. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Peters plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process as well as coordinates the day-to-day management of large cap fundamental value, large cap diversified value, small cap diversified value and global value portfolios. He also provides expertise and insight into the capital goods, energy and technology sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Peters was an analyst in the corporate finance department of an investment banking firm. Mr. Peters, a CFA® charterholder, received his BA in Mathematics and a BS in Biochemistry from University of California, San Diego.
Mr. McBride, Portfolio Manager and Chief Executive Officer, joined Hotchkis’ investment team in 2001. He has been a Portfolio Manager since 2017 and was named President of Hotchkis in January 2016. In October 2021, he became Chief Executive Officer. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. McBride plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process as well as coordinates the day-to-day management of large cap fundamental value, large cap diversified value and global value portfolios. He also provides expertise and insight into the consumer, financials, healthcare and technology sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. McBride was an associate consultant with Deloitte Consulting and worked as an investment marketing analyst with Fidelity Investments. Mr. McBride, a CFA® charterholder, received his BA in Economics from Georgetown University and MBA from Columbia University.
Ms. McKenna, Principal and Portfolio Manager; joined Hotchkis’ investment team in 1995 and has been a Principal since 2001. In her role as portfolio manager, Ms. McKenna plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process and represents the large cap fundamental value and large cap diversified value strategies to current and prospective clients. She also provides expertise and insight into the consumer and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. McKenna was an equity analyst at Trust Company of the West. Before entering the field of investment management, she worked for five years in corporate finance at Bankers Trust and then at Fieldstone Private Capital Group. Ms. McKenna began her career as a forensic accountant in 1983. Ms. McKenna, a CFA® charterholder, received her BA in Economics with distinction from Stanford University and MBA from Harvard Business School.
Hotchkis Portfolio Managers for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
David Green, and Jim Miles participate in the investment research review and decision-making process for the Fund and coordinate the day-to-day management of the Fund.
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Mr. Green, Principal and Portfolio Manager, joined Hotchkis’ investment team in 1997. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Green plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process. He coordinates the day-to-day management of small cap value and value opportunities portfolios, represents these strategies to current and prospective clients, as well as provides expertise and insight into Special Situations. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Green worked as a senior equity analyst with Goldman Sachs Asset Management on the Broad Market Value team. Before joining Goldman Sachs, he worked as an equity analyst with Prudential Investment Corporation where he began his investment career in 1990. Mr. Green’s investment experience is focused primarily on analysis of publicly traded equities. Mr. Green, a CFA® charterholder, received his BA in Economics with honors from the University of California, Berkeley and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Mr. Miles, Principal and Portfolio Manager, joined Hotchkis’ investment team in 1995. Hotchkis’ investment team has managed Hotchkis’ portion of the Fund since its inception in 1998. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Miles plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process. He coordinates the day-to-day management of small cap value portfolios, represents all strategies to current and prospective clients, as well as provides expertise and insight into the consumer and technology sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Miles was a vice president in corporate finance at BT Securities Corporation, an affiliate of Bankers Trust. He specialized in lending to and arranging debt for highly leveraged companies. Mr. Miles received his BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Engineering from Stanford University and MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC (“Lazard”), 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 55th floor, New York, New York 10112, an investment advisor, is a subsidiary of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, a New York Limited Liability Company. Lazard and its affiliates provided investment management services to client discretionary accounts with assets totaling approximately $240.3 billion as of December 31, 2021, including assets of a corporate client of the Manager and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. Lazard serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon International Equity Fund.
The following individuals comprise Lazard’s International Equity management team, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the American Beacon International Equity Fund. Responsibility is shared equally among each member of the team.
John R. Reinsberg is a Deputy Chairman of Lazard with responsibility for international and global strategies. He is also Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Global Equity and International Equity portfolio teams. He joined Lazard in 1992 and began working in the investment field in 1981. Mr. Reinsberg has co-managed Lazard’s portion of the Fund since March 1999.
Michael A. Bennett is a Managing Director of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. He joined Lazard in 1992 and has worked in the investment field since 1986. Mr. Bennett has co-managed Lazard’s portion of the Fund since May 2003.
Michael G. Fry is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. From 1995 to 2005, Mr. Fry held several positions at UBS Global Asset Management, including Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of Global Equity Portfolio Management, Global Head of Equity Research and Head of Australian Equities. He joined Lazard in 2005 and has worked in the investment field since 1981. He has co-managed Lazard’s portion of the Fund since November 2005.
Michael S. Powers is a Senior Advisor of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. He began working in the investment field in 1990 when he joined Lazard and has co-managed Lazard’s portion of the Fund since May 2003.
Kevin J. Matthews is a Managing Director of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. Prior to joining the investment teams, he was a Research Analyst from 2001 to 2010 with a background in financials, automotive, aerospace, and capital goods sectors. He joined Lazard in 2001 and has co-managed Lazard’s portion of the Fund since 2013.
Giles Edwards is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams as of January 2020. Prior to joining the investment teams, he was a Research Analyst with a background in media, automotive, and services. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Edwards was a Management Accountant at BSkyB, completing his CIMA qualifications. He has a BA (Hons) in Politics and Economics from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Paul Selvey-Clinton is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the European Equity team. Prior to joining Lazard in 2014, Mr. Selvey-Clinton worked in a predominantly European focused fund at SAC Global Investors. Before this he was an Equity Analyst and Partner at Occitan Capital. Mr. Selvey-Clinton began working in the investment field in 2006 as an Equity Analyst at Brevan Howard Asset Management. Mr. Selvey-Clinton has a BA (Hons) in Geography from Keble College, Oxford University.
MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY (“MFS”), 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199, 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). MFS and its predecessor organizations have a history of money management dating from 1924. As of December 31, 2021, net assets under management of the MFS organization were approximately $692 billion, including assets of a corporate client of the Manager and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. MFS serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and Nevin Chitkara and Katherine Cannan co-manage MFS’ Large Cap Value Equity strategy of the Fund.
Ms. Cannan is an Investment Officer of MFS and has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 2013.
Mr. Chitkara is an Investment Officer of MFS and has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 1997.
Newton Investment Management North America LLC (“NIMNA”), BNY Mellon Center, 201 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon Corp”). NIMNA was established by BNY Mellon Corp in 2021 and is comprised of equity and multi-asset personnel previously employed by one or more other subsidiaries of BNY Mellon Corp. BNY Mellon Corp assets under management as of December 31, 2021 were $77.9 billion. NIMNA serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.
NIMNA Portfolio Managers for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Joseph M. Corrado Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio manager, Equity Opportunities team Mr. Corrado is a member of Newton’s equity opportunities team. In his current role, he is a senior portfolio manager on the US small mid cap equity team and the lead portfolio manager for US Small Cap Value strategies. Mr. Corrado has been managing small-cap and small/mid-cap assets since 1998.
Mr. Corrado joined Newton in September 2021, following the integration of Mellon Investments Corporation’s equity and multi-asset capabilities into the Newton Investment Management Group. Before joining Newton, Mr. Corrado was a senior portfolio manager, director of equity research, portfolio manager and analyst at Mellon Investments Corporation, The Boston Company Asset Management and Standish Mellon Asset Management (all BNY Mellon group companies).
Prior to joining BNY Mellon in 1986, Mr. Corrado held equity research positions at Shearson Lehman Brothers, Manufacturers Hanover Trust and New York Life Insurance Co. Mr. Corrado is a trustee for life at the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester and is a trustee for Schrafft Charitable Trust. Mr. Corrado has a degree in Finance from New York University. He received his CFA® designation in 1983 and is a member of the CFA Institute.
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Andrew Leger, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Small Cap Value and Opportunistic Value suites. Mr. Leger has been a member of the Small Cap team for two years and has been involved in small cap investing for more than twenty years.
Mr. Leger joined Newton in September 2021, following the integration of Mellon Investments Corporation’s equity and multi-asset capabilities into the Newton Investment Management Group. Before joining Newton, Mr. Leger was a senior portfolio manager and senior research analyst at Mellon Investments Corporation and The Boston Company Asset Management (both BNY Mellon group companies).
Prior to joining BNY Mellon in 2014, Mr. Leger worked at BlackRock Inc., where he co-managed the Small Cap Growth and Mid Cap Growth funds and conducted research on industrial, energy, materials and consumer stocks. Previously, he served in analyst roles at Schroders Investment Management and Delphi Management. Mr. Leger has a BA in Economics and Communications from Wake Forest University.
PZENA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC (“Pzena”), 320 Park Avenue 8th Floor, New York, New York 10022, is a majority employee-owned investment management firm founded in 1995. As of December 31, 2021, Pzena had assets of approximately $52.5 billion under management, including assets of a corporate client of the Manager and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. Pzena serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund. Investment decisions for the portion of the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund sub-advised by Pzena are made by a three person investment team. The team consists of Richard S. Pzena, Ben Silver and John Flynn. Each member has equal weight in determining how research findings are translated into an earnings model. Further, all decisions require unanimous consent of the three individuals. Should one of the members become unavailable for either planned or unplanned reasons, the remaining members would continue the process.
Richard Pzena is Founder, Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Manager, and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Mr. Pzena is the architect of the firm’s investment strategy and conceived and developed the firm’s proprietary screening model. He serves as co-portfolio manager for the U.S. Large Cap and Mid Cap strategies, Focused Value, and U.S. Best Ideas. Mr. Pzena began the firm in 1995. Prior to forming Pzena Investment Management, Mr. Pzena was the Director of U.S. Equity Investments and Chief Research Officer for Sanford C. Bernstein & Company. He joined Bernstein as an oil industry analyst and was named to the Institutional Investor All America Research Team for three years running. Mr. Pzena also served as Chief Investment Officer, Small Cap Equities. Prior to joining Bernstein, Mr. Pzena worked for the Amoco Corporation in various financial and planning roles. He earned a B.S. summa cum laude and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
John Flynn is a Principal and Portfolio Manager. Mr. Flynn is a co-portfolio manager for the U.S. Mid Cap and Large Cap strategies, along with the Focused Value and Small Cap Focused Value services. Mr. Flynn became a member of the firm in 2005. Prior to Joining Pzena Investment Management, Mr. Flynn was an associate at Weston Presidio, a middle-market private equity Investment firm. He earned a B.A. in Music from Yale University and an M.B.A. with distinction from the Harvard Business School.
Ben Silver is a Principal and Portfolio Manager. Mr. Silver serves as co-portfolio manager for the U.S. Mid Cap, Large Cap, and Global strategies, along with the Focused Value and Small Cap Focused Value services. Mr. Silver became a member of the firm in 2001. Prior to Joining Pzena Investment Management, Mr. Silver was a research analyst at Levitas & Company, a value-based equity hedge fund, and a manager for Ernst & Young LLP in their Financial Services Group. He earned a B.S. magna cum laude in Accounting from Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University. Mr. Silver is a Certified Public Accountant and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Mr. Silver joined the portfolio management team of the Mid-Cap Value Fund in 2017.
WEDGE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.L.P. (“WEDGE”), 301 South College Street, Suite 3800, Charlotte, NC 28202, is an investment management company with assets under management of $10.2 billion as of December 31, 2021. WEDGE was founded in 1984, in Charlotte, North Carolina by a group of investment professionals who had previously managed the common trust funds of a nationally oriented bank. Initially, venture capital funding was provided by the WEDGE International Group of Houston, Texas. In 1989, the firm’s founders purchased the venture capital position and WEDGE has been independently owned since that time. The firm is currently owned and operated by sixteen active General Partners. WEDGE has served as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund since 2015, and the following individuals serve as portfolio managers to the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund.
John Carr, General Partner, has twenty-seven years of investment experience and is responsible for portfolio management and client service. Prior to joining WEDGE in 2011, Mr. Carr was a Partner and Senior Vice President at Callan Associates where he managed the southern region from the Atlanta office from 2006 to 2011. He has former portfolio management experience with INVESCO Institutional and Trusco Capital Management.
Michael D. Ritzer, CFA, General Partner, has fifteen years of investment experience and is responsible for mid cap equity research. Prior to joining WEDGE in 2010, Mike was a Senior Analyst at Freestyle Fund Services Company in New York, NY. He was formerly an Investment Banking Analyst for Jefferies & Company. Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree with a concentration in Finance and a second major in English from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He received his Master of Business Administration degree from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. Mike is a member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.
Andrew Rosenberg, CFA, General Partner, has twenty-two years of investment experience and serves as head of large cap research and co-head of mid cap research. Prior to joining WEDGE in 2007, Andrew was a Vice President in the Strategic Investments Group at Bank of America where he analyzed and executed private equity transactions on behalf of the bank. He was also associated with Bank of America’s leveraged finance and syndicated loan platforms. In addition, Andrew was formerly associated with Goldman Sachs. Andrew received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Colgate University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Vanderbilt University. Andrew is a member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.
Richard Wells, General Partner, has thirty-seven years of investment experience and is responsible for portfolio management and client service. Prior to joining WEDGE in 2011, Mr. Wells was a Partner and Director of National Sales with DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., in Winter Park, Florida from 1998 to 2011. He was formerly associated with PaineWebber, Incorporated, Salomon Brothers, and the First Boston Company.
Valuation of Shares
The price of each Fund’s shares is based on its NAV. Each Fund’s NAV per share 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 per share of each class of a Fund’s shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of a Fund’s investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. A Fund’s NAV per share is determined each business day as of the regular close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, a Fund’s NAV per share typically would still be determined as of the regular close of trading on the NYSE. The Funds do not price their shares on days that the NYSE is closed. Foreign exchanges may permit trading in foreign securities on days when a Fund is not open for business, which may result in the value of a Fund’s portfolio investments being affected at a time when you are unable to buy or sell shares.
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. The price of debt securities generally is determined using pricing services or quotes obtained from broker/dealers who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as comparable characteristics, yield curve,
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credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, underlying collateral and estimated cash flow. 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.
The valuation of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When a Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, a Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Board, 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 a Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of a Fund’s NAV per share, 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. The Funds may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which a Fund invests. In addition, the Funds may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.
The American Beacon International Equity Fund often fair values securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which this Fund invests. The Fund may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. 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 Funds 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 Funds’ fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Funds’ fair valuation procedures. You may view a Fund’s most recent NAV per share at www.americanbeaconfunds.com by clicking on ‘‘Quick Links’’ and then ‘‘Daily NAVs.’’
In December 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including related oversight and reporting requirements. The rule also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the Investment Company Act, the threshold for determining whether a Fund must fair value a security. A Fund will not be required to comply with this new rule until September 8, 2022. The Funds and the Manager are evaluating the impact of the rule on the Funds’ valuation policies.
About Your Investment
Choosing Your Share Class
Each Fund offers various classes of shares. Each share class of a Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities for that Fund, but each class has its own expense structure and combination of purchase restrictions, sales charges, and ongoing fees, 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 professional to help you decide which share class is best for you.
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 Funds both as a percentage of offering price and as a percentage of the amount you invest. The sales charge differs depending upon 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 other 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.’’
A Class Shares
Amount of Sale/Account Value
As a % of Offering Price
As a % of Investment
Dealer Commission 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%
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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.”
The Distributor retains any portion of the commissions that are not paid to financial intermediaries to solely pay distribution-related expenses. This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.
A Class Sales Charge Reductions and 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 Funds’ 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 Funds’ transfer agent know that you are eligible for a reduction, you may not receive a sales charge discount to which you are otherwise entitled. This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.
Waiver of Sales Charges
There is no sales charge if you invest $1 million or more in A Class shares of the Funds.
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 selling agreements with the Funds;

 

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 a 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;

 

Mutual fund shares exchanged from an existing position in the same fund as part of a share class conversion instituted by an intermediary; 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 shares 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 Funds at the reduced sales charge rates that would apply to a larger purchase. Each Fund reserves the right to modify or to cease offering these programs at any time.
This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.
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 a Fund may receive a dealer concession from the Funds’ Distributor of 0.50% of the offering price. 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 for A Class shares by aggregating all of your investments held in certain accounts (‘’Qualified Accounts’’). The following Qualified Accounts holding any share class of the American Beacon Funds 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;

 

UTMAs/UGMAs;

 

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 Funds’ transfer agent, in the case of shares held directly with the Funds, 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 market value, as of the day prior to your additional American Beacon Funds purchase (whichever is higher), of your existing American Beacon Funds mutual fund 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 other 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 a Fund, its transfer agent or your financial intermediary may not maintain this information.
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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 market value of your existing American Beacon Funds mutual fund investment 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 Funds’ transfer agent at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge and 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 Funds’ 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 other distributions) during the next 13 months in any class of a Fund, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge for purchases of A Class shares 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 any class of the American Beacon Funds over the next 13 months in exchange for a reduced A Class 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 shares of any American Beacon mutual fund 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 shares of any of the American Beacon Funds to qualify for a reduced charge.
CDSC — A Class Shares
Unless a waiver applies, investors who purchase $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of a 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
The amount of the CDSC will be based on the market value of the redeemed shares at the time of the redemption or the original purchase price, 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 per share over the initial purchase price or shares you received through the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions.
To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Funds will redeem your shares in the following order:

 

shares acquired by the reinvestment of dividends or other 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 Funds’ 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 Funds’ 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 “required minimum distribution” from a traditional IRA as determined by the Internal Revenue Service;

 

The redemption is due to involuntary redemptions by a Fund as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of a 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; or

 

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 Funds’ website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.
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Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions Available Through Certain Financial Intermediaries
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a Fund or through a financial intermediary. Different intermediaries may impose different sales charges (including potential reductions in or waivers of sales charges). Such intermediary-specific sales charge variations are described in Appendix A to this Prospectus, entitled “Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information.” Appendix A is incorporated herein by reference (is legally a part of this Prospectus).
In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the Funds or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders may have to purchase Fund shares through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts. This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call (800) 658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.
Conversion of C Class Shares to A Class Shares
C Class shares convert automatically into A Class shares ten (10) years after the initial date of purchase or, if you acquired your C Class shares through an exchange or conversion from another share class, ten (10) years after the date you acquired your C Class shares. Effective June 1, 2022, C Class shares will convert automatically into A Class shares eight (8) years after the initial date of purchase or, if you acquired your C Class shares through an exchange or conversion from another share class, eight (8) years after the date you acquired your C Class shares. When C Class shares that you acquired through a purchase or exchange convert, any other C Class shares that you purchased with reinvested dividends and distributions also will convert into A Class shares on a pro rata basis. A different holding period may also apply depending on your intermediary. Please see “Appendix A—Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information” in this Prospectus.
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
Eligibility
The A Class, C Class, Y Class, Advisor Class, R5 Class, and Investor Class shares offered in this Prospectus are available to eligible investors who meet the minimum initial investment. R6 Class shares are available only to participating 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, health savings plans, health savings accounts and funded welfare benefit plans (e.g., Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) plans). R6 Class shares generally are available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of a Fund; however, a Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to waive this requirement. Generally, R6 Class shares are not available to retail non-retirement accounts, Traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans. American Beacon Funds do not accept accounts registered to foreign individuals or entities, including foreign correspondent accounts. The Funds do not conduct operations and are not offered for purchase outside of the United States.
Subject to your eligibility, as described below, you may invest in a Fund directly or through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators, and retirement plans. As described below, the Manager may allow certain individuals to invest directly in a Fund in its sole discretion.
If you invest directly with a 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 Funds are not responsible for determining the suitability of the Funds or a 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 $1,000,000 or more, a Fund will decline a request to purchase C Class shares for $1,000,000 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 a Fund. If you establish an account through a financial intermediary, the investment minimums described in this section may not apply. Investors investing in a Fund through a financial intermediary should consult with their financial intermediary to ensure they obtain any proper ‘‘breakpoint’’ discount and all information 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 Investment Amount by Share Class
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$ 250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$ 250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for a Y Class or R5 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 aggregated purchase orders for more than one client.
R6 Class shares can only be purchased through a participating retirement plan. R6 Class shares are available only to participating 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, health savings plans, health savings accounts and funded welfare benefit plans (e.g., Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) plans). R6 Class shares generally are available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of a Fund; however, a Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to waive this requirement. Generally, R6 Class shares are not available to retail non-retirement accounts, Traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans.
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Opening an Account
You may open an account through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a 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.
Direct mutual fund accounts are not available to new shareholders. Existing direct mutual fund account shareholders may continue to buy or sell shares through their existing direct mutual fund accounts, but will not be able to open new direct mutual fund accounts. The Manager may allow the following individuals or entities to open new direct mutual fund accounts in its sole discretion: (1) corporate accounts, (2) employees of the Manager, or its direct parent company, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., and its affiliates and subsidiaries, (3) employees of a sub-advisor to a fund in the American Beacon Funds Complex, (4) members of the Board, (5) employees of Kelso & Company, L.P. or Estancia Capital Management, LLC, the Manager’s indirect parent companies, and (6) members of the Manager’s Board of Directors.
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, you will be asked for information that will allow the Funds 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, and taxpayer identification numbers on the account or other documentation. The Funds are required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.
A Fund reserves the right to liquidate a shareholder’s account at the current day’s NAV per share and remit proceeds via check if a Fund or a financial institution is unable to verify the shareholder’s identity within three days of account opening.
Purchase Policies
Shares of the Funds 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 a 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. A purchase order is considered to be received in good order when it complies with all of a Fund’s applicable policies. 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 a Fund is open for business, plus any applicable sales charges. Shares of a Fund will only be issued against full payment, as described more fully in this Prospectus and SAI.
The Funds have 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 Funds and to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. A 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 a Fund’s next determined NAV per share after receipt by the financial intermediary or its designee. It is the responsibility of your broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit orders that will be received by the Funds in proper form and in a timely manner. The Funds are not responsible for the failure of a broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit a purchase order 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 a Fund are available for offer and sale in their jurisdiction. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse purchases if, in the judgment of the Funds, the transaction would adversely affect the Funds and their shareholders. Each Fund has the right to reject any purchase order or cease offering any or all classes of shares at any time. Each Fund reserves the right to require payment by wire. 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 Funds will not accept ‘‘starter’’ checks, credit card checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, or third party checks.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the Funds or the Manager has incurred. Under applicable anti-money laundering regulations and other federal regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
Please refer to the section titled ‘‘Frequent Trading and Market Timing’’ for information on the Funds’ policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Redemption Policies
If you purchased shares of a Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of a Fund. A sale or redemption of your shares is generally taxable to you. See “Distributions and Taxes - Taxes.”
The redemption price will be the NAV per share next determined after a redemption request is received in good order, minus any applicable CDSC. 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).
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 Funds are 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, ACH, or pre-authorized automatic investment may be delayed until the funds have cleared, which may take up to ten days.
You may, within 90 days of redemption, reinvest all or part of the proceeds of your redemption of A or C Class shares of a 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 Funds. 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 other distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Reinvestment will be at the NAV per share next calculated after the Funds receive your request. You must notify the Funds and your financial intermediary at the time of investment if you decide to exercise this privilege.
The Funds reserve 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 a Fund’s investments or determination of its NAV per share is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) by order of the SEC for protection of the Funds’ shareholders.
Although the Funds intend to redeem shares by paying out available cash, cash generated by selling portfolio holdings (including cash equivalent portfolio holdings), or funds borrowed through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, in stressed market conditions and other appropriate circumstances, the Funds reserve the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by borrowing funds from external parties or distributing securities
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or other assets held by the Funds. To the extent that a 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 Funds’ policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Exchange Policies
If you purchased shares of the Funds 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 the intermediary’s policies to effect an exchange.
Shares of any class of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund under certain limited circumstances. Since an exchange involves a concurrent redemption and purchase, please review the sections titled “Redemption Policies” and “Purchase Policies” for additional limitations that apply to redemptions and purchases. There is no front-end sales charge on exchanges between A Class shares of a 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 that has a CDSC. However, 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.
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 of a Fund were purchased by check, a shareholder must have owned those shares for at least ten days prior to exchanging out of a Fund and into another fund.
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. Each Fund reserves the right to charge a fee and to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange requests if, in the judgment of a Fund, the transaction would adversely affect a Fund and its shareholders. Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Funds’ policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Shares of any class of a Fund may be converted to shares of another class of the same Fund under certain limited circumstances. For federal income tax purposes, the conversion of shares of one share class of a Fund to 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 American Beacon Fund generally is considered a redemption and a concurrent purchase, respectively, and thus may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss for those purposes.
How to Purchase, Redeem or Exchange Shares
If your account is through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, please contact them directly to purchase, redeem or exchange shares of a 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 a Fund and may charge you a fee for this service. A 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. You should include the following information with any order:

 

  • Your name/account registration

 

  • Your account number

 

  • Type of transaction requested

 

  • Fund name(s) and fund number(s)

 

  • Dollar amount or number of shares
 
Transactions for direct shareholders are conducted through:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
PO Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Purchases by Wire:
Send a bank wire to State Street Bank and Trust Co. with these instructions:

 

ABA# 0110-0002-8; AC-9905-342-3,

 

Attn: American Beacon Funds,

 

the fund name and fund number, and

 

shareholder account number and registration.
 
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New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
C
$1,000
$50
$ 250
A, Investor
$2,500
$50
$ 250
Advisor
$2,500
$50
None
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
R6
None
$50
None
Redemption proceeds will be mailed to the account of record or transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
Supporting documents may be required for redemptions by estates, trusts, guardianships, custodians, corporations, and welfare, pension and profit sharing plans. Redemption requests must also include authorized signature(s) of all persons required to sign for the account. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions.
To protect the Funds and your account from fraud, a 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 Funds only accept 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.
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
For certain share classes, the Funds and/or the Manager (and/or the Manager’s 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 Funds. To the extent that the Funds pay any such compensation, it is designed to compensate the financial intermediary for providing services that would otherwise be provided by the Manager, the Funds or their transfer agent. To the extent the Manager or its affiliates pay such compensation, it would likely include amounts from that party’s own resources and constitute what is sometimes referred to as ‘‘revenue sharing.’’
Compensation received by a financial intermediary from a Fund, the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager 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 Funds, 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 Funds or the Manager and/or its affiliates, and the prospect of receiving it may provide the financial intermediary with an incentive to recommend the shares of the Funds, or a certain class of shares of the Funds, over other potential investments. Similarly, the compensation may cause financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Funds within its organization by, for example, placing it on a list of preferred funds. You can contact your financial intermediary for details about any such payments it receives from the Manager, its affiliates and/or the Funds, or any other fees, expenses, or commissions your financial intermediary may charge you in addition to those disclosed in this Prospectus.
The Funds will not make any of the payments described in this section with respect to their R6 Class shares.
Additional Payments with Respect to Y Class Shares
Y Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with a Fund’s distributor to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor transacting in Y Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of a Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
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
Y
$25,000
R6
$0
Advisor
$2,500
R5
$75,000
Investor
$2,500
If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, each Fund reserves the right, upon 30 days’ advance written notice, to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. Each Fund reserves the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.
A traditional IRA or Roth IRA invested directly will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian.
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An ACH privilege allows electronic transfer from a checking or savings account into a direct account with the Funds. The ACH privilege may not be used for initial purchases but may be used for subsequent purchases and redemptions. Purchases of Fund shares by ACH are subject to a limit of $2,000 per Fund per day. The Funds reserve the right to waive such limit in their sole discretion.
ACH privileges must be requested on the account application, or may be established on an existing account by submitting a request in writing to the Funds. Validated signatures from all shareholders of record for the account are required on the written request. See details below regarding signature validations. Such privileges apply unless and until the Funds receive written instructions from all shareholders of record canceling such privileges. Changes of bank account information must also be made in writing with validated signatures. The Funds reserve the right to amend, suspend or discontinue the ACH privilege at any time without prior notice. The ACH privilege does not apply to shares held in broker “street name” accounts or in other omnibus accounts.
When a signature validation is called for, a Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp may be required. A Medallion signature guarantee is intended to provide signature validation for transactions considered financial in nature, and an SVP stamp is intended to provide signature validation for transactions non-financial in nature. A Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution which is participating in a Medallion program or SVP recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The Funds may reject a Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp. Shareholders should call 800-658-5811 for additional details regarding a Fund’s signature guarantee requirements.
The following policies apply to instructions you may provide to the Funds by telephone:

 

The Funds, their 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 Funds employ 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 Funds reserve the right to:

 

liquidate a shareholder’s account at the current day’s NAV per share and remit proceeds via check if the Funds or a financial institution is 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 a 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 a 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 a Fund to turn over your mutual fund account to the state listed in your account registration as abandoned property unless you contact the Funds. 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:

 

Send a letter to American Beacon Funds via the United States Post Office.

 

Speak 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 Funds’ secure web application.

 

Access your account through the Funds’ secure web application.

 

Cashing checks that are received and are made payable to the owner of the account.
 
The Funds, 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. Unless you hold your shares directly with a Fund, you should contact your broker-dealer, retirement plan, or other third party, intermediary regarding applicable state escheatment laws.
Shareholders that reside in the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive escheatment notifications by completing and submitting a designation form that can be found on the website of the Texas Comptroller. While the designated representative does not have any rights to claim or access the shareholder’s account or assets, the escheatment period will cease if the representative communicates knowledge of the shareholder’s location and confirms that the shareholder has not abandoned his or her property. If a shareholder designates a representative to receive escheatment notifications, any escheatment notices will be delivered both to the shareholder and the designated representative. The completed designation form may be mailed to the below address.
Contact information:

 

  American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
1-800-658-5811
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
 
Frequent Trading and Market Timing
Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in that Fund, including: (i) the dilution of a Fund’s NAV per share, (ii) an increase in a Fund’s expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Frequent, short-term trading of Fund shares in an attempt to profit from day-to-day fluctuations in a Fund’s NAV per share is known as market timing.
The Funds’ Board has adopted policies and procedures intended to discourage frequent trading and market timing.
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The American Beacon International Equity Fund is particularly at risk for market timing activity. Please see “Market Timing Risk” under the description of each of these Funds.
Shareholders may transact one ‘‘round trip’’ in a 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 either (i) a purchase or exchange into a Fund followed by a redemption or exchange out of a Fund or (ii) a redemption or exchange out of a Fund followed by a purchase or exchange into a Fund. If the Manager detects that a shareholder has exceeded one round trip in a Fund in any rolling 90-day period, the Manager, without prior notice to the shareholder, may prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases of that Fund. In general, each 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 a Fund from any individual investor, institutional investor, or group whose trading activity could disrupt the management of a Fund or dilute the value of a 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 Funds’ policies to discourage frequent trading and market timing by investors. However, certain intermediaries that offer Fund shares have informed the Funds that they are currently unable to enforce the Funds’ 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 Funds’ policies. A Fund may defer to an intermediary’s policies. For more information, please contact the financial intermediary through which you invest in the Funds.
The Manager monitors trading activity in the Funds 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 Funds have entered into agreements with the intermediaries that service the Funds’ investors, pursuant to which the intermediaries agree to provide information on investor transactions to the Funds and to act on the Funds’ instructions to restrict transactions by investors who the Manager has identified as having violated the Funds’ policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing.
Wrap programs offered by certain intermediaries may be designated ‘‘Qualified Wrap Programs’’ by a Fund based on specific criteria established by the Funds and a certification by the intermediary that the criteria have been met. A Qualified Wrap Program is a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary: (i) 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) certifies that it directs transactions in accounts participating in the wrap program(s) in concert with changes in a model portfolio; (iii) provides the Manager a description of the wrap program(s); 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 a 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 a 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 Funds’ frequent trading and market timing policies.
Each 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 Funds’ policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing will have the intended effect or that the Manager will be able to detect frequent trading and market timing.
Distributions and Taxes
Each Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income (“dividends”), distributions of realized net capital gains (“capital gains distributions”) and net gains from foreign currency transactions (sometimes referred to below collectively as “other distributions”) (and dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions are sometimes referred to below collectively as “distributions”). Different tax treatment applies to different types of distributions (as described in the table below).
The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate nor do they guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. Distributions paid by a Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, but dividends on different classes of shares may be different as a result of the services and/or fees applicable to certain classes of shares. Distributions are paid as follows:
American Beacon Fund
Dividends Paid
Other Distributions Paid
American Beacon Balanced Fund
Quarterly
Annually
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
Monthly
Annually
American Beacon International Equity Fund
Annually
Annually
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Annually
Annually
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Annually
Annually
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Annually
Annually
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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 you instruct otherwise in your account application, distributions payable to you by a Fund will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing class of that Fund. There are four payment options available:

 

Reinvest All Distributions. You can elect to reinvest all distributions by a Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of that Fund.

 

Reinvest Only Some Distributions. You can elect to reinvest some types of distributions by a Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of that Fund while receiving the other types of distributions by that Fund by check or having them sent directly to your bank account by ACH (“in cash”).

 

Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive all distributions in cash.

 

Reinvest Your Distributions in shares of another American Beacon Fund. You can reinvest all of your distributions by a Fund on a particular class of shares 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.
 
Distributions of Fund income are generally taxable to you regardless of the manner in which received or reinvested.
If you invest directly with a Fund, any election to receive distributions payable by check will only apply to distributions totaling $10.00 or more. Any distribution by a Fund totaling less than $10.00 will be reinvested in shares of the distributing class of that Fund and will not be paid to you by check.
If you elect to receive a distribution by check and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your check, or if your check remains uncashed for at least six months, a Fund reserves the right to reinvest the amount of your check, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions, in shares of the distributing class of that Fund at the NAV per share on the day of the reinvestment. Interest will not accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
Shareholders investing in a Fund through a financial intermediary should discuss their options for receiving distributions with the intermediary.
Taxes
Fund distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement plans and accounts and other tax-exempt investors. However, the portion of a Fund’s dividends derived from its investments in U.S. Government obligations, if any, is generally exempt from state and local income taxes. Fund dividends, except those that are “qualified dividend income” (as described below), are subject to federal income tax at the rates for ordinary income contained in the Internal Revenue Code. The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:
Type of Transaction
Federal Tax Status
Dividends from net investment income*
Ordinary income**
Distributions of the 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 the 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,’’ if any.
To the extent distributions are attributable to net capital gain that a Fund recognizes, they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an ‘‘individual’’) (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding certain thresholds, which are indexed for inflation annually), regardless of how long the shareholder held his or her Fund shares.
A portion of the dividends a Fund pays to individuals may be QDI and thus eligible for the preferential rates mentioned above that apply to net capital gain. QDI is the aggregate of dividends a Fund receives on shares of most domestic corporations (excluding most distributions from REITs) and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions. 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 a Fund pays may also be eligible for the DRD allowed to corporations, subject to similar holding period and other restrictions, but the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends a Fund receives from domestic corporations only.
The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund does not expect a substantial part of its dividends to qualify as QDI or be eligible for the DRD.
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 15% and 20% tax rates mentioned above.
A shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method with respect to Fund shares other than the average basis method (the Fund’s default method), must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The Fund, or its administrative agent, must report to the Internal Revenue Service and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for dispositions of Fund 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 distributions a Fund pays and net gains realized on a 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.
Each year, each Fund’s shareholders will receive tax information regarding Fund distributions and dispositions of Fund shares to assist them in preparing their income tax returns.
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 a Fund.
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Additional Information
The Funds’ Board oversees generally the operations of the Funds. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Funds’ manager, sub-advisor(s), custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This Prospectus provides information concerning the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or create an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Funds and any investor, or to create any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived. Nothing in this Prospectus, the SAI or the Funds’ reports to shareholders is intended to provide investment advice and should not be construed as investment advice.
Distribution and Service Plans
The Funds have adopted separate Distribution Plans for their A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class shares in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, which allows the A Class, C Class and Advisor 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 Management Agreement, and any fees received by the sub-advisors pursuant to their Investment Advisory Agreements with the Manager, to be used for the sale and distribution of Fund shares. The Plans provide that the A Class and Advisor Class shares of the Funds will pay up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to the A Class, and Advisor Class, respectively, and the C Class shares of the Funds 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). Because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The Funds have also adopted a distribution plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act that applies to all share classes of the Funds (the “Fund-Level Distribution Plan”). Currently, the Board has not authorized payments under the Fund-Level Distribution Plan.
The Funds have also adopted a shareholder services plan for their A Class, C Class, Investor Class, and Advisor 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 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Advisor Class shares. In addition, the Funds may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and R5 Class shares of the Funds.
R6 Class shares will not reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries.
Portfolio Holdings
A complete list of each Fund’s holdings is made available on the Funds’ website on a monthly basis approximately twenty days after the end of each month and remains available for six months thereafter. A list of each Fund’s ten largest holdings is made available on the Funds’ website on a quarterly basis. The ten largest holdings of the Funds 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. A Fund’s ten largest holdings may also be accessed by selecting a particular Fund’s fact sheet.
A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ SAI, which you may access on the Funds’ website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-658-5811 to request a free copy.
Delivery of Documents
Summary prospectuses and shareholder reports are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Funds’ summary prospectuses, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on ‘‘Quick Links’’ and then ‘‘Register for E-Delivery.’’ You can also request to receive paper Annual Shareholder Reports and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports by calling 1-866-345-5954 with the unique ID number that is provided in the notification you receive, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish.
To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the summary prospectus, Annual Shareholder Report and Semi-Annual Shareholder 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 each Fund’s financial performance for the past five fiscal years or, if shorter, the period of that Fund’s operations, as applicable. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in each Fund’s tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in that Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions). The information in the financial highlights has been derived from the Funds’ financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ Annual Report, which you may obtain upon request.
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
A Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$12.39
$14.33
$14.38
$15.48
$13.69
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.11
0.15
0.22
0.22
0.16
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.71
(0.71
)
1.07
(0.07
)
1.93
Total income (loss) from investment operations
3.82
(0.56
)
1.29
0.15
2.09
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.25
)
(0.21
)
(0.22
)
(0.45
)
(0.30
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.65
)
(1.17
)
(1.12
)
(0.80
)
-
Total distributions
(1.90
)
(1.38
)
(1.34
)
(1.25
)
(0.30
)
Net asset value, end of period
$14.31
$12.39
$14.33
$14.38
$15.48
Total returnB
33.39
%
(4.49
)%
10.54
%
0.73
%
15.36
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$13,922,687
$12,863,938
$16,228,685
$18,121,273
$21,934,880
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.02
%
1.21
%
1.01
%
0.91
%
0.99
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.02
%
1.21
%
1.01
%
C
0.83
%
0.99
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.04
%
1.46
%
1.88
%
1.66
%
1.39
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.04
%
1.46
%
1.88
%
1.74
%
1.39
%
Portfolio turnover rate
37
%
82
%
68
%
28
%
32
%
A On January 23, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C This ratio does not include a voluntary reimbursement of service fees as included in the prior year.
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
C Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$12.53
$14.48
$14.55
$15.64
$13.83
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.04
B
0.05
0.10
0.13
0.08
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.72
(0.70
)
1.09
(0.09
)
1.92
Total income (loss) from investment operations
3.76
(0.65
)
1.19
0.04
2.00
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.15
)
(0.13
)
(0.14
)
(0.33
)
(0.19
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.65
)
(1.17
)
(1.12
)
(0.80
)
-
Total distributions
(1.80
)
(1.30
)
(1.26
)
(1.13
)
(0.19
)
Net asset value, end of period
$14.49
$12.53
$14.48
$14.55
$15.64
Total returnC
32.32
%
(5.09
)%
9.63
%
0.04
%
14.50
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$23,737,711
$23,951,798
$30,848,500
$36,046,543
$42,575,983
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.75
%
1.95
%
1.76
%
1.66
%
1.73
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.75
%
1.95
%
1.76
%
D
1.54
%
1.73
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.32
%
0.72
%
1.13
%
0.91
%
0.63
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.32
%
0.72
%
1.13
%
1.02
%
0.63
%
Portfolio turnover rate
37
%
82
%
68
%
28
%
32
%
A
On January 23, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
This ratio does not include a voluntary reimbursement of service fees as included in the prior year.
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.46
$16.47
$16.31
$17.39
$15.30
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.20
0.25
0.33
0.35
0.24
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
4.35
(0.86
)
1.20
(0.16
)
2.20
Total income (loss) from investment operations
4.55
(0.61
)
1.53
0.19
2.44
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.29
)
(0.23
)
(0.25
)
(0.47
)
(0.35
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.65
)
(1.17
)
(1.12
)
(0.80
)
-
Total distributions
(1.94
)
(1.40
)
(1.37
)
(1.27
)
(0.35
)
Net asset value, end of period
$17.07
$14.46
$16.47
$16.31
$17.39
Total returnB
33.66
%
(4.17
)%
10.75
%
0.88
%
16.05
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$40,858,765
$43,550,846
$62,956,422
$71,296,735
$64,926,394
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.77
%
0.96
%
0.74
%
0.70
%
0.68
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.77
%
0.96
%
0.74
%
0.70
%
0.68
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.31
%
1.71
%
2.15
%
1.86
%
1.67
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.31
%
1.71
%
2.15
%
1.86
%
1.67
%
Portfolio turnover rate
37
%
82
%
68
%
28
%
32
%
A
On January 23, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
Advisor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$13.35
$15.34
$15.29
$16.38
$14.46
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.15
0.18
B
0.26
0.16
0.21
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.97
(0.81
)
1.11
(0.06
)
1.99
Total income (loss) from investment operations
4.12
(0.63
)
1.37
0.10
2.20
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.23
)
(0.19
)
(0.20
)
(0.39
)
(0.28
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.65
)
(1.17
)
(1.12
)
(0.80
)
-
Total distributions
(1.88
)
(1.36
)
(1.32
)
(1.19
)
(0.28
)
Net asset value, end of period
$15.59
$13.35
$15.34
$15.29
$16.38
Total returnC
33.17
%
(4.65
)%
10.41
%
0.42
%
15.31
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$2,120,450
$1,760,622
$6,039,168
$6,174,284
$10,944,675
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.16
%
1.36
%
1.14
%
1.12
%
1.08
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.16
%
1.36
%
1.14
%
1.12
%
1.08
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.91
%
1.29
%
1.76
%
1.45
%
1.29
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.91
%
1.29
%
1.76
%
1.45
%
1.29
%
Portfolio turnover rate
37
%
82
%
68
%
28
%
32
%
A
On January 23, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020B
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.35
$16.36
$16.20
$17.30
$15.26
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.19
0.20
0.31
0.28
0.36
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
4.34
(0.80
)
1.23
(0.10
)
2.04
Total income (loss) from investment operations
4.53
(0.60
)
1.54
0.18
2.40
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.30
)
(0.24
)
(0.26
)
(0.48
)
(0.36
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.65
)
(1.17
)
(1.12
)
(0.80
)
-
Total distributions
(1.95
)
(1.41
)
(1.38
)
(1.28
)
(0.36
)
Net asset value, end of period
$16.93
$14.35
$16.36
$16.20
$17.30
Total returnC
33.80
%
(4.14
)%
10.89
%
0.84
%
15.82
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$22,687,613
$22,476,942
$46,593,155
$60,191,704
$88,015,702
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.70
%
0.88
%
0.66
%
0.62
%
0.59
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.70
%
0.88
%
0.66
%
0.62
%
0.59
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.37
%
1.82
%
2.24
%
1.95
%
1.80
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.37
%
1.82
%
2.24
%
1.95
%
1.80
%
Portfolio turnover rate
37
%
82
%
68
%
28
%
32
%
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
On January 23, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$12.43
$14.36
$14.41
$15.51
$13.71
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.22
0.03
0.18
0.20
0.15
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.61
(0.58
)
1.11
(0.07
)
1.96
Total income (loss) from investment operations
3.83
(0.55
)
1.29
0.13
2.11
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.26
)
(0.21
)
(0.22
)
(0.43
)
(0.31
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.65
)
(1.17
)
(1.12
)
(0.80
)
-
Total distributions
(1.91
)
(1.38
)
(1.34
)
(1.23
)
(0.31
)
Net asset value, end of period
$14.35
$12.43
$14.36
$14.41
$15.51
Total returnB
33.32
%
(4.41
)%
10.50
%
0.62
%
15.52
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$85,251,213
$68,284,615
$96,065,263
$107,677,984
$124,143,894
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.99
%
1.20
%
0.97
%
0.95
%
0.89
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.99
%
1.20
%
0.97
%
0.95
%
0.89
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.07
%
1.47
%
1.92
%
1.62
%
1.48
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.07
%
1.47
%
1.92
%
1.62
%
1.48
%
Portfolio turnover rate
37
%
82
%
68
%
28
%
32
%
A
On January 23, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$10.27
$10.05
$9.79
$9.90
$9.98
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
(0.00
)
A
0.13
0.24
0.18
0.13
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
(0.08
)
0.25
0.25
(0.11
)
(0.06
)
Total income (loss) from investment operations
(0.08
)
0.38
0.49
0.07
0.07
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.14
)
(0.16
)
(0.23
)
(0.18
)
(0.14
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.19
)
(0.01
)
Total distributions
(0.33
)
(0.16
)
(0.23
)
(0.18
)
(0.15
)
Net asset value, end of period
$9.86
$10.27
$10.05
$9.79
$9.90
Total returnB
(0.81
)%
3.83
%
5.09
%
0.74
%
0.71
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$21,340,613
$18,928,869
$17,927,537
$3,685,857
$3,133,476
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.74
%
0.74
%
0.73
%
0.75
%
0.77
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.52
%
C
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
0.55
%
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.38
)%
1.03
%
2.14
%
1.58
%
1.05
%
Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.16
)%
1.22
%
2.32
%
1.78
%
1.27
%
Portfolio turnover rate
71
%
122
%
58
%
143
%
52
%
A
Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense cap on February 28, 2021.
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American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
R6 Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
February 28, 2019A to October 31, 2019
Net asset value, beginning of period
$10.26
$10.04
$9.87
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.01
)
B
0.14
0.17
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
(0.06
)
0.25
0.17
Total income (loss) from investment operations
(0.07
)
0.39
0.34
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.15
)
(0.17
)
(0.17
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.19
)
Total distributions
(0.34
)
(0.17
)
(0.17
)
Net asset value, end of period
$9.85
$10.26
$10.04
Total returnC
(0.70
)%
3.97
%
3.44
%
D
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$166,304,291
$141,893,384
$130,208,195
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.64
%
0.64
%
0.66
%
E
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.41
%
0.41
%
0.41
%
E
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.28
)%
1.13
%
1.90
%
E
Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.05
)%
1.36
%
2.15
%
E
Portfolio turnover rate
71
%
122
%
58
%
F
A
Commencement of operations.
B
Based on average shares outstanding for the period.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Not annualized.
E
Annualized.
F
Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 28, 2019 through October 31, 2019 and is not annualized.
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American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$10.27
$10.05
$9.79
$9.91
$9.98
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.01
)
B
0.11
0.24
0.20
0.14
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
(0.08
)
0.28
0.26
(0.13
)
(0.05
)
Total income (loss) from investment operations
(0.09
)
0.39
0.50
0.07
0.09
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.14
)
(0.17
)
(0.24
)
(0.19
)
(0.15
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.19
)
(0.01
)
Total distributions
(0.33
)
(0.17
)
(0.24
)
(0.19
)
(0.16
)
Net asset value, end of period
$9.85
$10.27
$10.05
$9.79
$9.91
Total returnC
(0.84
)%
3.93
%
5.20
%
0.74
%
0.91
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$192,774,622
$172,774,140
$316,582,604
$234,919,975
$132,575,412
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.67
%
0.68
%
0.66
%
0.69
%
0.70
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.45
%
0.45
%
0.45
%
0.45
%
0.45
%
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.32
)%
1.15
%
2.18
%
1.68
%
1.12
%
Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.10
)%
1.38
%
2.39
%
1.92
%
1.37
%
Portfolio turnover rate
71
%
122
%
58
%
143
%
52
%
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
Based on average shares outstanding for the period.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$10.26
$10.05
$9.79
$9.91
$9.99
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.04
)
A
0.13
A
0.21
0.15
0.10
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
(0.07
)
0.22
0.26
(0.11
)
(0.06
)
Total income (loss) from investment operations
(0.11
)
0.35
0.47
0.04
0.04
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.11
)
(0.14
)
(0.21
)
(0.16
)
(0.11
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.19
)
(0.01
)
Total distributions
(0.30
)
(0.14
)
(0.21
)
(0.16
)
(0.12
)
Net asset value, end of period
$9.85
$10.26
$10.05
$9.79
$9.91
Total returnB
(1.11
)%
3.54
%
4.80
%
0.36
%
0.43
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$991,788
$365,190
$14,904,591
$10,995,242
$9,724,030
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.29
%
1.20
%
1.04
%
0.92
%
0.94
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.83
%
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.91
)%
0.90
%
1.81
%
1.41
%
0.89
%
Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
(0.45
)%
1.27
%
2.02
%
1.50
%
0.99
%
Portfolio turnover rate
71
%
122
%
58
%
143
%
52
%
A
Based on average shares outstanding for the period.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
A Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.55
$17.85
$18.50
$20.63
$17.23
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.36
B
0.21
0.45
0.38
0.30
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
5.38
(3.04
)
0.36
(1.95
)
3.48
Total income (loss) from investment operations
5.74
(2.83
)
0.81
(1.57
)
3.78
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.23
)
(0.47
)
(0.32
)
(0.25
)
(0.38
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.23
)
(0.47
)
(1.46
)
(0.56
)
(0.38
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.06
$14.55
$17.85
$18.50
$20.63
Total returnC
39.65
%
(16.37
)%
5.46
%
(7.89
)%
22.43
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$10,017,801
$9,512,972
$13,973,709
$14,141,551
$17,829,657
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.13
%
1.13
%
1.15
%
1.08
%
1.12
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.13
%
1.13
%
1.15
%
1.08
%
1.12
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.83
%
B
1.35
%
2.50
%
1.80
%
1.65
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.83
%
B
1.35
%
2.50
%
1.80
%
1.65
%
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
A
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0643.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
C Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$13.99
$17.18
$17.84
$19.93
$16.73
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.19
B
0.01
0.29
0.22
0.17
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
5.19
(2.86
)
0.37
(1.87
)
3.36
Total income (loss) from investment operations
5.38
(2.85
)
0.66
(1.65
)
3.53
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.10
)
(0.34
)
(0.18
)
(0.13
)
(0.33
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.10
)
(0.34
)
(1.32
)
(0.44
)
(0.33
)
Net asset value, end of period
$19.27
$13.99
$17.18
$17.84
$19.93
Total returnC
38.56
%
(16.98
)%
4.69
%
(8.52
)%
21.50
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$4,317,179
$3,431,934
$6,174,460
$6,625,329
$7,622,425
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.86
%
1.86
%
1.87
%
1.81
%
1.88
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.86
%
1.86
%
1.87
%
1.81
%
1.88
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.14
%
B
0.61
%
1.73
%
1.08
%
0.96
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.14
%
B
0.61
%
1.73
%
1.08
%
0.96
%
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
A
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0667.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$15.36
$18.81
$19.42
$21.64
$18.03
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
1.83
B
0.36
0.54
0.46
0.38
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
4.27
(3.28
)
0.37
(2.04
)
3.65
Total income (loss) from investment operations
6.10
(2.92
)
0.91
(1.58
)
4.03
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.28
)
(0.53
)
(0.38
)
(0.33
)
(0.42
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.28
)
(0.53
)
(1.52
)
(0.64
)
(0.42
)
Net asset value, end of period
$21.18
$15.36
$18.81
$19.42
$21.64
Total returnC
39.99
%
(16.09
)%
5.83
%
(7.58
)%
22.84
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$233,692,916
$659,159,857
$896,442,437
$904,847,058
$1,029,629,647
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.79
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.79
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.01
%
B
1.77
%
2.87
%
2.10
%
1.95
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.01
%
B
1.77
%
2.87
%
2.10
%
1.95
%
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
A
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0243.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
R6 Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
February 28, 2017B to October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.76
$18.08
$18.73
$20.89
$17.80
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.45
C
0.39
0.51
0.39
0.08
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
5.44
(3.16
)
0.39
(1.88
)
3.01
Total income (loss) from investment operations
5.89
(2.77
)
0.90
(1.49
)
3.09
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.30
)
(0.55
)
(0.41
)
(0.36
)
-
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.30
)
(0.55
)
(1.55
)
(0.67
)
-
Net asset value, end of period
$20.35
$14.76
$18.08
$18.73
$20.89
Total returnD
40.20
%
(15.93
)%
5.98
%
(7.47
)%
17.36
%
E
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$397,732,934
$294,708,893
$179,802,437
$48,725,523
$6,367,999
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.71
%
0.72
%
0.70
%
0.70
%
0.89
%
F
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.70
%
G
0.69
%
0.66
%
0.66
%
0.66
%
F
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.30
%
C
1.88
%
3.09
%
2.11
%
1.63
%
F
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.31
%
C
1.91
%
3.13
%
2.15
%
1.85
%
F
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
H
A
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
B
Commencement of operations.
C
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0738.
D
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E
Not annualized.
F
Annualized.
G
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to security lending expenses.
H
Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 28, 2017 through October 31, 2017 and is not annualized.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
Advisor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.94
$18.31
$18.93
$21.15
$17.62
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.41
B
0.37
0.43
0.36
0.23
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
5.48
(3.29
)
0.39
(1.99
)
3.64
Total income (loss) from investment operations
5.89
(2.92
)
0.82
(1.63
)
3.87
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.15
)
(0.45
)
(0.30
)
(0.28
)
(0.34
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.15
)
(0.45
)
(1.44
)
(0.59
)
(0.34
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.68
$14.94
$18.31
$18.93
$21.15
Total returnC
39.53
%
(16.43
)%
5.38
%
(7.99
)%
22.38
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$18,745,607
$16,387,094
$45,797,068
$48,571,916
$55,715,606
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.20
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.20
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.79
%
B
1.34
%
2.40
%
1.70
%
1.51
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.79
%
B
1.34
%
2.40
%
1.70
%
1.51
%
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
A
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0709.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020B
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.73
$18.06
$18.71
$20.88
$17.41
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.45
C
0.36
0.55
0.44
0.39
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
5.43
(3.15
)
0.34
(1.95
)
3.51
Total income (loss) from investment operations
5.88
(2.79
)
0.89
(1.51
)
3.90
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.30
)
(0.54
)
(0.40
)
(0.35
)
(0.43
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.30
)
(0.54
)
(1.54
)
(0.66
)
(0.43
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.31
$14.73
$18.06
$18.71
$20.88
Total returnD
40.18
%
(16.04
)%
5.94
%
(7.55
)%
22.94
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$1,329,626,349
$968,859,543
$1,499,867,401
$1,613,462,237
$1,644,165,106
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.73
%
0.72
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.73
%
0.72
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
0.73
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.31
%
C
1.83
%
2.93
%
2.17
%
2.01
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.31
%
C
1.83
%
2.93
%
2.17
%
2.01
%
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
C
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0746.
D
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon International Equity Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$14.57
$17.87
$18.52
$20.67
$17.24
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.38
B
0.40
0.49
0.41
0.35
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
5.38
(3.22
)
0.33
(1.97
)
3.45
Total income (loss) from investment operations
5.76
(2.82
)
0.82
(1.56
)
3.80
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.22
)
(0.48
)
(0.33
)
(0.28
)
(0.37
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(1.14
)
(0.31
)
-
Total distributions
(0.22
)
(0.48
)
(1.47
)
(0.59
)
(0.37
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.11
$14.57
$17.87
$18.52
$20.67
Total returnC
39.72
%
(16.33
)%
5.55
%
(7.86
)%
22.50
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$126,691,864
$92,817,287
$221,043,036
$250,804,403
$316,589,769
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.06
%
1.07
%
1.05
%
1.06
%
1.07
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.06
%
1.07
%
1.05
%
1.06
%
1.07
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.98
%
B
1.35
%
2.59
%
1.83
%
1.69
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.98
%
B
1.35
%
2.59
%
1.83
%
1.69
%
Portfolio turnover rate
41
%
77
%
36
%
29
%
32
%
A
On January 29, 2020, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 30, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. began managing assets of the Fund.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0785.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
A Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$20.96
$25.66
$26.00
$28.61
$23.90
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.24
B
0.20
0.40
0.48
0.28
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
9.68
(2.29
)
1.59
(0.06
)
5.17
Total income (loss) from investment operations
9.92
(2.09
)
1.99
0.42
5.45
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.40
)
(0.51
)
(0.47
)
(0.45
)
(0.52
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
(0.22
)
Total distributions
(3.51
)
(2.61
)
(2.33
)
(3.03
)
(0.74
)
Net asset value, end of period
$27.37
$20.96
$25.66
$26.00
$28.61
Total returnC
52.15
%
(9.65
)%
9.72
%
1.15
%
23.13
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$12,661,833
$25,792,400
$39,157,098
$42,722,617
$40,073,435
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.96
%
1.00
%
1.01
%
0.93
%
0.98
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.96
%
1.00
%
1.01
%
0.93
%
0.98
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.98
%
1.52
%
1.68
%
1.49
%
1.38
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.98
%
1.52
%
1.68
%
1.49
%
1.38
%
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
A
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
C Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$20.74
$25.43
$25.71
$28.27
$23.57
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.16
0.08
0.26
0.21
0.09
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
9.49
(2.32
)
1.57
0.05
5.11
Total income (loss) from investment operations
9.65
(2.24
)
1.83
0.26
5.20
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.21
)
(0.35
)
(0.25
)
(0.24
)
(0.28
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
(0.22
)
Total distributions
(3.32
)
(2.45
)
(2.11
)
(2.82
)
(0.50
)
Net asset value, end of period
$27.07
$20.74
$25.43
$25.71
$28.27
Total returnB
51.05
%
(10.26
)%
8.94
%
0.57
%
22.27
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$6,898,120
$4,687,004
$6,811,169
$6,851,003
$8,351,349
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.68
%
1.68
%
1.70
%
1.64
%
1.72
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.68
%
1.68
%
1.70
%
C
1.54
%
1.72
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.22
%
0.84
%
0.99
%
0.79
%
0.66
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.22
%
0.84
%
0.99
%
0.90
%
0.66
%
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
A
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
This ratio does not include a voluntary reimbursement of service fees as included in the prior year.
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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$23.16
$28.10
$28.20
$30.78
$25.64
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.38
0.39
0.56
0.57
0.48
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.73
(2.63
)
1.72
(0.04
)
5.46
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.11
(2.24
)
2.28
0.53
5.94
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.48
)
(0.60
)
(0.52
)
(0.53
)
(0.58
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
(0.22
)
Total distributions
(3.59
)
(2.70
)
(2.38
)
(3.11
)
(0.80
)
Net asset value, end of period
$30.68
$23.16
$28.10
$28.20
$30.78
Total returnB
52.47
%
(9.35
)%
10.05
%
1.42
%
23.51
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$258,183,363
$178,065,442
$301,457,382
$298,017,629
$384,155,569
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.69
%
0.70
%
0.70
%
0.68
%
0.67
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.69
%
0.70
%
0.70
%
0.68
%
0.67
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.21
%
1.84
%
1.98
%
1.77
%
1.69
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.21
%
1.84
%
1.98
%
1.77
%
1.69
%
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
A
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
R6 Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020B
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
February 28, 2017A to October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$23.36
$28.31
$28.41
$30.98
$28.64
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.36
0.56
0.61
0.59
0.12
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.88
(2.78
)
1.71
(0.02
)
2.22
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.24
(2.22
)
2.32
0.57
2.34
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.50
)
(0.63
)
(0.56
)
(0.56
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
Total distributions
(3.61
)
(2.73
)
(2.42
)
(3.14
)
Net asset value, end of period
$30.99
$23.36
$28.31
$28.41
$30.98
Total returnC
52.65
%
(9.23
)%
10.15
%
1.54
%
8.17
%
D
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$1,242,662,760
$1,008,088,807
$739,517,062
$571,236,567
$40,982,401
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.60
%
0.62
%
0.60
%
0.59
%
0.60
%
E
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.60
%
0.59
%
0.58
%
0.58
%
0.58
%
E
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.31
%
1.90
%
2.07
%
1.75
%
1.38
%
E
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.31
%
1.93
%
2.09
%
1.76
%
1.40
%
E
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
F
A
Commencement of operations.
B
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Not annualized.
E
Annualized.
F
Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 28, 2017 through October 31, 2017 and is not annualized.
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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Advisor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$20.97
$25.68
$25.95
$28.54
$23.82
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.26
0.24
0.47
0.28
0.21
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
9.62
(2.36
)
1.52
0.10
5.20
Total income (loss) from investment operations
9.88
(2.12
)
1.99
0.38
5.41
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.38
)
(0.49
)
(0.40
)
(0.39
)
(0.47
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
(0.22
)
Total distributions
(3.49
)
(2.59
)
(2.26
)
(2.97
)
(0.69
)
Net asset value, end of period
$27.36
$20.97
$25.68
$25.95
$28.54
Total returnB
51.89
%
(9.73
)%
9.64
%
1.00
%
23.00
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$63,521,926
$46,049,690
$66,077,449
$62,811,940
$88,196,090
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.10
%
1.10
%
1.10
%
1.09
%
1.07
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.10
%
1.10
%
1.10
%
1.09
%
1.07
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.81
%
1.42
%
1.58
%
1.36
%
1.31
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.81
%
1.42
%
1.58
%
1.36
%
1.31
%
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
A
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
Prospectus – Additional Information107 

 

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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020B
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$23.36
$28.32
$28.41
$30.98
$25.80
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.59
0.65
0.63
0.63
0.59
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.64
(2.89
)
1.69
(0.07
)
5.41
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.23
(2.24
)
2.32
0.56
6.00
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.49
)
(0.62
)
(0.55
)
(0.55
)
(0.60
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
(0.22
)
Total distributions
(3.60
)
(2.72
)
(2.41
)
(3.13
)
(0.82
)
Net asset value, end of period
$30.99
$23.36
$28.32
$28.41
$30.98
Total returnC
52.60
%
(9.29
)%
10.14
%
1.51
%
23.60
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$1,682,465,233
$1,807,587,315
$3,137,789,485
$3,700,700,522
$4,765,771,483
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.63
%
0.63
%
0.63
%
0.62
%
0.60
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.63
%
0.63
%
0.63
%
0.62
%
0.60
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.30
%
1.90
%
2.07
%
1.83
%
1.78
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.30
%
1.90
%
2.07
%
1.83
%
1.78
%
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020A
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$21.32
$26.06
$26.33
$28.92
$24.13
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.20
0.29
0.41
0.41
0.40
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
9.88
(2.41
)
1.63
0.02
5.12
Total income (loss) from investment operations
10.08
(2.12
)
2.04
0.43
5.52
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.41
)
(0.52
)
(0.45
)
(0.44
)
(0.51
)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.11
)
(2.10
)
(1.86
)
(2.58
)
(0.22
)
Total distributions
(3.52
)
(2.62
)
(2.31
)
(3.02
)
(0.73
)
Net asset value, end of period
$27.88
$21.32
$26.06
$26.33
$28.92
Total returnB
52.04
%
(9.59
)%
9.77
%
1.18
%
23.20
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$821,099,597
$707,970,431
$1,124,625,846
$1,505,354,807
$1,990,199,621
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.98
%
0.96
%
0.96
%
0.95
%
0.92
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.98
%
0.96
%
0.96
%
0.95
%
0.92
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.93
%
1.57
%
1.74
%
1.50
%
1.46
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.93
%
1.57
%
1.74
%
1.50
%
1.46
%
Portfolio turnover rate
23
%
67
%
23
%
23
%
25
%
A
On January 17, 2020, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
A Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$12.91
$15.03
$15.15
$16.84
$13.70
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.16
A
0.23
0.49
0.18
0.13
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.14
(2.20
)
0.32
(1.36
)
3.18
Total income (loss) from investment operations
7.30
(1.97
)
0.81
(1.18
)
3.31
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.26
)
(0.15
)
(0.14
)
(0.07
)
(0.17
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
(0.44
)
-
Total distributions
(0.26
)
(0.15
)
(0.93
)
(0.51
)
(0.17
)
Net asset value, end of period
$19.95
$12.91
$15.03
$15.15
$16.84
Total returnB
57.15
%
(13.31
)%
6.57
%
(7.32
)%
24.26
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$3,639,123
$2,767,845
$3,748,595
$12,080,510
$18,170,218
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.45
%
1.30
%
1.35
%
1.25
%
1.27
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.30
%
C
1.30
%
1.35
%
1.25
%
1.27
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.36
%
A
1.09
%
0.94
%
0.78
%
0.69
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.51
%
A
1.09
%
0.94
%
0.78
%
0.69
%
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
28
%
A
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Qurate Retail, Inc. amounting to $0.0380.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
110Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
C Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$12.39
$14.49
$14.60
$16.27
$13.26
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.27
)
A
0.01
0.02
0.03
(0.03
)
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.17
(2.02
)
0.69
(1.26
)
3.11
Total income (loss) from investment operations
6.90
(2.01
)
0.71
(1.23
)
3.08
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.13
)
(0.09
)
(0.03
)
-
(0.07
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
(0.44
)
-
Total distributions
(0.13
)
(0.09
)
(0.82
)
(0.44
)
(0.07
)
Net asset value, end of period
$19.16
$12.39
$14.49
$14.60
$16.27
Total returnB
55.99
%
(13.99
)%
5.94
%
(7.85
)%
23.27
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$2,417,639
$2,932,329
$4,349,946
$5,840,412
$6,520,983
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.17
%
2.05
%
2.02
%
1.87
%
2.04
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.05
%
C
2.05
%
2.02
%
1.87
%
2.04
%
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements
(0.30
)%
A
0.35
%
0.32
%
0.17
%
(0.09
)%
Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements
(0.18
)%
A
0.35
%
0.32
%
0.17
%
(0.09
)%
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
28
%
A
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Quarte Retail, Inc. amounting to $0.0368.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$13.07
$15.27
$15.39
$17.11
$13.92
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.17
A
0.19
0.22
0.19
0.15
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.27
(2.14
)
0.65
(1.32
)
3.25
Total income (loss) from investment operations
7.44
(1.95
)
0.87
(1.13
)
3.40
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.29
)
(0.25
)
(0.20
)
(0.15
)
(0.21
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
(0.44
)
-
Total distributions
(0.29
)
(0.25
)
(0.99
)
(0.59
)
(0.21
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.22
$13.07
$15.27
$15.39
$17.11
Total returnB
57.60
%
(13.08
)%
6.97
%
(6.96
)%
24.60
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$49,952,999
$48,840,223
$84,763,978
$96,799,413
$100,190,167
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.15
%
1.03
%
0.98
%
0.93
%
0.97
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.02
%
C
1.03
%
0.98
%
0.93
%
0.97
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.71
%
A
1.37
%
1.36
%
1.11
%
0.98
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.84
%
A
1.37
%
1.36
%
1.11
%
0.98
%
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
28
%
A
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Qurate Retail, Inc. amounting to $0.0412.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
R6 Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
February 28, 2018A to October 31, 2018
Net asset value, beginning of period
$13.21
$15.42
$15.52
$16.94
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.15
B
0.28
0.20
0.10
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.40
(2.23
)
0.71
(1.52
)
Total income (loss) from investment operations
7.55
(1.95
)
0.91
(1.42
)
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.32
)
(0.26
)
(0.22
)
-
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
-
Total distributions
(0.32
)
(0.26
)
(1.01
)
-
Net asset value, end of period
$20.44
$13.21
$15.42
$15.52
Total returnC
57.80
%
(12.93
)%
7.15
%
(8.38
)%
D
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$12,532,694
$8,239,279
$2,253,328
$191,772
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.05
%
0.96
%
0.90
%
3.09
%
E
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.89
%
F
0.87
%
0.83
%
0.88
%
E
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.74
%
1.34
%
1.51
%
(0.88
)%
E
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.90
%
1.43
%
1.58
%
1.32
%
E
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
D
A
Commencement of operations.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Qurate Retail, Inc. amounting to $0.0467.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Not annualized.
E
Annualized.
F
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
Prospectus – Additional Information113 

 

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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Advisor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$12.88
$15.06
$15.17
$16.83
$13.69
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.06
A B
0.16
0.15
0.10
0.10
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.19
(2.16
)
0.66
(1.29
)
3.18
Total income (loss) from investment operations
7.25
(2.00
)
0.81
(1.19
)
3.28
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.20
)
(0.18
)
(0.13
)
(0.03
)
(0.14
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
(0.44
)
-
Total distributions
(0.20
)
(0.18
)
(0.92
)
(0.47
)
(0.14
)
Net asset value, end of period
$19.93
$12.88
$15.06
$15.17
$16.83
Total returnC
56.71
%
(13.51
)%
6.50
%
(7.38
)%
24.10
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$656,892
$1,245,906
$3,163,999
$3,597,339
$3,682,231
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.70
%
1.53
%
1.45
%
1.39
%
1.40
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.55
%
D
1.53
%
1.45
%
1.39
%
1.40
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.21
%
A
0.92
%
0.90
%
0.64
%
0.55
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.36
%
A
0.92
%
0.90
%
0.64
%
0.55
%
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
28
%
A
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Qurate Retail, Inc. amounting to $0.0260.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
114Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$13.19
$15.41
$15.52
$17.25
$14.03
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.23
B
0.33
0.25
0.21
0.16
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.29
(2.29
)
0.65
(1.34
)
3.28
Total income (loss) from investment operations
7.52
(1.96
)
0.90
(1.13
)
3.44
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.31
)
(0.26
)
(0.22
)
(0.16
)
(0.22
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
(0.44
)
-
Total distributions
(0.31
)
(0.26
)
(1.01
)
(0.60
)
(0.22
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.40
$13.19
$15.41
$15.52
$17.25
Total returnC
57.68
%
(13.03
)%
7.08
%
(6.89
)%
24.71
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$74,512,300
$72,565,048
$168,201,120
$248,752,034
$265,934,589
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.08
%
0.95
%
0.93
%
0.85
%
0.89
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.94
%
D
0.95
%
0.93
%
0.85
%
0.89
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.78
%
B
1.45
%
1.40
%
1.19
%
1.06
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.92
%
B
1.45
%
1.40
%
1.19
%
1.06
%
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
28
%
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Qurate Retail Inc. amounting to $0.0381.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
Prospectus – Additional Information115 

 

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American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$13.32
$15.56
$15.65
$17.40
$14.14
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.48
A
0.17
0.18
0.16
0.14
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
7.11
(2.20
)
0.69
(1.34
)
3.31
Total income (loss) from investment operations
7.59
(2.03
)
0.87
(1.18
)
3.45
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.16
)
(0.21
)
(0.17
)
(0.13
)
(0.19
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
(0.79
)
(0.44
)
-
Total distributions
(0.16
)
(0.21
)
(0.96
)
(0.57
)
(0.19
)
Net asset value, end of period
$20.75
$13.32
$15.56
$15.65
$17.40
Total returnB
57.34
%
(13.30
)%
6.79
%
(7.13
)%
24.52
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$60,065,449
$152,245,804
$229,639,964
$379,123,913
$274,552,551
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.37
%
1.21
%
1.18
%
1.12
%
1.09
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.18
%
C
1.21
%
1.18
%
1.12
%
1.09
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.74
%
A
1.19
%
1.12
%
0.92
%
0.86
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.93
%
A
1.19
%
1.12
%
0.92
%
0.86
%
Portfolio turnover rate
30
%
35
%
30
%
34
%
28
%
A
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Qurate Retail, Inc. amounting to $0.0322.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 in the Annual Shareholder Report due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021.
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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
A Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$18.47
$21.64
$24.65
$27.99
$23.14
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.06
0.12
0.14
0.07
0.07
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.72
(2.95
)
(0.24
)
(0.86
)
5.53
Total income (loss) from investment operations
10.78
(2.83
)
(0.10
)
(0.79
)
5.60
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.13
)
(0.18
)
(0.07
)
(0.06
)
(0.13
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Total distributions
(0.13
)
(0.34
)
(2.91
)
(2.55
)
(0.75
)
Net asset value, end of period
$29.12
$18.47
$21.64
$24.65
$27.99
Total returnA
58.57
%
(13.38
)%
1.56
%
(3.37
)%
24.36
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$63,024,594
$46,067,043
$63,246,155
$66,380,615
$63,481,305
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.24
%
1.26
%
1.26
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.24
%
1.26
%
1.26
%
1.20
%
1.20
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.21
%
0.59
%
0.64
%
0.25
%
0.20
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.21
%
0.59
%
0.64
%
0.25
%
0.20
%
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
A
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
Prospectus – Additional Information117 

 

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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
C Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$17.47
$20.51
$23.60
$26.98
$22.39
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment (loss)
(0.22
)
(0.17
)
(0.01
)
A
(0.08
)
(0.14
)
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.26
(2.66
)
(0.24
)
(0.81
)
5.35
Total income (loss) from investment operations
10.04
(2.83
)
(0.25
)
(0.89
)
5.21
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
-
(0.05
)
-
-
-
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Total distributions
-
(0.21
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Net asset value, end of period
$27.51
$17.47
$20.51
$23.60
$26.98
Total returnB
57.47
%
(14.00
)%
0.85
%
(3.89
)%
23.39
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$11,261,210
$8,057,935
$12,619,613
$13,480,297
$15,335,554
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.95
%
1.96
%
1.95
%
1.86
%
1.96
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.95
%
1.96
%
1.95
%
C
1.76
%
1.96
%
Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements
(0.50
)%
(0.10
)%
(0.06
)%
(0.41
)%
(0.58
)%
Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements
(0.50
)%
(0.10
)%
(0.06
)%
(0.31
)%
(0.58
)%
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
A
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C
This ratio does not include a voluntary reimbursement of service fees as included in the prior year.
118Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$19.44
$22.76
$25.77
$29.13
$24.06
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.16
0.22
0.26
0.17
0.12
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
11.28
(3.11
)
(0.27
)
(0.90
)
5.78
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.44
(2.89
)
(0.01
)
(0.73
)
5.90
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.20
)
(0.27
)
(0.16
)
(0.14
)
(0.21
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Total distributions
(0.20
)
(0.43
)
(3.00
)
(2.63
)
(0.83
)
Net asset value, end of period
$30.68
$19.44
$22.76
$25.77
$29.13
Total returnA
59.15
%
(13.06
)%
1.93
%
(3.03
)%
24.70
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$255,837,301
$170,726,299
$254,599,477
$342,125,601
$379,409,116
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.89
%
0.89
%
0.90
%
0.87
%
0.90
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.89
%
0.89
%
0.90
%
0.87
%
0.90
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.56
%
0.96
%
1.00
%
0.59
%
0.50
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.56
%
0.96
%
1.00
%
0.59
%
0.50
%
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
A
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
Prospectus – Additional Information119 

 

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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
R6 Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
February 28, 2017A to October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$19.75
$23.12
$26.14
$29.51
$28.03
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
0.19
0.22
0.26
0.22
(0.00
)
B
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
11.48
(3.14
)
(0.25
)
(0.94
)
1.48
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.67
(2.92
)
0.01
(0.72
)
1.48
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.23
)
(0.29
)
(0.19
)
(0.16
)
-
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
-
Total distributions
(0.23
)
(0.45
)
(3.03
)
(2.65
)
-
Net asset value, end of period
$31.19
$19.75
$23.12
$26.14
$29.51
Total returnC
59.38
%
(12.98
)%
2.01
%
(2.93
)%
5.28
%
D
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$1,830,192,124
$1,187,578,766
$1,308,284,613
$902,241,051
$295,802,679
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.79
%
0.79
%
0.80
%
0.77
%
0.80
%
E
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.79
%
0.79
%
0.80
%
0.77
%
0.80
%
E
Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements
0.66
%
1.06
%
1.08
%
0.66
%
(0.04
)%
E
Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements
0.66
%
1.06
%
1.08
%
0.66
%
(0.04
)%
E
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
F
A
Commencement of operations.
B
Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Not annualized.
E
Annualized.
F
Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 28, 2017 through October 31, 2017 and is not annualized.
120Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Advisor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$18.60
$21.79
$24.77
$28.09
$23.22
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.17
0.15
0.14
0.06
0.03
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.69
(3.01
)
(0.25
)
(0.88
)
5.57
Total income (loss) from investment operations
10.86
(2.86
)
(0.11
)
(0.82
)
5.60
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.12
)
(0.17
)
(0.03
)
(0.01
)
(0.11
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Total distributions
(0.12
)
(0.33
)
(2.87
)
(2.50
)
(0.73
)
Net asset value, end of period
$29.34
$18.60
$21.79
$24.77
$28.09
Total returnA
58.56
%
(13.40
)%
1.48
%
(3.44
)%
24.26
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$32,801,309
$42,987,242
$61,618,406
$77,578,775
$98,718,359
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.29
%
1.25
%
1.34
%
1.28
%
1.30
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.29
%
1.25
%
1.34
%
1.28
%
1.30
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.20
%
0.60
%
0.56
%
0.18
%
0.11
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.20
%
0.60
%
0.56
%
0.18
%
0.11
%
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
A
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
Prospectus – Additional Information121 

 

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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$19.76
$23.13
$26.14
$29.51
$24.36
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.25
0.26
0.26
0.21
0.17
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
11.40
(3.18
)
(0.25
)
(0.94
)
5.83
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.65
(2.92
)
0.01
(0.73
)
6.00
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.22
)
(0.29
)
(0.18
)
(0.15
)
(0.23
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Total distributions
(0.22
)
(0.45
)
(3.02
)
(2.64
)
(0.85
)
Net asset value, end of period
$31.19
$19.76
$23.13
$26.14
$29.51
Total returnB
59.26
%
(13.00
)%
2.01
%
(2.96
)%
24.80
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$3,380,005,813
$2,799,722,660
$4,073,332,655
$4,604,864,422
$5,527,380,111
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.81
%
0.82
%
0.83
%
0.80
%
0.82
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.81
%
0.82
%
0.83
%
0.80
%
0.82
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.65
%
1.04
%
1.07
%
0.66
%
0.58
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.65
%
1.04
%
1.07
%
0.66
%
0.58
%
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
122Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$18.88
$22.12
$25.12
$28.46
$23.52
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.20
0.21
0.22
0.11
0.11
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
10.85
(3.08
)
(0.29
)
(0.89
)
5.60
Total income (loss) from investment operations
11.05
(2.87
)
(0.07
)
(0.78
)
5.71
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.15
)
(0.21
)
(0.09
)
(0.07
)
(0.15
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
(0.16
)
(2.84
)
(2.49
)
(0.62
)
Total distributions
(0.15
)
(0.37
)
(2.93
)
(2.56
)
(0.77
)
Net asset value, end of period
$29.78
$18.88
$22.12
$25.12
$28.46
Total returnA
58.74
%
(13.30
)%
1.67
%
(3.28
)%
24.43
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$367,726,622
$302,626,954
$424,569,237
$538,602,473
$660,241,571
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.15
%
1.15
%
1.14
%
1.13
%
1.12
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.15
%
1.15
%
1.14
%
1.13
%
1.12
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.32
%
0.70
%
0.76
%
0.33
%
0.27
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.32
%
0.70
%
0.76
%
0.33
%
0.27
%
Portfolio turnover rate
48
%
61
%
48
%
69
%
48
%
A
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
Prospectus – Additional Information123 

 

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Additional Information
Additional information about the Funds 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 Funds’ website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
Annual Shareholder Report/Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
The Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports list each Fund’s actual investments as of the report’s date. They also include a discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance. The report of the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm is included in the Annual Shareholder Report.
SAI
The SAI contains more details about the Funds and their 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 SEC.
Appendix A to the Prospectus – Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information
Appendix A contains more information about specific sales charge discounts and waivers available for shareholders who purchase Fund shares through a specific financial intermediary. Appendix A is incorporated herein by reference (is legally a part of this Prospectus).
To obtain more information about the Funds or to request a copy of the documents listed above:
By Telephone:
Call
1-800-658-5811
By Mail:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
By E-mail:
americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com
On the Internet:
Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Visit the SEC website at www.sec.gov
The SAI and other information about the Funds 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 Funds 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.
American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
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SEC File Number 811-04984

 

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Appendix A
INTERMEDIARY SALES CHARGE DISCOUNTS, WAIVERS AND OTHER INFORMATION
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a Fund or through a financial intermediary. Specific intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify a Fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from a Fund or through another intermediary to receive any applicable waivers or discounts. Please see the section entitled “Choosing Your Share Class” for more information on sales charges and waivers available for different classes.
The information in this Appendix is part of, and incorporated into, the Funds’ prospectus.
Appendix A: Ameriprise Financial
Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:
The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI:

 

Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.

 

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).

 

Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.

 

Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.

 

Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.

 

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
 
Appendix A: Baird
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investors A-shares Available at Baird

 

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing share of the same fund

 

Shares purchased by employees and registers representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird

 

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)

 

A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird

 

Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
 
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C shares Available at Baird

 

Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder

 

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus

 

Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account

 

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 72 as described in the Fund’s prospectus

 

Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird

 

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
 
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations

 

Breakpoints as described in this prospectus

 

Rights of accumulation which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible fund family assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

 

Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
 
Prospectus – AppendixA-1 

 

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Appendix A: Janney Montgomery Scott
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”) brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney

 

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.

 

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).

 

Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.

 

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

 

Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
 
CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney

 

Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.

 

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

 

Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.

 

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

 

Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.

 

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

 

Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
 
Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

 

Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

 

Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

 

Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
Appendix A: Merrill Lynch
A CLASS AND C CLASS PURCHASES THROUGH MERRILL LYNCH
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in a Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on A Class Shares available at Merrill Lynch

 

Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission- based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.

 

Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)

 

Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program.

 

Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers

 

Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform.

 

Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable).

 

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

Shares exchanged from C Class (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers

 

Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members.

 

Directors or Trustees of a Fund, and employees of a Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus.

 

Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
 
CDSC Waivers on A Class and C Class Shares available at Merrill Lynch

 

Death or disability of the shareholder

 

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
 
A-2Prospectus – Appendix 

 

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Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

 

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch

 

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

 

Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A Class and C Class shares only)

 

Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

 

Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.

 

Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

 

Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)
 
Appendix A: Morgan Stanley
Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

 

Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

 

Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules

 

Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund

 

Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account

 

Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program

 

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
 
Appendix A: Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“OPCO”)
Effective February 26, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO

 

Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan

 

Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan

 

Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program

 

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)

 

Shares purchased form the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same amount, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).

 

A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO

 

Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members

 

Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
 
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO

 

Death or disability of the shareholder

 

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus

 

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

 

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the prospectus

 

Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO

 

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
 
Front-end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

 

Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
 
Prospectus – AppendixA-3 

 

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Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Appendix A: Raymond James
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Raymond James

 

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.

 

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
 
CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James

 

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.

 

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s prospectus.

 

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

 

Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.

 

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

 

Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Appendix A: Wells Fargo
Effective June 30, 2020, C Class shares will convert automatically into A Class shares on the 25th day of the month (or, if the 25th is not a business day, the next business day thereafter) following the eighth anniversary of the month on which the purchase order was accepted, provided that the Fund or the financial intermediary through which a shareholder purchased C Class shares has records verifying that the C Class shares have been held for at least eight years. The first conversion of C Class to A Class shares under this new policy would take place on July 25, 2020 for all C Class shares that were held for more than eight years as of June 30, 2020.
A-4Prospectus – Appendix 

 

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Appendix B
GLOSSARY
ACH
Automated Clearing House
ADRs
American Depositary Receipts
American Beacon or Manager
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Beacon Funds
American Beacon Funds
Board
Board of Trustees
Brexit
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union
CAIA
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association
Capital Gains Distributions
Distributions of realized net capital gains
CDSC
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
CFTC
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
CMO
Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
Denial of Services
A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems
Dividends
Distributions of most or all of a Fund’s net investment income
DRD
Dividends-received deduction
Equity REIT
Income producing real estate that are owned and often operated by a REIT
ESG
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance
ETF
Exchange-Traded Fund
EU
European Union
Fannie Mae
Federal National Mortgage Association
FFCB
Federal Farm Credit Banks
FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank
FINRA
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Forwards
Forward Currency Contracts
Freddie Mac
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
Ginnie Mae or GNMA
Government National Mortgage Association
Holdings Policy
Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Hybrid REIT
The combination of equity REITs and mortgage REITs
Internal Revenue Code
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Investment Company Act
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
IPOs
Initial Public Offerings
IRA
Individual Retirement Account
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
Junk Bonds
High yield, non-investment grade bonds
LIBOR
ICE LIBOR
LOI
Letter of Intent
LSEG
London Stock Exchange Group
Management Agreement
The Fund’s Management Agreement with the Manager
MLPs
Master limited partnerships
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
Mortgage REIT
Mortgage secured by loans on income producing real estate
NAV
Fund’s net asset value
NDF
Non-deliverable forward contract
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
Other Distributions
Distributions of net gains from foreign currency transactions
OTC
Over-the-Counter
Proxy Policy
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
Prospectus – AppendixB-1 

 

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QDI
Qualified Dividend Income
REIT
Real Estate Investment Trust
S&P Global
S&P Global Ratings
SAI
Statement of Additional Information
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
State Street
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Subsidiary
A wholly owned subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands
SVP
Signature Validation Program
Trust
American Beacon Funds
UGMA
Uniform gifts to minor
UK
United Kingdom
UTMA
Uniform transfers to minor
B-2Prospectus – Appendix 

 

image 
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 2022
Ticker
Share Class
A
C
Y
R6
Advisor
R5
Investor
American Beacon Balanced Fund
ABFAX
ABCCX
ACBYX
ABLSX
AADBX
AABPX
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
GHQYX
GHQRX
GHQIX
GHQPX
American Beacon International Equity Fund
AIEAX
AILCX
ABEYX
AAERX
AAISX
AAIEX
AAIPX
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
ALVAX
ALVCX
ABLYX
AALRX
AVASX
AADEX
AAGPX
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
ABMAX
AMCCX
ACMYX
AMDRX
AMCSX
AACIX
AMPAX
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
ABSAX
ASVCX
ABSYX
AASRX
AASSX
AVFIX
AVPAX
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2022 (the “Prospectus”) for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (each individually a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”), each a separate 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 Funds’ website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Funds’ 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 the current Prospectus. Capitalized terms in this SAI have the same definition as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise defined. Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this SAI or the Prospectus are defined in Appendix D.

The Funds’ Annual Reports to shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and the financial statements and accompanying notes appearing therein are incorporated by reference in this SAI. Copies of the Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained, without charge, upon request by calling (800) 658-5811 or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

 

 
Table of Contents
1
1

 

ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF THE FUNDS
Each Fund is a separate series of American Beacon Funds, an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 16, 1987. Each Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with a distinct investment objective and distinct purpose and strategy. Each Fund is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act. Each 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, R6 Class, Advisor Class, R5 Class, and Investor Class shares of the Funds, as applicable. Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class shares were known as the Institutional Class shares.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The investment objectives and principal investment strategies and risks of each Fund are described in the Prospectus. This section contains additional information about the Funds’ investment policies and risks and types of investments a Fund may purchase. The composition of a Fund’s portfolio and the strategies that a Fund may use in selecting investments may vary over time. A 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. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in a Fund. In the following table, Funds with an “X” in a particular strategy/risk are more likely to use or be subject to that strategy/risk than those without an “X”.
Strategy/Risk
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Asset-Backed Securities
X
Borrowing Risks
X
X
X
X
X
X
Callable Securities
X
X
Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments
X
X
X
X
X
X
  • Bankers’ acceptances

X
  • Bearer deposit notes

X
  • CDs

X
  • Commercial paper

X
  • Eurodollar and Yankee CD Obligations

X
  • Government obligations

X
X
X
X
X
X
  • Money market funds

X
X
X
X
X
X
  • Repurchase agreements

X
  • Short-term corporate debt securities.

X
X
  • Time deposits

X
Collateralized Bond Obligations, Collateralized Debt Obligations, and Collateralized Loan Obligations
X
Common Stock
X
X
X
X
X
Contingent Convertible Securities (“CoCos”)
X
Convertible Securities
X
X
X
X
Corporate Actions
X
X
Cover and Asset Segregation
X
X
X
X
X
X
Creditor Liability and Participation on Creditor’s Committees
X
Currencies Risk
X
Cybersecurity Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Debentures
X
X
Depositary Receipts
X
X
X
X
X
  • ADRs

X
X
X
X
X
  • EDRs

X
X
X
  • GDRs

X
X
X
Derivatives
X
X
X
X
X
1
 

 

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Strategy/Risk
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Dollar Rolls
X
ESG Considerations
X
X
X
X
X
X
Expense Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Fixed Income Investments
X
X
  • Corporate Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities

X
X
Foreign Securities
X
X
X
X
X
  • Brexit Risk

X
  • Chinese Company Securities

X
  • Emerging Market Securities

X
  • European Securities

X
  • Pacific Basin Securities

X
Forward Contracts
X
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
X
Futures Contracts
X
X
X
X
X
  • Futures Contracts on Stock Indices

X
X
X
X
X
Growth Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
X
X
X
X
X
X
Income Deposit Securities
X
Income Trusts
X
Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments
X
Inflation-Indexed Securities
X
X
Initial Public Offerings
X
X
X
X
X
Interfund Lending
X
X
X
X
X
X
Investment Grade Securities
X
X
Issuer Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
LIBOR Risk
X
X
Master Demand Notes
X
X
Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)
X
X
X
X
X
Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Model and Data Risk
X
X
X
X
Mortgage-Backed Securities
X
X
  • Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

X
  • Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

X
  • Mortgage Dollar Rolls

X
  • Mortgage Pass-Through Securities

X
X
Municipal Securities
X
X
  • Commercial paper

X
  • General obligation bonds

X
X
  • Revenue obligations

X
Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange-Traded Products
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Strategy/Risk
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
  • BDCs

X
  • ETFs

X
X
  • Money Market Funds

X
X
X
X
X
X
Participatory Notes
X
Pay-in-Kind Securities
X
X
Preferred Stock
X
X
X
X
Quantitative Strategy Risk
X
X
X
Real Estate Related Investments
X
X
X
X
X
X
Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities and Zero Coupon Obligations
X
X
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt
X
Supranational Risk
X
Swap Agreements
X
  • Currency Swaps

X
Time-Zone Arbitrage
X
Trust Preferred Securities
X
X
U.S. Government Agency Securities
X
X
X
U.S. Treasury Obligations
X
X
X
X
X
X
Valuation Risk
X
X
Value Companies Risk
X
X
X
X
X
Variable or Floating Rate Obligations
X
X
Variable Rate Auction and Residual Interest Obligations
X
Warrants
X
X
X
X
When-Issued and Forward Commitment Transactions
X
X
Asset-Backed Securities — Asset-backed securities are securities issued by trusts and special purpose entities that represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets. These assets include automobile and credit-card receivables, home equity loans and student loans, which pass through the payments on the underlying obligations to the security holders (less servicing fees paid to the originator or fees for any credit enhancement). Typically, loans or accounts-receivable paper are transferred from the originator to a specially created trust, which repackages the trust’s interests as securities with a minimum denomination and a specific term. The securities are then privately placed or publicly offered. A Fund’s investments in asset-backed securities will be subject to its rating and quality requirements. Asset-backed securities may be backed by a single asset; however, asset-backed securities that represent an interest in a pool of assets provide greater credit diversification. The value of an asset-backed security can be affected by, among other things, changes in the market’s perception of the asset backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans and the financial institution providing any credit enhancement. In addition, payments of principal and interest passed through to holders of asset-backed securities are frequently supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, or limited guarantee by another entity, or by having a priority to certain of the borrower’s other assets. The degree of credit enhancement varies, and generally applies to only a portion of the asset-backed security’s par value. Value is also affected if any credit enhancement has been exhausted. Asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers with blemished credit histories. The underwriting standards for subprime loans may be lower and more flexible than the standards generally used by lenders for borrowers with non-blemished credit histories with respect to the borrower’s credit standing and repayment history. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of a default, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully recover payments due on such collateral. In addition, certain types of collateral, such as credit receivables, are unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. In addition, if a Fund purchases asset-backed securities that are “subordinated” to other interests in the same pool of assets, a Fund may only receive payments after the pool’s obligations to other investors have been satisfied. Asset-backed securities may be subject to interest rate risk and prepayment risk.
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Borrowing Risk — A 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. A Fund may borrow for temporary purposes. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in a Fund’s NAV and in its total return. Interest expense and other fees associated with borrowing may impact a Fund’s expenses and reduce its returns.
Callable Securities — A Fund may invest in fixed income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, a Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by a Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates. Thus, a Fund’s income could be reduced as a result of a call. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on a Fund’s total return.
Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments — Cash equivalents and other short-term investments in which a Fund may invest include the investments set forth below.

 

Bankers’ acceptances. 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. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less. Bankers’ acceptances rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank.

 

Bearer deposit notes. Bearer deposit notes, or bearer bonds, are bonds or debt securities that entitle the holder of the document to ownership or title in the deposit. Such notes are typically unregistered, and whoever physically holds the bond is presumed to be the owner of the instrument. Recovery of the value of a bearer bond in the event of its loss or destruction usually is impossible. Interest is typically paid upon presentment of an interest coupon for payment.

 

CDs. CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies) for a definite period of time and earning a specified rate of return. 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.

 

Commercial paper. Commercial paper is a short-term debt security issued by a corporation, bank, municipality, or other issuer, usually for purposes such as financing current operations. A Fund may invest in commercial paper that cannot be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. While some restricted commercial paper normally is deemed illiquid, in certain cases it may be deemed liquid.

 

Eurodollar and Yankee CD Obligations. Eurodollar obligations are U.S. dollar obligations issued outside the United States by domestic or foreign entities, while Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar obligations issued inside the United States by foreign entities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign issuers and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. Foreign issuers may use different accounting and financial standards, and the addition of foreign governmental restrictions may affect adversely the payment of principal and interest on foreign investments. In addition, not all foreign branches of United States banks are supervised or examined by regulatory authorities as are United States banks, and such branches may not be subject to reserve requirements. Eurodollar (and, to a limited extent, Yankee dollar) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and the expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.

 

Government obligations. Government obligations may include U.S. Treasury securities, Treasury inflation-protected securities, and other debt instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, or debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored entities.

 

Money market funds. A Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including money market funds that are advised by the Manager. Money market funds invest in highly-liquid, short-term instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, and debt securities with high credit ratings and short-term maturities, such as U.S. Treasuries. If a Fund invests in money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses of the money market funds in which a Fund invests. These expenses may include, for example, advisory and administrative fees, including 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 a Fund would have derived from other investments that would provide liquidity.

 

Repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are agreements pursuant to which a Fund purchases securities from a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System (or a foreign bank or U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank), or from a securities dealer, that agrees to repurchase the securities from a Fund at a higher price on a designated future date. Repurchase agreements generally are for a short period of time, usually less than a week. Costs, delays, or losses could result if the selling party to a repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt or otherwise defaults.

 

Short-term corporate debt securities. Short-term corporate debt securities are securities and bonds issued by corporations with shorter terms to maturity. Corporate securities generally bear a higher risk than U.S. government bonds.

 

Time deposits. Time deposits, also referred to as “fixed time deposits,” are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate. Time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits.
 
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Collateralized Bond Obligations, Collateralized Debt Obligations, and Collateralized Loan Obligations — A Fund may invest in each of CBOs, CLOs, other CDOs and other similarly structured securities. CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is ordinarily issued by a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”), and is often backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below-investment grade fixed income securities. The collateral can be from many different types of fixed income securities such as high yield debt, residential privately issued mortgage-related securities, commercial privately issued mortgage- related securities, trust preferred securities and emerging markets debt. A CLO is ordinarily issued by a trust or other SPE and is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The CLOs in which a Fund invests will be subject to Senior Loan Risk, Indebtedness, Loan Participation and Assignment Risk, and Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk. Other CDOs are trusts backed by other types of assets representing obligations of various parties. Although certain CDOs may benefit from credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, overcollateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect against the risk of loss upon default of the collateral. Certain CDO issuers may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly, which entails the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI. CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses.
For CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CBO trust, CLO trust or trust of another CDO typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO, CLO or other CDO mezzanine, junior or even more senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, downgrades of the underlying collateral by rating agencies, forced liquidation of the collateral pool due to a failure of coverage tests, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CBO, CLO or other CDO securities as a class. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind or deferred and capitalized (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.
The risks of an investment in a CBO, CLO or other CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class, or tranche, of the instrument in which a Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs may be characterized by a Fund as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market may exist for CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs allowing them to qualify as Rule 144A transactions. Please refer to “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints related to such securities. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed income securities and asset-backed securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and a Fund’s Prospectus (e.g., prepayments and extension risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, and interest rate risk), CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the risk that a Fund may invest in CBOs, CLOs or other CDOs, or tranches thereof, that are subordinate to other classes; (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results (v) the investment return achieved could be significantly different from the return predicted by financial models; and (vi) the lack of a readily available secondary market for CDOs. In addition, interest rate risk may be exacerbated if the interest rate payable on a structured financing changes based on multiples of changes in interest rates or inversely to changes in interest rates.
CLO equity, mezzanine and other junior tranches are subordinated to more senior tranches of CLO debt. Subordinated tranches are subject to increased risks of default relative to the holders of senior and superior-priority interests in the same CLO. A Fund may be in a first loss or subordinated position with respect to realized losses on the assets of the CLOs in which it invests. In addition, at the time of issuance, CLO equity securities are typically under-collateralized in that the liabilities of a CLO at inception exceed its total assets. The failure by a CLO in which a Fund invests to satisfy financial covenants, including with respect to adequate collateralization and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in the CLO’s payments to a Fund. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments the subordinated tranches would otherwise be entitled to receive.
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 traded over-the-counter. OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
Contingent Convertible Securities (“CoCos”) — CoCos are a form of hybrid debt security issued by financial institutions. If an issuer experiences an event that causes its capital to fall below a predetermined “trigger” level, CoCos are either converted into equity securities of the issuer or undergo a full or partial write-down of their principal. The triggering events and conditions are specific to the issuing institution and its regulatory requirements and may be linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution’s continued viability as a going concern. Triggering events might include, for instance, an issuer failing to maintain a minimum capital level, a regulator’s determination that the issuer should convert the security to maintain continued viability, or the issuer receiving high levels of public support. Market value will fluctuate based on unpredictable factors. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and will be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer’s applicable capital ratios; (ii) supply and demand for the CoCos; (iii) general market conditions and available liquidity; and (iv) economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.
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CoCos have no stated maturity date, have discretionary interest payments and are usually subordinated debt instruments. Because CoCos are typically subordinated debt instruments, in the event the issuer liquidates, dissolves, or winds up before a triggering event, a Fund’s claims will generally be junior to those holding more senior debt obligations. If the CoCo converts to an equity security, a Fund’s investment would be even further subordinated because equity securities have the lowest priority in the capital structure of an issuer. As a result, an investment by a Fund in CoCos is subject to the risk that coupon (i.e., interest) payments may be cancelled by the issuer or a regulatory authority in order to help the issuer absorb losses. If the issuer converts the CoCo to an equity security, it is not required to pay a dividend, and a Fund would lose interest payments and potentially all income. Alternatively, if the issuer writes down the principal due on the CoCos, a Fund could lose some or all of its investment. Under some circumstances, the liquidation value of certain types of contingent convertible securities may be adjusted downward to below the original par value. The write-down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. Some CoCos have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. CoCos may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. CoCos are often rated below investment grade and are subject to the risks of high-yield securities. Because CoCos are issued primarily by financial institutions, CoCos may present substantially increased risks at times of financial turmoil, which could affect financial institutions more than companies in other sectors and industries. CoCos carry the general risks applicable to other fixed income investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk.
Convertible Securities — Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities generally have features of, and risks associated with, both equity and fixed income instruments. As such, the value of most convertible securities will vary with changes in the price of, and will be subject to the risks associated with, the underlying common stock. Additionally, convertible securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal or interest when due and the value of the convertible security may change based on the issuer’s credit rating.
A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, such securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth if converted to the underlying common stock. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer senior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.
If the convertible security’s “conversion value,” which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained upon the conversion of the convertible security, is substantially below the “investment value,” which is the value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield), the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding an income-producing security.
The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may have a mandatory conversion feature or a call feature that subjects it to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption a Fund will be required to convert it into the underlying common stock, sell it to a third party or permit the issuer to redeem the security. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.
Corporate Actions — From time to time, a Fund may voluntarily participate in corporate actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as a Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders (“Corporate Actions”). Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under the “Investment Restrictions” section or any percentage investment limitation of the Investment Company Act or rules thereunder, if a Fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Corporate Action, and by doing so, a Fund would exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments and after announcement of the Corporate Action, a Fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.
Cover and Asset Segregation — A Fund may make investments or employ trading practices that obligate a Fund, on a fixed or contingent basis, to deliver an asset or make a cash payment to another party in the future. A Fund will comply with rules and guidance from the SEC with respect to coverage of certain investments and trading practices. Currently, applicable regulatory guidance requires segregation, either in a segregated account at the custodian or by earmarking on a Fund’s books and records, of cash or liquid assets to the extent a Fund’s obligations with respect to these strategies are not otherwise “covered” through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument or by offsetting portfolio positions. For example, if a Fund enters into a currency forward contract to sell foreign currency on a future date, a Fund may cover its obligation to deliver the foreign currency by segregating cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the value of the deliverable currency on a marked-to-market basis. Alternatively, a Fund could cover its obligation by entering into an offsetting transaction to acquire, on or before the date such foreign currency must be delivered, an amount of foreign currency at least equal to the deliverable amount at a price at or below the sale price to be received by a Fund under the currency forward contract. A Fund’s approach to asset coverage may vary among different types of transactions. For example, if a Fund’s forward obligation on the transaction is only to make a cash payment equal to the amount, if any, by which the value of the Fund’s position is less than that of its counterparty, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal to that difference calculated on a daily marked-to-market basis (a “net
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amount”). Additionally, if a Fund is a protection seller in a credit default swap, the Fund, depending on how the credit default swap is settled, usually will segregate assets equal to the full notional value of the swap. If a Fund is a protection buyer in a credit default swap, depending on how the credit default swap is settled, it usually will cover the total amount of required premium payments plus the prepayment penalty. With respect to certain investments, a Fund calculates the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis” (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Under such circumstances, a Fund’s current obligations will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid by a Fund based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). Inasmuch as a Fund covers its obligations under these transactions as described above, the Manager and a Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of a Fund’s assets could impede the management of the Fund’s portfolio or a Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. A Fund may be unable to promptly dispose of assets that are necessary to cover, or need to be segregated with respect to, an illiquid futures, options, forward, or swap position, which may result in a loss to a Fund. On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”), replacing the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (“Release 10666”) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. For a fund using a significant amount of derivatives, the Derivatives Rule mandates the fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value at risk limitations in lieu of asset segregation requirements; (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Derivatives Rule provides an exception for a fund with derivatives exposure not exceeding 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. The full impact of the Derivatives Rule on a Fund remains uncertain, but due to the compliance timeline within the Derivatives Rule, it is unlikely that a Fund will be required to fully comply with the requirements until August 19, 2022. A Fund reserves the right to modify its policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated by the SEC or its staff, such as the Derivatives Rule, regarding asset segregation.
Creditor Liability and Participation on Creditors’ Committees — Generally, when a Fund holds bonds or other similar fixed income securities of an issuer, a Fund becomes a creditor of the issuer. If a Fund is a creditor of an issuer, it may be subject to challenges related to the securities that it holds, either in connection with the bankruptcy of the issuer or in connection with another action brought by other creditors of the issuer, shareholders of the issuer or the issuer itself. Although they are under no obligation to do so, a sub-advisor to a Fund may from time to time have an opportunity to consider, negotiating or otherwise participating in the restructuring of a Fund’s portfolio investment or the issuer of such investment. Accordingly, a Fund may from time to time participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by a Fund. Such participation may subject a Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may make a Fund an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of the federal securities laws, and therefore may restrict such Fund’s ability to trade in or acquire additional positions in a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation on such committees also may expose a Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. Similarly, a sub-advisor may actively participate in bankruptcy court and related proceedings on behalf of a Fund in order to protect a Fund’s interests in connection with a restructuring transaction, and a sub-advisor may cause a Fund to enter into an agreement reasonably indemnifying third parties or advancing from a Fund’s assets any legal fees or other costs to third parties, including parties involved in or assisting a Fund with a restructuring transaction, such as trustees, servicers and other third parties. Further, a sub-advisor may have the authority to represent the Trust, or any Fund(s) thereof, on creditors’ committees (or similar committees) or otherwise in connection with the restructuring of an issuer’s debt and generally with respect to challenges related to the securities held by a Fund relating to the bankruptcy of an issuer or in connection with another action brought by other creditors of the issuer, shareholders of the issuer or the issuer itself.
Currencies Risk — A Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies (including frontier and emerging market currencies), or by purchasing or selling foreign currency forward contracts, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures and swaps for cross-currency investments. Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline, in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect a Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against foreign currencies, the value of Fund holdings generally would depreciate and vice versa.
Cybersecurity Risk — With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Funds, and their service providers, may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding), the theft and holding for ransom of proprietary or confidential information or data, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cybersecurity breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting the Funds or the Manager, a sub-advisor, the custodian, the transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Funds. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, result in the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate NAV per share, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Funds to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A cyber-attack may also result in shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. The Funds may also incur additional costs for cybersecurity risk management purposes. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers or securities in which the Funds may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause a Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value. Adverse consequences also could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting counterparties with which a Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchanges and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, other financial institutions and other parties. A Fund’s service providers also may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology errors or malfunctions, changes in personnel, and errors caused by Fund service providers or counterparties.
Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on a Fund and its shareholders. For example, if a cybersecurity incident results in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts and be unable to buy or sell Fund shares for an unknown period of time,
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and service providers could be unable to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for a Fund, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions. Cybersecurity incidents could cause a Fund or a service provider to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures, or financial loss of a significant magnitude and could result in allegations that a Fund or Fund service provider violated privacy and other laws. There are inherent limitations in risk management systems that seek to reduce the risks associated with cybersecurity and business continuity plans in the event there is a cybersecurity breach, including the possibility that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, a Fund does not control the cybersecurity systems and plans of the issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, third party service providers, trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect a Fund or its shareholders.
Debentures — Debentures are unsecured, medium- to long-term debt securities protected only by the general creditworthiness of the corporate or government issuer, not by collateral, and documented by indentures. Governments often issue debentures because they generally cannot guarantee debt with assets due to the fact that government assets are public property. Debenture holders are unsecured creditors. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the issuer, debenture holders will not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuer and will therefore only be paid from the issuer’s assets after the secured creditors have been paid. The value of a debenture can fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the perceived ability of the issuer to make interest or principal payments on time.
Depositary ReceiptsA Fund may invest in depositary receipts, which represent ownership interests in securities of foreign companies (an “underlying issuer”) that have been deposited with a bank or trust and that trade on an exchange or OTC. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, and they are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate. 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 a 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 issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts 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 a 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. A Fund may invest in the following type of depositary receipts:

 

ADRs. ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution, traded in U.S. securities markets.

 

EDRs. EDRs, which are sometimes called Continental Depositary Receipts, are issued in Europe in bearer form and are traded in European securities markets.

 

GDRs. GDRs are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets.
 
Derivatives — Generally a derivative is a financial instrument the value of which is based on, or “derived” from, a traditional security, asset, currency, or market index (collectively referred to as “reference assets”). A Fund may use derivatives for hedging and efficient portfolio management purposes. Derivative instruments may allow for better management of exposure to certain asset classes, as well as more efficient access to asset classes. There are many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures and options on securities, commodities, or indices, are traded on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized or complex, and may be harder to value. Certain derivative securities are described more accurately as index/structured securities. Index/structured securities are derivative securities whose value or performance is linked to other equity securities (such as depositary receipts), currencies, interest rates, indices or other financial indicators.
Derivatives may involve significant risk. Many derivative instruments often require little or no payment and therefore often create inherent economic leverage. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of a Fund’s initial investment. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. A Fund may buy and sell derivatives that are neither centrally cleared nor traded on an exchange. Such derivatives may be subject to heightened counterparty, liquidity and valuation risk. Transactions in derivatives may expose a Fund to an obligation to another party and, as a result, a Fund may need to “cover” the obligation or segregate liquid assets in compliance with current SEC guidelines, as discussed under “Cover and Asset Segregation.”
On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”), replacing the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (“Release 10666”) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. For a fund using a significant amount of derivatives, the Derivatives Rule mandates the fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value at risk limitations in lieu of asset segregation requirements; (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Derivatives Rule provides an exception for a fund with derivatives exposure not exceeding 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. The full impact of the Derivatives Rule on a Fund remains uncertain, but due to the compliance timeline within the Derivatives Rule, it is unlikely that a Fund will be required to fully comply with the requirements until August 19, 2022. A Fund reserves the right to modify its policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated by the SEC or its staff, such as the Derivatives Rule, regarding asset segregation.
The enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act resulted in historic and comprehensive reform relating to derivatives, including the manner in which they are entered into, reported, recorded, executed, and settled or cleared. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC and the CFTC have promulgated a broad range of regulations and promulgated guidance on the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. These include regulations with respect to security-based swaps (e.g., derivatives based on a single security or narrow-based securities index) that are regulated by the SEC, and other swaps
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that are regulated by the CFTC and the markets in which these instruments trade. In addition, regulations adopted by the banking regulators require certain banks to include in a range of financial contracts, including many derivatives contracts, terms delaying or restricting default, termination and other rights in the event that the bank and/or its affiliates become subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The regulations could limit a Fund’s ability to exercise a range of cross-default rights if its counterparty, or an affiliate of the counterparty, is subject to bankruptcy or similar proceeding. Such regulations could further negatively impact a Fund’s use of derivatives. Prior to 2012, advisers of registered investment companies like a Fund that trade commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, non-deliverable forwards and swaps), were excluded from regulation as CPOs pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5. In 2012, the CFTC amended Regulation 4.5 to dramatically narrow this exclusion. Under the amended Regulation 4.5 exclusion, in order to rely on the exclusion, a Fund’s commodity interests, other than those used for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), must be limited such that the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the positions (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options are “in-the-money” at the time of purchase) do not exceed 5% of a Fund’s NAV. Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of the positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 100% of a Fund’s NAV, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). Further, to qualify for the exclusion in amended Regulation 4.5, a Fund must satisfy a marketing test, which requires, among other things, that a Fund not hold itself out as a vehicle for trading commodity interests. A Fund’s ability to use these instruments also may be limited by federal income tax considerations. See the section entitled “Tax Information.”
The Manager is not registered as a CPO with respect to the Funds in reliance on the delayed compliance date provided by No-Action Letter 12-38 of the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight (“Division”) of the CFTC. Pursuant to this letter and the conditions set forth herein, the Manager is not required to register as a CPO, or rely on an exemption from registration, until six months from the date the Division issues revised guidance on the application of the calculation of the de minimis thresholds in the context of the CPO exemption in CFTC Regulation 4.5. In addition, the Manager has also filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from CPO registration with respect to the Funds. The Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Funds.
Further information about the specific types of derivative instruments in which a Fund may invest, including the risks involved in their use, are contained under the description of each of these instruments in this SAI. A Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, including among others:
Dollar Rolls — A dollar roll is a contract to sell mortgage-backed securities as collateral against a commitment to repurchase similar, but not identical, mortgage-backed securities on a specified future date. During this “roll period,” a Fund would forego principal and interest paid on such securities, and the other party to the contract is entitled to all principal, interest, and prepayment cash flows while it holds the collateral. A Fund would be compensated by the difference between the current sale price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar roll transactions may result in higher transaction costs. A Fund maintains with its custodian segregated, or earmarked, liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the forward purchase obligation.
ESG Considerations — Environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations, either quantitative or qualitative, may be utilized as a component of a Fund’s investment process to implement its investment strategies. Since ESG considerations are not the only component that may be evaluated by a sub-advisor, the issuers in which a Fund invests may not be considered ESG issuers or have good ESG ratings. To the extent that a Fund utilizes such considerations as a component of a Fund’s investment process, a Fund’s performance may be affected depending on whether such considerations are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not include such considerations in the investment process. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the utilization of such considerations will be additive to a Fund’s performance. These considerations may vary across types of investments and issuers, and not every such consideration may be identified, evaluated, or evaluated in the same manner. ESG norms also differ by country and region, and an issuer’s ESG practices or a sub-advisor’s assessment process of such considerations may change over time. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have good ESG characteristics, and a Fund may underperform other funds that use different considerations and/or a different methodology in evaluating such considerations. Information used by a Fund to evaluate such considerations, including the use of third-party research, if any, may not be readily available, complete or accurate, and may vary across third-party research providers and issuers, which could negatively impact a Fund’s ability to accurately assess an issuer. As investors can differ in their views regarding the meaning of ESG considerations, a Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is still developing, and future rules and regulations may require a Fund to modify or alter its investment process with respect to the use of such considerations.
Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in a Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that a Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, a Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in a Fund’s expense ratio could be significant.
Fixed-Income Investments — A Fund may hold debt, including government and corporate debt, and other fixed income securities, including derivative instruments that have fixed income securities as reference assets. Typically, the values of fixed income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause a Fund’s NAV to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. However, calculations of maturity and duration may be based on estimates and may not reliably predict a security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and non-U.S. interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest rates may diminish a Fund’s yield and performance. Conversely, if rising interest rates cause a Fund to lose value, a Fund could face increased shareholder redemptions, which may lead to increased portfolio turnover and transaction costs. An increase in shareholder redemptions could also force a Fund to liquidate investments at disadvantageous times or prices, therefore adversely affecting a Fund as well as the value of your
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investment. For fixed income securities with variable or floating rates, the interest rates reset when the specified index or reference rate changes. Fixed income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in a Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Fixed-income securities may also be subject to valuation risk and liquidity risk. Valuation risk is the risk that one or more of the fixed-income securities in which a Fund invests are priced differently than the value realized upon such security’s sale. In times of market instability, valuation may be more difficult. Liquidity risk is the risk that fixed-income securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that a Fund would like or at the price a sub-advisor believes the security is currently worth. To the extent a Fund invests in fixed-income securities in a particular industry or economic sector, its share values may fluctuate in response to events affecting that industry or sector.
Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. To the extent that a Fund invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income securities, such Fund may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a portfolio that does not invest in such derivatives.
The market for certain fixed-income securities may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Recent and potential future changes in government monetary policy may also affect the level of interest rates. A Fund may be subject to heightened interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve ends a quantitative easing program and/or raises interest rates. The end of quantitative easing and/or rising interest rates may expose fixed-income markets to increased volatility and may reduce the liquidity of certain investments. These developments could cause a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate or make it more difficult for a Fund to accurately value its securities. The amount of assets deemed illiquid remaining within a Fund may also increase, making it more difficult to meet shareholder redemptions and further adversely affecting the value of a Fund.
In addition, specific types of fixed income securities in which a Fund may invest are subject to the risks described elsewhere in this SAI. See “High-Yield Bonds” disclosure below for the risks associated with low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds, a type of fixed-income security.

 

  Corporate Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities. Typically, the values of fixed income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value generally will decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause a Fund’s NAV to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. They are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Fixed income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments, and that the security may go into default.
 
Foreign Securities — A Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar-denominated equity and debt securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable CDs, bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper. 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; the difficulty of predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of exchange controls or limitations on the removal of funds or assets; and possibly more limited legal remedies and access to the courts available to enforce a Fund’s rights as an investor. The prices of such securities may be more volatile than those of domestic securities. Equity securities may trade at price/earnings multiples higher than comparable U.S. securities, and such levels may not be sustainable. The economies of certain foreign markets often do not compare favorably with that of the U.S. with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources, and balance of payments position. Certain such economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures.
Foreign stock markets are generally not as developed or efficient as, and may be more volatile than, those in the United States. While growing in volume, they usually have substantially less trading volume than U.S. markets. As a result, foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater or lower price volatility. A Fund may be exposed to risks in the process of clearing and settling trades and the holding of securities by foreign banks, agents and depositories. 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. Investments in frontier and emerging markets may be subject to greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets. 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 a Fund is not invested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if a 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
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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.
Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves not only the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described above, but also the additional risks of adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and 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 those negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although a sub-advisor endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.
A Fund may also invest in foreign “market access” investments, such as participatory notes, low-exercise price options or warrants, equity-linked notes, or equity swaps. These investments may provide economic exposure to an issuer without directly holding its securities. For example, market access investments may be used where regulatory or exchange restrictions make it difficult or undesirable for a Fund to invest directly in an issuer’s common stock. Use of market access investments may involve risks associated with derivative investments, which are discussed in “Derivatives.” Market access investments can be either exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Certain market access investments can be subject to the credit risk of both the underlying issuer and a counterparty. Holders of certain market access investments might not have voting, dividend, or other rights associated with shareholders of the referenced securities. Holders of market access investments might not have any right to make a claim against an issuer or counterparty in the event of their bankruptcy or other restructuring. It may be more difficult or time consuming to dispose of certain market access investments than the referenced security.
A Fund may be subject to the risk that its share price may be exposed to arbitrage attempts by investors seeking to capitalize on differences in the values of foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that may close before the time a Fund’s net asset value is determined. If such arbitrage attempts are successful, a Fund’s net asset value might be diluted.
A Fund’s use of fair value pricing in certain circumstances may help deter such arbitrage activities. The effect of such fair value pricing is that foreign securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary foreign securities market in which they are traded, but rather may be fair valued. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgment and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale of a foreign security. It is also possible that use of fair value pricing will limit an investment adviser’s ability to implement a Fund’s investment strategy (e.g., reducing the volatility of a Fund’s share price) or achieve its investment objective. Redemption fees and the Funds’ market timing and frequent trading policies and procedures also are intended to help deter arbitrage activities.

 

  Brexit Risk. The risk of investing in Europe may be heightened due to the 2016 referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” The United Kingdom and the European Union reached a trade agreement which applied provisionally as of January 1, 2021 and became effective on May 1, 2021 after being ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and European Union governmental bodies. This agreement sets out the foundation of the economic and legal framework for trade between the UK and the EU. In addition, at the end of March 2021, the UK and the European Union concluded technical discussions on the content of a Memorandum of Understanding on financial services, setting out how the UK and EU financial services regulators will cooperate and share information. The implementation of this legal framework and basis of cooperation remains to be seen. Therefore, the period following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is expected to be one of significant political and economic uncertainty, particularly until the United Kingdom government and EU member states agree and implement the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union. Brexit may create additional economic stresses for the United Kingdom, which may include causing a contraction of the United Kingdom economy and price volatility in United Kingdom stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of pounds sterling, and wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. A Fund may be negatively impacted by changes in law and tax treatment resulting from or following Brexit. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact the value of investments held by a Fund. Brexit may also have a destabilizing impact on the EU or the EMU to the extent that other member states similarly seek to withdraw from the EU or the EMU. Any further exits from the EU or the EMU would likely cause additional market disruptions globally, impact the market values of EU and various other securities and currencies, cause redenomination of certain securities into less valuable local currencies, create more volatile and illiquid markets, and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.

 

  Chinese Company Securities. Investing in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in other more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, or confiscatory taxation; (b) greater social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of war); (c) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (d) the increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets, particularly in China; (f) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (g) higher rates of inflation; (h) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on a Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (i) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy, and greater intervention in the Chinese financial markets, such as the imposition of trading restrictions; (j) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs currently in place and could return to the completely centrally planned economy that was in place prior to 1978; (k) the fact that Chinese companies, particularly those located in China, may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized; (l) the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards that may result in unavailability of material information about issuers, particularly in China; (m) the fact that statistical information regarding the Chinese economy may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the U.S. or other economies; (n) the less extensive, and still developing, regulation of the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (o) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer; (p) uncertainty surrounding the willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese and Hong Kong economies and markets; (q) the risk that it may be more difficult or impossible, to obtain and/or enforce a judgment than in other countries; (r)
 
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  the rapidity and erratic nature of growth, particularly in China, resulting in inefficiencies and dislocations; and (s) the risk that, because of the degree of interconnectivity between the economies and financial markets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, any sizable reduction in the demand for goods from China, or an economic downturn in China could negatively affect the economies and financial markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well.

 

  There has been increased attention from the SEC and the PCAOB with regard to international auditing standards of U.S.-listed companies with operations in China as well as PCAOB-registered auditing firms in China. Currently, the SEC and PCAOB are only able to get limited information about these auditing firms and are restricted from inspecting the audit work and practices of registered accountants in China. In addition, certain China-based issuers, even if listed on a U.S. exchange, may qualify as “foreign private issuers,” which are exempt from certain U.S. corporate governance requirements including board independence and various SEC reporting and certification requirements. Investment in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan is subject to certain political risks. China’s economy has transitioned from a rigidly central-planned state-run economy to one that has been only partially reformed by more market-oriented policies. Although the Chinese government has implemented economic reform measures, reduced state ownership of companies and established better corporate governance practices, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the Chinese government. The government continues to exercise significant control in regulating industrial development and, ultimately, control over China’s economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. China continues to limit direct foreign investments generally in industries deemed important to national interests. Foreign investment in domestic securities are also subject to substantial restrictions.

 

  Some believe that China’s currency is undervalued. Currency fluctuations could significantly affect China and its trading partners. China continues to exercise control over the value of its currency, rather than allowing the value of the currency to be determined by market forces. This type of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns.

 

  For decades, a state of hostility has existed between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. Beijing has long deemed Taiwan a part of the “one China” and has made a nationalist cause of recovering it. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan’s economy and could negatively affect its stock market. By treaty, China has committed to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, if China would exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. As demonstrated by protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020 over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to the protests, there continues to be a great deal of political unrest, which may result in economic disruption. China could be affected by military events on the Korean peninsula or internal instability within North Korea. North Korea and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two countries present the risk of war. Any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy and securities market. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market and may adversely affect performance of the Chinese economy.

 

  The current political climate has intensified concerns about trade tariffs and a potential trade war between China and the United States, despite the United States signing a partial trade agreement with China that reduced some U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods while boosting Chinese purchases of American goods. However, this agreement left in place a number of existing tariffs, and it is unclear whether further trade agreements may be reached in the future. The ability and willingness of China to comply with the trade deal may determine to some degree the extent to which its economy will be adversely affected, which cannot be predicted at the present time. Future tariffs imposed by China and the United States on the other country’s products, or other escalating actions, may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially negative impact to a Fund.

 

  On June 3, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. persons from entering into transactions in publicly traded securities, as well as derivatives and securities designed to provide investment exposure to, any securities of any issuers designated “Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies,” as designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. This executive order superseded a prior similar order from then-President Trump. Continued ownership of such securities by U.S. persons is prohibited after June 3, 2022, following a one-year divestment period. A number of Chinese issuers have been designated under this program and more could be added. Certain implementation matters related to the scope of, and compliance with, the executive order have not yet been resolved, and the ultimate application and enforcement of the executive order may change. Under current guidance, U.S. investors may purchase interests in an investment fund that does not make any new purchases of designated securities and is “seeking to” divest its holdings of such securities during the divestment period. As a result, the executive order and related guidance may significantly reduce the liquidity of such securities, force a Fund to sell certain positions at inopportune times or for unfavorable prices, and restrict future investments by a Fund. U.S. investment advisers are permitted to advise non-U.S. funds and non-U.S. persons that purchase and sell such prohibited securities, provided this activity does not indirectly expose U.S. persons to such companies.

 

  For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese
 
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  government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest. In addition, the listed offshore entity’s control over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE breaches the terms of the agreement, is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation, such as chops and seals, are used without the Chinese-based issuer’s authorization to enter into contractual arrangements in China. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents, represent a legally binding commitment by the company. Moreover, any future regulatory action may prohibit the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the Chinese-based operating company, which may cause the value of the Fund’s investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss. For example, in 2021, the Chinese government prohibited use of the VIE structure for investment in after-school tutoring companies. There is no guarantee that the government will not place similar restrictions on other industries.

 

  Emerging Market Securities. A Fund may invest in emerging market securities. A Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices. Investments in emerging market country securities involve special risks. The economies, markets and political structures of a number of the emerging market countries in which a Fund can invest do not compare favorably with the United States and other mature economies in terms of wealth and stability. Therefore, investments in these countries may be riskier, and will be subject to erratic and abrupt price movements. These risks are discussed below.

 

  Economies: The economies of emerging market countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, reliable access to capital, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, balance of payments and trade difficulties. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and may be heavily dependent upon international trade, as well as the economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Such economies accordingly have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist or retaliatory measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Similarly, many of these countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of national and external debt, severe recession, and extreme poverty and unemployment. The economies of emerging market countries may be based predominately on only a few industries or may be dependent on revenues from participating commodities or on international aid or developmental assistance. Emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop. Investments in countries that have recently begun moving away from central planning and state-owned industries toward free markets, such as the Eastern European, Russian or Chinese economies, should be regarded as speculative.

 

  Governments: Emerging markets may have uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability. While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In addition, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, confiscatory taxation or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of a Fund’s investments. In such event, it is possible that a Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets.

 

  Emerging market countries may have national policies that limit a Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. In addition, if a Fund invests in a market where restrictions are considered acceptable, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after investment that are unacceptable. This might require, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Further, some attractive securities may not be available, or may require a premium for purchase, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors.

 

  An issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of an emerging market country’s debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, and, in the case of a government debtor, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject. Government debtors may default on their debt and may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Holders of government debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government debtors. There may be limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government fixed income securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.

 

  Capital Markets: The capital markets in emerging market countries may be underdeveloped. They may have low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities from more developed capital markets. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and securities may be held by a limited number of investors. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of a Fund’s acquisition or disposal of securities. There may be less publicly
 
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  available information about emerging markets than would be available in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the U.S., may not be applicable. Investing in certain countries with emerging capital markets may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations, and in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer’s poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the investing Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud. There may also be custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to investments in emerging market countries.

 

  Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because a Fund may use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. Supervisory authorities also may be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to a Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the “counterparty”) through whom the transaction is effected might cause a Fund to suffer a loss. There can be no certainty that a Fund will be successful in eliminating counterparty risk, particularly as counterparties operating in emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to a Fund.

 

  Regulatory authorities in some emerging markets currently do not provide the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board with the ability to inspect public accounting firms as required by U.S. law, including sufficient access to inspect audit work papers and practices, or otherwise do not cooperate with U.S. regulators, which potentially could expose investors to significant risks.

 

  Legal Systems: Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by the lack, or relatively early development, of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context. The organizational structures of certain issuers in emerging markets may limit investor rights and recourse.

 

  A Fund may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain emerging market countries, either individually or in combination with other shareholders. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities. Additionally, in certain emerging market countries, fraud, corruption and attempts at market manipulation may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Shareholder claims that are common in the U.S. and are generally viewed as determining misconduct, including class action securities law and fraud claims, generally are difficult or impossible to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in many emerging markets.

 

  The laws in certain countries with emerging capital markets may be based upon or be highly influenced by religious codes or rules. The interpretation of how these laws apply to certain investments may change over time, which could have a negative impact on those investments and a Fund.

 

  European Securities. A Fund’s performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as growth of economic output (the gross national product), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits and the resource self-sufficiency of European countries. The Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) of the EU is comprised of EU members that have adopted the euro currency. Member states relinquish control of their own monetary policies and are subject to fiscal and monetary controls. The EMU requires eurozone countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, fiscal and monetary controls, and other factors, each of which may significantly impact every European country and their economic partners, including those countries that are not members of the EMU. Changes in imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of the EU), the threat of default or actual default by one or more EU member states on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more EU member states may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other EU member states and their trading partners.

 

  The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns, rising government debt levels and the possible default of government debt, and national unemployment in several European countries, including, but not limited to, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. In the past decade, several countries including Greece, Ireland and Portugal agreed to multi-year bailout loans from the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund, and other institutions. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have unintended consequences. A default or debt restructuring by any European country can adversely impact holders of that country’s debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country’s creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries and can affect exposures to other EU countries and their financial companies as well. Further defaults or restructurings by governments or other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity.
 
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  Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain, the independence movement in Scotland and the Flemish movement in Belgium, as well as government or other responses to such movements, may also create instability and uncertainty in the region. In addition, the national politics of countries in the EU have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups and ideologies. The governments of EU countries may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe also could impact financial markets. The impact of these events is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and materially impact the value and liquidity of a Fund’s investments.

 

  Pacific Basin Securities. Many Asian countries may be subject to a greater degree of social, political and economic instability than is the case in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things, (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. In addition, the Asia Pacific geographic region has historically been prone to natural disasters. The occurrence of a natural disaster in the region, including the subsequent recovery, could negatively impact the economy of any country in the region. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also presents risks in certain Asian countries, as do environmental problems.

 

  The economies of most of the Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners, principally, the U.S., Japan, China and the EU. The enactment by the U.S. or other principal trading partners of protectionist trade legislation, reduction of foreign investment in the local economies and general declines in the international securities markets could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of the Asian countries. The economies of certain Asian countries may depend to a significant degree upon only a few industries and/or exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. In addition, certain developing Asian countries, such as the Philippines and India, are especially large debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. Many of the Pacific Basin economies may be intertwined, so an economic downturn in one country may result in, or be accompanied by, an economic downturn in other countries in the region. Furthermore, many of the Pacific Basin economies are characterized by high inflation, underdeveloped financial services sectors, heavy reliance on international trade, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets.

 

  The securities markets in Asia are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the U.S., and some of the stock exchanges in the region are in the early stages of their development, as compared to the stock exchanges in the U.S. Equity securities of many companies in the region may be less liquid and more volatile than equity securities of U.S. companies of comparable size. Additionally, many companies traded on stock exchanges in the region are smaller and less seasoned than companies whose securities are traded on stock exchanges in the U.S. A high proportion of the shares of many issuers may be held by a limited number of persons and financial institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by a Fund. In some countries, there is no established secondary market for securities. Therefore, liquidity of securities may be generally low and transaction costs generally high. Similarly, volume and liquidity in the bond markets in Asia are less than in the U.S. and, at times, price volatility can be greater than in the U.S. A limited number of issuers in Asian securities markets may represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of securities markets in Asia may also affect a Fund’s ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so. In addition, the Asian securities markets are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks of securities.

 

  Many stock markets are undergoing a period of growth and change which may result in trading volatility and difficulties in the settlement and recording of transactions, and in interpreting and applying the relevant law and regulations. With respect to investments in the currencies of Asian countries, changes in the value of those currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of a Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies. Certain developing economies in the Asia Pacific region have experienced currency fluctuations, devaluations, and restrictions; unstable employment rates; rapid fluctuation in, among other things, inflation and reliance on exports; and less efficient markets. Currency fluctuations or devaluations in any one country can have a significant effect on the entire Asia Pacific region. Holding securities in currencies that are devalued (or in companies whose revenues are substantially in currencies that are devalued) will likely decrease the value of a Fund’s investments. Some developing Asian countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as a Fund. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price and shareholder rights) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals of the relevant country. There can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to a Fund’s purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.
 
Forward Contracts — A Fund may enter into forward contracts. Forward contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or obligation underlying the 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 asset against receipt of the specified price. Forward contracts are typically traded over-the-counter, as distinguished from futures contracts, which are traded on both U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. A forward is a private agreement between two parties and is not traded on an exchange.
Forward contracts are often negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated, as there is no limit on daily price movements and speculative position limits are not applicable. The principals who deal in certain forward contract markets are not required to continue to make markets in the underlying reference assets in which they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity, sometimes of significant duration. There have been periods during which certain participants in forward contract markets have refused to quote prices for certain underlying references or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they were prepared to buy and that at which they were prepared to sell. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may
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incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in forward contract prices. The liquidity of the markets for forward contracts depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the market for forwards could be reduced. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to a Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase a Fund’s risk exposure to underlying reference assets and their attendant risks.
A Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, a Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect a Fund’s rights as a creditor.
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — A Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts (“forward currency contracts”), which are a type of derivative instrument, for a variety of reasons. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties at a price set at the time of the contract. Because these forward currency contracts normally are settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
Forward currency contracts may serve as long hedges. For example, a Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that it intends to acquire. Forward currency contract transactions also may serve as short hedges. For example, a Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security or from a dividend or interest payment on a security denominated in a foreign currency.
A Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to sell a foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount approximating the value of some or all of its respective portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. In addition, a Fund may use forward currency contracts when a sub-advisor wishes to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of a security when a Fund is purchasing or selling a security denominated in a foreign currency or anticipates receiving a dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency.
A Fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to portfolio positions in order to minimize the risk to a Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies.
A Fund may use forward currency contracts to seek to hedge against, or profit from, changes in the value of a particular currency by using forward currency contracts on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the value of which a sub-advisor believes will have a positive correlation to the values of the currency being hedged. When hedging, use of a different foreign currency magnifies the risk that movements in the price of the forward contract will not correlate or will correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
In addition, a Fund may use forward currency contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. For example, if a Fund owned securities denominated in a foreign currency that a sub-advisor believed would decline relative to another currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign currency, with payment to be made in the second currency. Transactions that involve two foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as “cross hedging.” Use of a different foreign currency magnifies a Fund’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
A Fund also may enter into forward currency contracts for non-hedging purposes if a foreign currency is anticipated to appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in a Fund’s investment portfolio.
The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts usually are entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When a Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
Sellers or purchasers of forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures, by purchasing or selling, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument sold or bought, respectively. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, however, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that a Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, a Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, a Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a position in the securities or currencies that are the subject of the hedge or to maintain cash or securities.
The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of securities whose U.S. dollar value is being hedged by those contracts involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, a Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
A Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward currency contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, a Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward currency contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect a Fund’s rights as a creditor.
At the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and either extend the maturity of the forward contract (by “rolling” that contract forward) or may initiate a new forward contract. If a Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, a Fund will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign currency.
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Should forward prices decline during the period between a Fund’s entering into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, a Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, a Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
Forward currency contracts in which a Fund may engage include foreign exchange forwards. The consummation of a foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Because foreign exchange forwards are physically settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A foreign exchange forward generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and the prices at which they are selling various currencies. When a Fund enters into a foreign exchange forward, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
A Fund may be required to obtain the currency that it must deliver under the foreign exchange forward through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of a Fund into such currency. When a Fund engages in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes, it will not enter into foreign exchange forwards to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate a Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency materially in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency.
Futures Contracts — A Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or other obligation underlying the 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, as distinguished from forward contracts, which are traded over-the-counter. 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, a Fund is required to deposit “initial margin” consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt 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 a Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a 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 (sometimes referred to as “maintenance 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 a Fund’s obligations to or from a futures broker. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily, or even intraday, variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily or intraday 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 trades that contract. A 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 many futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of the underlying asset, 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, a Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases or sells futures contracts. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, a Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sell price is more than the original purchase price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, a Fund realizes a capital loss. The Funds have no current intent to accept physical delivery in connection with the settlement of 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 a 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. A Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, a 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 markets, 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.
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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 a sub-advisor may still not result in a successful transaction.
Futures contracts also entail other risks. Although the use of such contracts may benefit a Fund, if investment judgment about the general direction of, for example, an index is incorrect, a Fund’s overall performance would be worse than if it had not entered into any such contract. 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. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures, including technical influences in futures trading, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.

 

Futures Contracts on Stock Indices. A 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”). This technique may be used to hedge against anticipated future changes in general market prices that otherwise might either adversely affect the value of securities held by a Fund or adversely affect the prices of securities that are intended to be purchased for a Fund at a later date. Additionally, through the use of Index Futures Contracts, a Fund may maintain a pool of assets with diversified risk without incurring the substantial brokerage costs that may be associated with investment in multiple issuers. This may permit a Fund to avoid potential market and liquidity problems (e.g., driving up or forcing down the price by quickly purchasing or selling shares of a portfolio security) that may result from increases or decreases in positions already held by a Fund. In general, each hedging transaction in Index Futures Contracts involves the establishment of a position that will move in a direction opposite to that of the investment being hedged. If these hedging transactions are successful, the futures positions taken for a Fund will rise in value by an amount that approximately offsets the decline in value of the portion of a Fund’s investments that are being hedged. Should general market prices move in an unexpected manner, the full anticipated benefits of Index Futures Contracts may not be achieved or a loss may be realized. Transactions in Index Futures Contracts involve certain risks. These risks could include a lack of correlation between the Index 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 an Index 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 a Fund.
 
Growth Companies — Growth companies are those that are expected to have the potential for above-average or rapid growth. Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or earnings decrease, the prices of these securities may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. A Fund’s investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company’s growth is incorrect, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company securities may lack the dividend yield that can cushion prices in market downturns. Growth companies may have limited operating histories and greater business risks, and their potential for profitability may be dependent on regulatory approval of their products or regulatory developments affecting certain sectors, which could have an adverse impact upon growth companies’ future growth and profitability. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. A Fund’s growth style could cause it to underperform funds that use a value or non-growth approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. 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. Such securities include those sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Section 4(a)(2) securities”). Such securities are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to institutional investors, such as a Fund, that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. 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. Section 4(a)(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(a)(2) securities, thus providing liquidity. 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. Rule 144A under the Securities Act 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 a Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, a Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers are uninterested in purchasing restricted securities, a Fund’s investment in such securities could have the effect of reducing a Fund’s liquidity. A determination could be made that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. In addition to Rule 144A, Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as a Fund, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.
Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and a 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. 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. In addition, a Fund may get only limited information about an issuer of such a security, so it may be less able to predict a
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loss. A 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. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing a Fund’s NAV.
Income Deposit Securities — A Fund may purchase IDSs. Each IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.
There may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting common stock and subordinated debt securities, including the issuer’s actual or perceived ability to pay interest and principal on the notes and pay dividends on the stock.
The federal income tax treatment of IDSs is not entirely clear and there is no authority that directly addresses the tax treatment of securities with terms substantially similar to IDSs. Among other things, although it is expected that the subordinated notes portion of an IDS will be treated as debt, if it is characterized as equity rather than debt, then interest paid on the notes could be treated as dividends (to the extent paid out of the issuer’s earnings and profits).
Income Trusts — A Fund may invest in shares of income trusts, including Canadian royalty trusts. An income trust is an investment trust which holds income-producing assets and generally distributes the income generated by such assets on to its security holders. Income trusts also may include royalty trusts, a particular type of income trust whose securities are listed on a stock exchange and which controls an underlying company whose business relates to, without limitation, the acquisition, exploitation, production and sale of oil and natural gas. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.
Income trusts generally are structured to avoid income taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust, if properly structured, should not be subject to federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity.
Despite the potential for attractive regular payments, income trusts are equity investments, not fixed-income securities, and they share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership, including operating risk based on the income trusts’ underlying assets and their respective businesses. Such risks may include lack of, or limited, operating histories. In addition, an income trust may lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Because income trusts may pay out more than their net income, the unitholder equity (capital) may decline over time. Income trusts often grow through acquisition of additional assets, funded through the issuance of additional equity or, where the trust is able, additional debt. Income trusts do not guarantee minimum distributions or even return of capital; therefore, if the business of a trust starts to lose money, the trust can reduce or even eliminate distributions. The tax structure of income trusts described above, which would allow income to flow through to investors and be taxed only at the investor level, could be challenged under existing law, or the tax laws could change. Royalty trusts and income trusts frequently are found in Canada, and an investment in a Canadian trust will be subject to certain additional risks of investing in foreign securities.
Indebtedness, Loan Participations and Assignments — Floating rate securities, including loans, provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or semi-annually) or automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever a specified interest rate or index changes. The interest rate on floating rate securities ordinarily is determined by reference to LIBOR, a particular bank’s prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank CDs, an index of short-term tax-exempt rates or some other objective measure.
Loan interests are a form of direct debt instrument in which a Fund may invest by taking an assignment of all or a portion of an interest in a loan previously held by another institution or by acquiring a participation in an interest in a loan that continues to be held by another institution. A Fund may invest in secured and unsecured loans. Loans are subject to the same risks as other direct debt instruments discussed above and carry additional risks described in this section.
A Fund’s ability to receive payments in connection with loans depends on the financial condition of the borrower. The Manager or the sub-advisor will not rely solely on another lending institution’s credit analysis of the borrower, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrower. The Manager’s or the sub-advisor’s analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength, managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. In connection with the restructuring of a loan or other direct debt instrument outside of bankruptcy court in a negotiated work-out or in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, equity securities or junior debt securities may be received in exchange for all or a portion of an interest in the security.
Loans are typically administered by a bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the “agent”) for a lending syndicate of financial institutions. In a typical loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to all lenders that are parties to the loan agreement. In addition, an institution (which may be the agent) may hold collateral on behalf of the lenders. Typically, under loan agreements, the agent is given broad authority in monitoring the borrower’s performance and is obligated to use the same care it would use in the management of its own property. In asserting rights against a borrower, a Fund normally will be dependent on the willingness of the lead bank to assert these rights, or upon a vote of
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all the lenders to authorize the action. If an agent becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by the appropriate regulatory authority, or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding, the agent’s appointment may be terminated and a successor agent would be appointed. If an appropriate regulator or court determines that assets held by the agent for the benefit of purchasers of loans are subject to the claims of the agent’s general or secured creditors, a Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. A Fund may be subject to similar risks when it buys a participation interest or an assignment from an intermediary, as discussed below.
A number of judicial decisions in the United States have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lenders or bondholders on the basis of various evolving legal theories (commonly referred to as “lender liability”). Generally, lender liability is founded upon the premise that an institutional lender or bondholder has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith, commercial reasonableness and fair dealing owed to the borrower or issuer or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower or issuer resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or issuer or its other creditors or stockholders. Because of the nature of its investments, a Fund may be subject to allegations of lender liability. In addition, under common law principles that in some cases form the basis for lender liability claims, if a lender or bondholder: (i) intentionally takes an action that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, (ii) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors, (iii) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (iv) uses its influence as a stockholder to dominate or control a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors, a remedy called “equitable subordination.” A Fund does not intend to engage in conduct that would form the basis for a successful cause of action based upon the equitable subordination doctrine; however, because of the nature of the debt obligations, a Fund may be subject to claims from creditors of an obligor that debt obligations of such obligor which are held by a Fund should be equitably subordinated. Because affiliates of, or persons related to, the Manager and/or the sub-advisor may hold equity or other interests in obligors of a Fund, a Fund could be exposed to claims for equitable subordination or lender liability or both based on such equity or other holdings.
Loans that are fully secured offer a Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the collateral from a secured loan in which a Fund invests can be promptly liquidated, or that its liquidation value will be equal to the value of the debt. In most loan agreements, there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral if the value of the initial collateral declines. As a result, a loan may not always be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value. If a borrower becomes insolvent, access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy may pay only a small portion of the amount owed, if they are able to pay at all. If a secured loan is foreclosed, a Fund will likely be required to bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. There is also a possibility that a Fund will become the owner of its pro rata share of the collateral, which may carry additional risks and liabilities. In addition, under legal theories of lender liability, a Fund potentially might be held liable as a co-lender. In the event of a borrower’s bankruptcy or insolvency, the borrower’s obligation to repay the loan may be subject to certain defenses that the borrower can assert as a result of improper conduct by the agent. Some loans are unsecured. If the borrower defaults on an unsecured loan, a Fund will be a general creditor and will not have rights to any specific assets of the borrower.
Loans may be subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Loans are not currently listed on any securities exchange or automatic quotation system, and there may not be an active trading market for some loans. As a result, a Fund may be unable to sell such investments at an opportune time or may have to resell them at less than fair market value. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on a Fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of a Fund’s shares, to meet a Fund’s liquidity needs or when necessary in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. In addition, transactions in loan investments may take a significant amount of time to settle (i.e., more than seven days and up to several weeks or longer). Accordingly, the proceeds from the sale of a loan investment may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force a Fund to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that a Fund may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions. To the extent that the sub-advisor determines that any such investments are illiquid, they will be subject to a Fund‘s restrictions on investments in illiquid securities.
The borrower in a loan arrangement may, either at its own election or pursuant to the terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. Due to prepayment, the actual maturity of loans is typically shorter than their stated final maturity calculated solely on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule. The degree to which borrowers prepay loans, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, may be affected by general business conditions, market interest rates, the borrower’s financial condition and competitive conditions among lenders. Such prepayments may require a Fund to replace an investment with a lower yielding security which may have an adverse effect on a Fund’s share price. Prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. Floating rate loans can be less sensitive to prepayment risk, but a Fund’s NAV may still fluctuate in response to interest rate changes because variable interest rates may reset only periodically and may not rise or decline as much as interest rates in general.
A borrower must comply with various restrictive covenants in a loan agreement such as restrictions on dividend payments and limits on total debt. The loan agreement may also contain a covenant requiring the borrower to prepay the loan with any free cash flow. A breach of a covenant is normally an event of default, which provides the agent or the lenders the right to call the outstanding loan.
Loans normally are not registered with the SEC or any state securities commission or listed on any securities exchange. As a result, the amount of public information available about a specific loan historically has been less extensive than if the loan were registered or exchange-traded. They may also not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as a Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, a Fund relies on the sub-advisor’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud and misrepresentation could adversely affect a Fund. In addition, loan interests may not be rated by independent rating agencies and therefore, investments in a particular loan participation may depend almost exclusively on the credit analysis of the borrower performed by the Manager or the sub-advisor.
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  Assignments. When a Fund purchases a loan by assignment, a Fund typically succeeds to the rights of the assigning lender under the loan agreement and becomes a lender under the loan agreement. Subject to the terms of the loan agreement, a Fund typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender. However, assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.

 

  Participation Interests. In purchasing a loan participation, a Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a borrower. The contractual arrangement with the bank transfers the cash stream of the underlying bank loan to the participating investor. A Fund’s rights under a participation interest with respect to a particular loan may be more limited than the rights of original lenders or of investors who acquire an assignment of that loan. In purchasing participation interests, a Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation interest (the “participating lender”) and only when the participating lender receives the payments from the borrower.

 

  In a participation interest, a Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the selling institution and not the underlying borrower. A Fund normally will have to rely on the participating lender to demand and receive payments in respect of the loans, and to pay those amounts on to a Fund; thus, a Fund will be subject to the risk that the lender may be unwilling or unable to do so. In such a case, a Fund would not likely have any rights against the borrower directly. In addition, the issuing bank does not guarantee the participations. As a result, a Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In addition, a Fund generally will have no right to object to certain changes to the loan agreement agreed to by the participating lender.

 

  In buying a participation interest, a Fund might not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the related loan and may be subject to any rights of set off the borrower has against the selling institution. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the borrower, the obligation of the borrower to repay the loan may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by the borrower as a result of any improper conduct of the participating lender. As a result, a Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that exist when a Fund is an original lender or assignee.

 

  If the participating lender fails to perform its obligations under the participation agreement, a Fund might incur costs delays and risks in realizing payment that are greater than those that would have been involved if purchasing a direct obligation of such borrower. A Fund may suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. If a participating lender becomes insolvent, a Fund may be treated as a general creditor of that lender. As a general creditor, a Fund may not benefit from a right of set off that the lender has against the borrower. Further, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate borrower, the loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result of improper conduct by the issuing bank. The secondary market, if any, for these loan participations is extremely limited and any such participations purchased by a Fund may be regarded as illiquid. A Fund will acquire a participation interest only if the Manager or the sub-advisor determines that the participating lender or other intermediary participant selling the participation interest is creditworthy.

 

  Fees. A Fund may be required to pay and may receive various commissions and fees in the process of purchasing, holding and selling loans. The fee component may include any, or a combination of, the following elements: assignment fees, arrangement fees, nonuse fees, facility fees, letter of credit fees, and ticking fees. Arrangement fees are paid at the commencement of a loan as compensation for the initiation of the transaction. A non-use fee is paid based upon the amount committed but not used under the loan. Facility fees are on-going annual fees paid in connection with a loan. Letter of credit fees are paid if a loan involves a letter of credit. Ticking fees are paid from the initial commitment indication until loan closing if for an extended period. The amount of fees is negotiated at the time of closing. In addition, a Fund may incur expenses associated with researching and analyzing potential loan investments, including legal fees.
 
Inflation-Indexed Securities — Inflation-indexed securities, also known as “inflation-protected securities,” are fixed income instruments structured such that their interest payments and principal amounts are adjusted to keep up with inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Other issuers pay out the index-based accruals as part of its coupon. The U.S. Treasury is obligated to repay at least the greater of the original principal value or accrued principal value at maturity for inflation-indexed securities issued directly by the U.S. Government, which are referred to as “U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities,” or “TIPS,” and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. However, inflation-indexed securities of other issuers may or may not have the same principal guarantee and may repay an amount less than the original principal value at maturity. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds the security, a Fund may earn less on it than on a conventional bond. Inflation-indexed securities are expected to react primarily to changes in the “real” interest rate (i.e., the nominal, or stated, rate less the rate of inflation), while a typical bond reacts to changes in the nominal interest rate. Accordingly, inflation-indexed securities have characteristics of fixed-rate U.S. Treasury securities having a shorter duration. Changes in market interest rates from causes other than inflation will likely affect the market prices of inflation-indexed securities in the same manner as conventional bonds. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed debt security will be considered ordinary income, even though a Fund will not receive the principal until maturity. Thus, a Fund could be required, at times, to liquidate other investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.
There can be no assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. A Fund’s investments in inflation-indexed securities may lose value in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different than the rate of the inflation index. In addition, inflation-indexed securities are subject to risks related to the discontinuation, substitution or fundamental alteration of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (the index used for U.S. TIPS) or other relevant pricing indices. Such alteration, which could be effected by legislation or Executive Order, could be materially adverse to the interests of an investor in the securities or substituted with an alternative index. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments thereon, but holders at maturity receive no less than par value. However, if a Fund purchases inflation-indexed securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, a Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation.
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Initial Public Offerings — A Fund can invest in 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 a 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. IPOs may adversely impact a Fund’s performance. However, the impact of IPOs on a Fund’s performance will likely decrease as a Fund’s asset size increases.
Interfund Lending — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Funds may participate in a credit facility whereby each Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other funds under the Manager’s management 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 departments, 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 a Fund is insufficient to meet temporary cash requirements. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and a Fund has 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 a Fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, it often does not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). However, redemption requests normally are satisfied the next business day. 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 a Fund’s need to borrow from banks, a Fund remains free to establish and utilize lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.
Investment Grade Securities — Investment grade securities that a Fund may purchase, either as part of its principal investment strategy or to implement its temporary defensive policy, include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two rating organizations rating that security (such as S&P Global, Fitch, or Moody’s) or rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one rating organization if it is the only organization rating that security. A Fund, at the discretion of the Manager or a sub-advisor, may retain a security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria. Please see “Appendix C: Ratings Definitions” for an explanation of rating categories.
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.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk — The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market, in some cases for extended periods of time. Such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.
LIBOR Risk — Certain of the instruments in which a Fund may invest have variable or floating coupon rates that are based on LIBOR, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a “Reference Rate”). These Reference Rates are generally intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings within certain financial markets. LIBOR is produced daily by averaging the rates reported by a number of banks and may be a significant factor in determining a Fund’s payment obligation under a derivative instrument, the cost of financing to a Fund, or an investment’s value or return to a Fund, and may be used in other ways that affect a Fund’s performance. Most maturities and currencies of LIBOR were phased out at the end of 2021, with the remaining ones to be phased out on June 30, 2023. These events and any additional regulatory or market changes may have an adverse impact on a Fund or its investments, including increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR.
Regulators and market participants are working together to develop successor Reference Rates. SOFR has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a Reference Rate in the United States. Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives to identify replacement Reference Rates for LIBOR in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing investments and transactions to a new Reference Rate, as well as risks associated with using a new Reference Rate with respect to new investments and transactions. It is expected that market participants will focus on the transition mechanisms by which the Reference Rates in existing contracts or instruments may be amended, whether through legislation, market wide protocols, fallback contractual provisions, bespoke negotiations or amendments or otherwise. Nonetheless, there remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on a Fund and the financial markets generally, and the termination of certain Reference Rates presents risks to a Fund. Financial industry groups have begun transitioning to the use of a different Reference Rate or benchmark rate, but there are obstacles to converting certain securities and transactions to a new Reference Rate or benchmark rate. The transition process, or the failure of an industry to transition, could lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates and a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments, all of which would impact a Fund. Various complexities brought about by significant changes to operational processes and IT systems could take a long time to complete, and coordination with other market participants may become severely impacted, which may negatively impact a Fund. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to June 30, 2023. While some LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR becomes unavailable by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, not all may have such provisions and there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such methodologies. Further, U.S. issuers are currently not obligated to include any particular fallback language in transaction documents for new issuances of LIBOR-linked securities. In addition, the alternative reference or benchmark rate may be an ineffective substitute, potentially resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions for a Fund. The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other changes or reforms to the
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determination or supervision of Reference Rates could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any securities or payments linked to those Reference Rates and other financial obligations held by a Fund or on its overall financial condition or results of operations. Any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect a Fund’s performance and/or NAV. At this time, it is not possible to completely identify or predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative Reference Rates or any other reforms to Reference Rates that may be enacted in the UK or elsewhere.
Master Demand Notes — Master demand notes are direct arrangements, between a lender and a corporate borrower, that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts of money at varying rates of interest. They permit daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The lender has the right to increase or decrease the amount it lends under the note at any time, up to the full amount provided by the note agreement. The borrower may prepay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. These notes may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit.
These notes are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, and there is no secondary market for them. The principal plus accrued interest is redeemable at any time, however. This right to redeem the notes depends on the ability of the borrower to make the specified payment on demand. The sub-advisors will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of an issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes make demand simultaneously. Investments in master demand notes are subject to the limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
Master Limited Partnerships — A Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as 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 partners are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. An MLP also may be an entity similar to a limited partnership, such as an LLC, which has one or more managers or managing members and non-managing members (who are like limited partners). A Fund will invest in an MLP as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amount that a Fund has invested therein. However, as a limited partner, a Fund would not be shielded to the same extent that a stockholder 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. This right of an MLP’s creditors would continue even after a Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. Holders of MLP units have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership than owners of common stock. MLPs typically invest in real estate and oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.
Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk — Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio.
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 more established companies with larger capitalization. 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.
Model and Data Risk — The sub-advisor relies heavily on proprietary mathematical quantitative models (each, a “Model”) and data developed both by the sub-advisor and those supplied by third parties (collectively, “Data”) rather than granting trade-by-trade discretion to the sub-advisor’s investment professionals. In combination, Models and Data are used to construct investment decisions, to value both current and potential investments (including, without limitation, for trading purposes, and for the purposes of determining the NAV of a Fund), to provide risk management insights and to assist in hedging a Fund’s positions and investments. Models and Data are known to have errors, omissions, imperfections and malfunctions (collectively, “System Events”).
The sub-advisor seeks to reduce the incidence and impact of System Events, to the extent feasible, through a combination of internal testing, simulation, real-time monitoring, use of independent safeguards in the overall portfolio management process and often in the software code itself. Despite such testing, monitoring and independent safeguards, System Events will result in, among other things, the execution of unanticipated trades, the failure to execute anticipated trades, delays in the execution of anticipated trades, the failure to properly allocate trades, the failure to properly gather and organize available data, the failure to take certain hedging or risk reducing actions and/or the taking of actions which increase certain risk(s) - all of which may have materially adverse effects on a Fund. System Events in third-party provided Data are generally entirely outside of the control of the sub-advisor. The research and modeling processes engaged in by the sub-advisor on behalf of a Fund are extremely complex and involve the use of financial, economic, econometric and statistical theories, research and modeling; the results of this investment approach must then be translated into computer code. Although the sub-advisor seeks to hire individuals skilled in each of these functions and to provide appropriate levels of oversight and employ other mitigating measures and processes, the complexity of the individual tasks, the difficulty of integrating such tasks, and the limited ability to perform “real world” testing of the end product, even with simulations and similar methodologies, raise the chances that Model code may contain one or more coding errors, thus potentially resulting in a System Event and further, one or more of such coding errors could adversely affect investment performance.
The investment strategies of the sub-advisor are highly reliant on the gathering, cleaning, culling and performing of analysis of large amounts of Data. Accordingly, Models rely heavily on appropriate Data inputs. However, it is impossible and impracticable to factor all relevant, available Data into forecasts, investment decisions and other parameters of the Models. The sub-advisor will use its discretion to determine what Data to gather with respect to each investment strategy and what subset of that Data the Models take into account to produce forecasts which may have an impact on ultimate investment decisions. In addition, due to the automated nature of Data gathering, the volume and depth of Data available, the complexity and often manual nature of Data cleaning, and the fact that the substantial majority of Data comes from third-party sources, it is inevitable that not all
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desired and/or relevant Data will be available to, or processed by, the sub-advisor at all times. Irrespective of the merit, value and/or strength of a particular Model, it will not perform as designed if incorrect Data is fed into it which may lead to a System Event potentially subjecting a Fund to a loss. Further, even if Data is input correctly, “model prices” anticipated by the Data through the Models may differ substantially from market prices, especially for financial instruments with complex characteristics, such as derivatives, in which a Fund may invest. Where incorrect or incomplete Data is available, the sub-advisor may, and often will, continue to generate forecasts and make investment decisions based on the Data available to it. Additionally, the sub-advisor may determine that certain available Data, while potentially useful in generating forecasts and/or making investment decisions, is not cost effective to gather due to, among other factors, the technology costs or third-party vendor costs and, in such cases, the sub-advisor will not utilize such Data. The sub-advisor has full discretion to select the Data it utilizes. The sub-advisor may elect to use or may refrain from using any specific Data or type of Data in generating forecasts or making trading decisions with respect to the Models. The Data utilized in generating forecasts or making trading decisions underlying the Models may not be (i) the most accurate data available or (ii) free of errors. The Data set used in connection with the Models is limited. The foregoing risks associated with gathering, cleaning, culling and analysis of large amounts of Data are an inherent part of investing with a quantitative, process-driven, systematic adviser such as the sub-advisor.
When Models and Data prove to be incorrect, misleading or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose a Fund to potential losses and such losses may be compounded over time. For example, by relying on Models and Data, the sub-advisor may be induced to buy certain investments at prices that are too high, to sell certain other investments at prices that are too low, or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. Similarly, any hedging based on faulty Models and Data may prove to be unsuccessful and when determining the NAV of a Fund, any valuations of a Fund’s investments that are based on valuation Models may prove to be incorrect. In addition, Models may incorrectly forecast future behavior, leading to potential losses on a cash flow and/or a mark-to-market basis. Furthermore, in unforeseen or certain low-probability scenarios (often involving a market event or disruption of some kind), Models may produce unexpected results which may or may not be System Events. Errors in Models and Data are often extremely difficult to detect, and, in the case of Models, the difficulty of detecting System Events may be exacerbated by the lack of design documents or specifications. Regardless of how difficult their detection appears in retrospect, some System Events may go undetected for long periods of time and some may never be detected. When a System Event is detected, a review and analysis of the circumstances that may have caused a reported System Event will be completed and is overseen by an escalation committee made up of appropriate senior personnel. Following this review, the sub-advisor in its sole discretion may choose not to address or fix such System Event, and the third party software will lead to System Events known to the sub-advisor that it chooses, in its sole discretion, not to address or fix. The degradation or impact caused by these System Events can compound over time. When a System Event is detected, the sub-advisor generally will not, as part of the review of circumstances leading to the System Event, perform a materiality analysis on the potential impact of a System Event. The sub-advisor believes that the testing and monitoring performed on Models and the controls adopted to ensure processes are undertaken with care will enable the sub-advisor to identify and address those System Events that a prudent person managing a quantitative, systematic and computerized investment program would identify and address by correcting the underlying issue(s) giving rise to the System Events, but there is no guarantee of the success of such processes. Fund shareholders should assume that System Events and their ensuing risks and impact are an inherent part of investing with a process-driven, systematic sub-advisor such as the sub-advisor.
Mortgage-Backed Securities — Mortgage-backed securities may be more volatile or less liquid than more traditional debt securities. Mortgage-backed securities include both collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage pass-through certificates.

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. A CMO is a debt obligation of a legal entity that is collateralized by mortgages or mortgage-related assets. CMOs divide the cash flow generated from the underlying mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities into different groups referred to as “tranches,” which are then retired sequentially over time in order of priority. Similar to a bond, interest and prepaid principal is paid, in most cases, on a monthly basis. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans or private mortgage bonds, but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA; FHLMC and FNMA (each a government-sponsored enterprise owned entirely by private shareholders); and their income streams.

 

  The issuers of CMOs are structured as trusts or corporations established for the purpose of issuing such CMOs and often have no assets other than those underlying the securities and any credit support provided. Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by the U.S. Government or government-sponsored enterprises, these CMOs represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any government-sponsored enterprise, or any other person or entity. Prepayments could cause early retirement of CMOs. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of CMOs may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMOs of different classes or series are generally retired in sequence as the underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool are repaid. If enough mortgages are repaid ahead of schedule, the classes or series of a CMO with the earliest maturities generally will be retired prior to their maturities. Thus, the early retirement of particular classes or series of a CMO held by a Fund would have the same effect as the prepayment of mortgages underlying other MBS. Conversely, slower than anticipated prepayments can extend the effective maturities of CMOs, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of a Fund investing in CMOs.

 

  As CMOs have evolved, some classes of CMO bonds have become more common. For example, a Fund may invest in parallel-pay and planned amortization class (“PAC”) CMOs and multi-class pass through certificates. Parallel-pay CMOs and multi-class pass-through certificates are structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than one class. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the stated maturity date or final distribution date of each class, which, as with other CMO and multi-class pass-through structures, must be retired by its stated maturity date or final distribution date but may be retired earlier. PACs generally require payments of a specified amount of principal on each payment date. PACs are parallel-pay CMOs with the required principal amount on such securities having the highest priority after interest has been paid to all classes. Any CMO or multi-class pass through structure that includes PAC securities must also have support tranches—known as support bonds, companion bonds or non-PAC bonds—which lend or absorb principal cash flows to allow the PAC securities to maintain their stated maturities and final distribution dates within a range of actual prepayment experience. These support tranches are subject to a higher level of maturity risk compared to other mortgage-related securities, and usually provide a higher yield to compensate investors. If principal cash flows are
 
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  received in amounts outside a pre-determined range such that the support bonds cannot lend or absorb sufficient cash flows to the PAC securities as intended, the PAC securities are subject to heightened maturity risk. Consistent with a Fund’s investment objectives and policies, it may invest in various tranches of CMO bonds, including support bonds.

 

  A REMIC is a mortgage securities vehicle that holds residential or commercial mortgages and issues securities representing interests in those mortgages. A REMIC may be formed as a corporation, partnership, or segregated pool of assets. A REMIC itself is generally exempt from federal income tax, but the income from its mortgages is taxable to its investors. For investment purposes, interests in REMIC securities are virtually indistinguishable from CMOs. See “Tax Information - Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies.”

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities. CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real estate property. CMBS are generally multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS are generally not amortizing or not fully amortizing. That is, at their maturity date, repayment of the remaining principal balance or “balloon” is due and is repaid through the attainment of an additional loan or sale of the property. Many of the risks of investing in CMBS reflect the risk of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

 

Mortgage Dollar Rolls. A Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls in which a Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase fungible securities (e.g., same type, coupon, and maturity) on a specified future date at a pre-determined price. During the roll period, a Fund would lose the right to receive principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. However, a Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of a Fund compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. A Fund will earmark cash or liquid securities to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to buy mortgage-backed securities plus any accrued interest, marked-to-market daily. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be considered a borrowing under certain circumstances. The mortgage dollar rolls entered into by a Fund may be used as arbitrage transactions in which a Fund will maintain an offsetting position in investment grade debt obligations or repurchase agreements that mature on or before the settlement date of the related mortgage dollar roll. Since a Fund will receive interest on the securities or repurchase agreements in which it invests the transaction proceeds, the transactions may involve leverage.

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Mortgage pass-through securities are securities representing interests in “pools” of mortgages in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are generally made monthly, in effect “passing through” monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans that underlie the securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities). They are issued by governmental, government-related and private organizations which are backed by pools of mortgage loans.

 

  Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, as in the case of securities guaranteed by GNMA, or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, as in the case of securities guaranteed by FNMA or FHLMC, which are supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations.

 

  Mortgage pass-through securities created by nongovernmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit, which may be issued by governmental entities, private insurers or the mortgage poolers.

 

  There are a number of important differences among the agencies of the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. Such agencies and securities include:

 

  (1) GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (“Ginnie Maes”) — GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ginnie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. Ginnie Maes entitle the holder to receive all payments (including prepayments) of principal and interest owed by the individual mortgagors, net of fees paid to GNMA and to the issuer that assembles the mortgage pool and passes through the monthly mortgage payments to the certificate holders (typically, a mortgage banking firm), regardless of whether the individual mortgagor actually makes the payment. Because payments are made to certificate holders regardless of whether payments are actually received on the underlying mortgages, Ginnie Maes are of the “modified pass-through” mortgage certificate type. GNMA guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on the Ginnie Maes. GNMA guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and GNMA has unlimited authority to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under the guarantee. The market for Ginnie Maes is highly liquid because of the government guarantee, the size of the market, and the active participation in the secondary market of security dealers and a variety of investors.

 

  (2) Mortgage-Related Securities Issued by Private Organizations — Pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payments in such pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is often partially supported by various enhancements such as over-collateralization and senior/subordination structures and by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. The insurance
 
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  and guarantees are issued by government entities, private insurers or the mortgage poolers. Although the market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid, securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.

 

  (3) FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates (“Freddie Macs”) — FHLMC is a government-sponsored enterprise owned by stockholders; it is similar to Fannie Mae. FHLMC issues participation certificates that represent interests in mortgages from its national portfolio. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the United States and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States. Freddie Macs represent interests in groups of specified first lien residential conventional mortgages underwritten and owned by FHLMC. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by FHLMC. FHLMC guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. In cases where FHLMC has not guaranteed timely payment of principal, FHLMC may remit the amount due because of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.

 

  (4) FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (“Fannie Maes”) — FNMA is a government-sponsored enterprise owned by stockholders; it is similar to Freddie Mac. It is subject to general regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Authority (“FHFA”). Fannie Maes entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by FNMA. FNMA guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. In cases where FNMA has not guaranteed timely payment of principal, FNMA may remit the amount due because of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable. Fannie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of conventional mortgage loans secured by first mortgages or deeds of trust, on one family or two to four family, residential properties. FNMA is obligated to distribute scheduled monthly installments of principal and interest on the mortgages in the pool, whether or not received, plus full principal of any foreclosed or otherwise liquidated mortgages.

 

  The U.S. Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the Treasury with additional authority to lend Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac emergency funds and to purchase their stock. In September 2008, the Treasury and the FHFA announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed in conservatorship. Since that time, FNMA and FHLMC have received significant capital support through Treasury preferred stock purchases, as well as Treasury and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage -backed securities. The FHFA and the U.S. Treasury (through its agreement to purchase FNMA and FHLMC preferred stock) have imposed strict limits on the size of their mortgage portfolios. While the mortgage-backed securities purchase programs ended in 2010, the Treasury continued its support for the entities’ capital as necessary to prevent a negative net worth. When a credit rating agency downgraded long-term U.S. Government debt in August 2011, the agency also downgraded FNMA and FHLMC’s bond ratings, from AAA to AA+, based on their direct reliance on the U.S. Government (although that rating did not directly relate to their mortgage-backed securities). In August 2012, the Treasury amended its preferred stock purchase agreements to provide that FNMA’s and FHLMC’s portfolios will be wound down at an annual rate of 15 percent (up from the previously agreed annual rate of 10 percent), requiring them to reach the $250 billion target by December 31, 2018. FNMA and FHLMC were below the $250 billion cap for year-end 2018.

 

  On December 21, 2017, a letter agreement between the Treasury and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac changed the terms of the senior preferred stock certificates issued to the Treasury to permit the GSEs each to retain a $3 billion capital reserve, quarterly. Under the 2017 letter, each GSE paid a dividend to Treasury equal to the amount that its net worth exceeded $3 billion at the end of each quarter. On September 30, 2019, the Treasury and the FHFA, acting as conservator to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced amendments to the respective senior preferred stock certificates that will permit the GSEs to retain earnings beyond the $3 billion capital reserves previously allowed through the 2017 letter agreements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now permitted to maintain capital reserves of $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively. In late 2020, the FHFA issued a new capital rule requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to hold $283 billion in unadjusted total capital as of June 30, 2020, based on their assets at the time. In January 2021, the FHFA and the U.S. Treasury agreed to amend the preferred stock purchase agreements for the shares in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that the federal government continues to hold. The amendments permit Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to retain all earnings until they have reached the requirements set by the 2020 capital rule.

 

  The problems faced by FNMA and FHLMC, resulting from their being placed into federal conservatorship and receiving significant U.S. Government support, sparked serious debate among federal policymakers regarding the continued role of the U.S. Government in providing liquidity for mortgage loans. In December 2011, Congress enacted the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 which, among other provisions, requires that FNMA and FHLMC increase their single-family guaranty fees by at least 10 basis points and remit this increase to the Treasury with respect to all loans acquired by FNMA or FHLMC on or after April 1, 2012 and before January 1, 2022. There have been discussions among policymakers, however, as to whether FNMA and FHLMC should be nationalized, privatized, restructured or eliminated altogether. FNMA and FHLMC also are the subject of several continuing legal actions and investigations over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may continue to have an adverse effect on the guaranteeing entities.

 

  Under the direction of the FHFA, FNMA and FHLMC jointly developed a common securitization platform for the issuance of a uniform mortgage-backed security (“UMBS”) (the “Single Security Initiative”) that aligns the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. In June 2019, under the Single Security Initiative, FNMA and FHLMC started issuing UMBS in place of their prior offerings of TBA-eligible securities. The Single Security Initiative seeks to support the overall liquidity of the TBA market by aligning the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. The effects that the Single Security Initiative may have on the market for TBA and other mortgage-backed securities are uncertain.
 
Municipal Securities A Fund may invest in municipal securities the interest on which is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes (“tax-exempt”), as well as municipal securities the interest on which is taxable. Municipal bonds are issued for a wide variety of reasons, including to construct public facilities, to obtain funds for operating expenses, to refund outstanding municipal obligations, and to loan funds to various public institutions and facilities. Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest or principal payments on a security as they become due. An issuer’s actual or perceived credit quality can be affected by, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer, the issuer’s future borrowing plans and sources of revenue, the economic feasibility of a project or general borrowing purpose, and political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued. Local and national market forces, such as declines in real estate prices or general business activity, shifting demographics or political gridlock may result in decreasing tax bases, growing entitlement
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budgets, and increasing construction and/or maintenance costs and could reduce the ability of certain issuers of municipal securities to repay their obligations. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers. A number of municipalities may face severe financial hardship making the possibility of their defaulting on obligations, and/or declaring bankruptcy where allowable, a risk to the value of municipal securities held by a Fund. Difficulties in the municipal securities markets could result in increased illiquidity, volatility and credit risk, and a decrease in the number of municipal securities investment opportunities. In addition, the amount of publicly available information for municipal issuers is generally less than for corporate issuers. Municipal securities are also subject to interest rate risk. The municipal securities in which a Fund may invest may include:

 

Commercial paper. Commercial paper, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax, is issued by municipalities to help finance short-term capital or operating needs in anticipation of future tax or other revenue.

 

General obligation bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the pledge of the issuer’s full faith, credit, and usually, taxing power. The taxing power may be an unlimited ad valorem tax or a limited tax, usually on real estate and personal property. Most states do not tax real estate, but leave that power to local units of government.

 

Revenue obligations. Revenue obligations are backed by the revenue cash flow of a project or facility. The interest on such obligations is payable only from the revenues derived from a particular project, facility, specific excise tax or other revenue source. Revenue obligations are not a debt or liability of the local or state government and do not obligate that government to levy or pledge any form of taxation or to make any appropriation for payment.
 
Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange-Traded Products — Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear a 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 a 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 a Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. A Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager, and shareholders could pay fees charged by the Manager to such investment company. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities. A Fund’s investment in securities of other investment companies, except for money market funds, is generally limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of a Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of a Fund’s total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate. However, currently a Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of an ETF or other investment company subject to a statutory exemption or to the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC obtained by the ETF or other investment company that permits an investing fund, such as a Fund, to invest in the ETF or other investment company in excess of the limits described above. Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act and revisions to other rules permitting funds to invest in other investment companies, which are intended to streamline and enhance the regulatory framework applicable to fund of funds arrangements, took effect on January 19, 2022. While Rule 12d1-4 permits more types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order, and supersedes many prior exemptive orders, it imposes new conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
A Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies and exchange-traded products, which, in addition to the general risks of investments in other investment companies described above, include the following risks:

 

BDCs. BDCs are a specialized form of closed-end fund that invest generally in small developing companies and financially troubled businesses. The Investment Company Act imposes certain restraints upon the operation of a BDC. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. As a result, BDCs generally invest in private companies and thinly traded securities of public companies, including debt instruments. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make fully informed investment decisions. Many debt investments in which a BDC may invest will not be rated by a credit rating agency and will be below investment grade quality. Risks faced by BDCs include competition for limited BDC investment opportunities; the liquidity of a BDC’s private investments; uncertainty as to the value of a BDC’s private investments; risks associated with access to capital and leverage; and reliance on the management of a BDC. A Fund’s investments in BDCs are similar and include portfolio company risk, leverage risk, market and valuation risk, price volatility risk and liquidity risk. Historically, shares of BDCs have frequently traded at a discount to their net asset value, which discounts have, on occasion, been substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.

 

ETFs. A 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, a Fund would purchase passive ETF shares to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. As a shareholder of an ETF, a 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 a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF decline in value. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (1) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to their NAV per share; (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.

 

Money Market Funds. A Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as money market funds under the Investment Company Act, to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. A Fund would invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. Although a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a money market
 
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security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent a Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund, or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts redeemed from the money market fund.
 
Participatory Notes — Participatory notes involve risks that are in addition to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying equity securities. The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer of the participatory note (i.e., the issuing bank or broker-dealer), which is the only responsible party under the note, may be unable or refuse to perform under the terms of the participatory note. While the holder of a participatory note is entitled to receive from the issuing bank or broker-dealer any dividends or other distributions paid on the underlying securities, the holder is not entitled to the same rights as an owner of the underlying securities, such as voting rights. Participatory notes are also not traded on exchanges, are privately issued, and may be illiquid. To the extent a participatory note is determined to be illiquid, it would be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that the trading price or value of participatory notes will equal the value of the underlying equity securities they seek to replicate.
Pay-in-Kind Securities — Pay-in-kind securities are debt securities that may pay interest through the issuance of additional securities or in cash. Because these securities may not pay current cash income, their price can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. Federal income tax law requires a holder of pay-in-kind securities to include in gross income each taxable year the portion of the non-cash income on those securities (i.e., the additional securities issued as interest thereon) accrued during that year.
In order to continue to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code and avoid federal excise tax, a Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such non-cash income and may be required to dispose of other portfolio securities in order to generate cash to meet these distribution requirements, including during periods of adverse market prices for those portfolio securities. See the section entitled “Tax Information.”
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. Because preferred stock is subordinate to bonds in the issuer’s capital structure, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stockholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, and may suffer a loss of value as a result. 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 the deferral of dividend payments, the non-cumulative payment of dividends (in which omitted or deferred dividends are not subsequently paid), subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights. The market prices of preferred stock are generally more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
Quantitative Strategy RiskThe success of a Fund’s investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor’s quantitative tools for screening securities. Securities selected using quantitative analysis can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis, which could adversely affect their value. A sub-advisor’s quantitative tools may use factors that may not be predictive of a security’s value, and any changes over time in the factors that affect a security’s value may not be reflected in the quantitative model. A sub-advisor’s stock selection can be adversely affected if it relies on insufficient, erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. Data for some companies, particularly non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies.
Real Estate Related Investments — A Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, 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 a Fund’s investments. Investing in securities issued by real estate and real estate-related companies may subject a 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 a Fund’s investment in real estate securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills at the operating company level. Such securities also have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are 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 a Fund’s portfolio.
Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities and Other Zero-Coupon Obligations — Separately traded registered interest and principal securities or “STRIPS” and other zero-coupon obligations are securities that do not make regular interest payments. Instead they are sold at a discount from their face value, and accrue interest over the life of the bond. A Fund will take into account as income a portion of the difference between these obligations’ purchase prices and their face values. Because they do not pay coupon income, the prices of STRIPS and zero-coupon obligations can be very volatile when interest rates change, and their values may fluctuate more than the value of similar securities that pay interest periodically. STRIPS are zero-coupon bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
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Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt — Sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; and Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness.
Investments in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments and their political subdivisions or agencies involve special risks not present in corporate debt obligations. Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due.
Sovereign debt differs from debt obligations issued by private entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore somewhat diminished when the issuer is a foreign government or its political subdivisions or agencies. Political conditions, especially a sovereign entity’s willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are of considerable significance. Also, holders of commercial bank debt issued by the same sovereign entity may contest payments to the holders of sovereign debt in the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.
A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, insufficient foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders, the failure to implement economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. Increased protectionism on the part of a country’s trading partners or political changes in those countries could also adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country’s trade account surplus, if any, or the credit standing of a particular local government or agency.
Sovereign debtors’ ability to repay their obligations may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from foreign governments or multinational agencies, the country’s access to trade and other international credits, and the country’s balance of trade. The receipt of assistance from other governments or multinational agencies is not assured. Assistance may be dependent on a country’s implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which may be politically difficult to implement. These measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. In the past, some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect a Fund’s investments. Political changes or a deterioration of a country’s domestic economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service their sovereign debt. While the Manager and sub-advisors endeavor to manage investments in a manner that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although most are dollar-denominated), and they are actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are not, however, considered to be U.S. Government Securities. Interest payments on Brady Bonds are often collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year’s rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to “value recovery payments” in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments, but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) collateralized interest payments; (iii) uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the “residual risk”). In the event of a default with respect to Collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments which would have been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. Brady Bonds involve various risk factors including residual risk and the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds in which a Fund may invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Supranational entities may also issue debt securities. Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Included among these organizations are the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal to the extent their assets are insufficient. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income. Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies, as described above in the section “Currencies Risk.”
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Supranational Risk — Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for initial and ongoing payments of interest and principal to the extent their assets are insufficient. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income. Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies, as described above in the section “Currencies Risk.”
Swap Agreements — A swap is a transaction in which a Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities or indices based on a specified amount (the “notional” amount). Nearly any type of derivative, including forward contracts, can be structured as a swap. See “Derivatives” for a further discussion of derivatives risks. Swap agreements can be structured to provide exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. For example, in an interest rate swap, fixed-rate payments may be exchanged for floating rate payments; in a currency swap, U.S. dollar-denominated payments may be exchanged for payments denominated in a foreign currency; and in a total return swap, payments tied to the investment return on a particular asset, group of assets or index may be exchanged for payments that are effectively equivalent to interest payments or for payments tied to the return on another asset, group of assets, or index. Swaps may have a leverage component, and adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in gains or losses that are substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself. Some swaps currently are, and more in the future will be, centrally cleared. Swaps that are centrally-cleared are exposed to the creditworthiness of the clearing organizations (and, consequently, that of their members - generally, banks and broker-dealers) involved in the transaction. For example, an investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if it breaches its agreement with the investor or becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be able to recover only a portion of the net amount of gains on its transactions and of the margin owed to it, potentially resulting in losses to the investor. Swaps that are not centrally cleared involve the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the agreement. If a counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of the swap might decline, potentially resulting in losses to a Fund. Changing conditions in a particular market area, whether or not directly related to the referenced assets that underlie the swap agreement, may have an adverse impact on the creditworthiness of a counterparty. To mitigate this risk, a Fund will only enter into swap agreements with counterparties considered by a sub-advisor to present minimum risk of default, and a Fund normally obtains collateral to secure its exposure. Swaps involve the risk that, if the swap declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require a Fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss, which may cause a Fund to owe money to the seller.
The centrally cleared and OTC swap agreements into which a Fund enters normally provide for the obligations of a Fund and its counterparty in the event of a default or other early termination to be determined on a net basis. Similarly, periodic payments on a swap transaction that are due by each party on the same day normally are netted. To the extent that a swap agreement is subject to netting, a Fund’s current cover and asset segregation responsibilities will normally be with respect to the net amount owed by a Fund. See “Cover and Asset Segregation” for additional discussion of these matters. However, a Fund may be required to segregate liquid assets equal to the full notional amount of certain swaps, such as written credit default swaps on physically settled forwards or written options. The amount that a Fund must segregate may be reduced by the value of any collateral that it has pledged to secure its own obligations under the swap. The use of swap agreements requires special skills, knowledge and investment techniques that differ from those required for normal portfolio management. Swaps may be considered illiquid investments, and a Fund may be unable to sell a swap agreement to a third party at a favorable price; see “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” for a description of liquidity risk. The income tax treatment of swap agreements is unsettled and may be subject to future legislation, regulations or administrative pronouncements issued by the IRS. If such future guidance limits a Fund’s ability to use derivatives, a Fund may have to find other ways of achieving its investment objective. The swaps market was largely unregulated prior to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act on July 21, 2010. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including the issuance of final implementing regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act, could adversely affect a Fund’s ability to enter into swaps in the OTC market (or require that certain of such instruments be exchange-traded and centrally-cleared), or require that a Fund support those trades with collateral, terminate new or existing swap agreements, or realize amounts to be received under such instruments. As discussed below, regulations have been adopted by the CFTC and banking regulators that will require a Fund to post margin on OTC swaps, and these regulations are currently being phased in and clearing organizations and exchanges will set minimum margin requirements for exchange-traded and cleared swaps. Due to these regulations, a Fund could be required to engage in greater documentation and recordkeeping with respect to swap agreements.
In late October of 2015, the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Farm Credit Administration and the Federal Housing Financing Authority issued final rules that require banks subject to their supervision to post and collect variation and initial margin in respect of their obligations arising under uncleared swap agreements. The CFTC soon after issued similar rules that apply to CFTC registered swap dealers and major swap participants that are not banks. Such rules, which became effective on March 1, 2017, generally require a Fund to segregate additional assets in order to meet the variation margin requirements when they enter into uncleared swap agreements. The European Supervisory Authorities (“ESA”), various national regulators in Europe, the Australian Securities & Investment Commission, the Japanese Financial Services Agency and the Canadian Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions adopted rules and regulations that are similar to that of the Federal Reserve.
Separately, the CFTC also provided no-action relief allowing investment advisers for registered investment companies and other institutional investors to apply a minimum transfer amount (“MTA”) of variation margin based upon the separately managed investment account or sleeve (“Sleeve”) that the adviser is responsible for, rather than having to calculate the MTA across all accounts of the investor. This relief is not time limited, and provides that the CFTC staff will not recommend an enforcement action against a swap dealer that does not comply with the MTA requirements in the CFTC’s regulations with respect to one or more swaps with any legal entity that is the owner of more than one Sleeve, subject to the following conditions: (1) any such swaps are entered into with the swap dealer by an asset manager on behalf of a Sleeve owned by the legal entity pursuant to authority
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granted under an investment management agreement; (2) the swaps of such Sleeve are subject to a master netting agreement that does not permit netting of initial or variation margin obligations across Sleeves of the legal entity that have swaps outstanding with the swap dealer; and (3) the swap dealer applies an MTA no greater than $50,000 to the initial and variation margin collection and posting obligations required of such Sleeve. The banking regulators have not provided similar relief, although swaps dealers subject to a banking regulator are expected to act in a manner consistent with the relief provided by the CFTC.

 

Currency Swaps. A currency swap involves the exchange of payments denominated in one currency for payments denominated in another. Payments are based on a notional principal amount, the value of which is fixed in exchange rate terms at the swap’s inception. Currency swap agreements may be entered into on a net basis or may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the entire principal value of another designated currency. In such cases, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual delivery obligations. Currency swaps are subject to currency risk.
 
Time-Zone Arbitrage — Investing in foreign securities may involve a greater risk for excessive trading due to “time-zone arbitrage.” If an event occurring after the close of a foreign market, but before the time a Fund computes its current NAV per share, causes a change in the price of the foreign securities and such price is not reflected in a Fund’s current NAV per share, investors may attempt to take advantage of anticipated price movements in securities held by a Fund based on such pricing discrepancies.
Trust Preferred Securities — A Fund may invest in trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities have the characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock. Generally, trust preferred securities are issued by a trust that is wholly owned by a financial institution or other corporate entity, typically a bank holding company. The financial institution creates the trust and owns the trust’s common securities. The trust uses the sale proceeds of its common securities to purchase subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt. The trust uses the funds received to make dividend payments to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The primary advantage of this structure is that the trust preferred securities are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes and as equity for the calculation of capital requirements.
Trust preferred securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated issuer. Typical characteristics include long-term maturities, early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the financial institution. The market value of trust preferred securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be thinly traded and a Fund may not be able to dispose of them at a favorable price. Trust preferred securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and subject to restrictions on resale. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of trust preferred securities and the ability of holders, such as a Fund, to sell their holdings. Please refer to “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” above for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints related to such securities. As the trust typically has no business operations other than to issue the trust preferred securities, the condition of the financial institution could have an impact on a Fund. If the financial institution defaults on interest payments to the trust, the trust will not be able to make dividend payments to holders of its securities, such as a Fund.
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. The market prices of U.S. Government agency securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. 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 and credit ratings. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Treasury inflation-indexed securities (formerly known as inflation-protected securities or “TIPS”) are U.S. Government Securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation (by reference to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics a part of the Department of Labor). The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any non-U.S. inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. The three-month lag in calculating the CPI-U for purposes of adjusting the principal value of U.S. TIPS may give rise to risks under certain circumstances.
The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the security this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation (but not below par value). Although repayment of the original principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds TIPS, a Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. Because the coupon rate on TIPS is lower than fixed-rate Treasury Department securities, the CPI-U would have to rise at least to the amount of the difference between the coupon rate of the fixed-rate Treasury Department issues and the coupon rate of the TIPS, assuming all other factors are equal, in order for such securities to match the performance of the fixed-rate Treasury Department securities. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation, (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be
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protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds’ inflation measure. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments thereon, but holders at maturity receive no less than par value. However, if a Fund purchases inflation-indexed securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, a Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation.
Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the CPI is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though the holder will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a “regulated investment company.” See “Tax Information.” If a Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount (“OID”) any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If a Fund purchases such securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having OID. Because a Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued OID), its investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require it to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, a Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.
Valuation Risk — This is the risk that a 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, such as certain credit-linked notes and other derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid, and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. A Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require a Fund to value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. No assurance can be given that such prices accurately reflect the price a Fund would receive upon sale of a security. An investment’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if a Fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a Fund determines its NAV.
Value Companies Risk — Value companies are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may go down. While a Fund’s investments in value stocks may limit its downside risk over time, a 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. A Fund’s investments in value stocks may underperform growth or non-value stocks that have a broader investment style.
Variable or Floating Rate ObligationsVariable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. A variable rate obligation has a coupon rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the coupon is based. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event based, such as based on a change in the prime rate. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons.
A Fund may invest in floaters and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every one or three months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide a Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, a Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.
Variable Rate Auction and Residual Interest Obligations — Variable rate auction and residual interest obligations are created when an issuer or dealer separates the principal portion of a long-term, fixed-rate municipal bond into two long-term, variable-rate instruments. The interest rate on one portion reflects short-term interest rates, while the interest rate on the other portion is typically higher than the rate available on the original fixed-rate bond.
Warrants — Warrants are options to purchase an issuer’s securities at a stated price during a stated term. If the market price of the underlying common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indices (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of the exercise. The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. Rights are short-term warrants issued in conjunction with new stock or bond issues. There is no specific limit on the percentage of assets a Fund may invest in rights and warrants.
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When-Issued and Forward Commitment Transactions — These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities with payment and delivery to take place at a future date, typically one to two months after the date of the transaction. The payment obligations and interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the transaction. These transactions enable a Fund to “lock-in” what the Manager or a sub-advisor, as applicable, believes to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, a Fund might purchase a security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and sell a similar security to settle such purchase, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. Forward commitment transactions are executed for existing obligations, whereas in a when-issued transaction, the obligations have not yet been issued.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of a Fund’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. Because a Fund has not yet paid for the securities, this produces an effect similar to leverage. A Fund does not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until the securities are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in its assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in a Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect.
If the other party fails to complete the trade, a Fund may lose the opportunity to obtain a favorable price. For purchases on a when-issued basis, the price of the security is fixed at the date of purchase, but delivery of and payment for the securities is not set until after the securities are issued. The value of when-issued securities is subject to market fluctuation during the interim period and no income accrues to a Fund until settlement takes place. 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. When-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its purchase or sale obligations.
A Fund currently maintains with its custodian segregated (or earmarked) liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the when-issued or forward commitment transaction. When entering into a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, a Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, a Fund may be disadvantaged. Inasmuch as a Fund covers its obligations under these transactions, the Manager and a Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of a Fund’s assets could impede a sub-advisor’s ability to manage a Fund’s portfolio.
OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund may:

Invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities that are investment grade at the time of purchase, including obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, master-demand notes, Yankee and Eurodollar bank certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper and other notes, inflation-indexed securities, and other debt securities. Investment grade securities include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two rating organizations rating that security, such as S&P Global, Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one rating organization if it is the only rating organization rating that security. Obligations rated in the fourth highest rating category are limited to 25% of each of these Funds’ debt allocations. These Funds, at the discretion of the Manager, or the applicable sub-advisor, may retain a debt security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria.

The American Beacon International Equity Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. debt securities that are rated at the time of purchase in one of the three highest rating categories by any rating organizations or, if unrated, are deemed to be of comparable quality by the applicable sub-advisor and traded publicly on a world market.
Each Fund may (except where otherwise indicated):

 

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.
 
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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 a Fund exceeds 33¹/3% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received). For purposes of complying with a Fund’s investment policies and restrictions, collateral received in connection with securities loans is deemed an asset of a Fund to the extent required by law.

 

4 Enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which securities are acquired by a 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 a Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. However, the Manager or the sub-advisors, as applicable, attempt 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 sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. A Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in Section 4(a)(2) securities and illiquid securities unless the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, determines that any Section 4(a)(2) securities held by such Fund in excess of this level are liquid.
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Policies. Each 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, a 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 a Fund. For this purpose, “all of a Fund’s investable assets” means that the only investment securities that will be held by a Fund will be a Fund’s interest in the investment company.
The Funds have no current intention to convert to a master-feeder structure, as permitted by the foregoing policy.
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following discusses the investment policies of each Fund.
The following restrictions have been adopted by each Fund and may be changed with respect to any such Fund only by the majority vote of that Fund’s outstanding voting securities. “Majority of the outstanding voting securities” under the Investment Company Act and as used herein means, with respect to each 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.
No Fund may (unless otherwise indicated):

 

1 Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that a Fund may 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.
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 a 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, a Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities law.

 

4 Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 a Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations, or (iv) by engaging in repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities.
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 a 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 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 a Fund’s total assets.

 

8 Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any one industry provided that: (i) this limitation does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities; and (ii) municipalities and their agencies and authorities are not deemed to be industries. For purposes of this restriction, the Fund will regard only tax-exempt securities issued by municipalities and their agencies not to be an industry.
 
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  American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any particular industry or group of industries provided that this limitation does not apply to (i) obligations issued by or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; and (ii) tax exempt securities issued by municipalities and their agencies and authorities.
 
The above percentage limits (except the limitation to 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. For purposes of each Fund’s policy 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 a Fund exceeds 33¹/3% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received).
For purposes of each Fund’s policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth above, “senior securities” are defined as Fund obligations that have a priority over the Funds’ shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The Investment Company Act prohibits the Funds from issuing any class of senior securities or selling any senior securities of which it is the issuer, except that the Funds are permitted to borrow from a bank so long as, immediately after such borrowings, there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of each Fund (not including borrowings for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets). In the event that such asset coverage falls below this percentage, each Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) so that the asset coverage is restored to at least 300%. Consistent with guidance issued by the SEC and its staff, the requisite asset coverage may vary among different types of instruments. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.
For purposes of each Fund’s industry concentration policy set forth above, the Manager may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and instrument and may assign an industry classification consistent with those characteristics. The Manager may, but need not, consider industry classifications provided by third parties, and the classifications applied to Fund investments will be informed by applicable law. A large economic or market sector shall not be construed as a single industry or group of industries. The Manager currently considers securities issued by a foreign government (but not the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) to be an “industry” subject to the 25% limitation. Thus, not more than 25% of a Fund’s total assets will be invested in securities issued by any one foreign government or supranational organization. A Fund might invest in certain securities issued by companies in a particular industry whose obligations are guaranteed by a foreign government. The Manager could consider such a company to be within the particular industry and, therefore, a Fund will invest in the securities of such a company only if it can do so under its industry concentration policy.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following non-fundamental investment restrictions apply to each Fund (except where noted otherwise) and may be changed with respect to each Fund by a vote of a majority of the Board. Each Fund may not (except where noted otherwise):

 

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 Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that a Fund may obtain such short term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases or sales of securities.

American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 with respect to each Fund, the other investment policies described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees.
TEMPORARY OR DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS
In times of unstable or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, where the Manager or a sub-advisor believes it is appropriate and in a Fund’s best interest, a 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 agencies 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 a 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 a Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover can increase a Fund’s transaction costs and generate additional capital gains or losses.
Portfolio turnover may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, investment strategy changes, and/or changes in a sub-advisor’s investment outlook.
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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
Each Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:

 

1 a complete list of holdings for each 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 (available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov);

 

2 a complete list of holdings for each Fund as of the end of each fiscal quarter in publicly available filings of Form N-PORT with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter (available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov);

 

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

 

4 ten largest holdings for each Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Funds’ website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) and in sales materials approximately fifteen days after the end of the calendar quarter.
 
Public disclosure of a 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 a Fund’s best interest. Disclosure of a Fund’s ten largest holdings may exclude U.S. Treasury securities and cash equivalent assets, although such holdings will be included in each Fund’s complete list of holdings.
Disclosure of Nonpublic Holdings. Occasionally, certain interested parties - including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute shares of the Funds, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and others - may request portfolio holdings information that has not yet been publicly disclosed by the Funds. The Funds’ 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 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 does not restrict a Fund from disclosing that a particular security is not a holding of the Fund. The Holdings Policy is summarized below.
A variety of third party service providers require access to Fund holdings to provide services to the Funds or to assist the Manager and a sub-advisor in managing the Funds (“service providers”). The service providers have a duty to keep the Funds’ nonpublic information confidential either through written contractual arrangements with the Funds (or another Fund service provider) or by the nature of their role with respect to the Funds (or the service provider). The Funds have 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 Funds have 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 Funds have 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
Securities lending agent for Funds that participate in securities lending, Funds’ custodian and foreign custody manager, and foreign sub-custodians
Complete list on intraday basis with no lag
Ernst & Young LLP
Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm
Complete list on annual basis with no lag
Abel Noser Corp.
Trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
ACA Performance Services
GIPS verification firm for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a monthly basis with lag
Advent/Tamale
Research management system for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with lag
Ashland Partners
Performance verification for a sub-advisor
Complete list on periodic basis with lag
BBH Infomediary
SWIFT messaging service provider for a 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
BondEdge
Financial analytic database
Partial list on a daily basis with lag
Broadridge/ProxyEdge
Proxy voting research provider for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with lag
Brown Brothers Harriman
Corporate Action Management for a sub-advisor
Complete List on a daily basis with no lag
Charles River Systems
Trade order management for sub-advisors
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Chicago Clearing
Class Actions
Complete list on a quarterly basis with no lag
Commcise
Transaction cost analysis, trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor
Partial list on daily basis with no lag
DTCC
Trade settlement services for a sub-advisor
Partial list on daily basis with no lag
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Service Provider
Service
Holdings Access
Eagle Investment Systems Corp.
Portfolio accounting system for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
Electra
Reconciliation System for sub-advisors
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Eze Castle
Trade order management for sub-advisors
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.
Performance and portfolio analytics reporting for the Manager and sub-advisors
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
FIS
Portfolio Accounting for a sub-advisor
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Fiserv
Portfolio Accounting
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
FXTransparency
Trade Execution Assessment
Complete list on weekly basis with no lag
Glass Lewis & Co
Proxy voting services for sub-advisor
Partial list on a periodic basis with lag
IEX Data Analytics LLC (IEX Astral)
Analytical and reporting tool for a sub-advisor
Partial list on daily basis with no lag
Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”)
Proxy voting research provider to sub-advisors, and share recall services provider to the Manager
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Investment Technology Group, Inc.
Fair valuation of portfolio securities for Funds with significant foreign securities holdings; transaction cost analysis for sub-advisor
Complete list on daily basis with no lag and more frequently when the Manager seeks advice with respect to certain holdings
KPMG International
Service provider to State Street
Complete list on annual basis with lag
LexisNexis
OFAC compliance service for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a weekly basis with lag
MSCI Barra, Inc.
Analytics platform to support portfolio risk management for a sub-advisor
Complete list on daily basis with no lag
Northern Trust
Back Office Operation for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
Omgeo LLC
Automated trade matching service for sub-advisors
Partial list on a daily basis with no lag
Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC
Provides certain administrative services related to the equitization of cash balances for certain Funds
Partial list on a daily basis with no lag
Portia
Portfolio Accounting for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
Russell
Ratings Agency
Complete list on a daily basis with lag
SS&C Advent
Portfolio Accounting for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with lag
SS&C Eze
Trading and Order Management for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
SS&C Vision FI
Client and investor reporting system for a sub-advisor
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
Street Account
Investment research for a sub-advisor
Partial list on a periodic basis with lag
Varden Technologies, Inc.
Client and investor reporting system
Complete list on a daily basis with no lag
Virtu ITG LLC
Transaction cost analysis Trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor
Partial list on a daily basis with 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 Funds’ portfolio securities, pricing services, legal counsel, and issuers (or their agents). Broker-dealers utilized by the Funds 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 Funds. If the Funds participate in securities lending activities, potential borrowers of the Funds’ securities receive information pertaining to the Funds’ securities available for loan. Such information is provided on a current basis with no lag. The Funds utilize 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 Funds 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 Funds do not have written contractual arrangements with these third parties regarding the confidentiality of the holdings information. However, the Funds would not continue to utilize a third party that the Manager determined to have misused nonpublic holdings information.
The Funds have ongoing arrangements to provide periodic holdings information to certain organizations that publish ratings and/or rankings for the Funds or that redistribute the Funds’ holdings to financial intermediaries to facilitate their analysis of the Funds. The Funds have 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 Funds 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 Funds’ website.
No compensation or other consideration may be paid to the Funds, the Funds’ 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:
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1 Recipients of portfolio holdings information must agree in writing to keep the information confidential until it has been posted to the Funds’ 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 Funds, 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 Funds, 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 a 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 Funds 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 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 Funds’ SAI.
The Manager and sub-advisors to the Funds may manage substantially similar portfolios for clients other than the Funds. Those other clients may receive and publicly disclose their portfolio holdings information prior to public disclosure by the Funds. The Holdings Policy is not intended to limit the Manager or the sub-advisors from making such disclosures to their clients.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
A 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, a 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. A Fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time. A Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, it is the Funds’ policy to attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that a Fund determines are material to its interests. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33¹/3% of the value of a Fund’s total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan). The Funds will receive collateral consisting of cash in the form of cash or cash equivalents, securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, approved bank letters of credit, or other forms of collateral that are permitted by the SEC for registered investment companies, 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, a Fund will reinvest the cash and may pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral. Under the terms of the securities loan agreement between the Funds and State Street, their securities lending agent, State Street indemnifies the Funds for certain losses resulting from a borrower default. However, should the borrower of the securities fail financially, a Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. In a loan transaction, a Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. A Fund seeks to minimize this risk by normally 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.
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. The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities.
As of the date of this SAI, each Fund, except the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, intends to engage in securities lending activities.
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 Funds, which includes the general oversight and review of the Funds’ investment activities, in accordance with federal law and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the stated policies of the Funds. The Board oversees the Trust’s officers and service providers, including American Beacon, which is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Funds 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 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 the Funds, the Board oversees the management of risks relating to the administration and operation of the Trust and the Funds. American Beacon, as part of its responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Funds, is responsible for day-to-day risk management for the Funds. The Board, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, also separately considers potential risks that may impact the Funds. The Board performs this risk management oversight directly and, as to certain matters, through its committees (described
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below) and through the Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (“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 Funds.
In general, a 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 Funds. In addition, under the general oversight of the Board, American Beacon, each Fund’s investment adviser, and other service providers to the Funds have themselves adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the Funds. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Further, American Beacon as manager of the Funds oversees and regularly monitors the investments, operations and compliance of the Funds’ investment advisers.
The Board also oversees risk management for the Trust and the Funds 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 Funds’ 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 Funds. 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 Funds’ CCO, on a periodic or regular basis. At least annually, the Board receives a report from the Funds’ CCO regarding the effectiveness of the Funds’ compliance program. Also, typically 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 Audit and Compliance Committee meets with the Funds’ CCO to discuss matters relating to the Funds’ compliance program.
Board Structure and Related Matters
Independent Trustees constitute at least three-quarters of the Board. Brenda A. Cline, 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 Independent Trustees; and serving as a liaison with other Trustees, the Trust’s officers and other management personnel, and counsel to the Funds. 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 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 process, typically performed annually, by which the Board considers and approves each Fund’s investment advisory agreement with American Beacon, while specific matters related to oversight of the Funds’ 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 in the Trust, the number of series of the American Beacon Funds Complex overseen by the Board, the arrangements for the conduct of the Funds’ 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 28 series within the American Beacon Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and 1 series within the American Beacon Select Funds. The same persons who constitute the Board of the Trust also constitute the Board of the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts’ combined 30 series.
The Board holds five (5) 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 Retirement Plan 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 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement.*
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Name (Age)*
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Eugene J. Duffy (67)**
Trustee since 2008
Trustee since 2017
Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial Administrative Corporation (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-2016); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Gilbert G. Alvarado (52)
Trustee since 2015
Trustee since 2017
President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-Present); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Joseph B. Armes (60)
Trustee since 2015
Trustee since 2017
Director, Switchback Energy Acquisition (2019-2021); Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (investment company) (2014-2017); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-2018); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Gerard J. Arpey (63)
Trustee since 2012
Trustee since 2017
Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-Present); Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD) (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Brenda A. Cline (61)
Chair since 2019
Vice Chair 2018
Trustee since 2004
Chair since 2019
Vice Chair 2018
Trustee since 2017
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End (2) and Open-End Funds (3) (2017-Present); Chair, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021); Chair, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021).
Claudia A. Holz (64)
Trustee since 2018
Trustee since 2018
Independent Director, Blue Owl Capital, Inc. (2021-Present); Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Douglas A. Lindgren (60)
Trustee since 2018
Trustee since 2018
CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Consultant, Carne Financial Services (2017-2019); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Barbara J. McKenna (58)
Trustee since 2012
Trustee since 2017
President/Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
* The Board has adopted a retirement policy that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.
** Mr. Duffy is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by virtue of his position with Mesirow Financial, Inc., a broker-dealer.
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.
Gilbert G. Alvarado: Mr. Alvarado has extensive organizational management and financial experience as senior vice president and chief financial officer in public charities and private foundations, service as director of private companies and non-profit organizations, service as president of non-profit institutional investment fund, an adjunct professor for a non-profit school of management at University of San Francisco, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
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Joseph B. Armes: Mr. Armes has extensive financial, investment and organizational management experience as chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of an investment company listed on NASDAQ, president and chief executive officer of a private family investment vehicle, chief operating officer of a private holding company for a family office, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer and director of a special purpose acquisition company listed on the American Stock Exchange, a director and audit committee chair of an oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and as an officer of public companies and as a director and officer of private companies, and multiple years of service as a 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, service to several charitable organizations, 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 director, trustee, audit committee chair, and member of the nominating and governance committees of various publicly held companies and mutual funds, service as a trustee to a private university, and several charitable boards, 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 a financial services industry association, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Claudia A. Holz: Ms. Holz has extensive financial audit and organizational management experience obtained as an audit partner with a major public accounting firm for over 27 years. Prior to her retirement, she led audits of large public investment company complexes and held several management roles in the firm’s New York and national offices.
Douglas A. Lindgren: Mr. Lindgren has extensive senior management experience in the asset management industry, having overseen several organizations and numerous fund structures and having served as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School.
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, member of numerous financial services industry associations, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Committees of the Board
The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee (“Audit Committee”). The Audit Committee consists of Ms. Holz, and Messrs. Duffy, Armes and Alvarado (Chair). Ms. Cline, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. 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 four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee (“Nominating Committee”) that is comprised of Messrs. Armes (Chair), Arpey and Duffy, and Ms. Cline. 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 Chair 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 Funds shareholders; and (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. 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 Funds, and must otherwise comply with the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of Ms. McKenna (Chair), and Messrs. Arpey and Lindgren. Ms. Cline, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Investment Committee in an ex-officio non-voting 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 Funds; (b) to evaluate recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to the Funds; (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 objectives or principal investment strategies of the Funds; 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 four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
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Trustee Ownership in the Funds
The following tables show the amount of equity securities owned in the Funds and all series of the American Beacon Funds Complex by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2021.
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
American Beacon Fund
Duffy
American Beacon Balanced Fund
None
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
None
American Beacon International Equity Fund
None
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
None
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
None
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
None
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (30 Funds as of December 31, 2021)
Over $100,000
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
American Beacon Fund
Alvarado
Armes
Arpey
Cline
Holz
Lindgren
McKenna
American Beacon Balanced Fund
None
None
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
None
None
None
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
None
None
None
None
$10,001- $50,000
None
None
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$10,001- $50,000
None
Over $100,000
$10,001- $50,000
None
None
None
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
None
None
None
None
$10,001- $50,000
None
None
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
None
None
None
None
$10,001- $50,000
None
None
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (30 Funds as of December 31, 2021)
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Trustee Compensation
As compensation for their service to the American Beacon Funds Complex, including the Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $130,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for telephonic attendance, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special telephonic Board meeting; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by videoconference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time.
For her service as Board Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although she attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, she receives a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at the Audit Committee and Investment Committee meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.
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The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
Name of Trustee
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
Total Compensation from the Trusts
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Eugene J. Duffy
$185,690
$190,000
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Gilbert G. Alvarado
$215,009
$220,000
Joseph B. Armes
$199,861
$204,500
Gerard J. Arpey
$190,576
$195,000
Brenda A. Cline1
$239,442
$245,000
Claudia A. Holz
$191,065
$195,500
Douglas A. Lindgren
$193,508
$198,000
Barbara J. McKenna
$215,009
$220,000
R. Gerald Turner1,2
$46,178
$47,250
1 Upon retirement from the Board, each of these current and former Trustees is eligible for flight benefits afforded to Trustees who served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.
2 Dr. Turner received compensation from the Trust prior to and up to his retirement from the Board on December 31, 2020.
The Boards adopted a Trustee Retirement Plan. The Trustee Retirement Plan provides that a Trustee who has served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008, and who has reached a mandatory retirement age established by the Board (currently 75) is eligible to elect Trustee Emeritus status (“Eligible Trustees”). Ms. Cline is the only Eligible Trustee. Eligible Trustees who have served on the Board of one or more Trusts for at least five years may elect to retire from the Board at an earlier age and immediately assume Trustee Emeritus status. The Board has determined that, other than the Trustee Retirement Plan established for Eligible Trustees, no other retirement benefits will accrue for current or future Trustees.
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) for a maximum period of 10 years, depending upon length of service prior to September 12, 2008. Eligible Trustees may opt to receive instead an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits. No retirement benefits are accrued for Board service after September 12, 2008.
A Trustee Emeritus must be reasonably available to provide advice, counseling and assistance to the Trustees and American Beacon as needed, as agreed to from time to time by the parties involved; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Funds. Currently, three individuals who retired from the Board and accrued retirement benefits for periods prior to September 12, 2008, have assumed Trustee Emeritus status. Two individuals and their spouses receive annual flight benefits of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines. The other individual receives an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits.
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 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. 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 Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust.
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Name (Age)
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
OFFICERS
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (67)
President since 2009
President since 2017
President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Topco, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager and President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman and President and CEO Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director and Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC (2019-2021); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-2018); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (47)
Vice President since 2010
Vice President since 2017
Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President and COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President and COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2017-Present), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); Director and Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings, LLC (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
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Name (Age)
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
Rosemary K. Behan (63)
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2017
Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2006-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2006-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present).; Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2015-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2015-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC (2019-2021); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Brian E. Brett (61)
Vice President since 2004
Vice President since 2017
Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Vice President (2017-2018), Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Paul B. Cavazos (52)
Vice President since 2016
Vice President since 2017
Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Erica B. Duncan (51)
Vice President since 2011
Vice President since 2017
Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Terri L. McKinney (58)
Vice President since 2010
Vice President since 2017
Senior Vice President, (2021-Present) Vice President, (2009-2021), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2018-2021), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Samuel J. Silver (59)
Vice President since 2011
Vice President since 2017
Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Melinda G. Heika (60)
Vice President since 2021
Vice President since 2021
Senior Vice President, (2021-Present) Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
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Name (Age)
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
Sonia L. Bates (65)
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2021
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2021
Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Director, Fund and Tax Reporting (2011-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).
Christina E. Sears (50)
Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Assistant Secretary since 1999
Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary since 2017
Chief Compliance Officer, (2004-Present) Vice President (2019-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC (2019-2021); Chief Compliance Officer, RSW Investments Holdings, LLC (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2019) and Vice President (2016-2020), Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (2018-2019) and Vice President (2018-Present), Continuous Capital, LLC.; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Shelley L. Dyson (52)
Assistant Treasurer since 2021
Assistant Treasurer since 2021
Manager, Tax (2014-2020); Fund Tax Manager (2020-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Assistant Treasurer (2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.
Shelley D. Abrahams (47)
Assistant Secretary since 2008
Assistant Secretary since 2017
Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-Present), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Rebecca L. Harris (55)
Assistant Secretary since 2010
Assistant Secretary since 2017
Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2011-2021), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2015-2021), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Michael D. Jiang (37)
Assistant Secretary since 2021
Assistant Secretary since 2021
Assistant Secretary (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President (2018-2021), Second Vice President (2015-2018), The Northern Trust Company; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).
Teresa A. Oxford (63)
Assistant Secretary since 2015
Assistant Secretary since 2017
Assistant Secretary (2015-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2018-2021), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2016-2020), Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC; Assistant Secretary (2020-Present), Continuous Capital, LLC.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
CODE OF ETHICS
The Manager, the Trust, the Distributor, and the sub-advisors each have 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 the Trust’s Code of Ethics requires 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.
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PROXY VOTING POLICIES
From time to time, a 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 each Fund’s shareholders and has delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager. The Manager in turn has delegated proxy voting authority to each sub-advisor with respect to a Fund’s assets under the sub-advisor’s management. The Trust has adopted a Proxy Policy that governs proxy voting by the Manager and sub-advisors, including procedures to address potential conflicts of interest between a Fund’s shareholders and the Manager, the sub-advisors or their affiliates. The Board 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 Proxy Policy. The sub-advisors’ proxy voting policy and procedures are summarized (or included in their entirety) in Appendix B. The Funds’ 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.
The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund does not intend to own a security whose issuer solicits proxy votes.
CONTROL PERSONS AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS
A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of a 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 a Fund. The actions of an entity or person that controls a Fund could have an effect on other shareholders. For instance, a control person may have effective voting control over a Fund or large redemptions by a control person could cause a Fund’s other shareholders to pay a higher pro rata portion of a Fund’s expenses.
Set forth below are entities or persons that own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Funds as of February 1, 2022. The Trustees and officers as a group own 10.53% of the R5 Class shares of the American Beacon Balanced Fund. The Trustees and officers of the Trusts, as a group, own less than 1% of all other classes of each Fund’s shares outstanding.
American Beacon Balanced Fund
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
Advisor Class
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS*
15.04%
8.61%
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE*
14.15%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS
9601 E PANORAMA CIR
ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
6.38%
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC OMNIBUS*
7.33%
ACCT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BEN OF CUST
4 CHASE METROTECH CTR FL 3RD
BROOKLYN NY 11245-0003
LPL FINANCIAL*
27.12%
32.78%
19.86%
23.16%
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091
MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &*
8.69%
11.15%
SMITH INC (HOUSE ACCOUNT)
THE AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC*
18.64%
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST
1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
Advisor Class
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
NEW YORK NY 10004-1932
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
6.90%
42.08%
6.44%
12.15%
23.21%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
PERSHING LLC*
5.09%
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001
RAYMOND JAMES*
6.87%
8.94%
OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
TD AMERITRADE INC FOR THE*
9.08%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
UBS WM USA*
15.13%
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC*
10.75%
17.29%
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
2801 MARKET ST
ST LOUIS MO 63103-2523
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH TEXAS
8.06%
777 MAIN ST STE 2850
FORT WORTH TX 76102-5304
G & L FAMILY PARTNERS LTD
10.53%
PO BOX 219643
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9643
MG TRUST COMPANY CUST. FBO
5.08%
TRUTAG TECHNOLOGIES 401(K) PLAN
717 17TH STREET
SUITE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY FSB
5.16%
6.59%
C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING
PO BOX 182029
COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029
RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY FBO
59.02%
28.68%
MASSMUTUAL REGISTERED PRODUCT
PO BOX 28004
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
Advisor Class
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
ATLANTA GA 30358-0004
SAXON & CO.
4.93%
VI OMNIBUS ACCOUNT VICA
PO BOX 94597
CLEVELAND OH 44101-4597
VANTAGEPOINT TRADITIONAL IRA
13.30%
C/O MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT
777 NORTH CAPITOL STREET, NE
WASHINGTON DC 20002-4239
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
46.51%
18.11%
SPECIAL CUST A/C
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
LPL FINANCIAL*
49.80%
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
24.12%
70.33%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
MITRA & CO FBO FCB DB
10.88%
C/O RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY WI
MAILCODE: BD1N - ATTN: MF
4900 W BROWN DEER RD
MILWAUKEE WI 53223-2422
MITRA & CO FBO FCB
16.28%
C/O RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY WI
MAILCODE: BD1N - ATTN: MF
4900 W BROWN DEER RD
MILWAUKEE WI 53223-2422
TD AMERITRADE INC FBO
8.81%
OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
UBATCO & CO
49.84%
99.10%
FBO COLLEGE SAVINGS GROUP
PO BOX 82535
LINCOLN NE 68501-2535
VALLEE & CO FBO FCB
30.72%
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
C/O RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY WI
MAILCODE: BD1N - ATTN: MF
4900 W BROWN DEER RD
MILWAUKEE WI 53223-2422
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only
American Beacon International Equity Fund
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 Class
Advisor Class
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS*
5.01%
6.24%
19.03%
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE*
19.21%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS
9601 E PANORAMA CIR
ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
35.94%
8.44%
19.92%
SPECIAL CUST A/C
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
9.94%
21.42%
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
LPL FINANCIAL*
17.38%
OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT
ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091
MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &*
4.99%
SMITH INC (HOUSE ACCOUNT)
THE AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
10.86%
15.91%
35.85%
52.71%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
RAYMOND JAMES*
14.33%
OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 Class
Advisor Class
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
TD AMERITRADE INC FOR THE*
6.88%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
COLORADO RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION FBO
34.56%
C/O FASCORE LLC
8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2
GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002
DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
5.13%
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH STREET
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
GREAT-WEST TRUST COMPANY LLC FBO
16.95%
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS 401K
8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2
GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002
GREAT-WEST TRUST COMPANY LLC TTEE F
10.92%
GREAT WEST IRA ADVANTAGE
C/O FASCORE LLC
8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2
GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002
NABANK & CO.
6.19%
PO BOX 2180
TULSA OK 74101-2180
NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY FSB
67.30%
C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING
PO BOX 182029
COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029
RELIANCE TRUST CO AS TTEE AND/OR
5.24%
CUST FBO ADP ACCESS LARGE MARKET
401 (K) PLAN
201 17TH ST NW STE 1000
ATLANTA GA 30363-1195
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
9.38%
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN
FBO ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN STREET
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
VOYA RETIREMENT INSURANCE AND
5.74%
ANNUITY COMPANY
ATTN MICHAEL KAMINSKI
ONE ORANGE WAY
WINDSOR CT 06095-4773
VRSCO
10.04%
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 Class
Advisor Class
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
FBO AIGFSB CUST TTEE FBO
MIAMI JEWISH HEALTH SYSTEM 403B
2727-A ALLEN PARKWAY, 4-D1
HOUSTON TX 77019-2107
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE*
23.74%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS
9601 E PANORAMA CIR
ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
6.11%
8.18%
SPECIAL CUST A/C
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
4.94%
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
LPL FINANCIAL*
18.79%
50.43%
24.45%
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091
MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &*
5.91%
15.36%
8.00%
SMITH INC (HOUSE ACCOUNT)
THE AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
23.53%
9.10%
34.25%
39.04%
55.29%
47.81%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
PERSHING LLC*
7.06%
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001
RAYMOND JAMES*
9.86%
OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
UBS WM USA*
30.58%
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC*
12.23%
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
2801 MARKET ST
ST LOUIS MO 63103-2523
DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
5.17%
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
9.10%
8.16%
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH STREET
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES CO
5.60%
FBO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 401K PLAN
PO BOX 7876
FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876
MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO
14.69%
1295 STATE ST MTP C105
SPRINGFIELD MA 01111-0001
MATRIX TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO
5.46%
NATIONAL PETROLEUM COUNCIL RETIREME
PO BOX 52129
PHOENIX AZ 85072-2129
PIMS/PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT
12.01%
AS NOMINEE FOR THE TTEE/CUST PL 008
EVONIK CORPORATION 401(K)
299 JEFFERSON RD
PARSIPPANY NJ 07054-2827
RELIANCE TRUST CO FBO
34.50%
MM STATIONARY ENGINEERS LOCAL 39 15
PO BOX 78446
ATLANTA GA 30357-2446
RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY FBO
5.57%
MASSMUTUAL REGISTERED PRODUCT
PO BOX 28004
ATLANTA GA 30358-0004
VRSCO
5.29%
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
FBO AIGFSB CUST TTEE FBO
NASSAU HEALTHCARE CORPORATION 457
2727-A ALLEN PARKWAY, 4-D1
HOUSTON TX 77019-2107
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage(listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS*
12.11%
7.72%
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE*
15.25%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS
9601 E PANORAMA CIR
ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
37.08%
19.34%
SPECIAL CUST A/C
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
6.89%
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901
LPL FINANCIAL*
5.19%
8.57%
9.38%
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
32.45%
14.14%
22.10%
91.45%
5.41%
26.90%
62.71%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
PERSHING LLC*
8.51%
18.50%
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001
RAYMOND JAMES*
9.41%
OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
TD AMERITRADE INC FOR THE*
11.81%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage(listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
UBS WM USA*
15.73%
25.23%
6.96%
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
24.16%
8.21%
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH STREET
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
FIIOC CUST FBO
6.17%
APSI CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
RETIREMENT PLAN
100 MAGELLAN WAY #KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
GREAT-WEST LIFE AND ANNUITY
13.92%
FBO FUTURE FUNDS II
8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2
GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002
MATRIX TRUST COMPANY AS AGENT FOR
17.75%
NEWPORT TRUST COMPANY
ROCKHURST HIGH SCHOOL RETIREMENT
35 IRON POINT CIRCLE
FOLSOM CA 95630-8587
RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY FBO
5.80%
MASSMUTUAL REGISTERED PRODUCT
PO BOX 28004
ATLANTA GA 30358-0004
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
49.62%
10.47%
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN
FBO ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN STREET
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS*
6.58%
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
10.59%
5.19%
20.40%
20.92%
SPECIAL CUST A/C
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
11.92%
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
LPL FINANCIAL*
27.77%
45.63%
4707 EXECUTIVE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
25.03%
7.48%
13.85%
55.02%
6.74%
40.93%
46.07%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
RAYMOND JAMES*
6.15%
OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
UMB BANK CUSTODIAN*
19.29%
SECURITY FINANCIAL RESOURCES
1 SW SECURITY BENEFIT PL
TOPEKA KS 66636-1000
DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
13.99%
16.33%
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH STREET
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
GREAT-WEST TRUST COMPANY LLC FBO
15.45%
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS 401K
8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2
GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002
LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES COMPANY
5.29%
PO BOX 7876
FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876
NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY FSB
5.22%
C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING
PO BOX 182029
COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029
T ROWE PRICE RETIREMENT PLAN
7.96%
SERVICES FBO RETIREMENT PLAN
CLIENTS
4515 PAINTERS MILL RD
OWINGS MILLS MD 21117-4903
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
A CLASS
C CLASS
Y CLASS
R6 CLASS
Advisor CLASS
R5 CLASS
Investor CLASS
TALCOTT RESOLUTION LIFE INSURANCE
9.70%
COMPANY
PO BOX 5051
HARTFORD CT 06102-5051
VOYA INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY
13.72%
ONE ORANGE WAY B3N
WINDSOR CT 06095-4773
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The Funds’ sub-advisors are listed below with information regarding their controlling persons or entities. According to the Investment Company Act, a person or entity with control with respect to an investment advisor 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 a sub-advisor may be considered affiliates of a Fund for which the sub-advisor manages a portion of the Fund’s assets.
American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
American Century Companies, Inc.
Parent Company
Holding Company
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Ownership of Parent Company
Medical Research
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (“Barrow”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Perpetual Limited
Parent Company
Financial Services
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Legg Mason, Inc.
Direct Owner
Financial Services
Franklin Resources, Inc.
Indirect Owner
Financial Services
Causeway Capital Management LLC (“Causeway”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Causeway Capital Holdings LLC
Parent Company
Parent Company
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. (“Garcia Hamilton”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
New Southwest GP Holdings, Inc.
General Partner, wholly owned by Gilbert Andrew Garcia
Financial Services
Gilbert Andrew Garcia
Managing Partner and majority shareholder
Financial Services
Janna Hamilton
Partner
Financial Services
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC (“Hotchkis”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
HWCap Holdings, LLC
Majority Owner
Financial Services
Stephens-H&W, LLC
Minority Owner
Financial Services
Lazard Asset Management LLC (“Lazard”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
Parent Company
Financial Services
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Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Sun Life Financial, Inc
Majority Owner
Financial Services
Newton Investment Management North America LLC (“NIMNA”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Parent Company
Financial Services
Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Richard S. Pzena
Majority Owner
Financial Services
Pzena Investment Management, Inc.
Minority Owner
Financial Services
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P. (“WEDGE”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
16 General Partners
Ownership
Financial Services
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with each sub-advisor pursuant to which a Fund has agreed to pay its sub-advisor an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily based on a percentage of the applicable Fund’s average daily net assets. Each 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 applicable 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 Agreements will continue in effect from year to year 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 Investment Advisory 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.
MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, SECURITIES LENDING, AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The Manager
The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039 is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms. The address of Kelso and its investment funds is 320 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The address of Estancia and its investment fund is 20865 N 90th Place, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. The address of RIH is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

Listed below are individuals and entities that may be deemed control persons of the Manager.
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC
Parent Company
Holding Company - Founded in 2015
Kelso Investment Associates VIII
Ownership in Parent Company
Investment Fund
The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for providing each Fund with management and administrative services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares of a Fund based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class. The Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of a Fund’s average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:
The Manager is paid a management fee for all Funds except Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund based on the following schedule:
First $15 billion
0.35%
Next $15 billion
0.325%
Over $30 billion
0.30%
The Manager also receives a fee of 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund as compensation for the management of a portion of the Fund’s assets.
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For the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, the Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized fee based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:
First $5 billion
0.35%
Next $5 billion
0.325%
Next $10 billion
0.30%
Over $20 billion
0.275%
Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, 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;

 

supervising the provision of services to the Trust by third parties; and

 

administering the interfund lending facility and lines of credit, if applicable.
 
In addition to its oversight of the sub-advisors, the Manager may invest the portion of a Fund’s assets that a sub-advisor determines to be allocated to short-term investments.

The Funds are 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 a 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 a 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 service providers providing reports regarding adherence by sub-advisors to the investment style of a Fund; fees paid for brokerage commission analysis for the purpose of monitoring best execution practices of the sub-advisors; and any extraordinary expenses of a nonrecurring nature.
The Manager has contractually agreed from time to time to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses for each Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for each Fund. The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of a Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund. The Board approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for such fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by a Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.
The following tables show the total management fees paid to the Manager for management and administrative services and the investment advisory fees paid to each sub-advisor based on each Fund’s average daily net assets for each Fund’s three most recent fiscal years ended October 31. The following tables also show the management fees waived or recouped by the Manager and the sub-advisory fees waived by a sub-advisor, if applicable. The fees paid to the Manager were equal to 0.35% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In the tables below, the fees paid to the sub-advisors are expressed both as a dollar amount and percentage of a Fund’s average daily net assets.
Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$961,308
$712,814
$659,962
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
$1,226,446
$1,316,398
$1,272,684
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$9,964,028
$8,699,005
$8,961,334
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$19,827,185
$15,579,605
$14,897,334
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$2,057,593
$1,284,512
$783,446
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$22,057,579
$17,951,193
$21,141,368
Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$483,500
$668,217
$300,641
0.18%
0.33%*
0.17%
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
$701,153
$753,418
$727,476
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%
American Beacon International Equity Fund**
$7,300,810
$6,396,045
$6,533,628
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Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)
Fund
2019
2020
2021
0.26%
0.26%
0.26%
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$11,322,783
$8,776,186
$8,420,545
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$2,584,424
$1,742,115
$1,107,738
0.41%
0.48%
0.48%
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$24,902,415
$19,333,482
$23,358,692
0.38%
0.38%
0.38%
* This includes a non-recurring payment of accrued sub-advisory fees of 0.16%. The effective fee rate would have been 0.17% without this payment.
** Sub-Advisor Fees includes fees paid to Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC (“Templeton”), formerly a sub-advisor of the American Beacon International Equity Fund (“International Equity Fund”), for the Fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, and through January 29, 2020. On January 29, 2020, American Century Investment Management, Inc. was appointed a sub-advisor to the International Equity Fund and Templeton was terminated as a sub-advisor to the International Equity Fund.
Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped*
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$0
$0
$0
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
$(587,440)
$(724,147)
$(720,361)
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$(37,331)
$(20,628)
$(2,734)
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$(108,310)
$(64,045)
$0
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$0
$0
$(118,457)
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$0
$0
$0
* The sub-advisors for the Funds have not waived fees during the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31.
Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped for periods prior to 2020 reflect a revision to the order in which management fees waived and expenses reimbursed are deducted from the total fees waived and expense reimbursement amounts reported in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders. The revision was implemented in 2020.
Distribution Fees
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 Advisor Class shares, and up to 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class shares of the Funds 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, C Class, and Advisor Class advertising material and sales literature. The Manager will receive Rule 12b-1 fees from the A Class, C Class, and Advisor 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, C Class, and Advisor Class shares. The Manager anticipates that the Rule 12b-1 plan will benefit shareholders by providing broader access to a Fund through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries who require compensation for their expenses in order to offer shares of the Funds. The Board has not authorized Y Class, R5 Class, R6 Class or Investor Class shares of a Fund to pay any fees pursuant to a distribution plan. Distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 were:
A Class
Fund
Distribution Fee
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$31,913
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$27,232
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$48,708
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$9,570
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$156,772
C Class
Fund
Distribution Fee
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$259,316
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$44,431
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$62,307
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$29,688
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$110,746
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Advisor Class
Fund
Distribution Fee
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$5,173
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$47,633
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$147,277
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$2,141
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$130,092
Certain sub-advisors of the Funds or other series of the American Beacon Funds contribute to the Manager to support the Funds’ distribution activities.
Service Plan Fees
The A Class, C Class, Advisor Class, and Investor Class have each adopted a Service Plan (collectively, the “Service Plans”). The Service 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 and up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class shares, C Class shares, and Advisor Class shares. In addition, a Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and R5 Class shares. R6 Class shares will not reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. 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, R5 Class, Advisor 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 each Fund’s “Other Expenses” in the Table of Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, will be payable monthly in arrears. The primary non-distribution shareholder fees paid to financial intermediaries, such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers, generally include shareholder servicing, record keeping and servicing fees.
Service Plan fees paid by the A Class, C Class, Advisor Class and Investor Class shares of each Fund pursuant to the applicable Service Plan for the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31 are set forth below.
A Class
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$18,015
$12,276
$11,684
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$23,354
$17,544
$16,348
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$72,845
$48,190
$21,723
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$15,643
$3,210
$5,274
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$125,754
$99,617
$124,070
C Class
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$33,747
$20,582
$18,636
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$6,893
$4,541
$4,715
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$6,803
$5,086
$5,423
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$5,442
$3,388
$2,963
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$16,284
$13,102
$15,153
Advisor Class
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$14,548
$4,798
$4,618
American International Equity Fund
$110,520
$90,049
$46,182
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$164,549
$139,109
$147,343
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$7,805
$5,318
$1,996
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$194,862
$100,545
$130,077
Investor Class
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$323,952
$254,411
$255,866
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
$54,616
$22,007
$1,645
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$822,238
$545,988
$404,950
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$4,535,505
$3,177,910
$3,146,405
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Investor Class
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$839,240
$500,137
$233,730
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$1,604,605
$1,251,889
$1,423,149
Securities Lending Fees
As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by a Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers when a borrower posts collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees.
Securities lending income is generated from the demand premium (if any) paid by the borrower to borrow a specific security and from the return on investment of cash collateral, reduced by negotiated rebate fees paid to the borrower and transaction costs. To the extent that a loan is secured by non-cash collateral, securities lending income is generated as a demand premium reduced by transaction costs. As of the date of this SAI, the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund does not intend to engage in securities lending activities.
Fees received by the Manager from securities lending for the last three fiscal years ended October 31 were approximately as follows:
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$661
$869
$2,237
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
-
-
-
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$100,599
$52,945
$113,627
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$15,156
$31,383
$59,470
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$1,746
$4,974
$930
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$212,913
$141,442
$121,008
State Street serves as securities lending agent for each Fund that engages in securities lending and, in that role, administers each Fund’s securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending authorization agreement entered into between each Fund and State Street (“Securities Lending Agreement”).
As securities lending agent, State Street is responsible for the implementation and administration of each Fund’s securities lending program. State Street’s responsibilities include: (1) lending available securities to approved borrowers; (2) continually monitoring the creditworthiness of approved borrowers and potential borrowers; (3) determining whether a loan shall be made and negotiating the terms and conditions of the loan with the borrower, provided that such terms and conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Securities Lending Agreement; (4) receiving and holding, on the Fund’s behalf, or transferring to a fund account, upon instruction by the Fund, collateral from borrowers to secure obligations of borrowers with respect to any loan of available securities; (5) marking loaned securities and collateral to their market value each business day; (6) obtaining additional collateral, as needed, to maintain the value of the collateral relative to the market value of the loaned securities at the levels required by the Securities Lending Agreement; (7) returning the collateral to the borrower, at the termination of the loan, upon the return of the loaned securities; (8) investing cash collateral in permitted investments, including the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund; and (9) establishing and maintaining records related to the Fund’s securities lending activities. Additionally, State Street has indemnified each Fund for borrower default as it relates to the securities lending program administered by State Street.
State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split, as provided in the Securities Lending Agreement. The table below shows the income each Fund earned and the fees and compensation it paid to service providers (including fees paid to State Street as securities lending agent and the Manager for administrative and oversight functions) in connection with its securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.
As of the date of this SAI, the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund does not intend to engage in securities lending activities. As a result, the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund did not earn any income and did not pay any fees or other compensation to service providers (including State Street as securities lending agent and the Manager for administrative and oversight functions) in connection with securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Gross income earned by the fund from securities lending activities
$22,761
$1,200,377
$602,883
$8,654
$1,464,228
Fees and/or compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities and related services:
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split
$2,237
$113,627
$59,470
$930
$121,008
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split
$230
$21,048
$3,396
$223
$18,604
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American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Administrative fees not included in revenue split
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Rebate (paid to borrower)
$0
$263
$0
$0
$0
Other fees not included in revenue split (administrative and oversight functions provided by the Manager)
$2,237
$113,627
$59,470
$930
$121,008
Aggregate fees/compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities
$4,704
$248,565
$122,336
$2,083
$260,620
Net income from securities lending activities
$18,057
$951,812
$480,547
$6,571
$1,203,608
The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits each 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 Distributor
Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”) is the Funds’ distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares.
RID, located at 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of FINRA. The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to the extent applicable, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A Class and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of the A Class 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.
The aggregate sales charges paid to, or retained by, the Distributor from the sale of shares and the CDSC retained by the Distributor on the redemption of shares during the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31 are shown in the table below:
American Beacon Fund
Sales Charge Revenue
Deferred Sales Charge Revenue
Fiscal Year
Amount Paid to Distributor
Amount Retained by Distributor
Amount Paid to Distributor
Amount Retained by Distributor
American Beacon Balanced Fund
2021
$20,321
$2,699
$485
-
2020
$48,292
$5,131
$191,249
-
2019
$61,855
$6,499
$3,005
-
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
2021
-
-
-
-
2020
-
-
-
-
2019
-
-
-
-
American Beacon International Equity Fund
2021
$2,725
$202
$7
-
2020
$2,122
$196
$61,418
-
2019
$11,098
$1,371
$254
-
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
2021
$48,853
$6,094
$1,063
-
2020
$8,322
$1,157
$116,662
-
2019
$14,746
$527
$3,155
-
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
2021
$2,319
$74
$591
2020
$3,481
$360
$33,575
-
2019
$3,730
$325
$797
-
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
2021
$19,446
$723
$132
-
2020
$12,838
$907
$188,766
-
2019
$25,084
$4,310
$399
-
RID does not receive compensation on redemptions and repurchases, brokerage commissions, or other compensation. However, as shown in a separate chart, RID may receive distribution fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees) from certain share classes of a Fund.
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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
State Street, located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as custodian for the Funds. State Street also serves as the Funds’ Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to rules adopted under the Investment Company Act, whereby it selects and monitors eligible foreign sub-custodians. The Manager also has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the sub-administration agreement, State Street provides each Fund with certain financial reporting and tax services.
Pursuant to an administrative services agreement among the Manager, the Trust, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (“Parametric”), located at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, Washington 98104, Parametric provides certain administrative services related to the equitization of cash balances for certain Funds.
DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, is the transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Trust and provides these services to Fund shareholders.
The Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm is Ernst & Young LLP, which is located at 2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 2000, Dallas, Texas 75219.
K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Funds.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The portfolio managers to each Fund (the “Portfolio Managers”) have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the respective Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by each sub-advisor and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of October 31, 2021.
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
2 ($1.1bil)
1 ($0.3 bil)
3 ($16.1 bil)
None
None
None
Kirk L. Brown
1 ($0.6 bil)
None
3 ($16.1 bil)
None
None
None
Paul B. Cavazos
2 ($1.1bil)
1 ($0.3 bil)
3 ($16.1 bil)
None
None
None
Colin J. Hamer
2 ($1.1bil)
1 ($0.3 bil)
2 ($15.2 bil)
None
None
None
Erin Higginbotham
None
None
5 ($18.3 bil)
None
None
None
Matt L. Peden*
None
1 ($0.3 bil)
None
None
None
None
Robyn A. Serrano
None
1 ($0.3 bil)
None
None
None
None
Samuel Silver
1 ($821 mil)
4 ($9.5 bil)
5 ($18.3 bil)
None
None
None
* The number of accounts and assets shown for Mr. Peden reflects accounts managed as of both October 31, 2021 and December 31, 2021.
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Alvin Polit
1 ($702.2 mil)
None
3 ($273.2 mil)
None
None
None
Jonathan Veiga
1 ($702.2 mil)
None
3 ($272.1 mil)
None
None
None
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
Mark Giambrone
5 ($3.6 bil)
1 ($198.4 mil)
29 ($5.5 bil)
None
None
None
W. Coleman Hubbard
1 ($14.0 mil)
None
9 ($634.9 mil)
None
None
None
Mark C. Luchsinger
4 ($183.4 mil)
2 ($349.2 mil)
76 ($7.1 bil)
None
None
None
Justin Martin
4 ($183.4 mil)
2 ($349.2 mil)
76 ($7.1 bil)
None
None
None
James S. McClure
1 ($14.0 mil)
None
9 ($634.9 mil)
None
None
None
J. Scott McDonald
4 ($183.4 mil)
2 ($349.2 mil)
76 ($7.1 bil)
None
None
None
Terry L. Pelzel
2 ($1.6 bil)
1 ($6.3 mil)
5 ($1.3 bil)
None
None
None
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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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Deborah A. Petruzzelli
3 ($166.3 mil)
2 ($349.2 mil)
46 ($3.3 bil)
None
None
None
Matthew Routh
4 ($183.4 mil)
2 ($349.2 mil)
76 ($7.1 bil)
None
None
None
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
Henry Otto
7 ($7.6 bil)
10 ($168 mil)
35 ($819 mil)
None
None
1 ($53 mil)
Steve Tonkovich
7 ($7.6 bil)
10 ($168 mil)
35 ($819 mil)
None
None
1 ($53 mil)
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Causeway Capital Management LLC
Sarah H. Ketterer
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
140 ($21.2 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Harry W. Hartford
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
88 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Jonathan P. Eng
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
83 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Conor Muldoon
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
87 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Ellen Lee
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
81 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Alessandro Valentini
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
82 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Steven Nguyen
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($4.5 bil)
82 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
Brian Cho
13 ($13.7 bil)
18 ($5.3 bil)
80 ($21.0 bil)
None
None
3 ($1.1 bil)
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.
Gilbert Garcia
None
None
371 ($18.1 bil)
None
None
5 ($186.9 mil)
Nancy Rodriguez
None
None
371 ($18.1 bil)
None
None
5 ($186.9 mil)
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
George Davis
19 ($20.3 bil)
10 ($1.8 bil)
48 ($10.0 bil)
2 ($14.0 bil)
1 ($32.4 mil)
4 ($1.4 bil)
David Green
20 ($20.6 bil)
10 ($1.8 bil)
48 ($10.0 bil)
2 ($14.0 bil)
1 ($32.4 mil)
4 ($1.4 bil)
Scott McBride
19 ($20.3 bil)
10 ($1.8 bil)
48 ($10.0 bil)
2 ($14.0 bil)
1 ($32.4 mil)
4 ($1.4 bil)
Patricia McKenna
19 ($20.3 bil)
10 ($1.8 bil)
48 ($10.0 bil)
2 ($14.0 bil)
1 ($32.4 mil)
4 ($1.4 bil)
Jim Miles
20 ($20.6 bil)
10 ($1.8 bil)
48 ($10.0 bil)
2 ($14.0 bil)
1 ($32.4 mil)
4 ($1.4 bil)
Judd Peters
18 ($19.2 bil)
10 ($1.8 bil)
48 ($10.0 bil)
2 ($14.0 bil)
1 ($32.4 mil)
4 ($1.4 bil)
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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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Lazard Asset Management LLC
Michael A. Bennett
12 ($16.4 bil)
17 ($7.8 bil)
176 ($27.9 bil)
1 ($5.9 bil)
None
3 ($3.1 bil)
Giles Edwards
7 ($8.8 bil)
10 ($2.8 bil)
138 ($17.8 bil)
1 ($5.9 bil)
None
3 ($3.1 bil)
Michael G. Fry
7 ($8.8 bil)
10 ($2.8 bil)
138 ($17.8 bil)
1 ($5.9 bil)
None
3 ($3.1 bil)
Kevin J. Matthews
7 ($8.8 bil)
10 ($2.8 bil)
138 ($17.8 bil)
1 ($5.9 bil)
None
3 ($3.1 bil)
Michael S. Powers
10 ($9.1 bil)
10 ($2.8 bil)
137 ($17.8 bil)
1 ($5.9 bil)
None
3 ($3.1 bil)
John Reinsberg
11 ($10.4 bil)
16 ($7.2 bil)
73 ($16.8 bil)
None
None
2 ($372.6 mil)
Paul Selvey-Clinton
None
8 ($1.0 bil)
9 ($656 mil)
None
None
1 ($33.1 mil)
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Massachusetts Financial Services Company
Katherine Cannan
12 ($82.0 bil)
3 ($4.9 bil)
18 ($9.7 bil)
None
None
None
Nevin Chitkara
15 ($86.0 bil)
4 ($6.9 bil)
18 ($9.7 bil)
None
None
None
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Newton Investment Management North America LLC (“NIMNA”)
Joseph M. Corrado
3 ($1.6 bil)
1 ($39.7 mil)
9 ($1.1 bil)
None
None
None
Andrew Leger
8 ($4.7 bil)
10 ($279.9 mil)
24 ($2.6 bil)
None
None
1 ($30.6 mil)
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
Richard S. Pzena
7 ($13.7 bil)
12 ($0.6 bil)
51 ($1.4 bil)
2 ($9.8 bil)
2 ($119 mil)
None
John Flynn
9 ($13.9 bil)
11 ($0.5 bil)
82 ($3.5 bil)
2 ($9.8 bil)
1 ($10 mil)
None
Ben Silver
9 ($13.9 bil)
29 ($11.7 bil)
98 ($7.9 bil)
2 ($9.8 bil)
3 ($263 mil)
None
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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P.
John Carr
None
2 ($152.7 mil)
94 ($3.5 bil)
None
None
None
Michael Ritzer
None
2 ($152.7 mil)
94 ($3.5 bil)
None
None
None
Andrew Rosenberg
None
2 ($152.7 mil)
94 ($3.5 bil)
None
None
None
Richard Wells
None
2 ($152.7 mil)
94 ($3.5 bil)
None
None
None
Conflicts of Interest
As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts other than the Funds. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between a Portfolio Manager’s management of the Funds’ investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other hand. Set forth below is a description by the Manager and each sub-advisor of any foreseeable material conflicts of interest that may arise from the concurrent management of a Fund and other accounts. The information regarding potential conflicts of interest of a sub-advisor was provided by the sub-advisors as of October 31, 2021.
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The Manager The Manager’s Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing the Funds and other accounts, including separate accounts and unregistered funds. The Manager typically assigns Funds and accounts with similar investment strategies to the same Portfolio Manager to mitigate the potentially conflicting investment strategies of accounts. Other than potential conflicts between investment strategies, the side-by-side management of both the Funds and other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest due to the interest held by the Manager or one of its affiliates in an account and certain trading practices used by the Portfolio Managers (e.g., cross trades between a Fund and another account and allocation of aggregated trades). The Manager has developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to mitigate those conflicts. In particular, the Manager has adopted policies limiting the ability of Portfolio Managers to cross securities between a Fund and a separate account and policies designed to ensure the fair allocation of securities purchased on an aggregated basis.
Portfolio Managers of the Manager with responsibility for oversight of Fund sub-advisors are also responsible for overseeing sub-advisors selected by the Manager to manage other client accounts. In some cases, the same investment process and overall investment strategy are used for both a Fund and another client account. When a sub-advisor has a limited capacity for managing assets, these Portfolio Managers may have an incentive to allocate the capacity disproportionately among clients. Certain Portfolio Managers oversee fixed income assets managed internally by the Manager as well as equity and fixed income assets managed externally by sub-advisors. Potential conflicts of interest may occur when the Manager’s Portfolio Managers allocate Fund assets to internal fixed income Portfolio Managers rather than external Portfolio Managers, since the Manager has the potential to earn more fees under this scenario. These potential conflicts of interest are disclosed to the Board in connection with the process of approving the Manager as an investment advisor to the Funds.
American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”) This information was provided by American Century as of October 31, 2021. Certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios. Potential conflicts include, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, such as one portfolio buying or selling a security while another portfolio has a differing, potentially opposite position in such security. This may include one portfolio taking a short position in the security of an issuer that is held long in another portfolio (or vice versa). Other potential conflicts may arise with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, which are discussed in more detail below. American Century has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to minimize the effects of these conflicts.
Responsibility for managing American Century client portfolios is organized according to investment discipline. Investment disciplines include, for example, disciplined equity, global growth equity, global value equity, global fixed income, multi-asset strategies, exchange traded funds, and Avantis Investors funds. Within each discipline are one or more portfolio teams responsible for managing specific client portfolios. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by the same team using the same objective, approach, and philosophy. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest. In addition, American Century maintains an ethical wall that restricts real time access to information regarding any portfolio’s transaction activities and positions to team members that have responsibility for a given portfolio or are within the same equity investment discipline. The ethical wall is intended to aid in preventing the misuse of portfolio holdings information and trading activity in the other disciplines.
For each investment strategy, one portfolio is generally designated as the “policy portfolio.” Other portfolios with similar investment objectives, guidelines and restrictions, if any, are referred to as “tracking portfolios.” When managing policy and tracking portfolios, a portfolio team typically purchases and sells securities across all portfolios that the team manages. American Century’s trading systems include various order entry programs that assist in the management of multiple portfolios, such as the ability to purchase or sell the same relative amount of one security across several funds. In some cases, a tracking portfolio may have additional restrictions or limitations that cause it to be managed separately from the policy portfolio. Portfolio managers make purchase and sale decisions for such portfolios alongside the policy portfolio to the extent the overlap is appropriate, and separately, if the overlap is not.
American Century may aggregate orders to purchase or sell the same security for multiple portfolios when it believes such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution on behalf of its clients. Orders of certain client portfolios may, by investment restriction or otherwise, be determined not available for aggregation. American Century has adopted policies and procedures to minimize the risk that a client portfolio could be systematically advantaged or disadvantaged in connection with the aggregation of orders. To the extent equity trades are aggregated, shares purchased or sold are generally allocated to the participating portfolios pro rata based on order size. Because initial public offerings (IPOs) are usually available in limited supply and in amounts too small to permit across-the-board pro rata allocations, American Century has adopted special procedures designed to promote a fair and equitable allocation of IPO securities among clients over time. A centralized trading desk executes all fixed income securities transactions for Avantis ETFs and mutual funds. For all other funds in the American Century complex, portfolio teams are responsible for executing fixed income trades with broker/dealers in a predominantly dealer marketplace. Trade allocation decisions are made by the portfolio manager at the time of trade execution and orders entered on the fixed income order management system. There is an ethical wall between the Avantis trading desk and all other American Century traders. The Advisor’s Global Head of Trading monitors all trading activity for best execution and to make sure no set of clients is being systematically disadvantaged.
Finally, investment of American Century’s corporate assets in proprietary accounts may raise additional conflicts of interest. To mitigate these potential conflicts of interest, American Century has adopted policies and procedures intended to provide that trading in proprietary accounts is performed in a manner that does not give improper advantage to American Century to the detriment of client portfolios. None of the portfolio managers or investment analysts servicing the American Beacon International Equity Fund perform services for hedge funds or other private investment companies.
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (“Barrow Hanley”) Actual or potential conflicts of interest can arise when a portfolio manager has management responsibilities for more than one account including mutual fund or private commingled fund accounts. Barrow Hanley manages potential conflicts between funds or with other types of accounts through allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes, and oversight by the CCO, directors and independent third-parties. Barrow Hanley’s investment management and trading policies are designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities or issuer.
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Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”) Brandywine Global does not foresee any potentially material conflicts of interest as a result of concurrent management of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund and other accounts. Brandywine Global follows the same buy and sell discipline for all positions across all portfolios, subject to client specific restrictions. Portfolios may differ in a strategy slightly due to differences in available cash, contributions and withdrawals.
Causeway Capital Management LLC (“Causeway”) The Causeway portfolio managers who manage a portion, or “Sleeve,” of the American Beacon International Equity Fund (the “Sleeve”) also manage their own personal accounts and other accounts, including corporations, pension plans, public retirement plans, sovereign wealth funds, superannuation funds, Taft-Hartley pension plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds and other collective investment vehicles, charities, private trusts and funds, wrap fee programs, and other institutions (collectively, “Other Accounts”). In managing the Other Accounts, the portfolio managers employ investment strategies similar to that used in managing the Sleeve, subject to certain variations in investment restrictions. The portfolio managers purchase and sell securities for the Sleeve that they also recommend to Other Accounts. The portfolio managers at times give advice or take action with respect to certain accounts that differs from the advice given other accounts with similar investment strategies. The Other Accounts pay higher management fee rates than the Sleeve or pay performance-based fees to Causeway. Causeway is the investment adviser and sponsor of a number of mutual funds: Causeway International Value Fund, Causeway Global Value Fund, Causeway Emerging Markets Fund, Causeway International Opportunities Fund, Causeway International Small Cap Fund, and Causeway Concentrated Equity Fund (together, the “Causeway Mutual Funds”). Causeway also sponsors and manages certain other commingled vehicles in its international value equity strategy that are offered to institutional investors. Most of the portfolio managers have personal investments in one or more of the Causeway Mutual Funds. Each of Ms. Ketterer and Mr. Hartford hold, through estate planning vehicles, a controlling voting stake in Causeway’s parent holding company and Messrs. Eng, Muldoon, Valentini, Nguyen, Cho and Ms. Lee have minority interests in Causeway’s parent holding company.
Actual or potential conflicts of interest arise from the Sleeve’s portfolio managers’ management responsibilities with respect to the Other Accounts and their own personal accounts. These responsibilities may cause portfolio managers to devote unequal time and attention across client accounts and the differing fees, incentives and relationships with the various accounts provide incentives to favor certain accounts. Causeway has written compliance policies and procedures designed to mitigate or manage these conflicts of interest. These include policies and procedures to seek fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities (including IPOs) and trade allocations among all client accounts and policies and procedures concerning the disclosure and use of portfolio transaction information. Causeway also has a Code of Ethics which, among other things, limits personal trading by portfolio managers and other employees of Causeway. There is no guarantee that any such policies or procedures will cover every situation in which a conflict of interest arises.
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. (“Garcia Hamilton”) Garcia Hamilton’s investment teams and individual portfolio managers often manage multiple accounts, including separate accounts and mutual funds, according to the same or a similar investment strategy. Side-by-side management of the funds and other accounts raises the possibility of favorable or preferential treatment of a client or a group of clients.
Garcia Hamilton receives fees based on performance in cases where a client has proposed and the Firm has accepted a performance-based fee arrangement. Entitlement to a performance-based fee arrangement may create an incentive for Garcia Hamilton to take risks in managing assets which may be riskier or more speculative than those which would be recommended under a different fee arrangement.
To eliminate or significantly reduce the potential for conflicts of interest, all accounts invested in a product are managed alike, subject to client restrictions, in determining the timing of as well as the securities to be bought or sold regardless of the fee arrangements. Garcia Hamilton has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such conflicts, including, but not limited to, aggregation of trades, allocation of investment opportunities, and soft dollars. In addition, Garcia Hamilton does not have any broker-dealer affiliates or have economic relationships that create a material conflict of interest. Orders are placed and trades are executed subject to “Best execution”, with brokers or dealers that Garcia Hamilton believes are responsible and effect execution of such orders under conditions most favorable to its accounts.
Garcia Hamilton’s Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities and interests of its employees will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts.
To help mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest, Garcia Hamilton’s Code of Ethics imposes restrictions on the purchase or sale of securities for an employee’s own accounts and the accounts of certain household members and seeks to ensure that employees do not personally benefit from the short-term market effects of Garcia Hamilton’s investment decisions in client accounts.
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC (“Hotchkis”) The Portfolio is managed by Hotchkis’ investment team (“Investment Team”). The Investment Team also manages institutional accounts and other mutual funds in several different investment strategies. The portfolios within an investment strategy are managed using a target portfolio; however, each portfolio may have different restrictions, cash flows, tax and other relevant considerations which may preclude a portfolio from participating in certain transactions for that investment strategy. Consequently, the performance of portfolios may vary due to these different considerations. The Investment Team may place transactions for one investment strategy that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of another investment strategy. Hotchkis also provides model portfolio investment recommendations to sponsors without trade execution or additional services. The timing of model delivery recommendations will vary depending on the contractual arrangement with the program Sponsor. As a result, depending on the program arrangement and circumstances surrounding a trade order, Hotchkis’ discretionary clients may receive prices that are more favorable than those received by a client of a program Sponsor or vice versa. Hotchkis may be restricted from purchasing more than a limited percentage of the outstanding shares of a company or otherwise restricted from trading in a company’s securities due to other regulatory limitations. If a company is a viable investment for more than one investment strategy, Hotchkis has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that all of its clients are treated fairly and equitably. Additionally, potential and actual conflicts of interest may also arise as a result of Hotchkis’ other business activities and Hotchkis’ possession of material non-public information about an issuer, which may have an adverse impact on one group of clients while benefiting another group. In certain situations, Hotchkis will purchase different classes of securities of the same company (e.g. senior debt, subordinated debt, and or equity) in different investment strategies which can give rise to conflicts where Hotchkis may advocate for the benefit of one class of security which may be adverse to another security that is
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held by clients of a different strategy. Hotchkis seeks to mitigate the impact of these conflicts on a case by case basis. Hotchkis utilizes soft dollars to obtain brokerage and research services, which may create a conflict of interest in allocating clients’ brokerage business. Research services may be used in servicing any or all of Hotchkis’ clients (including model portfolio delivery clients) across all of the firm’s investment strategies, and may benefit certain client accounts more than others. Certain discretionary client accounts may also pay a less proportionate amount of commissions for research services. If a research product provides both a research and a non-research function, Hotchkis will make a reasonable allocation of the use and pay for the non-research portion with hard dollars. Hotchkis will make decisions involving soft dollars in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Different types of accounts and investment strategies may have different fee structures. Additionally, certain accounts pay Hotchkis performance-based fees, which may vary depending on how well the account performs compared to a benchmark. Because such fee arrangements have the potential to create an incentive for Hotchkis to favor such accounts in making investment decisions and allocations, Hotchkis has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that all of its clients are treated fairly and equitably, including in respect of allocation decisions, such as initial public offerings. Since accounts are managed to a target portfolio by the Investment Team, adequate time and resources are consistently applied to all accounts in the same investment strategy. Investment personnel of the firm or its affiliates may be permitted to be commercially or professionally involved with an issuer of securities. Any potential conflicts of interest from such involvement would be monitored for compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics.
Lazard Asset Management LLC (“Lazard”) Although the potential for conflicts of interest exist when an investment adviser and portfolio managers manage other accounts that invest in securities in which the American Beacon International Equity Fund may invest or that may pursue a strategy similar to the Fund’s investment strategies implemented by Lazard (collectively, “Similar Accounts”), Lazard has procedures in place that are designed to ensure that all accounts are treated fairly and that the Fund is not disadvantaged, including procedures regarding trade allocations and “conflicting trades” (e.g., long and short positions in the same or similar securities). In addition, the Fund is subject to different regulations than certain of the Similar Accounts, and, consequently, may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions, or to engage in such techniques or transactions to the same degree, as the Similar Accounts. Potential conflicts of interest may arise because of Lazard’s management of the Fund and Similar Accounts, including the following:

 

1 Similar Accounts may have investment objectives, strategies and risks that differ from those of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is subject to different regulations than certain of the Similar Accounts and, consequently, may not be permitted to invest in the same securities, exercise rights to exchange or convert securities or engage in all the investment techniques or transactions, or to invest, exercise or engage to the same degree, as the Similar Accounts. For these or other reasons, the portfolio managers may purchase different securities for the Fund and the corresponding Similar Accounts, and the performance of securities purchased for the Fund may vary from the performance of securities purchased for Similar Accounts, perhaps materially.

 

2 Conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities. Lazard may be perceived as causing accounts it manages to participate in an offering to increase Lazard’s overall allocation of securities in that offering, or to increase Lazard’s ability to participate in future offerings by the same underwriter or issuer. Allocations of bunched trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially filled due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as Lazard may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to preferred accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. A potential conflict of interest may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by the other account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.

 

3 Portfolio managers may be perceived to have a conflict of interest because of the large number of Similar Accounts, in addition to the Fund, that they are managing on behalf of Lazard. Although Lazard does not track each individual portfolio manager’s time dedicated to each account, Lazard periodically reviews each portfolio manager’s overall responsibilities to ensure that he or she is able to allocate the necessary time and resources to effectively manage the Fund. As illustrated in the table above, most of the portfolio managers manage a significant number of Similar Accounts in addition to the Fund.

 

4 Generally, Lazard and/or its portfolio managers have investments in Similar Accounts. This could be viewed as creating a potential conflict of interest, since certain of the portfolio managers do not invest in the Fund.

 

5 The table above notes the portfolio managers who manage Similar Accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, which could give the portfolio managers and Lazard an incentive to favor such Similar Accounts over the Fund.

 

6 Portfolio managers may place transactions on behalf of Similar Accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made for the Fund, which could have the potential to adversely impact the Fund, depending on market conditions. In addition, if the Fund’s investment in an issuer is at a different level of the issuer’s capital structure than an investment in the issuer by Similar Accounts, in the event of credit deterioration of the issuer, there may be a conflict of interest between the Fund’s and such Similar Accounts’ investments in the issuer. If Lazard sells securities short, including on behalf of a Similar Account, it may be seen as harmful to the performance of the Fund to the extent it invests “long” in the same or similar securities whose market values fall as a result of short-selling activities.

 

7 Investment decisions are made independently from those of the Similar Accounts. If, however, such Similar Accounts desire to invest in, or dispose of, the same securities as the Fund, available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or received by the Fund.

 

8 Under Lazard’s trade allocation procedures applicable to domestic and foreign initial and secondary public offerings and Rule 144A transactions (collectively herein a “Limited Offering”), Lazard will generally allocate Limited Offering shares among client accounts, including the Fund, pro rata based upon the aggregate asset size (excluding leverage) of the account. Lazard may also allocate Limited Offering shares on a random basis, as selected electronically, or other basis. It is often difficult for the Adviser to obtain a sufficient number of Limited Offering shares to provide a full allocation to each account. Lazard’s allocation procedures are designed to allocate Limited Offering securities in a fair and equitable manner.
 
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Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager’s management of both the Fund and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts. There is no guarantee that MFS will be successful in identifying or mitigating conflicts of interest.
The management of multiple funds and accounts (including accounts in which MFS or an affiliate has an interest) gives rise to conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances, there are securities which are suitable for the Fund’s portfolio as well as for one or more other accounts advised by MFS or its subsidiaries (including accounts in which MFS or an affiliate has an interest) with similar investment objectives. MFS’ trade allocation policies could have a detrimental effect on the Fund if the Fund’s orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts advised by MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform investments selected for the Fund.
When two or more accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed by MFS to be fair and equitable to each over time. Allocations may be based on many factors and may not always be pro rata based on assets managed. The allocation methodology could have a detrimental effect on the price or availability of a security with respect to the Fund.
MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the Fund; for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance adjustment, those that include an investment by the portfolio manager, and/or those in which MFS, its officers and/or employees, and/or its affiliates own or have an interest.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain accounts may invest their assets in other accounts advised by MFS or its affiliates, including accounts that are advised by one or more of the same portfolio manager(s), which could result in conflicts of interest relating to asset allocation, timing of purchases and redemptions, and increased profitability for MFS, its affiliates, and/or its personnel, including portfolio managers.
Newton Investment Management North America LLC (“NIMNA”) As an asset manager operating in a number of different jurisdictions with a diverse client base in a variety of strategies, conflicts of interest are inherent. Furthermore, as an indirect subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNYM”), potential conflicts may also arise between NIMNA and other BNYM companies. NIMNA will take steps to provide reasonable assurance that no client or group of clients is advantaged at the expense of any other client.
NIMNA seeks to treat all clients fairly and equitably and to minimize the effect of any conflicts in providing services to client accounts. NIMNA shall identify conflicts of interest inherent in its business and properly disclose such conflicts of interest, as required. All material conflicts are disclosed in part 2A of Form ADV.
The Compliance Department is responsible for maintaining a Conflicts Matrix that describes firm-level and employee specific conflicts of interest and the corresponding controls and mitigation, if any. The matrix shall be reviewed and updated on an annual basis, or when there are material changes. Employees are expected to notify Compliance with any employee-specific conflicts of interest. On an annual basis, the Conflicts of Interest Committee will distribute a Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire to employees and will revise the Conflicts Matrix accordingly.
Individual NIMNA policies address in detail certain material conflicts of interest
Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”) In Pzena’s view, conflicts of interest may arise in managing the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund’s portfolio investment, on the one hand, and the portfolios of Pzena’s other clients and/or accounts (together “Accounts”), on the other. Set forth below is a brief description of some of the material conflicts that may arise and Pzena’s policy or procedure for handling them. Although Pzena has designed such procedures to prevent and address conflicts, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect every situation in which a conflict arises.
The management of multiple Accounts inherently means there may be competing interests for the portfolio management team’s time and attention. Pzena seeks to minimize this by utilizing one investment approach (i.e., classic value investing), and by managing all Accounts on a product specific basis. Thus, all mid cap value Accounts, whether they be Fund accounts, institutional accounts or individual accounts are managed using the same investment discipline, strategy and proprietary investment model as the Fund.
If the portfolio management team identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one Account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity. However, Pzena has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across Accounts that are designed to ensure each Account is treated fairly. First, all orders are allocated among portfolios of the same or similar mandates at the time of trade creation/ initial order preparation. Factors affecting allocations include availability of cash to existence of client imposed trading restrictions or prohibitions, and the tax status of the account. The only changes to the allocations made at the time of the creation of the order, are if there is a partial fill for an order. Depending upon the size of the execution, Pzena may choose to allocate the executed shares through pro-rata breakdown, or on a random basis. As with all trade allocations, each Account generally receives pro rata allocations of any hot issue or IPO security that is appropriate for its investment objective. Permissible reasons for excluding an account from an otherwise acceptable IPO or hot issue investment include the account having Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) restricted person status, lack of available cash to make the purchase, or a client imposed trading prohibition on IPOs or on the business of the issuer.
With respect to securities transactions for the Accounts, Pzena determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution. Pzena will bunch or aggregate like orders where to do so will be beneficial to the Accounts. However, with respect to certain Accounts, Pzena may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Pzena may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for the Fund and another Account which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction to the detriment of one or the other.
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Conflicts of interest may arise when members of the portfolio management team transact personally in securities investments made or to be made for the Fund or other Accounts. To address this, Pzena has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics designed to prevent and detect personal trading activities that may interfere or conflict with client interests (including Fund shareholders’ interests) or its current investment strategy.
Pzena manages some Accounts under performance based fee arrangements. Pzena recognizes that this type of incentive compensation creates the risk for potential conflicts of interest. This structure may create an inherent pressure to allocate investments having a greater potential for higher returns to accounts of those clients paying the higher performance fee. To prevent conflicts of interest associated with managing accounts with different compensation structures, Pzena generally requires portfolio decisions to be made on a product specific basis. Pzena also requires pre-allocation of all client orders based on specific fee-neutral criteria set forth above. Additionally, Pzena requires average pricing of all aggregated orders. Finally, Pzena has adopted a policy prohibiting portfolio managers (and all employees) from placing the investment interests of one client or a group of clients with the same investment objectives above the investment interests of any other client or group of clients with the same or similar investment objectives.
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P. (“WEDGE”) During the normal course of managing assets for multiple clients, WEDGE expects to encounter conflicts of interest that could, if not properly addressed, be harmful to one or more of its clients. For example, circumstances may arise under which WEDGE determines there is a limited supply or demand for a security. Under such circumstances, where it is not possible to obtain the same price or time of execution for a security purchased or sold for multiple clients’ accounts, WEDGE intends to allocate shares of the security in accordance with its order allocation procedures. WEDGE’s allocation procedures are designed to distribute shares in a manner that is fair and equitable to all clients over time. Other conflicts of a material nature that are encountered frequently surround security selection, brokerage selection, employee personal securities trading, and proxy voting. To mitigate conflicts of interest in these areas, WEDGE has implemented a series of policies reasonably designed to prevent and detect conflicts when they occur. WEDGE believes its policies combined with the periodic review and testing performed by its compliance professionals, adequately protect the assets of its clients.
Compensation
The following is a description provided by the Manager and each investment sub-advisor regarding the structure of and criteria for determining the compensation of each Portfolio Manager as of October 31, 2021.
The Manager Compensation of the Manager’s Portfolio Managers is comprised of base salary and annual cash bonus. Each Portfolio Manager’s base annual salary is fixed. The Manager determines base salary based upon comparison to industry salary data. In addition, all Portfolio Managers participate in the Manager’s annual cash bonus plan. The amount of the total bonus pool is based upon the profitability of the Manager. Each Portfolio Manager has a target bonus award expressed as a percentage of base salary, which is determined by the Portfolio Manager’s level of responsibility. Additionally, the Portfolio Managers participate in the Manager’s equity incentive plan.
American Century The portfolio managers’ compensation included a base salary, a bonus, restricted stock plans and deferred compensation plans.
Base Salary
The base salary is in the form of a fixed annual salary.
Bonus
A significant portion of portfolio manager compensation takes the form of an annual incentive bonus tied to performance of mutual funds a portfolio manager manages. Bonus payments are determined by a combination of factors. One factor is mutual fund investment performance. For most American Century mutual funds, investment performance is measured by a combination of one-, three- and five-year pre-tax performance relative to various benchmarks and/or internally-customized peer groups. The performance comparison periods may be adjusted based on a fund’s inception date or a portfolio manager’s tenure on the fund. Custom peer groups are constructed using all the funds in the indicated categories as a starting point. Funds are then eliminated from the peer group based on a standardized methodology designed to result in a final peer group that is both more stable over the long term (i.e., has less peer turnover) and that more closely represents the fund’s true peers based on internal investment mandates.
Portfolio managers may have responsibility for multiple American Century mutual funds. In such cases, the performance of each is assigned a percentage weight appropriate for the portfolio manager’s relative levels of responsibility.
Portfolio managers also may have responsibility for portfolios that are managed in a fashion similar to that of other American Century mutual funds. If the performance of a similarly managed account is considered for purposes of compensation, it is measured in the same way as a comparable American Century mutual fund (i.e., relative to the performance of a benchmark and/or peer group). Performance of the Fund is not separately considered in determining portfolio manager compensation.
A second factor in the bonus calculation refers to the performance of all American Century funds managed according to a particular investment discipline, such as global growth equity, global value equity, disciplined equity, global fixed income, and multi-asset strategies. Performance is measured for each product individually as described above and then combined to create an overall composite for the product group. These composites may measure one-year performance (equal weighted) or a combination of one-, three- and five-year performance (equal or asset weighted) depending on the portfolio manager’s responsibilities and products managed and the composite for certain portfolio managers may include multiple disciplines. This feature is designed to encourage effective teamwork among portfolio management teams in achieving long-term investment success for similarly styled portfolios.
A portion of some portfolio managers’ bonuses is discretionary and may be tied to factors such as profitability, or individual performance goals, such as research projects and the development of new products.
Restricted Stock Plans
Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of restricted stock of American Century Companies, Inc. (“ACC”). These grants are discretionary, and eligibility and availability can vary from year to year. The size of an individual’s grant is determined by individual and product performance as well as other product-specific considerations such as profitability. Grants can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the ACC stock during the restriction period (generally three to four years).
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Deferred Compensation Plans
Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of deferred compensation. These grants are used in limited situations, primarily for retention purposes. Grants are fixed and can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the American Century mutual funds in which the portfolio manager chooses to invest them.
Barrow Hanley The compensation of our investment professionals is tied to their overall contribution to the success of Barrow Hanley. In addition to a competitive base salary, all portfolio managers and analysts are eligible to participate in a bonus pool. The amount of bonus compensation is based on quantitative and qualitative factors and may be substantially higher than an investment professional’s base compensation. Portfolio managers and analysts are rated on their value added to the overall investment process and to performance, as well as their contributions in other areas, such as meetings with clients and consultants. Compensation is not tied to a published benchmark/stock market index or private composite. Bonus compensation for analysts is directly tied to their investment recommendations, which are evaluated every six months against the appropriate industry group/sector performance based on trailing one-year and three-year relative performance. Barrow Hanley reviews gender-neutral industry compensation assessments to ensure its employees are fairly compensated.
The final key component of compensation that is shared by most of our key employees, including all portfolio managers and the majority of our analysts, is economic ownership in Barrow Hanley through a limited partnership that owns a 24.9% equity interest in Barrow Hanley LLC. Equity owners receive, on a quarterly basis, a share of the Firm’s profits, which are, to a great extent, related to the performance of the entire investment team.
Brandywine Global All portfolio managers, research analysts and traders earn a base salary and bonus tied to investment performance. The performance bonus is awarded based on performance compared to a proprietary performance universe created for each team on a one-quarter, one-year, three-year and five-year basis. The performance calculation is weighted to place more emphasis on longer-term outperformance, and less emphasis on the short-term. Investment professionals also receive a second quarterly bonus based on the profitability of their product group. Each investment team at Brandywine Global manages its own P&L and retains the bulk of its profits at the end of each quarter. The portion that is not retained is shared with the other investment teams in an effort to smooth income and to promote cross-team fertilization and cooperation. Brandywine Global has found that this form of compensation aligns the interests of investment professionals and clients and leads to accountability and low-turnover among Brandywine Global’s staff. In essence, the portfolio management teams own all of the residual profits of the Firm, which Brandywine Global believes leads to responsibility, accountability, and low turnover of people.
The percentage of compensation derived from each of the above components changes over time. In general, the larger the percentage of total compensation that will result from incentive pay will be paid to the more senior and successful group.
Brandywine Global believes that its compensation structure allows its investment team members to focus on generating premium returns and building lasting client relationships in which its interests are properly aligned with its clients’ interests.
Causeway Causeway provides subadvisory services to a portion or “Sleeve” of the American Beacon International Equity Fund. Ms. Ketterer and Mr. Hartford, the chief executive officer and president of Causeway, respectively, receive annual salary and are entitled, as controlling owners of Causeway’s parent holding company, to distributions of Causeway parent holding company’s profits based on their ownership interests. They do not receive incentive compensation. Causeway’s other portfolio managers receive salary and may receive incentive compensation (including potential cash, awards of growth units, or awards of equity units). Portfolio managers also receive, directly or through estate planning vehicles, distributions of profits based on their minority ownership interests in Causeway’s parent holding company.
Causeway’s Compensation Committee, weighing a variety of objective and subjective factors, determines salary and incentive compensation and, subject to approval of Causeway’s parent holding company Board of Managers, may award equity units. Portfolios are team-managed and salary and incentive compensation are not based on the specific performance of any single client account, but take into account the performance of the individual portfolio manager, the relevant team and Causeway’s overall performance and financial results. For Fundamental portfolio managers, the performance of stocks selected for client portfolios within a particular industry or sector over a multi-year period relative to appropriate benchmarks will be relevant for portfolio managers assigned to that industry or sector.
Causeway takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors when determining the amount of incentive compensation awarded, including the following factors: individual research contribution, portfolio and team management contribution, group research contribution, client service and recruiting contribution, and other contributions to client satisfaction and firm development. The assessment of these factors takes into account both current and future risks and different factors can be weighted differently.
Garcia Hamilton Garcia Hamilton offers a competitive salary based on an individual’s experience and expected contribution to the firm. All Garcia Hamilton portfolio managers are eligible for a general annual bonus that is tied directly to the overall performance of the individual as well as the profitability of the firm. In addition, all Garcia Hamilton portfolio managers are eligible for equity ownership. Investment professionals with equity ownership receive a fixed percentage of authorized distributions of Garcia Hamilton’s profits based on their respective ownership stake in the company. The Portfolio Manager’s compensation, which is flexible, is not based on the value of the Fund’s assets.
Hotchkis The Investment Team, including portfolio managers, is compensated in various forms, which may include one or more of the following: (i) a base salary, (ii) bonus, (iii) profit sharing and (iv) equity ownership. Compensation is used to reward, attract and retain high quality investment professionals. The Investment Team is evaluated and accountable at three levels. The first level is individual contribution to the research and decision-making process, including the quality and quantity of work achieved. The second level is teamwork, generally evaluated through contribution within sector teams. The third level pertains to overall portfolio and firm performance. Fixed salaries and discretionary bonuses for investment professionals are determined by the Chief Executive Officer of Hotchkis using tools which may include annual evaluations, compensation surveys, feedback from other employees and advice from members of the firm’s Executive and Compensation Committees. The amount of the bonus is determined by the total amount of the firm’s bonus pool available for the year, which is generally a function of revenues. No investment professional receives a bonus that is a pre-determined percentage of revenues or net income. Compensation is thus subjective rather than formulaic. The portfolio
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managers of the Funds own equity in Hotchkis. Hotchkis believes that the employee ownership structure of the firm will be a significant factor in ensuring a motivated and stable employee base going forward. Hotchkis believes that the combination of competitive compensation levels and equity ownership provides Hotchkis with a demonstrable advantage in the retention and motivation of employees. Portfolio managers who own equity in Hotchkis receive their pro rata share of Hotchkis’ profits. Investment professionals may also receive contributions under Hotchkis’ profit sharing/401(k) plan.
Lazard Lazard’s portfolio managers are generally responsible for managing multiple types of accounts that may, or may not, invest in securities in which the Fund may invest or pursue a strategy similar to the Fund’s strategies. Portfolio managers responsible for managing the Fund may also manage sub-advised registered investment companies, collective investment trusts, unregistered funds and/or other pooled investment vehicles, separate accounts, separately managed account programs (often referred to as “wrap accounts”) and model portfolios.
Lazard compensates portfolio managers by a competitive salary and bonus structure, which is determined both quantitatively and qualitatively. Salary and bonus are paid in cash, stock and restricted interests in funds managed by Lazard or its affiliates. Portfolio managers are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of portfolios managed by the teams of which they are a member rather than for a specific fund or account. Various factors are considered in the determination of a portfolio manager’s compensation. All of the portfolios managed by a portfolio manager are comprehensively evaluated to determine his or her positive and consistent performance contribution over time. Further factors include the amount of assets in the portfolios as well as qualitative aspects that reinforce Lazard’s investment philosophy.
Total compensation is generally not fixed, but rather is based on the following factors: (i) leadership, teamwork and commitment, (ii) maintenance of current knowledge and opinions on companies owned in the portfolio; (iii) generation and development of new investment ideas, including the quality of security analysis and identification of appreciation catalysts; (iv) ability and willingness to develop and share ideas on a team basis; and (v) the performance results of the portfolios managed by the investment teams of which the portfolio manager is a member.
Variable bonus is based on the portfolio manager’s quantitative performance as measured by his or her ability to make investment decisions that contribute to the pre-tax absolute and relative returns of the accounts managed by the teams of which the portfolio manager is a member, by comparison of each account to a predetermined benchmark, generally as set forth in the Prospectus or other governing document, over the current fiscal year and the longer-term performance of such account, as well as performance of the account relative to peers. The portfolio manager’s bonus also can be influenced by subjective measurement of the manager’s ability to help others make investment decisions. A portion of a portfolio manager’s variable bonus is awarded under a deferred compensation arrangement pursuant to which the portfolio manager may allocate certain amounts awarded among certain Lazard Portfolios, in shares that vest in two to three years. Certain portfolio managers’ bonus compensation may be tied to a fixed percentage of revenue or assets generated by the accounts managed by such portfolio management teams.
MFS MFS’ philosophy is to align portfolio manager compensation with the goal to provide shareholders with long-term value through a collaborative investment process. Therefore, MFS uses long-term investment performance as well as contribution to the overall investment process and collaborative culture as key factors in determining portfolio manager compensation. In addition, MFS seeks to maintain total compensation programs that are competitive in the asset management industry in each geographic market where it has employees. MFS uses competitive compensation data to ensure that compensation practices are aligned with its goals of attracting, retaining, and motivating the highest-quality professionals.
MFS reviews portfolio manager compensation annually. In determining portfolio manager compensation, MFS uses quantitative means and qualitative means to help ensure a sustainable investment process. As of December 31, 2020, portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:
Base Salary – Base salary generally represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation than performance bonus.
Performance Bonus – Generally, the performance bonus represents more than a majority of portfolio manager total cash compensation.
The performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, generally with more weight given to the former and less weight given to the latter.
The quantitative portion is primarily based on the pre-tax performance of accounts managed by the portfolio manager over a range of fixed-length time periods, intended to provide the ability to assess performance over time periods consistent with a full market cycle and a strategy’s investment horizon. The fixed-length time periods include the portfolio manager’s full tenure on each fund and, when available, ten-, five-, and three-year periods. For portfolio managers who have served for less than three years, shorter-term periods, including the one-year period, will also be considered, as will performance in previous roles, if any, held at the firm. Emphasis is generally placed on longer performance periods when multiple performance periods are available. Performance is evaluated across the full set of strategies and portfolios managed by a given portfolio manager, relative to appropriate peer group universes and/or representative indices (“benchmarks”). As of December 31, 2018, the following benchmarks were used to measure the following portfolio managers’ performance for the portion of the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund sub-advised by MFS:
Portfolio Manager
Benchmark(s)
Katherine Cannan
Russell 1000® Value Index
Nevin Chitkara
Russell 1000® Value Index
Benchmarks may include versions and components of indices, custom indices, and linked indices that combine performance of different indices for different portions of the time period, where appropriate.
The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (where portfolio managers are evaluated by other portfolio managers, analysts, and traders) and management’s assessment of overall portfolio manager contribution to the MFS investment process and the client experience (distinct from fund and other account performance).
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The performance bonus is generally a combination of cash and a deferred cash award. A deferred cash award is issued for a cash value and becomes payable over a three-year vesting period if the portfolio manager remains in the continuous employ of MFS or its affiliates. During the vesting period, the value of the unfunded deferred cash award will fluctuate as though the portfolio manager had invested the cash value of the award in an MFS Fund(s) selected by the portfolio manager.
MFS Equity Plan – Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process, and other factors.
Finally, portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans (including a defined contribution plan and health and other insurance plans) and programs available generally to other employees of MFS. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager’s compensation depends upon the length of the individual’s tenure at MFS and salary level, as well as other factors.
NIMNA
The Newton Investment Management North America LLC rewards program is designed to be market-competitive and align our compensation with the goals of our clients. This alignment is achieved through an emphasis on deferred awards, which incentivizes our investment personnel to focus on long-term alpha generation.
Our incentive model is designed to compensate for quantitative and qualitative objectives achieved during the performance year. An individual’s final annual incentive award is tied to the firm’s overall performance, the team’s investment performance, as well as individual performance.
Awards are paid in cash on an annual basis; however, some portfolio managers may receive a portion of their annual incentive award in deferred vehicles. Annual incentive as a percentage of fixed pay varies with the profitability of the firm and the product team.
The following factors encompass our investment professional rewards program:

 

Base salary

 

Annual cash incentive

 

Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

Deferred cash for investment in our own products

 

Deferred notional shares in Newton
 
Awards for selected senior portfolio managers are based on a two-stage model: an opportunity range based on the current level of business and an assessment of long-term business value. A significant portion of the opportunity awarded is structured and based upon the performance of the portfolio manager’s accounts relative to the performance of appropriate peers, with longer-term performance more heavily weighted.
Pzena Pzena Portfolio Managers and other investment professionals at Pzena are compensated through a combination of base salary, performance bonus and equity ownership, if appropriate due to superior performance. Pzena avoids a compensation model that is driven by individual security performance, as this can lead to short-term thinking which is contrary to the firm’s value investment philosophy. Ultimately, equity ownership is the primary tool used by Pzena for attracting and retaining the best people. The direct and indirect equity ownership in Pzena of each Portfolio Manager to the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund was as follows:
Richard S. Pzena
Greater than 25% but less than 50%
John Flynn
Less than 10%
Ben Silver
Less than 10%
WEDGE WEDGE structures its incentive compensation plans to reward all professionals for their contribution to the growth and profitability of the firm. General Partners are compensated via a percentage of the firm’s net profitability following a peer review, which focuses on performance in their specific area of responsibility, as well as their contribution to the general management of the firm, and their importance to the firm in the future. Other investment professionals receive a competitive salary and bonus based on the firm’s investment and business success and their specific contribution to that record. Exclusive of those who are General Partners, research analysts’ incentive plans are formally structured to reward superior short-term and long-term performance relative to both an index and a universe of like portfolios. WEDGE is committed to its independence and to the broad, internal distribution of ownership. In 1999, the firm adopted a new partnership agreement which enables WEDGE to more effectively provide ownership opportunities for those professionals who have contributed to the growth and profitability of the firm.
Ownership of the Funds
A Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of a Fund is defined as the Portfolio Manager 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 Manager’s immediate family or by a trust of which the Portfolio Manager is a trustee could be considered ownership by the Portfolio Manager. The tables below set forth each Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of the Fund(s) under that Portfolio Manager’s management as of October 31, 2021 as provided by the Manager and the Funds’ sub-advisors. In the following tables, “N/A” indicates that the Portfolio Manager does not have responsibility for that Fund.
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Kirk L. Brown
None
$100,001- $500,000
$100,001- $500,000
N/A
N/A
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Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Balanced Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Paul B. Cavazos
$1-$10,000
$100,001- $500,000
$100,001- $500,000
None
$100,001- $500,000
Colin J. Hamer
N/A
N/A
N/A
$50,001- $100,000
$10,001- $50,000
Erin Higginbotham
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
None
$10,001- $50,000
$10,001- $50,000
$10,001- $50,000
$10,001- $50,000
Matt L. Peden
N/A
$1-$10,000
$1-$10,000
N/A
$1-$10,000
Robyn A. Serrano
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
$1-$10,000
Samuel Silver
$50,001- $100,000
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
International Equity Fund
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Alvin Polit
None
Jonathan Veiga
None
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Balanced Fund
Large Cap Value Fund
Mid-Cap Value Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
Mark Giambrone
None
None
None
N/A
W. Coleman Hubbard
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
Mark C. Luchsinger
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
Justin Martin
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
James S. McClure
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
J. Scott McDonald
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
Terry L. Pelzel
N/A
N/A
None
N/A
Deborah A. Petruzzelli
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
Matthew Routh
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Small Cap Value Fund
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
Henry F. Otto
Over $1,000,000
Steven M. Tonkovich
$100,001 - $500,000
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
International Equity Fund
Causeway Capital Management LLC
None
Sarah H. Ketterer
None
Harry W. Hartford
None
Jonathan Eng
None
Conor Muldoon
None
Alessandro Valentini
None
Ellen Lee
None
Steven Nguyen
None
Brian Cho
None
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Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.
Gilbert Garcia
None
Nancy Rodriguez
None
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Balanced
Large Cap Value Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC
George Davis
None
None
N/A
Patricia McKenna
None
None
N/A
David Green
N/A
N/A
None
Jim Miles
N/A
N/A
None
Scott McBride
None
None
N/A
Judd Peters
None
None
N/A
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
International Equity Fund
Lazard Asset Management LLC
Michael A. Bennett
None
John R. Reinsberg
None
Michael Powers
None
Michael G. Fry
None
Kevin J. Matthews
None
Giles Edwards
None
Paul Selvey-Clinton
None
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Large Cap Value Fund
Massachusetts Financial Services Company
Katherine Cannan
None
Nevin Chitkara
None
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Small Cap Value Fund
Newton Investment Management North America LLC
Joseph M. Corrado
None
Andrew Leger
None
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Mid-Cap Value Fund
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
Richard S. Pzena
None
John Flynn
None
Ben Silver
None
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
Mid-Cap Value Fund
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P.
John Carr
None
Andrew Rosenberg
None
Michael Ritzer
None
Richard Wells
None
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PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
In selecting brokers or dealers to execute particular transactions, the Manager and the sub-advisors are authorized to consider “brokerage and research services” (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), provision of statistical quotations (including the quotations necessary to determine a Fund’s NAV), and other information provided to the applicable Fund, to the Manager and/or to the sub-advisors (or their affiliates), provided, however, that the Manager or a 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 Trust does not allow the Manager or sub-advisors 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-advisors are also authorized to cause a 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-advisors, 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 a 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-advisors (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-advisors, as applicable, to benefit their other accounts under management.
The Manager and each sub-advisor will place its own orders to execute securities transactions that are designed to implement the applicable Fund’s investment objective and policies. In placing such orders, each 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, a sub-advisor of a 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. A Fund’s turnover rate, or the frequency of portfolio transactions, will vary from year to year depending on market conditions and a Fund’s cash flows. High portfolio turnover increases a Fund’s transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may result in a greater amount of recognized capital gains.
The Investment Advisory Agreements provide, in substance, that in executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the principal objective of each sub-advisor is to seek best execution. In assessing available execution venues, each 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 a 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.
Each Fund may establish brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If a sub-advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to a Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. Neither the Manager nor any of the sub-advisors receive any benefits from the commission recapture program. A sub-advisor’s participation in the brokerage commission recapture program is optional. Each 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.
Commission Recapture
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the following Funds received the amounts shown as a result of participation in the commission recapture program:
American Beacon Fund
Amount Received
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$0
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
$0
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$16,186
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$0
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$16,284
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$6,574
Brokerage Commissions
For the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31, the following brokerage commissions were paid by the Funds. Fluctuations in brokerage commissions from year to year were primarily due to increases or decreases in Fund assets resulting in increased trading. Shareholders of these Funds bear only their pro-rata portion of such expenses.
American Beacon Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$69,132
$103,633
$47,789
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
$0
$0
$0
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$1,757,039
$2,133,020
$1,466,713
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American Beacon Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$1,826,911
$2,416,629
$1,264,057
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$440,988
$349,139
$195,861
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$4,912,031
$6,203,083
$4,421,838
Soft Dollars
The table below reflects the amount of transactions each Fund directed to brokers in part because of research services provided and the amount paid in commissions on such transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
American Beacon Fund
Amounts Directed
Amounts Paid in Commissions
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$59,856,024
$33,226
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
None
None
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$1,923,997,546
$674,769
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$1,660,503,075
$953,697
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$135,253,129
$104,842
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$2,045,303,324
$2,136,584
Affiliated Broker Commissions
For the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31, the following brokerage commissions were paid to affiliated brokers by the Funds:
American Beacon Fund
Broker
Affiliated With
2019 Commissions
2020 Commissions
2021 Commissions
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Keybanc Capital Markets (cleared with affiliate Pershing)
Newton Investment Management North America
$112,675
$111,222
$74,614
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Leerink Partners LLC (cleared with affiliate Pershing)
Newton Investment Management North America
$1,294
$5,227
$18,551
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Needham & Company (cleared with affiliate Pershing)
Newton Investment Management North America
$0
$0
$1,249
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Berenberg Capital Markets (cleared with affiliate Pershing)
Newton Investment Management North America
$11,144
$11,620
$4071
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
Piper Jaffray Ltd. (cleared with affiliate Pershing)
Newton Investment Management North America
$30,643
$201,283
$167, 908
The percentage of total commissions of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund paid to affiliated brokers in fiscal year 2019 was 3.17%. The transactions represented 1.96% of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund’s total dollar value of portfolio transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.
The percentage of total commissions of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund paid to affiliated brokers in fiscal year 2020 was 5.31%. The transactions represented 2.92% of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund’s total dollar value of portfolio transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020.
The percentage of total commissions of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund paid to affiliated brokers in fiscal year 2021 was 6.02%. The transactions represented 3.01% of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund’s total dollar value of portfolio transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
Securities Issued by Top 10 Brokers
The following table lists each Fund that as of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 held securities issued by a broker-dealer (or by its parent) that was one of the top ten brokers or dealers through which a Fund executed transactions or sold shares.
Regular Broker-Dealers
American Beacon Fund
Aggregate Value of Securities
(000’s)
Bank of America Corp
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$453
BNY Mellon
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$1,042
Citigroup Inc
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$3,362
JPMorgan Chase & Co
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$1,161
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Regular Broker-Dealers
American Beacon Fund
Aggregate Value of Securities
(000’s)
Wells Fargo & Co
American Beacon Balanced Fund
$4,985
American International Group
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$3,170
Fidelity Investments
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$2,699
Voya Financial
American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund
$2,139
Hilltop Securities
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$21,986
LPL Financial LLC
American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund
$12,596
Bank of America Corp
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Fund
$6,796
JP Morgan Chase & Co
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Fund
$7,599
Wells Fargo & Co
American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Fund
$10,554
Bank of America Corp
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$10,151
BNY Mellon
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$23,425
Goldman Sachs Group
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$74,017
JP Morgan Chase & Co
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$89,200
Morgan Stanley
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$25,673
PNC Financial Services Group
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$18,257
Wells Fargo & Co
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund
$113,017
Barclays PLC
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$48,647
Credit Suisse
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$31,865
Prudential PLC
American Beacon International Equity Fund
$23,607
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.
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 invested before the shareholder’s death.
All dividends and other 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 Funds 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 any class of the American Beacon Funds to determine your sales charge for A Class shares 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 any class 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 a 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).
 
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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 simultaneous purchases in any of the American Beacon Funds.
Other Purchases. Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by the Manager, A Class shares of a Fund may be sold at NAV per share (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 Funds through a merger, acquisition or exchange offer;

 

4 insurance company separate accounts;

 

5 accounts managed by the Manager, a sub-advisor to the Funds and their affiliated companies;

 

6 the Manager or a sub-advisor to the Funds and their affiliated companies;

 

7 an individual or entity with a substantial business relationship with, which may include the officers and employees of the Funds’ custodian or transfer agent, the Manager or a sub-advisor to the Funds and their 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 advisors 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 a 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 IRA rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in a 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 NAV per share to these persons and organizations due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account is established under this NAV per share privilege, additional investments can be made at NAV per share 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 through another broker-dealer in order to take advantage of these waiver categories. The Funds 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” (as described in Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code) 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.
 
It is possible that a broker-dealer may not be able to offer the ability to move between accounts. If this situation occurs, it is possible that the investor would need to invest through another broker-dealer in order to take advantage of this privilege. Please contact your financial intermediary for additional information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
As discussed in the Prospectus, the redemption of C Class shares may be subject to a CDSC if you redeem your shares within 12 months of purchase. If you purchased $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of a 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 other 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 a 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 a 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 include, but are not limited to, payments resulting from death, “disability,” “retirement,” “separation from service” (each as defined in the Internal Revenue Code), “required minimum distributions” (as described in 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 required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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 per share 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 each Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, each Fund 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 applicable 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 a 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 in the Prospectus and in this section relates solely to the federal income tax law and assumes that each Fund will continue to qualify each taxable year as a “regulated investment company” (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code (as discussed below). The tax information in this section is only a summary of certain key federal tax considerations affecting the Funds and their shareholders and is in addition to the tax information provided in the Prospectus. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal income tax treatment of the Funds or the tax implications to its shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. The tax information is based on the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations in effect, and administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions publicly available, on the date of this SAI. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Funds and their shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.
Taxation of the Funds
Each Fund intends to continue 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 so qualify, each 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 (together with Qualifying Other Income (as defined below), “Qualifying Income”), or other income, including gains from options, futures or forward contracts, derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies
 
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(“Qualifying Other Income”) 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” (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”)) that meets certain qualifying income requirements other than a partnership at least 90% of the gross income of which is Qualifying Income;

 

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) the securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their voting power) that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) the securities of one or more QPTPs (“Diversification Requirements”); and

 

Distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income, the excess (if any) of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and net gains and losses (if any) from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and 90% of its net exempt interest income (“Distribution Requirement”).
 
By qualifying for treatment as a RIC, a Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the part of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to its shareholders. If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify for that treatment - either (1) by failing to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, even if it satisfies the Gross Income and Diversification Requirements (“Other Requirements”), or (2) by failing to satisfy any of the Other Requirements and is unable to, or determines not to, avail itself of Internal Revenue Code provisions that enable a RIC to cure a failure to satisfy any of the Other 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 the regular corporate rate without any deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders, and the dividends it pays would be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly, (a) for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an “individual”), as “qualified dividend income” (as described in the Prospectus) (“QDI”), and/or (b) in the case of corporate shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements regarding their Fund shares, as eligible for the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”)) 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 a Fund’s income and performance. Furthermore, a 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 a Fund will not qualify as a RIC in any given taxable year.
Each Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax (“Excise Tax”) to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary 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. Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions by the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the Excise Tax.
Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies
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 a Fund may realize in connection therewith. In general, a Fund’s (1) gains from the disposition of foreign currencies and (2) gains from such contracts will be treated as Qualifying Income under the Gross Income Requirement.
Dividends and interest a 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 realized on investments by foreign investors. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of any Fund’s foreign tax in advance, since the amount of its assets to be invested in various countries is not known.
Each Fund may invest in the stock of “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests for a taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive; or (2) an average of at least 50% of the value (or adjusted tax basis, if elected) of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” it receives on the PFIC stock and of any gain on its disposition of that stock (collectively, “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in a Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible to be treated as QDI or for the DRD.
If a Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), then in lieu of incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain — which the Fund likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax — even if the QEF did not distribute those earnings and gain to the Fund. In most instances, however, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.
Alternatively, each Fund may elect to “mark to market” any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year, in which event it likely would be required to distribute to its shareholders any resulting gains to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. “Marking-to-market,” in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair
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market value of the stock over a Fund’s adjusted basis therein (including any net mark-to-market gain or loss for each prior taxable year for which an election was in effect) as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, a Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. A Fund’s adjusted basis in each PFIC’s stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
Investors should be aware that determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that is based on various facts and circumstances and thus is subject to change, and the principles and methodology used therein are subject to interpretation. As a result, a Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation’s stock, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC and a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires stock therein. While each Fund generally will seek to minimize its investment in PFIC stock, and to make appropriate elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will be able to do so, and each Fund reserves the right to make those investments as a matter of its investment policy.
A Fund may invest in one or more 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 a Fund may invest may include 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, which satisfies certain qualifying income requirements as describe above, or a non-QPTP, which does not satisfy those income requirements.
If an LLC or LP in which a Fund invests is a QPTP, all its net income (regardless of source) will be Qualifying Income for the Fund under the Gross Income Requirement. A 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.
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 a Fund might be treated as QDI and eligible for the DRD 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 for those purposes 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 such 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 a Fund may invest may generate income and gains that are not such Qualifying Income. Each Fund will monitor its investments in LLCs and LPs to assure its compliance with the requirements for continued qualification as a RIC.
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 a Fund invests may be subject to Internal Revenue Code section 1256 (collectively, “Section 1256 contracts”). Any Section 1256 contract a Fund holds at the end of its taxable year 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 a 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 a Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to it.
Under Internal Revenue Code section 988, a gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2) except in certain circumstances, from options, futures, and forward contracts on foreign currencies (and on financial instruments involving foreign currencies) and from notional principal contracts (e.g., swaps, caps, floors, and collars) involving payments denominated in foreign currencies, (3) on the disposition of each foreign-currency-denominated debt security that is attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the dates of acquisition and disposition of the security, and (4) that is attributable to exchange rate fluctuations between the time a Fund accrues interest, dividends, or other receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of a 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 a Fund’s section 988 losses exceed its other investment company taxable income for a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year (including those made before the losses were realized) would be characterized as a non-taxable “return of capital” to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares and treating any part of such distribution exceeding that basis as gain from the disposition of those shares.
Offsetting positions a 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 recognition of a 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) a 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 a “mixed straddle” (i.e., a straddle at least one, but not all, positions of which are Section 1256 contracts).
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When a covered call option written (sold) by a Fund expires, it will realize a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. When a 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 a 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 a Fund has an “appreciated financial position” — generally, any position (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 a 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 transaction of a Fund 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).
Certain aspects of the tax treatment of derivative instruments are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, administrative rules, and/or other legally binding authority that could affect the treatment of income from those instruments and the character, timing of recognition and amount of a Fund’s taxable income or net realized gains and distributions. If the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to assert successfully that income a Fund derives from those investments does not constitute Qualifying Income, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC (with the consequences described above under “Taxation of the Funds”) or might be required to reduce its exposure to such investments.
A Fund may acquire zero coupon or other securities issued with original issue discount (“OID”) (such as STRIPS). As a holder of those securities, a Fund must include in its gross income the OID that accrues on them during the taxable year, even if it receives no corresponding payment on them during the year. Similarly, a Fund must include in its gross income each taxable year securities it receives as interest on pay-in-kind securities. Because a Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including any accrued OID and other non-cash income (such as that interest), to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular taxable year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions will be made from a Fund’s cash assets or from the proceeds of sales of its portfolio securities, if necessary. A Fund may realize capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.
Taxation of a Fund’s Shareholders
General - Dividends and other distributions a 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 reportable by, and taxed to, those shareholders for the taxable year in which that December 31 falls.
If Fund shares are redeemed 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 on those shares. In addition, any loss a shareholder realizes on a redemption of Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the redemption; in that case, the basis in the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Investors also should be aware that the price of Fund shares at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming dividend or other distribution, so if they purchase Fund shares shortly before the record date for a distribution, they will pay full price for the shares and receive some part of the price back as a taxable distribution, even though it represents a partial return of invested capital.
If more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, it will be eligible to file an election for that year with the IRS that would enable its shareholders to benefit from any foreign tax credit or deduction available with respect to any foreign taxes it pays. Pursuant to the election, a Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder (1) would be required to include in gross income, and treat as paid by the shareholder, the shareholder’s proportionate share of those taxes, (2) would be required to treat that share of those taxes and of any dividend a Fund paid that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources (“foreign-source income”) as the shareholder’s own income from those sources, and (3) could either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against the shareholder’s federal income tax or, alternatively, deduct the foreign taxes deemed paid by the shareholder in computing taxable income. If a Fund makes this election for a taxable year, it will report to its shareholders shortly after that year their respective shares of the foreign taxes it paid and its foreign-source income for that year.
An individual shareholder of a Fund who, for a taxable year, has no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on IRS Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign-source income is “qualified passive income” may elect for that year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation for federal income tax purposes (about which shareholders may wish to consult their tax advisers), in which event the shareholder would be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required. A shareholder will not be entitled to credit or deduct its portion of foreign taxes a Fund paid that is allocable to Fund shares the shareholder has not held for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-distribution date for those shares. The minimum holding period will be extended if the shareholder’s risk of loss with respect to those shares is reduced by reason of holding an offsetting position. No deduction for foreign
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taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. A foreign shareholder may not deduct or claim a credit for foreign taxes in determining its federal income tax liability unless the Fund dividends paid to it are effectively connected with the shareholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
Backup Withholding - A Fund is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury 24% 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 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 each 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 the shareholder’s federal income tax liability or refunded if proper documentation is submitted to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Shareholders - Dividends a Fund pays to a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual or foreign entity (each a “non-U.S. shareholder”) - other than (1) dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder whose ownership of the Fund’s shares is effectively connected with a trade or business within the United States the shareholder conducts and (2) capital gain distributions paid to a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the United States for no more than 182 days during the taxable year - generally are subject to 30% federal withholding tax (unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable treaty). However, two categories of dividends a Fund might pay, “short-term capital gain dividends” and “interest-related dividends,” to non-U.S. shareholders (with certain exceptions) and reported by it in writing to its shareholders are exempt from that tax. “Short-term capital gain dividends” are dividends that are attributable to net short-term gain, computed with certain adjustments. “Interest-related dividends” are dividends that are attributable to “qualified net interest income” (i.e., “qualified interest income,” which generally consists of certain OID, interest on obligations “in registered form,” and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. Non-U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of that withholding tax.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) - Under FATCA, “foreign financial institutions” (“FFIs”) and “non-financial foreign entities” (“NFFEs”) that are Fund shareholders may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on income dividends a Fund pays. As discussed more fully 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 that certifies its status as such and, in certain circumstances, information regarding substantial U.S. owners. Proposed regulations (having current effect) have been issued to eliminate certain FATCA withholding taxes, including the withholding tax on investment sale proceeds that was scheduled to begin in 2019, and to defer the effective date of other taxes.
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 alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of the IGA instead of U.S. Treasury regulations. 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 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 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 NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from a Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying its status as such and, in certain circumstances, either that (1) it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or (2) it does have one or more such owners and reports the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each such owner. The NFFE will report to a Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which may, in turn, report information to the IRS.
Those foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted, or deemed compliant categories established by U.S. Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in a Fund will need to provide it 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. Foreign investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these requirements to their own situation and the impact thereof on their investment in a Fund.
Income from Investments in REITs and MLPs - A Fund may invest in the equity securities of corporations or other entities that invest in U.S. real property, including REITs. The sale of a U.S. real property interest by a REIT or “United States real property holding corporation” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) in which a Fund invests may trigger special tax consequences to the Fund’s non-U.S. shareholders, who are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding those consequences.
A Fund may invest in REITs that (1) hold residual interests in “real estate mortgage investment conduits” (“REMICs”) or (2) engage in mortgage securitization transactions that cause the REITs to be taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”) or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP. A part of the net income allocable to REMIC residual interest holders may be an “excess inclusion.” The Internal Revenue Code authorizes the issuance of regulations dealing with the taxation and reporting of excess inclusion income of REITs and RICs that hold residual REMIC interests and of REITs, or qualified REIT subsidiaries, that are TMPs. Although those regulations have not yet been issued, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS issued a notice in 2006 (“Notice”) announcing that, pending the issuance of further guidance (which has not yet been issued), the IRS would apply the principles in the following paragraphs to all excess inclusion income, whether from REMIC residual interests or TMPs.
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The Notice provides that a REIT must (1) determine whether it or its qualified REIT subsidiary (or a part of either) is a TMP and, if so, calculate the TMP’s excess inclusion income under a “reasonable method,” (2) allocate its excess inclusion income to its shareholders generally in proportion to dividends paid, (3) inform shareholders that are not “disqualified organizations” (i.e., governmental units and tax-exempt entities that are not subject to tax on their “unrelated business taxable income” (“UBTI”)) of the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated thereto, (4) pay tax (at the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations, currently 21%) on the excess inclusion income allocable to its shareholders that are disqualified organizations, and (5) apply the withholding tax provisions with respect to the excess inclusion part of dividends paid to foreign persons without regard to any treaty exception or reduction in tax rate. Excess inclusion income allocated to certain tax-exempt entities (including qualified retirement plans, IRAs, and public charities) constitutes UBTI to them.
A RIC with excess inclusion income is subject to rules identical to those in clauses (2) through (5) above (substituting “that are nominees” for “that are not ‘disqualified organizations’” in clause (3) and inserting “record” after “its” in clause (4)). The Notice further provides that a RIC is not required to report the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated to its shareholders that are not nominees, except that (1) a RIC with excess inclusion income from all sources that exceeds 1% of its gross income must do so and (2) any other RIC must do so by taking into account only excess inclusion income allocated to the RIC from REITs the excess inclusion income of which exceeded 3% of its dividends. A Fund will not invest directly in REMIC residual interests and does not intend to invest in REITs that, to its knowledge, invest in those interests or are TMPs or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP.
After calendar year-end, REITs can and often do change the category (e.g., ordinary income dividend, capital gain distribution, or “return of capital”) of one or more of the distributions they have made during that year, which would result at that time in a Fund, if it held shares in such a REIT during that year, also having to re-categorize some of the distributions it made to its shareholders. These changes would be reflected in annual Forms 1099 sent to the Fund’s shareholders, together with other tax information. Those forms generally will be distributed to shareholders in February of each year, although the Fund may, in one or more years, request from the IRS an extension of time to distribute those forms until mid-March to enable it to receive the latest information it can from the REITs in which it invests and thereby accurately report that information to shareholders on a single form (rather than having to send shareholders an amended form).
Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, the Internal Revenue Code generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities a deduction for 20% of (1) “qualified REIT dividends” and (2) “qualified publicly traded partnership income” (such as income from MLPs). Treasury regulations permit a RIC to pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders provided certain holding period requirements are met. As a result, a shareholder in the Fund that invests in REITs will be eligible to receive the benefit of the same 20% deduction with respect to the Fund’s REIT-based dividends as is available to an investor who directly invests in REITs. There currently is no similar pass-through of the 20% deduction with respect to a RIC’s qualified publicly traded partnership income.
Basis Election and Reporting - A Fund shareholder who wants to use an acceptable method for basis determination with respect to Fund shares that the shareholder acquired or acquires after 2011 (“Covered Shares”), other than the average basis method (the Funds’ default method) must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The basis determination method a Fund shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption (including a redemption that is part of an exchange) of Covered Shares after the settlement date of the redemption.
In addition to the requirement to report the gross proceeds from redemptions of Fund shares, each Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for Fund shares that are redeemed or exchanged 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 advisers 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 Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact their financial intermediary for information related to the basis election and reporting.
Other Taxes - Statutory rules and regulations regarding state and local taxation of ordinary income dividends, QDI dividends and net capital and foreign currency 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 situation.
Investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund based on their particular circumstances. No Fund expects to receive a ruling from any tax authority or an opinion of tax counsel with respect to its treatment of any tax positions. Tax consequences of transactions are not the primary consideration of a Fund in implementing its investment strategy.
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 (e.g., 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. The following individuals (and members of that individual’s “immediate family”) are eligible to purchase shares of the R5 Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, or its parent company, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”), (ii) employees of a sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) members of the Board, (iv) employees of Kelso/Estancia, and (v) 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
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Manager transfers to the R5 Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the R5 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 Advisor Class was created for individuals and other smaller investors investing in the Funds through third party intermediaries. The R5 and Y Classes 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 American Beacon Funds through their broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries. The R6 Class was created to provide third party intermediaries an investment option for the large 401(k) plans that does not charge 12b-1 or sub-transfer agency fees.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audits and reports on the Funds’ 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.
The audited financial statements are incorporated by reference to the American Beacon Funds’ Annual Reports to Shareholders of the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
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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 American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the “Funds”). AmBeacon may invest a Fund in shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund solicits a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, AmBeacon’s interests as manager of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, AmBeacon will vote the Fund’s shares in accordance with the Select Funds’ Board of Trustees’ recommendations in the proxy statement.
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS TRUST
AMERICAN BEACON SOUND POINT ENHANCED INCOME FUND
AMERICAN BEACON APOLLO TOTAL RETURN FUND
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Last Amended February 28, 2018
Preface
Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion to secure the best long-term interests of shareholders of the American Beacon Funds (“Beacon Funds”), the American Beacon Select Funds (“Select Funds”), the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (“Institutional Funds”), the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the “Funds”). Therefore, this 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 may allocate discrete portions of the Funds among sub-advisors, and the Manager may directly manage all or a portion of the assets of certain Funds. The Funds’ respective 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 instruct the sub-advisor to vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party proxy voting advisory service.
Each Fund can invest in the shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund issues a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, the Manager’s interests regarding the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, the Manager will vote in accordance with the 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.
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Securities on Loan
With respect to the Funds that engage in securities lending, 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 a 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 Funds’ 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 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 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 Funds’ website (if applicable), and c) on the SEC’s website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the Funds’ 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 Reporting
On at least an annual basis, the Manager will present a summary of the voting records of the Funds 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.
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APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING POLICIES — FUND SUB-ADVISORS
AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) is the investment manager for a variety of advisory clients, including the American Century family of funds. In such capacity, the Advisor has been delegated the authority to vote proxies with respect to investments held in the accounts it manages. The following is a statement of the proxy voting policies that have been adopted by the Advisor. In the exercise of proxy voting authority which has been delegated to it by particular clients, the Advisor will apply the following policies in accordance with, and subject to, any specific policies that have been adopted by the client and communicated to and accepted by the Advisor in writing.
A. General Principles
In providing the service of voting client proxies, the Advisor is guided by general fiduciary principles, must act prudently, solely in the interest of its clients, and must not subordinate client interests to unrelated objectives. Except as otherwise indicated in these Policies, the Advisor will vote all proxies with respect to investments held in the client accounts it manages. The Advisor will attempt to consider all factors of its vote that could affect the value of the investment. Although in most instances the Advisor will vote proxies consistently across all client accounts, the votes will be based on the best interests of each client. As a result, accounts managed by the Advisor may at times vote differently on the same proposals. Examples of when an account’s vote might differ from other accounts managed by the Advisor include, but are not limited to, proxy contests and proposed mergers. In short, the Advisor will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.
B. Specific Proxy Matters

 

  1. Routine Matters

 

    a. Election of Directors
(1) Generally. The Advisor will generally support the election of directors that result in a board made up of a majority of independent directors. In general, the Advisor will vote in favor of management’s director nominees if they are running unopposed. The Advisor believes that management is in the best possible position to evaluate the qualifications of directors and the needs and dynamics of a particular board. The Advisor of course maintains the ability to vote against any candidate whom it feels is not qualified or if there are specific concerns about the individual, such as allegations of criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities. Additional information the Advisor may consider concerning director nominees include, but is not limited to, whether (1) there is an adequate explanation for repeated absences at board meetings, (2) the nominee receives non-board fee compensation, or
(3) there is a family relationship between the nominee and the company’s chief executive officer or controlling shareholder. When management’s nominees are opposed in a proxy contest, the Advisor will evaluate which nominees’ publicly-announced management policies and goals are most likely to maximize shareholder value, as well as the past performance of the incumbents.
(2) Committee Service. The Advisor will withhold votes for non-independent directors who serve on the audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees of the board.
(3) Classification of Boards. The Advisor will support proposals that seek to declassify boards. Conversely, the Advisor will oppose efforts to adopt classified board structures. (4) Majority Independent Board. The Advisor will support proposals calling for a majority of independent directors on a board. The Advisor believes that a majority of independent directors can help to facilitate objective decision making and enhances accountability to shareholders.
(5) Majority Vote Standard for Director Elections. The Advisor will vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of the votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for a plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections. The Advisor may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company’s board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of the majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
(6) Withholding Campaigns. The Advisor will support proposals calling for shareholders to withhold votes for directors where such actions will advance the principles set forth in paragraphs (1) through (5) above.

 

    b. Ratification of Selection of Auditors
The Advisor will generally rely on the judgment of the issuer’s audit committee in selecting the independent auditors who will provide the best service to the company. The Advisor believes that independence of the auditors is paramount and will vote against auditors whose independence appears to be impaired. The Advisor will vote against proposed auditors in those circumstances where (1) an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; (2) non-audit fees comprise more than 50% of the total fees paid by the company to the audit firm; or (3) there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has previously rendered an opinion to the issuer that is either inaccurate or not indicative of the company’s financial position.

 

  2. Compensation Matters

 

    a. Executive Compensation
(1) Advisory Vote on Compensation. The Advisor believes there are more effective ways to convey concerns about compensation than through an advisory vote on compensation (such as voting against specific excessive incentive plans or withholding votes from compensation committee members). The Advisor will consider and vote on a case-by-case basis on say-on-pay proposals and will generally support management proposals unless specific concerns exist, including if the Advisor concludes that executive compensation is (i) misaligned with shareholder interests, (ii)
 
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    unreasonable in amount, or (iii) not in the aggregate meaningfully tied to the company’s performance. (2) Frequency of Advisory Votes on Compensation. The Advisor generally supports the triennial option for the frequency of say-on-pay proposals, but will consider management recommendations for an alternative approach.

 

    b. Equity Based Compensation Plans
The Advisor believes that equity-based incentive plans are economically significant issues upon which shareholders are entitled to vote. The Advisor recognizes that equity-based compensation plans can be useful in attracting and maintaining desirable employees. The cost associated with such plans must be measured if plans are to be used appropriately to maximize shareholder value. The Advisor will conduct a case-by-case analysis of each stock option, stock bonus or similar plan or amendment, and generally approve management’s recommendations with respect to adoption of or amendments to a company’s equity-based compensation plans, provided that the total number of shares reserved under all of a company’s plans is reasonable and not excessively dilutive. The Advisor will review equity-based compensation plans or amendments thereto on a case-by-case basis. Factors that will be considered in the determination include the company’s overall capitalization, the performance of the company relative to its peers, and the maturity of the company and its industry; for example, technology companies often use options broadly throughout its employee base which may justify somewhat greater dilution. Amendments which are proposed in order to bring a company’s plan within applicable legal requirements will be reviewed by the Advisor’s legal counsel; amendments to executive bonus plans to comply with IRS Section 162(m) disclosure requirements, for example, are generally approved. The Advisor will generally vote against the adoption of plans or plan amendments that:

 

Provide for immediate vesting of all stock options in the event of a change of control of the company without reasonable safeguards against abuse (see “Anti-Takeover Proposals” below);

 

Reset outstanding stock options at a lower strike price unless accompanied by a corresponding and proportionate reduction in the number of shares designated. The Advisor will generally oppose adoption of stock option plans that explicitly or historically permit repricing of stock options, regardless of the number of shares reserved for issuance, since their effect is impossible to evaluate;

 

Establish restriction periods shorter than three years for restricted stock grants;

 

Do not reasonably associate awards to performance of the company; or

 

Are excessively dilutive to the company.

 

  3. Anti-Takeover Proposals

 

  In general, the Advisor will vote against any proposal, whether made by management or shareholders, which the Advisor believes would materially discourage a potential acquisition or takeover. In most cases an acquisition or takeover of a particular company will increase share value. The adoption of anti-takeover measures may prevent or frustrate a bid from being made, may prevent consummation of the acquisition, and may have a negative effect on share price when no acquisition proposal is pending. The items below discuss specific anti-takeover proposals.

 

    a. Cumulative Voting
The Advisor will vote in favor of any proposal to adopt cumulative voting and will vote against any proposal to eliminate cumulative voting that is already in place, except in cases where a company has a staggered board. Cumulative voting gives minority shareholders a stronger voice in the company and a greater chance for representation on the board. The Advisor believes that the elimination of cumulative voting constitutes an anti-takeover measure.

 

    b. Staggered Board
If a company has a “staggered board,” its directors are elected for terms of more than one year and only a segment of the board stands for election in any year. Therefore, a potential acquiror cannot replace the entire board in one year even if it controls a majority of the votes. Although staggered boards may provide some degree of continuity and stability of leadership and direction to the board of directors, the Advisor believes that staggered boards are primarily an anti-takeover device and will vote against establishing them and for eliminating them. However, the Advisor does not necessarily vote against the re-election of directors serving on staggered boards.

 

    c. “Blank Check” Preferred Stock
Blank check preferred stock gives the board of directors the ability to issue preferred stock, without further shareholder approval, with such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as may be set by the board. In response to a hostile takeover attempt, the board could issue such stock to a friendly party or “white knight” or could establish conversion or other rights in the preferred stock which would dilute the common stock and make an acquisition impossible or less attractive. The argument in favor of blank check preferred stock is that it gives the board flexibility in pursuing financing, acquisitions or other proper corporate purposes without incurring the time or expense of a shareholder vote. Generally, the Advisor will vote against blank check preferred stock. However, the Advisor may vote in favor of blank check preferred if the proxy statement discloses that such stock is limited to use for a specific, proper corporate objective as a financing instrument.

 

    d. Elimination of Preemptive Rights
When a company grants preemptive rights, existing shareholders are given an opportunity to maintain their proportional ownership when new shares are issued. A proposal to eliminate preemptive rights is a request from management to revoke that right. While preemptive rights will protect the shareholder from having its equity diluted, it may also decrease a company’s ability to raise capital through stock offerings or use stock for acquisitions or other proper corporate purposes. Preemptive rights may therefore result in a lower market value for the company’s stock. In the long term, shareholders could be adversely affected by preemptive rights. The Advisor generally votes against proposals to grant preemptive rights, and for proposals to eliminate preemptive rights.

 

    e. Non-targeted Share Repurchase
A non-targeted share repurchase is generally used by company management to prevent the value of stock held by existing shareholders from
 
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    deteriorating. A non-targeted share repurchase may reflect management’s belief in the favorable business prospects of the company. The Advisor finds no disadvantageous effects of a non-targeted share repurchase and will generally vote for the approval of a non-targeted share repurchase subject to analysis of the company’s financial condition.

 

    f. Increase in Authorized Common Stock
The issuance of new common stock can also be viewed as an anti-takeover measure, although its effect on shareholder value would appear to be less significant than the adoption of blank check preferred. The Advisor will evaluate the amount of the proposed increase and the purpose or purposes for which the increase is sought. If the increase is not excessive and is sought for proper corporate purposes, the increase will be approved. Proper corporate purposes might include, for example, the creation of additional stock to accommodate a stock split or stock dividend, additional stock required for a proposed acquisition, or additional stock required to be reserved upon exercise of employee stock option plans or employee stock purchase plans. Generally, the Advisor will vote in favor of an increase in authorized common stock of up to 100%; increases in excess of 100% are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and will be voted affirmatively if management has provided sound justification for the increase.

 

    g. “Supermajority” Voting Provisions or Super Voting Share Classes
A “supermajority” voting provision is a provision placed in a company’s charter documents which would require a “supermajority” (ranging from 66 to 90%) of shareholders and shareholder votes to approve any type of acquisition of the company. A super voting share class grants one class of shareholders a greater per-share vote than those of shareholders of other voting classes. The Advisor believes that these are standard anti-takeover measures and will generally vote against them. The supermajority provision makes an acquisition more time-consuming and expensive for the acquiror. A super voting share class favors one group of shareholders disproportionately to economic interest. Both are often proposed in conjunction with other anti-takeover measures.

 

    h. “Fair Price” Amendments
This is another type of charter amendment that would require an offeror to pay a “fair” and uniform price to all shareholders in an acquisition. In general, fair price amendments are designed to protect shareholders from coercive, two-tier tender offers in which some shareholders may be merged out on disadvantageous terms. Fair price amendments also have an anti-takeover impact, although their adoption is generally believed to have less of a negative effect on stock price than other anti-takeover measures. The Advisor will carefully examine all fair price proposals. In general, the Advisor will vote against fair price proposals unless the Advisor concludes that it is likely that the share price will not be negatively affected and the proposal will not have the effect of discouraging acquisition proposals.

 

    i. Limiting the Right to Call Special Shareholder Meetings.
The corporation statutes of many states allow minority shareholders at a certain threshold level of ownership (frequently 10%) to call a special meeting of shareholders. This right can be eliminated (or the threshold increased) by amendment to the company’s charter documents. The Advisor believes that the right to call a special shareholder meeting is significant for minority shareholders; the elimination of such right will be viewed as an anti-takeover measure and the Advisor will generally vote against proposals attempting to eliminate this right and for proposals attempting to restore it.

 

    j. Poison Pills or Shareholder Rights Plans
Many companies have now adopted some version of a poison pill plan (also known as a shareholder rights plan). Poison pill plans generally provide for the issuance of additional equity securities or rights to purchase equity securities upon the occurrence of certain hostile events, such as the acquisition of a large block of stock. The basic argument against poison pills is that they depress share value, discourage offers for the company and serve to “entrench” management. The basic argument in favor of poison pills is that they give management more time and leverage to deal with a takeover bid and, as a result, shareholders may receive a better price. The Advisor believes that the potential benefits of a poison pill plan are outweighed by the potential detriments. The Advisor will generally vote against all forms of poison pills. The Advisor will, however, consider on a case-by-case basis poison pills that are very limited in time and preclusive effect. The Advisor will generally vote in favor of such a poison pill if it is linked to a business strategy that will – in our view – likely result in greater value for shareholders, if the term is less than three years, and if shareholder approval is required to reinstate the expired plan or adopt a new plan at the end of this term.

 

    k. Golden Parachutes
Golden parachute arrangements provide substantial compensation to executives who are terminated as a result of a takeover or change in control of their company. The existence of such plans in reasonable amounts probably has only a slight anti-takeover effect. In voting, the Advisor will evaluate the specifics of the plan presented.

 

    l. Reincorporation
Reincorporation in a new state is often proposed as one part of a package of anti-takeover measures. Several states (such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana) now provide some type of legislation that greatly discourages takeovers. Management believes that Delaware in particular is beneficial as a corporate domicile because of the well-developed body of statutes and case law dealing with corporate acquisitions. The Advisor will examine reincorporation proposals on a case-by-case basis. Generally, if the Advisor believes that the reincorporation will result in greater protection from takeovers, the reincorporation proposal will be opposed. The Advisor will also oppose reincorporation proposals involving jurisdictions that specify that directors can recognize non-shareholder interests over those of shareholders. When reincorporation is proposed for a legitimate business purpose and without the negative effects identified above, the Advisor will generally vote affirmatively.

 

    m. Confidential Voting
Companies that have not previously adopted a “confidential voting” policy allow management to view the results of shareholder votes. This gives management the opportunity to contact those shareholders voting against management in an effort to change their votes. Proponents of secret ballots argue that confidential voting enables shareholders to vote on all issues on the basis of merit without pressure from management to influence their decision. Opponents argue that confidential voting is more expensive and unnecessary; also, holding shares in a nominee name maintains shareholders’ confidentiality. The Advisor believes that the only way to insure anonymity of votes is through confidential voting, and
 
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    that the benefits of confidential voting outweigh the incremental additional cost of administering a confidential voting system. Therefore, the Advisor will generally vote in favor of any proposal to adopt confidential voting.

 

    n. Opting In or Out of State Takeover Laws
State takeover laws typically are designed to make it more difficult to acquire a corporation organized in that state. The Advisor believes that the decision of whether or not to accept or reject offers of merger or acquisition should be made by the shareholders, without unreasonably restrictive state laws that may impose ownership thresholds or waiting periods on potential acquirors. Therefore, the Advisor will generally vote in favor of opting out of restrictive state takeover laws.

 

  4. Transaction Related Proposals The Advisor will review transaction related proposals, such as mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations, on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the impact of the transaction on each client account. In some instances, such as the approval of a proposed merger, a transaction may have a differential impact on client accounts depending on the securities held in each account. For example, whether a merger is in the best interest of a client account may be influenced by whether an account holds, and in what proportion, the stock of both the acquirer and the acquiror. In these circumstances, the Advisor may determine that it is in the best interests of the accounts to vote the accounts’ shares differently on proposals related to the same transaction.

 

  5. Other Matters

 

    a. Proposals Involving Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Matters
The Advisor believes that ESG issues can potentially impact an issuer’s long-term financial performance and has developed an analytical framework, as well as a proprietary assessment tool, to integrate risks and opportunities stemming from ESG issues into our investment process. This ESG integration process extends to our proxy voting practices in that our ESG Proxy Team analyzes on a case-by-case basis the financial materiality and potential risks or economic impact of the ESG issues underpinning proxy proposals and makes voting recommendations based thereon for the Advisor’s consideration. The ESG Proxy Team will generally recommend support for well-targeted ESG proposals if it believes that there is a rational linkage between a proposal, its economic impact, and its potential to maximize long-term shareholder value. Where the economic effect of such proposals is unclear and there is not a specific written client-mandate, the Advisor believes it is generally impossible to know how to vote in a manner that would accurately reflect the views of the Advisor’s clients, and, therefore, the Advisor will generally rely on management’s assessment of the economic effect if the Advisor believes the assessment is not unreasonable. Shareholders may also introduce proposals which are the subject of existing law or regulation. Examples of such proposals would include a proposal to require disclosure of a company’s contributions to political action committees or a proposal to require a company to adopt a non-smoking workplace policy. The Advisor believes that such proposals may be better addressed outside the corporate arena and, absent a potential economic impact, will generally vote with management’s recommendation. In addition, the Advisor will generally vote against any proposal which would require a company to adopt practices or procedures which go beyond the requirements of existing, directly applicable law.

 

    b. Anti-Greenmail Proposals
“Anti-greenmail” proposals generally limit the right of a corporation, without a shareholder vote, to pay a premium or buy out a 5% or greater shareholder. Management often argues that they should not be restricted from negotiating a deal to buy out a significant shareholder at a premium if they believe it is in the best interest of the company. Institutional shareholders generally believe that all shareholders should be able to vote on such a significant use of corporate assets. The Advisor believes that any repurchase by the company at a premium price of a large block of stock should be subject to a shareholder vote. Accordingly, it will generally vote in favor of anti-greenmail proposals.

 

    c. Indemnification
The Advisor will generally vote in favor of a corporation’s proposal to indemnify its officers and directors in accordance with applicable state law. Indemnification arrangements are often necessary in order to attract and retain qualified directors. The adoption of such proposals appears to have little effect on share value.

 

    d. Non-Stock Incentive Plans
Management may propose a variety of cash-based incentive or bonus plans to stimulate employee performance. In general, the cash or other corporate assets required for most incentive plans is not material, and the Advisor will vote in favor of such proposals, particularly when the proposal is recommended in order to comply with IRC Section 162(m) regarding salary disclosure requirements. Case-by-case determinations will be made of the appropriateness of the amount of shareholder value transferred by proposed plans.

 

    e. Director Tenure
These proposals ask that age and term restrictions be placed on the board of directors. The Advisor believes that these types of blanket restrictions are not necessarily in the best interests of shareholders and therefore will vote against such proposals, unless they have been recommended by management.

 

    f. Directors’ Stock Options Plans
The Advisor believes that stock options are an appropriate form of compensation for directors, and the Advisor will generally vote for director stock option plans which are reasonable and do not result in excessive shareholder dilution. Analysis of such proposals will be made on a case-by-case basis, and will take into account total board compensation and the company’s total exposure to stock option plan dilution.

 

    g. Director Share Ownership
The Advisor will generally vote against shareholder proposals which would require directors to hold a minimum number of the company’s shares to serve on the Board of Directors, in the belief that such ownership should be at the discretion of Board members.

 

    h. Non-U.S. Proxies
The Advisor will generally evaluate non-U.S. proxies in the context of the voting policies expressed herein but will also, where feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations, and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining if and how to vote. There may also be
 
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    circumstances when practicalities and costs involved with non-U.S. investing make it disadvantageous to vote shares. For instance, the Advisor generally does not vote proxies in circumstances where share blocking restrictions apply, when meeting attendance is required in person, or when current share ownership disclosure is required. Restrictions apply, when meeting attendance is required in person, or when current share ownership disclosure is required.

 

  C. Use of Proxy Advisory Services

 

  The Adviser may retain proxy advisory firms to provide services in connection with voting proxies, including, without limitation, to provide information on shareholder meeting dates and proxy materials, translate proxy materials printed in a foreign language, provide research on proxy proposals and voting recommendations in accordance with the voting policies expressed herein, provide systems to assist with casting the proxy votes, and provide reports and assist with preparation of filings concerning the proxies voted. Prior to the selection of a proxy advisory firm and periodically thereafter, the Advisor will consider whether the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues and the ability to make recommendations based on material accurate information in an impartial manner. Such considerations may include some or all of the following (i) periodic sampling of votes cast through the firm’s systems to determine that votes are in accordance with the Advisor’s policies and its clients best interests, (ii) onsite visits to the proxy advisory firm’s office and/or discussions with the firm to determine whether the firm continues to have the resources (e.g. staffing, personnel, technology, etc.) capacity and competency to carry out its obligations to the Advisor, (iii) a review of the firm’s policies and procedures, with a focus on those relating to identifying and addressing conflicts of interest and monitoring that current and accurate information is used in creating recommendations, (iv) requesting that the firm notify the Advisor if there is a change in the firm’s material policies and procedures, particularly with respect to conflicts, or material business practices (e.g., entering or exiting new lines of business), and reviewing any such change, and (v) in case of an error made by the firm, discussing the error with the firm and determining whether appropriate corrective and preventative action is being taken. In the event the Advisor discovers an error in the research or voting recommendations provided by the firm, it will take reasonable steps to investigate the error and seek to determine whether the firm is taking reasonable steps to reduce similar errors in the future. While the Advisor takes into account information from many different sources, including independent proxy advisory services, the decision on how to vote proxies will be made in accordance with these policies.

 

  D. Monitoring Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

  Corporate management has a strong interest in the outcome of proposals submitted to shareholders. As a consequence, management often seeks to influence large shareholders to vote with their recommendations on particularly controversial matters. In the vast majority of cases, these communications with large shareholders amount to little more than advocacy for management’s positions and give the Advisor’s staff the opportunity to ask additional questions about the matter being presented. Companies with which the Advisor has direct business relationships could theoretically use these relationships to attempt to unduly influence the manner in which the Advisor votes on matters for its clients. To ensure that such a conflict of interest does not affect proxy votes cast for the Advisor’s clients, our proxy voting personnel regularly catalog companies with whom the Advisor has significant business relationships; all discretionary (including case-by-case) voting for these companies will be voted by the client or an appropriate fiduciary responsible for the client (e.g., a committee of the independent directors of a fund or the trustee of a retirement plan). In addition, to avoid any potential conflict of interest that may arise when one American Century fund owns shares of another American Century fund, the Advisor will “echo vote” such shares, if possible. Echo voting means the Advisor will vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of the fund’s shares. So, for example, if shareholders of a fund cast 80% of their votes in favor of a proposal and 20% against the proposal, any American Century fund that owns shares of such fund will cast 80% of its shares in favor of the proposal and 20% against. When this is not possible (as in the case of the “NT” funds, where the other American Century funds are the only shareholders), the shares of the underlying fund (e.g. the “NT” fund) will be voted in the same proportion as the vote of the shareholders of the corresponding American Century policy portfolio for proposals common to both funds. For example, NT Growth Fund shares will be echo voted in accordance with the votes of the Growth Fund shareholders. In the case where the policy portfolio does not have a common proposal, shares will be voted in consultation with a committee of the independent directors.

 

  ************************************************************

 

  The voting policies expressed above are of course subject to modification in certain circumstances and will be reexamined from time to time. With respect to matters that do not fit in the categories stated above, the Advisor will exercise its best judgment as a fiduciary to vote in the manner which will most enhance shareholder value. Case-by-case determinations will be made by the Advisor’s staff, which is overseen by the General Counsel of the Advisor, in consultation with equity managers. Electronic records will be kept of all votes made.
 
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BARROW, HANLEY, MEWHINNEY & STRAUSS, LLC
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Barrow Hanley has accepted responsibility to vote proxies for equity securities for its clients who have delegated this responsibility to us and the Firm’s policy is to vote our clients’ proxies in the best economic interests of our clients, the beneficial owners of the shares. Barrow Hanley has adopted this Proxy Voting Policy and maintains written procedures for handling research, voting, reporting proxy votes, and making appropriate disclosures about proxy voting on behalf of our clients.
It is Barrow Hanley’s policy to vote all clients’ proxies the same based on this Proxy Voting Policy and Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Voting Guidelines. If or when additional costs to clients are identified in association with voting the client’s proxy, Barrow Hanley will determine whether such costs exceed the expected economic benefit of voting the proxy and may determine that abstaining from voting is the better action for ERISA Plan clients. However, if/when such voting costs are borne by Barrow Hanley and not by the client, all proxies will be voted for all clients. Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Voting Guidelines provide a framework for assessing proxy proposals. Disclosure information about the Firm’s Proxy Voting is included in Barrow Hanley’s Form ADV Part 2.
To assist in the proxy voting process, at its own expense Barrow Hanley retains the services of Glass Lewis & Co. Glass Lewis provides:

 

Research on corporate governance, financial statements, business, legal and accounting risks;

 

Proxy voting recommendations, including ESG voting guidelines;

 

Portfolio accounting and reconciliation of shareholdings for voting purposes;

 

Proxy voting execution, record keeping, and reporting services.
 
Proxy Oversight Committee, Proxy Coordinators, and Proxy Voting Committee

 

Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Oversight Committee is responsible for implementing and monitoring Barrow Hanley’s proxy voting policy, procedures, disclosures, and recordkeeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.

 

The Proxy Oversight Committee conducts periodic reviews to monitor and ensure that the Firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly, and amended or updated, as appropriate.

 

The Proxy Oversight Committee is made up of the CCO, the Responsible Investing Committee lead, the director of investment operations, the ESG research coordinator, and an at-large portfolio manager.

 

Proxy coordinators are assigned from the operations department.

 

Proxy coordinators review and organize the data and recommendations provided by the proxy service.

 

The proxy coordinators are responsible for ensuring that the proxy ballots are routed to the appropriate research analyst based on industry sector coverage.

 

Research analysts review and evaluate proxy proposals and make recommendations to the Proxy Voting Committee to ensure that votes are consistent with the Firm’s analysis and are in the best economic interest of the shareholders, our clients.

 

Equity portfolio managers are members of the Proxy Voting Committee.

 

Equity portfolio managers vote proxy proposals based on shareholders’ economic interests, utilizing the Firm’s Proxy Voting Guidelines, internal research recommendations, and research from Glass Lewis. Proxy votes must be approved by the Proxy Voting Committee before submitting to the proxy service provider.

 

Proxies for the Diversified Small Cap Value accounts are voted in accordance with the proxy
service provider’s recommendations for the following reasons:

 

Investments are based on a quantitative model. Fundamental research is not performed for the holdings.

 

The holding period is too short to justify the time for analysis to vote.
 
Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts may arise when:

 

Clients elect to participate in securities lending arrangements; in such cases, the votes follow the shares, and because Barrow Hanley has no information about clients’ shares on loan, the proxies for those shares may not be voted.

 

Barrow Hanley invests in equity securities of corporations who are also clients of the Firm; in
such cases, Barrow Hanley seeks to mitigate potential conflicts by:

 

Making voting decisions for the benefit of the shareholder(s), our clients;

 

Uniformly voting every proxy based on Barrow Hanley’s internal research and consideration of Glass Lewis’ recommendations; and

 

Documenting the votes of companies who are also clients of the Firm.

 

If a material conflict of interest exists, members from the Proxy Voting and Oversight Committees will determine if the affected clients should have an opportunity to vote their proxies themselves, or whether Barrow Hanley will address the specific voting issue through other objective means, such as voting the proxies in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or accepting the voting recommendation of Glass Lewis.
 
Other Policies and Procedures

 

Barrow Hanley sends a daily electronic transfer of equity positions to the proxy service provider.

 

The proxy service provider identifies accounts eligible to vote for each security and posts the proposals and research on its secure, proprietary online system.

 

Barrow Hanley sends a proxy report to clients at least annually (or as requested by client), listing the number of shares voted and disclosing how proxies were voted.
 
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Voting records are retained on the network, which is backed up daily. The proxy service provider retains records for seven years.

 

Barrow Hanley’s Proxy Voting Guidelines are available upon request by calling: (214) 665- 1900, or by e-mailing: clientservices@barrowhanley.com.

 

The proxy coordinators retain the following proxy records for at least seven years:

 

These policies and procedures and any amendments;

 

Proxy statements received regarding our clients’ securities;

 

A record of each proxy voted;

 

Proxy voting reports that are sent to clients annually;

 

Any document Barrow Hanley created that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision; and

 

Records of any client’s request for proxy voting information.
 
Voting Debt and/or Bank Loan Securities
Barrow Hanley has the responsibility to vote proxies and related interests for its clients who have delegated this responsibility to the Firm, which may include voting on proposals, amendments, consents, or resolutions solicited by or in respect to the issuers of securities, including Bank Loan debt instruments. Barrow Hanley votes proxies and related interests in the best interest of the securities’ owners, its clients.
Exceptions
Limited exceptions may be permitted based on a client’s circumstances, such as foreign regulations that create a conflict with U.S. practices, expenses to facilitate voting when the costs outweigh the benefit of voting the proxies, or other circumstances.
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BRANDYWINE GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC
PROXY VOTING
I. Client Accounts for which Brandywine Global Votes Proxies
Brandywine Global shall vote proxies for each client account for which the client:

 

  A. has specifically authorized Brandywine Global to vote proxies in the applicable investment management agreement or other written instrument; or

 

  B. without specifically authorizing Brandywine Global to vote proxies, has granted general investment discretion to Brandywine Global in the applicable investment management agreement.
 
Also, Brandywine Global shall vote proxies for any employee benefit plan client subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), unless the investment management agreement specifically reserves the responsibility for voting proxies to the plan trustees or other named fiduciary.
At or prior to inception of each client account, Brandywine Global shall determine whether it has proxy voting authority over such account.
II. General Principles
In exercising discretion to vote proxies for securities held in client accounts, Brandywine Global is guided by general fiduciary principles. Brandywine Global’s goal in voting proxies is to act prudently and solely in the best economic interest of its clients for which it is voting proxies. In furtherance of such goal, Brandywine Global will vote proxies in a manner that Brandywine Global believes will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder values.
Brandywine Global does not exercise its proxy voting discretion to further policy, political or other issues that have no connection to enhancing the economic value of the client’s investment, but will consider environmental, social, and governance issues that may impact the value of the investment, either through introducing opportunity or by creating risk to the value.
III. How Brandywine Global Votes Proxies
Appendix A sets forth general guidelines considered by Brandywine Global and its portfolio management teams in voting common proxy items.
In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position set forth in Appendix A, Brandywine Global generally votes in accordance with the stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a list of factors set forth in Appendix A that Brandywine Global considers in voting on such issue, Brandywine Global considers those factors and votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles described in Section II. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position or list of factors set forth in Appendix A that Brandywine Global considers in voting on such issue, Brandywine Global votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles described in Section II.
The general guidelines set forth in Appendix A are not binding on Brandywine Global and its portfolio management teams, but rather are intended to provide an analytical framework for the review and assessment of common proxy issues. Such guidelines can always be superseded by a portfolio management team based on the team’s assessment of the proxy issue and determination that a vote that is contrary to such general guidelines is in the best economic interests of the client accounts for which the team is responsible. Different portfolio management teams may vote differently on the same issue based on their respective assessments of the proxy issue and determinations as to what is in the best economic interests of client accounts for which they are responsible.
In the case of Taft-Hartley clients, Brandywine Global will comply with a client direction to vote proxies in accordance with Glass Lewis & Co. PVS Proxy Voting Guidelines, which Glass Lewis & Co. represents to be fully consistent with AFL-CIO guidelines.
IV. Use of an Independent Proxy Service Firm
Brandywine Global may contract with an independent proxy service firm to provide Brandywine Global with information and/or recommendations with regard to proxy votes. Any such information and/or recommendations will be made available to Brandywine Global’s portfolio management teams, but Brandywine Global and its portfolio management teams are not required to follow any recommendation furnished by such service provider. The use of an independent proxy service firm to provide proxy voting information and/or recommendations does not relieve Brandywine Global of its responsibility for any proxy votes.
With respect to any independent proxy service firm engaged by Brandywine Global to provide Brandywine Global with information and/or recommendations with regard to proxy votes, Brandywine Global’s Proxy Administrator shall periodically review and assess such firm’s policies, procedures and practices including those with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest.

V. Conflict of Interest Procedures
In furtherance of Brandywine Global’s goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, Brandywine Global follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between the interests of Brandywine Global and its employees and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients. Conflicts of interest may arise both at the firm level and as a result of an employee’s personal relationships or circumstances.

 

  A. Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest

 

  Brandywine Global relies on the procedures set forth below to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting.
 
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    1. Brandywine Global’s Compliance Department annually requires each Brandywine Global employee to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit information that may reveal potential conflicts between the employee’s interests and those of Brandywine Global clients.

 

    2. Brandywine Global treats client and wrap sponsor relationships as creating a material conflict of interest for Brandywine Global in voting proxies with respect to securities issued by such client or its known affiliates.

 

    3. As a general matter, Brandywine Global takes the position that relationships between a non-Brandywine Global Franklin Resources business unit and an issuer (e.g., investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-Brandywine Global Franklin Resources-owned asset manager) do not present a conflict of interest for Brandywine Global in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because Brandywine Global operates as an independent business unit from other Franklin Resources business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between Brandywine Global and certain other Franklin Resources business units.

 

  B. Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest

 

    1. All potential conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section V.A.1. must be brought to the attention of the Investment Committee for resolution.

 

    2. The Investment Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest shall be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, Brandywine Global’s decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. A written record of all materiality determinations made by the Investment Committee shall be maintained.

 

    3. If it is determined by the Investment Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, Brandywine Global may vote proxies following normal processes notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

 

  C. Procedures for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest

 

    1. With the exception of those material conflicts identified in A.2. which will be voted in accordance with paragraph C.1.b., if it is determined by the Investment Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Investment Committee shall determine an appropriate method or combination of methods to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted by Brandywine Global. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:

 

      a. confirming that the proxy will be voted in accordance with a stated position or positions set forth in Appendix A;

 

      b. confirming that the proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of an independent proxy service firm retained by Brandywine Global;

 

      c. in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee’s personal relationships or circumstances, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote;

 

      d. disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their consent before voting;

 

      e. suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf; or

 

      f. such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc.

 

  2. A written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest shall be maintained.
 
VI. Other Considerations
In certain situations, Brandywine Global may decide not to vote proxies on behalf of a client account for which it has discretionary voting authority because Brandywine Global believes that the expected benefit to the client account of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations (excluding the existence of a potential conflict of interest). Examples of situations in which Brandywine Global may determine not to vote proxies are set forth below.

 

    A. Share Blocking

 

    Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share blocking.” This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g. one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, Brandywine Global will consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to client accounts of voting in relation to the potential detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.

 

    B. Securities on Loan

 

    Certain clients of Brandywine Global, such as an institutional client or a registered investment company for which Brandywine Global acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. Brandywine Global typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, Brandywine Global may request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if Brandywine Global believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares (e.g., foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy
 
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    voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of Brandywine Global and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.
 
VII. Proxy Voting-Related Disclosures

 

  A. Proxy Voting Independence and Intent

 

  Brandywine Global exercises its proxy voting authority independently of other Franklin Resources-owned asset managers. Brandywine Global and its employees shall not consult with or enter into any formal or informal agreements with Brandywine Global’s ultimate parent, Franklin Resources, Inc., any other Franklin Resources business unit, or any of their respective officers, directors or employees, regarding the voting of any securities by Brandywine Global on behalf of its clients.

 

  Brandywine Global and its employees must not disclose to any person outside of Brandywine Global, including without limitation another investment management firm (affiliated or unaffiliated) or the issuer of securities that are the subject of the proxy vote, how Brandywine Global intends to vote a proxy without prior approval from Brandywine Global’s Chief Compliance Officer.

 

  If a Brandywine Global employee receives a request to disclose Brandywine Global’s proxy voting intentions to, or is otherwise contacted by, another person outside of Brandywine Global (including an employee of another Franklin Resources business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, the employee should immediately notify Brandywine Global’s Chief Compliance Officer.

 

  If a Brandywine Global portfolio manager wants to take a public stance with regards to a proxy, the portfolio manager must consult with and obtain the approval of Brandywine Global’s Chief Compliance Officer before making or issuing a public statement.

 

  B. Disclosure of Proxy Votes and Policy and Procedures

 

  Upon Brandywine Global’s receipt of any oral or written client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies for that client’s account, Brandywine Global must promptly provide the client with such requested information in writing.

 

  Brandywine Global must deliver to each client, for which it has proxy voting authority, no later than the time it accepts such authority, a written summary of this Proxy Voting policy and procedures. This summary must include information on how clients may obtain information about how Brandywine Global has voted proxies for their accounts and must also state that a copy of Brandywine Global’s Proxy Voting policy and procedures is available upon request.

 

  Brandywine Global must create and maintain a record of each written client request for proxy voting information. Such record must be created promptly after receipt of the request and must include the date the request was received, the content of the request, and the date of Brandywine Global’s response. Brandywine Global must also maintain copies of written client requests and copies of all responses to such requests.

 

  C. Delegation of Duties

 

  Brandywine Global may delegate to non-investment personnel the responsibility to vote proxies in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Appendix A. Such delegation of duties will only be made to employees deemed to be reasonably capable of performing this function in a satisfactory manner.
 
VIII. Shareholder Activism and Certain Non-Proxy Voting Matters
In no event shall Brandywine Global’s possession of proxy voting authority obligate it to undertake any shareholder activism on behalf of a client. Brandywine Global may undertake such activism in connection with a proxy or otherwise if and to the extent that Brandywine Global determines that doing so is consistent with applicable general fiduciary principles, provided Brandywine Global has first obtained its Chief Compliance Officer’s approval of the proposed activism.
Absent a specific contrary written agreement with a client, Brandywine Global does not (1) render any advice to, or take any action on behalf of, clients with respect to any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies and shareholder litigation, to which any securities or other investments held in client account, or the issuers thereof, become subject, or (2) initiate or pursue legal proceedings, including without limitation shareholder litigation, on behalf of clients with respect to transactions or securities or other investments held in client accounts, or the issuers thereof. Except as otherwise agreed to in writing with a particular client, the right to take any action with respect to any legal proceeding, including without limitation bankruptcies and shareholder litigation, and the right to initiate or pursue any legal proceedings, including without limitation shareholder litigation, with respect to transactions or securities or other investments held in a client account is expressly reserved to the client.
IX. Recordkeeping
In addition to all other records required by this Policy and Procedures, Brandywine Global shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

 

  A. a copy of this Policy and Procedures, including any and all amendments that may be adopted;

 

  B. a copy of each proxy statement that Brandywine Global receives regarding client securities;

 

  C. a record of each vote cast by Brandywine Global on behalf of a client;

 

  D. documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;

 

  E. any documents created by Brandywine Global that were material to a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for that decision;

 

  F. a copy of each written client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by Brandywine Global to any (written or oral) client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client; and
 
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  G. records showing whether or not Brandywine Global has proxy voting authority for each client account.
 
All required records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of Brandywine Global. Brandywine Global also shall maintain a copy of any proxy voting policies and procedures that were in effect at any time within the last five years.
To the extent that Brandywine Global is authorized to vote proxies for a United States registered investment company, Brandywine Global shall maintain such records as are necessary to allow such fund to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, Brandywine Global may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements if the third party provides an undertaking to provide copies of such proxy statements promptly upon request. Brandywine Global may rely on a third party to make and retain, on Brandywine Global’s behalf, records of votes cast by Brandywine Global on behalf of clients if the third party provides an undertaking to provide a copy of such records promptly upon request.
Appendix A
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Brandywine Global Diversified Portfolio Management Team
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Below are proxy voting guidelines that Brandywine Global’s Diversified Portfolio Management Team generally follows when voting proxies for securities held in client accounts. The Team may decide to deviate from these guidelines with respect to any one or more particular proxy votes, subject in all cases to the Team’s duty to act solely in the best interest of their client accounts holding the applicable security.
I. Compensation

 

  A. We vote for non-employee director stock options, unless we consider the number of shares available for issue excessive. We may consider current and past stock option grants in determining whether the cumulative dilution is excessive.

 

  B. We vote for employee stock purchase programs. Normally, these programs allow all employees to purchase company stock at a price equal to 85% of current market price. Usually, we will still vote for these employee programs even if we vote against a non-employee or executive-only stock purchase program because of excessive dilution.

 

  C. We vote for compensation plans that are tied to the company achieving set profitability hurdles. Plans are structured this way to comply with IRS laws allowing for deductibility of management compensation exceeding $1 million.

 

  D. We vote against attempts to re-price options. Also, we vote against the re-election of incumbent Directors in the event of such a re-pricing proposal.

 

  E. We vote against attempts to increase incentive stock options available for issuance when the shares underlying such options would exceed 10% of the company’s outstanding shares.

 

  F. We vote against stock option plans allowing for stock options with exercise prices less than 100% of the stock’s price at the time of the option grant.

 

  G. We vote against stock option plans allowing for very large allocations to a single individual because we generally believe that stock option plans should provide for widespread employee participation.

 

  H. We vote against proposals to authorize or approve loans to company executives or Board members for personal reasons or for the purpose of enabling such persons to purchase company shares.
 
II. Governance

 

  A. We vote for proposals to separate the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board positions.

 

  B. We vote against “catch-all” authorizations permitting proxy holders to conduct unspecified business that arises during shareholder meetings.
 
III. Anti-Takeover

 

  We vote against anti-takeover measures, including without limitation:

 

  A. Staggered Boards of Directors (for example, where 1/3 of a company’s Board is elected each year rather than the entire Board each year).

 

  B. Super-Majority Voting Measures (for example, requiring a greater than 50% vote to approve takeovers or make certain changes).

 

  C. Poison Pills, which are special stock rights that go into effect upon a takeover offer or an outsider acquiring more than a specified percentage of a company’s outstanding shares.
 
IV. Capital Structure

 

  We vote against attempts to increase authorized shares by more than twice the number of outstanding shares unless there is a specific purpose for such increase given, such as a pending stock split or a corporate purchase using shares, and we determine that increasing authorized shares for such purpose is appropriate. Generally, we believe it is better to use shares to pay for acquisitions when they are trading at higher values than when they are trading at or near historical lows. The dilution effect is less.
 
V. Business Management
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  We generally prefer not to dictate to companies on matters of business strategy, believing that as long as the company is operating responsibly it is management’s role to make these decisions. Business strategy includes management of environmental and social practices, as they have the potential to pose significant financial, legal, and reputational risk if not appropriately governed. In cases where we feel management has not taken sufficient efforts to address material environmental or social risk, we may choose to support shareholder proposals aimed at enhancing shareholder value or risk mitigation in alignment with our fiduciary principles.
 
Brandywine Global Fundamental Equities Portfolio Management Team
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Below are proxy voting guidelines that Brandywine Global’s Fundamental Equities Portfolio Management Team generally follows when voting proxies for securities held in client accounts. The Team may decide to deviate from these guidelines with respect to any one or more particular proxy votes, subject in all cases to the Team’s duty to act solely in the best interest of their client accounts holding the applicable security.

I. Compensation

 

  A. We vote for non-employee director stock options, unless we consider the number of shares available for issue excessive.

 

  B. We vote for employee stock purchase programs. Normally, these programs allow all employees to purchase company stock at a price equal to 85% of current market price. Usually, we will still vote for these employee programs even if we vote against a non-employee or executive-only stock purchase program because of excessive dilution.

 

  C. We vote for measures that give shareholders a vote on executive compensation.

 

  D. We vote for compensation plans that are tied to the company achieving set profitability hurdles. This is to comply with IRS laws to allow for deductibility of management compensation exceeding $1 million.

 

  E. We vote against any attempt to re-price options. Also, we vote against the re- election of incumbent Directors in the event of such a re-pricing proposal.

 

  F. We vote against attempts to increase incentive stock options when we determine they are excessive, either in total or for one individual.

 

  G. We vote against stock option plans allowing for stock options with exercise prices less than 100% of the stock’s price at the time of the option grant.
 
II. Governance

 

  A. We vote for cumulative shareholder voting.

 

  B. We vote against “catch-all” authorizations permitting proxy holders to conduct unspecified business that arises during shareholder meetings.

 

  C. We vote against related-party transactions involving directors, senior members of company management or other company insiders.
 
III. Anti-Takeover

 

  We vote against anti-takeover measures:

 

  A. Staggered Boards of Directors (for example, where 1/3 of a company’s Board is elected each year rather than the entire Board each year).

 

  B. Super-Majority Voting Measures (for example, requiring a greater than 50% vote to approve takeovers or make certain changes).

 

  C. Poison Pills, which are special stock rights that go into effect upon a takeover offer or an outsider acquiring more than a specified percentage of a company’s outstanding shares.

 

  D. Change-of-Control Contracts, which grant benefits to company personnel (typically members of senior company management) in the event the company is acquired or is otherwise subject to a change of control.
 
IV. Capital Structure

 

  We vote against attempts to increase authorized shares by more than twice the number of outstanding shares unless there is a specific purpose for such increase given, such as a pending stock split or a corporate purchase using shares, and we determine that increasing authorized shares for such purpose is appropriate. Generally, we believe it is better to use shares to pay for acquisitions when they are trading at higher values than when they are trading at or near historical lows. The dilution effect is less.
 
V. Business Management

 

  We generally prefer not to dictate to companies on matters of business strategy, believing that as long as the company is operating responsibly, it is management’s role to make these decisions. Business strategy includes management of environmental and social practices, as they have the potential to pose significant financial, legal, and reputational risk if not appropriately governed. In cases where we feel management has not taken sufficient efforts to address material environmental or social risk, we may choose to support shareholder proposals aimed at enhancing shareholder value or risk mitigation in alignment with our fiduciary principles
 
Brandywine Global Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Below are proxy voting guidelines that Brandywine Global Fixed Income Portfolio Management Team generally follows when voting proxies for securities held in client accounts. The Team may decide to deviate from these guidelines with respect to any one or more particular proxy votes, subject in all cases to the Team’s duty to act solely in the best interest of their client accounts holding the applicable security.
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I. Compensation

 

  A. We vote for non-employee director stock options, unless we consider the number of shares available for issue excessive.

 

  B. We vote for employee stock purchase programs. Normally, these programs allow all employees to purchase company stock at a price equal to 85% of current market price. Usually, we will still vote for these employee programs even if we vote against a non-employee or executive-only stock purchase program because of excessive dilution.

 

  C. We vote for measures that give shareholders a vote on executive compensation.

 

  D. We vote for compensation plans that are tied to the company achieving set profitability hurdles. This is to comply with IRS laws to allow for deductibility of management compensation exceeding $1 million.

 

  E. We vote against any attempt to re-price options. Also, we vote against the re- election of incumbent Directors in the event of such a re-pricing proposal.

 

  F. We vote against attempts to increase incentive stock options when we determine they are excessive, either in total or for one individual.

 

  G. We vote against stock option plans allowing for stock options with exercise prices less than 100% of the stock’s price at the time of the option grant.
 
II. Governance

 

  A. We vote for cumulative shareholder voting.

 

  B. We vote against “catch-all” authorizations permitting proxy holders to conduct unspecified business that arises during shareholder meetings.
 
III. Anti-Takeover

 

  We vote against anti-takeover measures, including without limitation:

 

  A. Staggered Boards of Directors (for example, where 1/3 of a company’s Board is elected each year rather than the entire Board each year).

 

  B. Super-Majority Voting Measures (for example, requiring a greater than 50% vote to approve takeovers or make certain changes).

 

  C. Poison Pills, which are special stock rights that go into effect upon a takeover offer or an outsider acquiring more than a specified percentage of a company’s outstanding shares.
 
IV. Capital Structure

 

  We vote against attempts to increase authorized shares by more than twice the number of outstanding shares unless there is a specific purpose for such increase given, such as a pending stock split or a corporate purchase using shares, and we determine that increasing authorized shares for such purpose is appropriate. Generally, we believe it is better to use shares to pay for acquisitions when they are trading at higher values than when they are trading at or near historical lows. The dilution effect is less.
 
V. Business Management

 

  We generally prefer not to dictate to companies on matters of business strategy, believing that as long as the company is operating responsibly it is management’s role to make these decisions. Business strategy includes management of environmental and social practices, as they have the potential to pose significant financial, legal, and reputational risk if not appropriately governed. In cases where we feel management has not taken sufficient efforts to address material environmental or social risk, we may choose to support shareholder proposals aimed at enhancing shareholder value or risk mitigation in alignment with our fiduciary principles.

 

  October 2016
 
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CAUSEWAY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC SUMMARY OF
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Overview
As an investment adviser with fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, Causeway Capital Management LLC (“Causeway”) votes the proxies of companies owned by investment vehicles managed and sponsored by Causeway, and institutional and private clients who have granted Causeway such voting authority. Causeway has adopted these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to govern how it performs and documents its fiduciary duty regarding the voting of proxies.
Proxies are voted solely in what Causeway believes is the best interests of the client, a fund’s shareholders or, where employee benefit assets are involved, plan participants and beneficiaries (collectively “clients”). Causeway’s intent is to vote proxies, wherever possible to do so, in a manner consistent with its fiduciary obligations. Practicalities involved in international investing may make it impossible at times, and at other times disadvantageous, to vote proxies in every instance.
The Chief Operating Officer of Causeway supervises the proxy voting process. Proxy voting staff monitor upcoming proxy votes, review proxy research, identify potential conflicts of interest and escalate such issues to the Chief Operating Officer, receive input from portfolio managers, and ultimately submit proxy votes in accordance with these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Chief Operating Officer and President have final decision-making authority over case-by-case votes. To assist in fulfilling its responsibility for voting proxies, Causeway currently uses Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) for proxy research, which assists the decision-making process, and for proxy voting services, which include organizing and tracking pending proxies, communicating voting decisions to custodian banks, and maintaining records. Causeway will conduct periodic due diligence on ISS and its capacity and competency to provide proxy research and the proxy voting services provided to Causeway.
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Causeway generally votes on specific matters in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines set forth below. However, Causeway reserves the right to vote proxies on behalf of clients on a case-by-case basis if the facts and circumstances so warrant.
Causeway’s proxy voting guidelines are designed to cast votes consistent with certain basic principles: (i) increasing shareholder value; (ii) maintaining or increasing shareholder influence over the board of directors and management; (iii) establishing and enhancing strong and independent boards of directors; (iv) maintaining or increasing the rights of shareholders; and (v) aligning the interests of management and employees with those of shareholders with a view toward the reasonableness of executive compensation and shareholder dilution. Causeway’s guidelines also recognize that a company’s management is charged with day-to-day operations and, therefore, Causeway generally votes on routine business matters in favor of management’s proposals or positions.
Causeway generally votes for:

 

distributions of income

 

appointment of auditors

 

director compensation, unless deemed excessive

 

boards of directors – Causeway generally votes for management’s slate of director nominees. However, it votes against incumbent nominees with poor attendance records, or who have otherwise acted in a manner Causeway believes is not in the best interests of shareholders. Causeway recognizes that, in certain jurisdictions, local law or regulation may influence Board composition.

 

financial results/director and auditor reports

 

share repurchase plans

 

changing corporate names and other similar matters
 
Causeway generally votes the following matters on a case-by-case basis:

 

amendments to articles of association or other governing documents

 

changes in board or corporate governance structure

 

changes in authorized capital including proposals to issue shares

 

compensation – Causeway believes that it is important that a company’s equity-based compensation plans, including stock option or restricted stock plans, are aligned with the interests of shareholders, including Causeway’s clients, and focus on observable long-term returns. Causeway evaluates compensation plans on a case-by-case basis, with due consideration of potential consequences of a particular compensation plan. Causeway generally opposes packages that it believes provide excessive awards or create excessive shareholder dilution. Causeway generally opposes proposals to reprice options because the underlying stock has fallen in value.

 

social and environmental issues – Causeway believes that it is generally management’s responsibility to address such issues within the context of increasing long-term shareholder value. To the extent that management’s position on a social or environmental issue is inconsistent with increasing long-term shareholder value, Causeway may vote against management or abstain. Causeway may also seek to engage in longer-term dialogue with management on these issues, either separately or in connection with proxy votes on the issue.

 

debt issuance requests

 

mergers, acquisitions and other corporate reorganizations or restructurings

 

changes in state or country of incorporation

 

related party transactions
 
Causeway generally votes against:
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anti-takeover mechanisms – Causeway generally opposes anti-takeover mechanisms including poison pills, unequal voting rights plans, staggered boards, provisions requiring supermajority approval of a merger and other matters that are designed to limit the ability of shareholders to approve merger transactions.
 
Conflicts of Interest
Causeway’s interests may, in certain proxy voting situations, be in conflict with the interests of clients. Causeway may have a conflict if a company that is soliciting a proxy is a client of Causeway or is a major business partner or vendor for Causeway. Causeway may also have a conflict if Causeway personnel have significant business or personal relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or director candidates.
The Chief Operating Officer determines the issuers with which Causeway may have a significant business relationship. For this purpose, a “significant business relationship” is one that: (1) represents 1.5% or more of Causeway’s prior calendar year gross revenues; (2) represents $2,000,000 or more in payments from a sponsored vehicle during the prior calendar year; or (3) may not directly involve revenue to Causeway or payments from its sponsored vehicles, but is otherwise determined by the Chief Operating Officer to be significant to Causeway or its affiliates or sponsored vehicles, such as a primary service provider of a fund or vehicle managed and sponsored by Causeway, or a significant relationship with the company that might create an incentive for Causeway to vote in favor of management.
The Chief Operating Officer will identify issuers with which Causeway’s employees who are involved in the proxy voting process may have a significant personal or family relationship. For this purpose, a “significant personal or family relationship” is one that would be reasonably likely to influence how Causeway votes proxies.
Proxy voting staff will seek to identify potential conflicts of interest in the first instance and escalate relevant information to the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will reasonably investigate information relating to conflicts of interest. For purposes of identifying conflicts under this policy, the Chief Operating Officer will rely on publicly available information about Causeway and its affiliates, information about Causeway and its affiliates that is generally known by Causeway’s employees, and other information actually known by the Chief Operating Officer. Absent actual knowledge, the Chief Operating Officer is not required to investigate possible conflicts involving Causeway where the information is (i) non-public, (ii) subject to information blocking procedures, or (iii) otherwise not readily available to the Chief Operating Officer.
Proxy voting staff will maintain a list of issuers with which there may be a conflict and will monitor for potential conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis.
Proxy proposals that are “routine,” such as uncontested elections of directors or those not subject to a vote withholding campaign, meeting formalities, and approvals of annual reports/financial statements are presumed not to involve material conflicts of interest. For non-routine proposals, the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with Causeway’s General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer decides if they involve a material conflict of interest.
If a proposal is determined to involve a material conflict of interest, Causeway may, but is not required to, obtain instructions from the client on how to vote the proxy or obtain the client’s consent for Causeway’s vote. If Causeway does not seek the client’s instructions or consent, Causeway will vote as follows:

 

If a “for” or “against” or “with management” guideline applies to the proposal, Causeway will vote in accordance with that guideline.

 

If a “for” or “against” or “with management” guideline does not apply to the proposal, Causeway will follow the recommendation of an independent third party such as ISS. If Causeway seeks to follow the recommendation of a third party, the Chief Operating Officer will assess the third party’s capacity and competency to analyze the issue, as well as the third party’s ability to identify and address conflicts of interest it may have with respect to the recommendation.
 
To monitor potential conflicts of interest regarding the research and recommendations of independent third parties, such as ISS, proxy voting staff will review the third party’s disclosures of significant relationships. The Chief Operating Officer will review proxy votes involving issuers where a significant relationship has been identified by the proxy research provider.
Practical Limitations Relating to Proxy Voting
While the proxy voting process is well established in the United States and other developed markets with numerous tools and services available to assist an investment manager, voting proxies of non-US companies located in certain jurisdictions may involve a number of problems that may restrict or prevent Causeway’s ability to vote such proxies. These problems include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings relative to deadlines required to submit votes; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time prior to the shareholder meeting; and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with powers of attorney (which Causeway will typically rely on clients to maintain) to facilitate Causeway’s voting instructions. As a result, Causeway will only use its best efforts to vote clients’ non-US proxies and Causeway may decide not to vote a proxy if it determines that it would be impractical or disadvantageous to do so.
In addition, regarding US and non-US companies, Causeway will not vote proxies if it does not receive adequate information from the client’s custodian in sufficient time to cast the vote.
For clients with securities lending programs, Causeway may not be able to vote proxies for securities that a client has loaned to a third party. Causeway recognizes that clients manage their own securities lending programs. Causeway may, but is not obligated to, notify a client that Causeway is being prevented from voting a proxy due to the securities being on loan. There can be no assurance that such notice will be received in time for the client, if it so chooses, to recall the security.
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GARCIA HAMILTON & ASSOCIATES, L.P.
PROXY VOTING POLICY
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Overview
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, imposes a number of requirements on investment advisers that have proxy voting authority with respect to securities held in clients’ portfolios. GH&A has written policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients for whom it has voting authority; GH&A must never put its own interests above those of its clients. GH&A defines the best interests of a client to mean the best economic interest of the holders of the same or similar securities of the issuer held in the client’s account. These policies and procedures describe how GH&A addresses material conflicts between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting.
Policy
As a matter of policy, GH&A:
• Takes responsibility for voting client proxies in accounts comprised solely of fixed income and cash equivalent holdings, which holdings are very, very rarely associated with proxies, only in instances when the client has specifically assigned voting authority to GH&A for securities held in the account.
• Votes all proxies in the best interests of its clients as shareholders, i.e., to maximize economic value.
• Evaluates all factors it deems relevant when reviewing a proxy received for an account.
• Provides all clients, upon request, with copies of this Proxy Policy and related reports, with such frequency as required to fulfill obligations under applicable law or as reasonably requested by clients.
• Reviews regularly the voting record to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with this Proxy Policy; and ensures that procedures, documentation, and reports relating to the voting of proxies are promptly and properly prepared and disseminated.
Procedures
When a new portfolio which holds or is expected to hold only fixed income securities is opened, a letter is sent to the custodian instructing them to forward all proxy material pertaining to the portfolio to Garcia Hamilton for execution. Responsibility and Oversight GH&A is responsible for the review and approval of the Firm’s Proxy Policy for securities held in client portfolios for which GH&A has voting discretion.
Dated: 02/2018
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HOTCHKIS & WILEY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
The purpose of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is to memorialize the procedures and policies adopted by Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management (“H&W”) to enable the firm to comply with its accepted responsibilities and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”). It is H&W’s duty to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients (which may involve affirmatively deciding that voting the proxies may not be in the best interests of certain clients on certain matters).
POLICY
H&W acts as discretionary investment adviser for various clients, including clients governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Unless a client (including a “named fiduciary” under ERISA) specifically reserves the right to vote its own proxies, H&W will vote client proxies and act on all other corporate actions. A number of clients have notified H&W that they will vote the proxies for their accounts. H&W does not take any action with respect to proxy voting for these clients.
H&W’s Proxy Oversight Committee (“POC”) (consisting of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Managing Director (“MD”) of Portfolio Services) oversees H&W’s proxy voting policies and procedures by providing an administrative framework to facilitate and monitor the exercise of such proxy voting and to fulfill the obligations of reporting and recordkeeping under the federal securities laws.
Under the proxy voting guidelines, H&W generally votes on routine business matters in favor of management’s positions. To assist with voting client proxies, H&W utilizes Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”) for proxy research and proxy voting administration.
In certain situations, as permitted under the investment management agreement, H&W may consider written direction from a client on how to vote on a specific proxy proposal that would be applicable only to shares specifically owned by the respective client. In this situation, the shares voted under client direction may not be consistent with proxies voted by H&W for other clients or with the established guidelines contained in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
When voting proxies for clients, H&W’s primary concern is that all decisions be made solely in the best interest of the shareholder (and for ERISA accounts, plan beneficiaries and participants, in accordance with the letter and spirit of ERISA). H&W will act in a manner it deems prudent and diligent and which is intended to enhance the economic value of the assets of the account, including the consideration of environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) items when economically material.
GUIDELINES
Each proxy issue will be considered individually. The following guidelines are a partial list to be used in voting on proposals often contained in proxy statements, but will not be used as rigid rules. The voting policies below are subject to modification in certain circumstances and will be reexamined from time to time. With respect to matters that do not fit in the categories stated below, H&W will exercise its best judgment as a fiduciary to vote in the manner which will most enhance shareholder value.
Management Proposals
H&W recognizes that a company’s management is charged with day-to-day operations and long-term direction of the company and, therefore, generally votes on routine business matters in favor of management’s positions. Generally, in the absence of any unusual or non-routine information, the following items if recommended by management are likely to be supported:

 

Ratification of appointment of independent auditors

 

General updating/corrective amendments to charter

 

Increase in common share authorization for a stock split or share dividend

 

Stock option plans that are incentive based and not excessive

 

Election of directors
 
The following items will always require company specific and case-by-case review and analysis when submitted by management to a shareholder vote:

 

Directors’ liability and indemnity proposals

 

Executive compensation plans

 

Mergers, acquisitions, and other restructurings submitted to a shareholder vote

 

Anti-takeover and related provisions
 
Shareholder Proposals
Under ERISA standards, it is inappropriate to use (vote) plan assets to carry out social agendas or purposes. Certain ESG proposals, however, could be economically meaningful to shareholders and we will vote in their best interest accordingly. Thus, shareholder proposals are examined closely for their relationship to the best interest of beneficiaries, and economic impact. In general, H&W will vote in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals. However, H&W will support shareholder proposals that are consistent with H&W’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. For example, H&W will generally support a proposal requiring a majority vote for the election of directors.

 

Generally, shareholder proposals related to the following items are not supported:

 

Declassification of the board

 

Cumulative voting
 
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Restrictions related to social, political, or special interest issues that impact the ability of the company to do business or be competitive and that have a significant financial or vested interest impact.

 

Reports which are costly to provide or expenditures which are of a non-business nature or would provide no pertinent information from the perspective of shareholders.
 
Conflict of Interest
Conflicts between H&W’s interests and its client’s interests may arise in the proxy decision process due to significant business or personal relationships between H&W or its portfolio managers, officers, employees or affiliates and the company or its management. H&W may also encounter potential conflicts when voting proxies on behalf of advisory clients invested in different parts of a company’s capital structure. If a potential conflict of interest arises, it will typically involve a proxy for a company that is also H&W’s client, or a company where advisory clients are invested in common shares and certain other clients are invested in the same company’s debt. In the event that any proxy raises a conflict of interest, a member of the POC will review H&W’s proposed votes to ensure that they are consistent with established guidelines and not prompted by any conflict of interest.
H&W employees may own the same securities held by client accounts. The employees vote their securities independently from H&W’s proxy voting policy.
PROCEDURES
H&W’s Portfolio Services Department monitors ISS to review upcoming shareholder meetings and other corporate actions. H&W’s Portfolio Services Department is responsible for ensuring that proxies and corporate actions received by H&W are voted in a timely manner, voted in a manner consistent with the proxy voting policies and voted consistently across all portfolios. As a general matter, the Portfolio Services Department will vote client shares based on the guidelines set forth above, unless directed otherwise by the analyst.
The proxy will be routed to the analyst responsible for that holding. The analyst will review the proxy statement and, as deemed necessary, any reports from ISS or such other third-party proxy research firm engaged by H&W with respect to the company. An H&W analyst may vote against management if he/she determines that it is for the best interest of our clients, and will document reasons for such “against management votes”. In the event an analyst is proposing to vote against management’s recommendations or against its established guidelines, the proposed vote will be reviewed by a member of POC to determine that H&W’s vote is not prompted by any conflict of interests. All determinations by POC will be documented.
LIMITATIONS
If H&W is authorized to exercise proxy voting rights for a client account, H&W will vote the proxies for securities beneficially held by the custodian for the client portfolio as of the record date of the shareholder meetings (settlement date). Securities not held by the custodian as of the record date (e.g., due to an unsettled purchase or securities lending (see additional information below)) will not be voted by H&W. In addition, H&W will not vote proxies if it does not receive adequate information from a client’s custodian in sufficient time to cast the vote.
H&W may determine not to vote proxies in respect of securities of any company (i) if H&W determines that it would be in the client’s overall best interest not to vote under the circumstances, such as when (a) the cost of voting exceeds the expected benefit to the client, (b) voting the client’s proxies will not have an effect on the outcome of the matter up for vote or (c) the matter up for vote will not impact the client’s economic interests, or (ii) if the security is no longer held in the clients’ portfolios by the proxy meeting date. For example, to the extent that H&W receives proxies for securities that are transferred into a client’s portfolio that were not recommended or selected by H&W and have been sold or are expected to be sold promptly in an orderly manner (“legacy securities”), H&W will generally refrain from voting such proxies. In such circumstances, since legacy securities have been sold or are expected to be sold promptly, H&W may determine that voting proxies on such securities would not further a client’s interest in maximizing the value of its investments. H&W may consider an institutional client’s special request to vote a legacy security proxy and, if agreed, would vote such proxy in accordance with H&W’s guidelines.
Proxies received after the termination date of a client account generally will not be voted. An exception will be made if the record date is for a period in which an account was under management or if a separately managed account custodian failed to remove the account’s holdings from its aggregated voting list.
Corporate governance standards, disclosure requirements and the mechanics of voting proxies in foreign markets can vary greatly from U.S. markets. Certain foreign markets impose burdensome or expensive proxy voting requirements on equity holders, which in some instances may outweigh the benefits of voting the relevant proxy. H&W may abstain or take no action with respect to a foreign proxy if it determines, in its reasonable discretion, that the burdens and costs associated with voting the proxy outweigh the potential benefits to clients.
Non-U.S. proxies (and particularly those in emerging markets) may involve a number of problems that restrict or prevent H&W’s ability to vote. As a result, a client account’s non-U.S. proxies will be voted on a best efforts basis only.
Fixed-income securities normally do not provide voting rights; however, special circumstances may occur that permit voting or responding to another type of corporate action.
Certain clients retain the responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for any and all securities maintained in client portfolios and receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian. H&W will not vote the proxies for these securities in this case, but may provide advice to clients regarding the clients’ voting of proxies.
Securities Lending
In order to generate incremental revenue, some clients may participate in a securities lending program. As noted above, if a client has elected to participate in the lending program then it will not have the right to vote the proxies of any securities that are on loan as of the shareholder meeting record date. A client, or a Portfolio Manager (PM), may place restrictions on loaning securities and/or recall a security on loan at any time. Such actions must be affected prior to the record date for a meeting if the purpose for the restriction or recall is to secure the vote.
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PM and/or analysts who become aware of upcoming proxy issues relating to any securities in portfolios they manage, or issuers they follow, will consider the desirability of recalling the affected securities that are on loan or restricting the affected securities prior to the record date for the matter. If the proxy issue is determined to be material, and the determination is made prior to the shareholder meeting record date the PM(s) will request the client to contact the securities lending agent to recall securities on loan or restrict the loaning of any security held in any portfolio they manage, if they determine that it is in the best interest of shareholders to do so.
OVERSIGHT OF PROXY SERVICES FIRM
In selecting a proxy services firm and as a condition for retention of such firm, H&W will seek to ensure (or reconfirm) that the firm has the capacity, ability and independence necessary to provide recommendations in the best interests of H&W’s clients. Factors that H&W considers critical to the employment or retention of a proxy services firm include the capabilities of the proxy services firm’s personnel, its capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues, its methodologies for assessing proxy voting matters, the manner in which it engages (or chooses not to engage) with issuers, its management, treatment and disclosure of actual and potential conflicts of interest and its propensity to commit (and correct) errors in its recommendations. The MD of Portfolio Services is responsible for overseeing the proxy services firm and maintains documentation evidencing the review detailed above.
RECORD KEEPING
H&W or ISS, on H&W’s behalf, maintains records of proxy statements received; votes cast on behalf of clients; client requests for proxy voting information; and documents prepared by H&W that were material to making a voting decision. Such records are maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than 5 years in an appropriate office of H&W or ISS. In the event that ISS maintains such records, ISS will provide such records to H&W promptly upon H&W’s request.
H&W will describe in its Part 2A of Form ADV (or other brochure fulfilling the requirement of Rule 204-3) its proxy voting policies and procedures and advise clients how they may obtain information about how H&W voted their securities. Clients may obtain information about how their securities were voted or a copy of H&W’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures free of charge by written request addressed to H&W. For its mutual fund clients, H&W will provide information about how H&W voted each mutual fund’s securities within the appropriate time frame for the public filing of Form N-PX within 60 days of June 30th. Form N-PX for each mutual fund will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free (866) 493-8637 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Amended: September 21, 2012
Amended: August 16, 2016
Amended: October 1, 2018
Amended: August 18, 2020
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LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC
PROXY VOTING POLICY
A. Introduction
Lazard Asset Management LLC and its investment advisory subsidiaries (“Lazard” or the “firm”) provide investment management services for client accounts, including proxy voting services. As a fiduciary, Lazard is obligated to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients over the long-term. Lazard has developed a structure that is designed to ensure that proxy voting is conducted in an appropriate manner, consistent with clients’ best interests, and within the framework of this Proxy Voting Policy (the “Policy”).
Lazard manages assets for a variety of clients worldwide, including institutions, financial intermediaries, sovereign wealth funds, and private clients. To the extent that proxy voting authority is delegated to Lazard, Lazard’s general policy is to vote proxies on a given issue in the same manner for all of its clients. This Policy is based on the view that Lazard, in its role as investment adviser, must vote proxies based on what it believes (i) will maximize sustainable shareholder value as a long-term investor; (ii) is in the best interest of its clients; and (iii) the votes that it casts are intended in good faith to accomplish those objectives.
This Policy recognizes that there may be times when meeting agendas or proposals may create the appearance of a material conflict of interest for Lazard. Lazard will look to alleviate the potential conflict by voting according to pre-approved guidelines. In conflict situations where a pre-approved guideline is to vote case-by-case, Lazard will vote according to the recommendation of one of the proxy voting services Lazard retains to provide independent analysis. More information on how Lazard handles material conflicts of interest in proxy voting is provided in Section F of this Policy.
B. Responsibility to Vote Proxies
Generally, Lazard is willing to accept delegation from its clients to vote proxies. Lazard does not delegate that authority to any other person or entity, but retains complete authority for voting all proxies on behalf of its clients. Not all clients delegate proxy-voting authority to Lazard, however, and Lazard will not vote proxies, or provide advice to clients on how to vote proxies, in the absence of a specific delegation of authority or an obligation under applicable law. For example, securities that are held in an investment advisory account for which Lazard exercises no investment discretion are not voted by Lazard, nor are shares that a client has authorized their custodian bank to use in a stock loan program which passes voting rights to the party with possession of the shares.
C. General Administration

 

  1. Overview and Governance

 

  Lazard’s proxy voting process is administered by members of its Operations Department (“the Proxy Administration Team”). Oversight of the process is provided by Lazard’s Legal & Compliance Department and by a Proxy Committee comprised of senior investment professionals, members of the Legal & Compliance Department, the firm’s Co-Heads of Sustainable Investment & Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (“ESG”) and other personnel. The Proxy Committee meets regularly, generally on a quarterly basis, to review this Policy and other matters relating to the firm’s proxy voting functions. Meetings may be convened more frequently (for example, to discuss a specific proxy agenda or proposal) as needed. A representative of Lazard’s Legal & Compliance Department will participate in all Proxy Committee meetings.

 

  A quorum for the conduct of any meeting will be met if a majority of the Proxy Committee’s members are in attendance by phone or in person. Decisions of the Proxy Committee will be made by consensus and minutes of each meeting will be taken and maintained by the Legal & Compliance Department. The Proxy Committee may, upon consultation with Lazard’s Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, or his designee, take any action that it believes to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Policy. The Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, or his designee, is responsible for updating this Policy, interpreting this Policy, and may act on behalf of the Proxy Committee in circumstances where a meeting of the members is not feasible.

 

  2. Role of Third Parties

 

  Lazard currently subscribes to advisory and other proxy voting services provided by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”). These proxy advisory services provide independent analysis and recommendations regarding various companies’ proxy proposals. While this research serves to help improve our understanding of the issues surrounding a company’s proxy proposals, Lazard’s Portfolio Manager/Analysts and Research Analysts (collectively, “Portfolio Management”) are responsible for providing the vote recommendation for a given proposal except when the Conflicts of Interest policy applies (see Section F).

 

  ISS provides additional proxy-related administrative services to Lazard. ISS receives on Lazard’s behalf all proxy information sent by custodians that hold securities on behalf of Lazard’s clients and sponsored funds. ISS posts all relevant information regarding the proxy on its password-protected website for Lazard to review, including meeting dates, all agendas and ISS’ analysis. The Proxy Administration Team reviews this information on a daily basis and regularly communicates with representatives of ISS to ensure that all agendas are considered and proxies are voted on a timely basis. ISS also provides Lazard with vote execution, recordkeeping and reporting support services. Members of the Proxy Committee, along with members of the Legal & Compliance Team, conducts periodic due diligence of ISS and Glass Lewis consisting of an annual questionnaire and, as appropriate, on site visits.

 

  The Proxy Committee believes that the Policy is consistent with the firm’s Corporate Governance Principals and ESG and Climate Change Policies at https://www.lazardassetmanagement.com/about/esg.

 

  3. Voting Process

 

  The Proxy Committee has approved proxy voting guidelines applicable to specific types of common proxy proposals (the “Approved Guidelines”). As discussed more fully below in Section D of this Policy, depending on the proposal, an Approved Guideline may provide that Lazard should vote for or against the proposal, or that the proposal should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
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  For each shareholder meeting the Proxy Administration Team provides Portfolio Management with the agenda and proposals, the Approved Guidelines, independent vote recommendations from Glass Lewis and ISS and supporting analyses for each proposal. Unless Portfolio Management disagrees with the Approved Guideline for a specific proposal, or where a potential material conflict of interest exists, the Proxy Administration Team will generally vote the proposal according to the Approved Guideline. In cases where Portfolio Management recommends a vote contrary to the Approved Guideline, a member of the Proxy Administration Team will contact a member of the Legal & Compliance Department advising the Proxy Committee. Such communication, which may be in the form of an e-mail, shall include: the name of the issuer, a description of the proposal, the Approved Guideline, any potential conflict of interest presented and the reason(s) Portfolio Management believes a proxy vote in this manner is in the best interest of clients In such cases, the Proxy Committee and the Legal & Compliance Department will review the proposal and make a determination.

 

  Where the Approved Guideline for a particular type of proxy proposal is to vote on a case-by-case basis, Lazard believes that Portfolio Management is best able to evaluate the potential impact to shareholders resulting from a particular proposal. Similarly, with respect to certain Lazard strategies, as discussed more fully in Sections F and G below, the Proxy Administration Team will consult with Portfolio Management to determine when it would be appropriate to abstain from voting. The Proxy Administration Team seeks Portfolio Management’s recommendation on how to vote all such proposals. The Proxy Administration Team may also consult with Lazard’s Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel (or his designee), and may seek the final approval of the Proxy Committee regarding a recommendation by Portfolio Management.

 

  As a global firm, we recognize that there are differing governance models adopted in various countries and that local laws and practices vary widely. Although the Approved Guidelines are intended to be applied uniformly world-wide, where appropriate, Lazard will consider regional/local law and guidance in applying the Policy.

 

  D. Specific Proxy Items

 

  Shareholders receive proxies involving many different proposals. Many proposals are routine in nature, such as a change in a company’s name. Others are more complicated, such as items regarding corporate governance and shareholder rights, changes to capital structure, stock option plans and other executive compensation/ issues, election of directors, mergers and other significant transactions and social or political issues. Lazard’s Approved Guidelines for certain common agenda items are outlined below. The Proxy Committee will also consider any other proposals presented and determine whether to implement a new Approved Guideline.

 

  Certain strategy-specific considerations may result in Lazard voting proxies other than according to the Approved Guidelines, not voting shares at all, issuing standing instructions to ISS on how to vote certain proxy matters on behalf of Lazard, or taking other action where unique circumstances require special voting efforts or considerations. These considerations are discussed in more detail in Section G, below.

 

    1. Routine Items

 

    Lazard generally votes routine items as recommended by the issuer’s management and board of directors, based on the view that management is generally in a better position to assess these matters. Lazard considers routine items to be those that do not change the structure, charter, bylaws, or operations of an issuer in any way that is material to long-term shareholder value. Routine items generally include:

 

issues relating to the timing or conduct of annual meetings;

 

provisionary financial budgets and strategy for the current year;

 

proposals that allow votes submitted for the first call of the shareholder meeting to be considered in the event of a second call;

 

proposals to receive or approve of variety of routine reports (Lazard will generally vote FOR the approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports unless there are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used or the company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed); and

 

changes to a company’s name.

 

    2. Amendments to Board Policy/Charter/Regulation:

 

    Proposals to amend a company’s Articles of Association and other bylaws are commonly seen at shareholder meetings. Companies usually disclose what is being amended, or the amended bylaws, or both in their meeting circulars. Amendments are nearly always bundled together as a single voting resolution, and Lazard’s general approach is to review these amendments on a case-by-case basis and to oppose article amendments as a whole when they include changes Lazard opposes. Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR bylaw amendments that are driven by regulatory changes and are technical in nature or meant to update company-specific information such as address and/or business scope. Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST bylaw amendments if

 

there is no disclosure on the proposed amendments or full text of the amended bylaw; or

 

the amendments include increase in the decision authority of what is considered “excessive” and the company fails to provide a compelling justification.

 

    3. Corporate Governance and Shareholder Rights

 

    Many proposals address issues related to corporate governance and shareholder rights. These items often relate to a board of directors and its committees, anti-takeover measures, and the conduct of the company’s shareholder meetings.

 

    a. Board of Directors and its Committees

 

    Lazard votes in favor of provisions that it believes will increase the effectiveness of an issuer’s board of directors.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR the following:

 

the establishment of an independent nominating committee, audit committee or compensation committee of a board of directors1;
 
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a requirement that a substantial majority (e.g., 2/3) of a company’s directors be independent;

 

a proposal that a majority of the entirety of the board’s committees be comprised of independent directors;

 

proposals seeking to de-classify a board;

 

the implementation of director stock retention/holding periods;

 

proposals relating to the establishment of directors’ mandatory retirement age and age restrictions for directors especially where such proposals seek to facilitate the improvement of the diversity of the board; and

 

changes to the articles of association and other relevant documents which are in the long-term interests of shareholders;

 

the appointment or (re)election of internal statutory auditors/fiscal council members unless (a) the name of the management nominees are not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting, (b) there are serious concerns about statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used, (c) questions exist concerning any of the auditors, (d) the auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity (or are otherwise considered affiliated) or (e) minority shareholders have presented timely disclosure of minority fiscal council nominee(s) to be elected under separate elections.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote on a CASE by CASE Basis for the following:

 

proposals to require an independent board chair or the separation of chairman and CEO; and

 

establishment of shareholder advisory committees.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST the following:

 

proposals seeking to classify a board

 

the election of directors where the board does not have independent “key committees” or sufficient board independence;

 

non-independent directors who serve on key committees that are not sufficiently independent;

 

proposals relating to cumulative voting;

 

proposals where the names of the candidates (in the case of an election) or the principles for the establishment of a committee (where a new committee is being created) have not been disclosed in a timely manner;

 

release of restrictions on competitive activities of directors2 if (a) there is a lack of disclosure on the key information including identities of directors in question, current position in the company and outside boards they are serving on or (b) the non-nomination system is employed by the company for the director election; and the discharge of directors, including members of the management board and/or supervisory board and auditors, unless there is reliable information about significant and compelling concerns that the board is not fulfilling its fiduciary duties3.

 

    b. Anti-takeover Measures

 

    Certain proposals are intended to deter outside parties from taking control of a company. Such proposals could entrench management and adversely affect shareholder rights and the value of the company’s shares.

 

    Consequently, Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote AGAINST:

 

proposals to adopt supermajority vote requirements or increase vote requirements;

 

proposals seeking to adopt fair price provisions and on a case-by-case basis regarding proposals seeking to rescind them; and

 

“blank check” preferred stock.

 

    Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote on a CASE by CASE basis regarding other provisions seeking to amend a company’s by-laws or charter regarding anti-takeover provisions or shareholder rights plans (also known as “poison pill plans”).

 

    Lazard has adopted an Approved Guideline to vote FOR proposals that ask management to submit any new poison pill plan to shareholder vote.

 

    c. Conduct of Shareholder Meetings

 

    Lazard generally opposes any effort by management to restrict or limit shareholder participation in shareholder meetings, and is in favor of efforts to enhance shareholder participation.

 

    Lazard has therefore adopted Approved Guidelines to vote AGAINST:

 

proposals to adjourn US meetings;

 

proposals seeking to eliminate or restrict shareholders’ right to call a special meeting;

 

efforts to eliminate or restrict right of shareholders to act by written consent; and

 

proposals to adopt supermajority vote requirements, or increase vote requirements.

 

    Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote on a CASE by CASE basis on changes to quorum requirements and FOR proposals providing for confidential voting.

 

    4. Changes to Capital Structure

 

    Lazard receives many proxies that include proposals relating to a company’s capital structure. These proposals vary greatly, as each one is unique to the circumstances of the company involved, as well as the general economic and market conditions existing at the time of the proposal. A board and management may have many legitimate business reasons in seeking to effect changes to the issuer’s capital structure, including investing in financial products and raising additional capital for appropriate business reasons, cash flow and market conditions. Lazard generally believes that these decisions are best left to management but will monitor these proposals closely to ensure that they are aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders.
 
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    Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote FOR:

 

management proposals to increase or decrease authorized common or preferred stock (unless it is believed that doing so is intended to serve as an anti-takeover measure);

 

stock splits and reverse stock splits;

 

investments in financial products unless the company fails to provide meaningful shareholder vote or there are significant concerns with the company’s previous similar investments;4

 

requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of authority in the past;

 

management proposals to adopt or amend dividend reinvestment plans; and

 

dividend distribution policies unless (a) the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation or (b) the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

 

    Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote on a CASE by CASE basis for:

 

matters affecting shareholder rights, such as amending votes-per-share;

 

management proposals to issue a new class of common or preferred shares (unless covered by an Approved Guideline relating to the disapplication of pre-emption rights); • the use of proceeds and the company’s past share issuances5;

 

proposals seeking to approve or amend stock ownership limitations or transfer restrictions; and • loan and financing proposals. In assessing requests for loan financing provided by a related party the following factors will be considered: (a) use of proceeds, size or specific amount of loan requested, interest rate and relation of the party providing the loan.

 

Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote AGAINST:

 

changes in capital structure designed to be used in poison pill plans or which seeks to disregard pre-emption rights in a way that does not follow guidance set by the UK Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles;

 

the provision of loans to clients, controlling shareholders and actual controlling persons of the company; and

 

the provision of loans to an entity in which the company’s ownership stake is less than 75% and the financing provision is not proportionate to the company’s equity stake.

 

    5. Executive Compensation Issues

 

    Lazard supports efforts by companies to adopt compensation and incentive programs to attract and retain the highest caliber management possible, and to align the interests of a board, management and employees with those of long-term shareholders. Lazard generally favors programs intended to reward management and employees for positive and sustained, long-term performance but will take into account various considerations such as whether compensation appears to be appropriate for the company after an analysis of the totality of the circumstances (including the company’s time in history and evolution).

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR:

 

employee stock purchase plans, deferred compensation plans, stock option plans and stock appreciation rights plans that are in the long-term interests of shareholders;

 

proposals to submit severance agreements to shareholders for approval;

 

annual advisory votes on compensation outcomes where the outcomes are considered to be aligned with the interest of shareholders; and

 

annual compensation policy votes where the policy structures are considered to be aligned with the interest of shareholders.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote on a CASE by CASE basis regarding:

 

restricted stock plans that do not define performance criteria; and

 

proposals to approve executive loans to exercise options.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST:

 

proposals to re-price underwater options;

 

annual advisory votes on remuneration outcomes where the outcomes are considered not to be in the interests of shareholders; and

 

annual remuneration policy vote where the policy structures are considered not to be in the interests of shareholders.

 

    6. Mergers and Other Significant Transactions

 

    Shareholders are asked to consider a number of different types of significant transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, sales of all or substantially all of a company’s assets, reorganizations involving business combinations and liquidations. Each of these transactions is unique. Therefore, Lazard’s Approved Guideline is to vote on a CASE by CASE basis for these proposals.

 

    7. Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance

 

    Proposals involving environmental, social, and corporate governance issues take many forms and cover a wide array of issues. Some examples may include: proposals to have a company increase its environmental disclosure; adoption of principles to limit or eliminate certain business activities; adoption of certain conservation efforts; adoption of proposals to improve the diversity of the board, the senior management team and the workforce in general; adoption of proposals to improve human capital management or the adoption of certain principles regarding employment practices or discrimination policies. These items are often presented by shareholders and are often opposed by the company’s management and its board of directors.
 
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    As set out in Lazard’s separate ESG Policy, Lazard is committed to an investment approach that incorporates ESG considerations in a comprehensive manner in order to safeguard the long-term interests of our clients and to manage more effectively long-term investment risks and opportunities related to ESG matters. Lazard generally supports the notion that corporations should be expected to act as good citizens. Lazard generally votes on environmental, social and corporate governance proposals in a way that it believes will most increase long-term shareholder value.

 

    Lazard’s Approved Guidelines are structured to evaluate many environmental, social and corporate governance proposals on a case-by-case basis.

 

    However, as a guide, Lazard will generally vote FOR proposals:

 

asking for a company to increase its environmental/social disclosures (e.g., to provide a corporate sustainability report);

 

seeking the approval of anti-discrimination policies;

 

which are considered socially responsible agenda items;

 

which improve an investee company’s ESG risk management and related disclosures; and

 

deemed to be in the long-term interests of shareholders.

 

    8. Shareholder Proposals

 

    Lazard believes in the ability of shareholders to leverage their rights related to the use of shareholder proposals to address deficits in best practices and related disclosures by companies. Many ESG issues are improved through such use of shareholder proposals. For example, some companies are collaborating with shareholders on such proposals by voicing their support and recommending that shareholders vote in-line with such proposals.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR shareholder proposals which:

 

seek improved disclosure of an investee company’s ESG practices over an appropriate timeframe;

 

seek improved transparency over how the investee company is supporting the transition to a low carbon economy;

 

seek to improve the diversity of the board;

 

seek improved disclosures on the diversity of the board and the wider workforce;

 

seek to establish minimum stock-ownership requirements for directors over an appropriate time frame;

 

seek to eliminate or restrict severance agreements, or

 

are deemed to be in the long-term interests of shareholders including Lazard’s clients.

 

    Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST shareholder proposals which:

 

seek to infringe excessively on management’s decision-making flexibility;

 

seek to establish additional board committees (absent demonstrable need);

 

seek to establish term limits for directors if this is unnecessary;

 

seek to change the size of a board (unless this facilitates improved board diversity);

 

seek to require two candidates for each board seat; or

 

are considered not to be in the long-terms interests of shareholders.
 
E. Voting Securities in Different Countries
Laws and regulations regarding shareholder rights and voting procedures differ dramatically across the world. In certain countries, the requirements or restrictions imposed before proxies may be voted may outweigh any benefit that could be realized by voting the proxies involved. For example, certain countries restrict a shareholder’s ability to sell shares for a certain period of time if the shareholder votes proxies at a meeting (a practice known as “share blocking”). In other instances, the costs of voting a proxy (i.e., by being routinely required to send a representative to the meeting) may simply outweigh any benefit to the client if the proxy is voted. Generally, the Proxy Administration Team will consult with Portfolio Management in determining whether to vote these proxies.
There may be other instances where Portfolio Management may wish to refrain from voting proxies (See Section G.1. below).
F. Conflicts of Interest

 

    1. Overview

 

    This Policy and related procedures implemented by Lazard are designed to address potential conflicts of interest posed by Lazard’s business and organizational structure. Examples of such potential conflicts of interest are:

 

Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LF&Co.”), Lazard’s parent company and a registered broker- dealer, or a financial advisory affiliate, has a relationship with a company the shares of which are held in accounts of Lazard clients, and has provided financial advisory or related services to the company with respect to an upcoming significant proxy proposal (i.e., a merger or other significant transaction);

 

Lazard serves as an investment adviser for a company the management of which supports a particular proposal;

 

Lazard serves as an investment adviser for the pension plan of an organization that sponsors a proposal; or

 

A Lazard employee who would otherwise be involved in the decision-making process regarding a particular proposal has a material relationship with the issuer or owns shares of the issuer.

 

    2. General Policy
 
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    All proxies must be voted in the best long-term interest of each Lazard client, without consideration of the interests of Lazard, LF&Co. or any of their employees or affiliates. The Proxy Administration Team is responsible for all proxy voting in accordance with this Policy after consulting with the appropriate member or members of Portfolio Management, the Proxy Committee and/or the Legal & Compliance Department. No other employees of Lazard, LF&Co. or their affiliates may influence or attempt to influence the vote on any proposal. Violations of this Policy could result in disciplinary action, including letter of censure, fine or suspension, or termination of employment. Any such conduct may also violate state and Federal securities and other laws, as well as Lazard’s client agreements, which could result in severe civil and criminal penalties being imposed, including the violator being prohibited from ever working for any organization engaged in a securities business. Every officer and employee of Lazard who participates in any way in the decision-making process regarding proxy voting is responsible for considering whether they have a conflicting interest or the appearance of a conflicting interest on any proposal. A conflict could arise, for example, if an officer or employee has a family member who is an officer of the issuer or owns securities of the issuer. If an officer or employee believes such a conflict exists or may appear to exist, he or she should notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately and, unless determined otherwise, should not continue to participate in the decision-making process.

 

    3. Monitoring for Conflicts and Voting When a Material Conflict Exists

 

    The Proxy Administration Team monitors for potential conflicts of interest that could be viewed as influencing the outcome of Lazard’s voting decision. Consequently, the steps that Lazard takes to monitor conflicts, and voting proposals when the appearance of a material conflict exists, differ depending on whether the Approved Guideline for the specific item is clearly defined to vote for or against, or is to vote on a case-by-case basis. Any questions regarding application of these conflict procedures, including whether a conflict exists, should be addressed to Lazard’s Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel.

 

      a. Where Approved Guideline Is For or Against

 

      Lazard has an Approved Guideline to vote for or against regarding most proxy agenda/proposals. Generally, unless Portfolio Management disagrees with the Approved Guideline for a specific proposal, the Proxy Administration Team votes according to the Approved Guideline. It is therefore necessary to consider whether an apparent conflict of interest exists when Portfolio Management disagrees with the Approved Guideline. The Proxy Administration Team will use its best efforts to determine whether a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest exists. If conflict appears to exist, then the proposal will be voted according to the Approved Guideline. In situations where the Approved Guideline is to vote Case by Case, Lazard will vote in accordance with the recommendations of one of the proxy voting services Lazard retains to provide independent analysis. Lazard also reserves its right to Abstain.

 

      In addition, in the event of a conflict that arises in connection with a proposal for Lazard to vote shares held by Lazard clients in a Lazard mutual fund, Lazard will typically vote each proposal for or against proportion to the shares voted by other shareholders.

 

      b. Where Approved Guideline Is Case-by-Case

 

      In situations where the Approved Guideline is to vote case-by-case and a material conflict of interest appears to exist, Lazard’s policy is to vote the proxy item according to the majority recommendation of the independent proxy services to which we subscribe. Lazard also reserves the right to Abstain.
 
G. Other Matters

 

  1. Issues Relating to Management of Specific Lazard Strategies

 

  Due to the nature of certain strategies managed by Lazard, there may be times when Lazard believes that it may not be in the best interests of its clients to vote in accordance with the Approved Guidelines, or to vote proxies at all. In certain markets, the fact that Lazard is voting proxies may become public information, and, given the nature of those markets, may impact the price of the securities involved. Lazard may simply require more time to fully understand and address a situation prior to determining what would be in the best interests of shareholders. In these cases the Proxy Administration Team will look to Portfolio Management to provide guidance on proxy voting rather than vote in accordance with the Approved Guidelines, and will obtain the Proxy Committee’s confirmation accordingly.

 

  Additionally, Lazard may not receive notice of a shareholder meeting in time to vote proxies for or may simply be prevented from voting proxies in connection with a particular meeting. Due to the compressed time frame for notification of shareholder meetings and Lazard’s obligation to vote proxies on behalf of its clients, Lazard may issue standing instructions to ISS on how to vote on certain matters.

 

  Different strategies managed by Lazard may hold the same securities. However, due to the differences between the strategies and their related investment objectives, one Portfolio Management team may desire to vote differently than the other, or one team may desire to abstain from voting proxies while the other may desire to vote proxies. In this event, Lazard would generally defer to the recommendation of the Portfolio Management teams to determine what action would be in the best interests of its clients. The Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, in consultation with members of the Proxy Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to approve a request to split votes among one or more Portfolio Management teams.

 

  2. Stock Lending

 

  As noted in Section B above, Lazard does not generally vote proxies for securities that a client has authorized their custodian bank to use in a stock loan program, which passes voting rights to the party with possession of the shares. Under certain circumstances, Lazard may determine to recall loaned stocks in order to vote the proxies associated with those securities. For example, if Lazard determines that the entity in possession of the stock has borrowed the stock solely to be able to obtain control over the issuer of the stock by voting proxies, or if the client should specifically request Lazard to vote the shares on loan, Lazard may determine to recall the stock and vote the proxies itself. However, it is expected that this will be done only in exceptional circumstances. In such event, Portfolio Management will make this determination and the Proxy Administration Team will vote the proxies in accordance with the Approved Guidelines.
 
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H. Reporting
Separately managed account clients of Lazard who have authorized Lazard to vote proxies on their behalf will receive information on proxy voting with respect to that account. Additionally, the US mutual funds managed by Lazard will disclose proxy voting information on an annual basis on Form N-PX which is filed with the SEC.
I. Recordkeeping
Lazard will maintain records relating to the implementation of the Approved Guidelines and this Policy, including a copy of the Approved Guidelines and this Policy, proxy statements received regarding client securities, a record of votes cast and any other document created by Lazard that was material to a determination regarding the voting of proxies on behalf of clients or that memorializes the basis for that decision. Such proxy voting books and records shall be maintained in the manner and for the length of time required in accordance with applicable regulations.
J. Review of Policy and Approved Guidelines
The Proxy Committee will review this Policy at least annually to consider whether any changes should be made to it or to any of the Approved Guidelines. The Proxy Committee will make revisions to its Approved Guidelines when it determines it is appropriate or when it sees an opportunity to materially improve outcomes for clients. Questions or concerns regarding the Policy should be raised with Lazard’s General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.
Revised As Of March 31, 2020
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MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
February 1, 2020
Massachusetts Financial Services Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., MFS International (UK) Limited, MFS Heritage Trust Company, MFS Investment Management (Canada) Limited, MFS Investment Management Company (Lux) S.à r.l., MFS International Singapore Pte. Ltd., MFS Investment Management K.K., MFS International Australia Pty. Ltd.; and MFS’ other subsidiaries that perform discretionary investment management activities (collectively, “MFS”) have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures, as set forth below (“MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures”), with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has the power to vote proxies, including the pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS (the “MFS Funds”). References to “clients” in these policies and procedures include the MFS Funds and other clients of MFS, such as funds organized offshore, sub-advised funds and separate account clients, to the extent these clients have delegated to MFS the responsibility to vote proxies on their behalf under the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

  The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include:

 

  A. Voting Guidelines;

 

  B. Administrative Procedures;

 

  C. Records Retention; and

 

  D. Reports.
 
A. VOTING GUIDELINES

 

1 General Policy; Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

  MFS’ policy is that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in the interests of any other party or in MFS’ corporate interests, including interests such as the distribution of MFS Fund shares and institutional client relationships.

 

  MFS reviews corporate governance issues and proxy voting matters that are presented for shareholder vote by either management or shareholders of public companies. Based on the overall principle that all votes cast by MFS on behalf of its clients must be in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of such clients, MFS has adopted proxy voting guidelines, set forth below, that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote.

 

  As a general matter, MFS votes consistently on similar proxy proposals across all shareholder meetings. However, some proxy proposals, such as certain excessive executive compensation, environmental, social and governance matters, are analyzed on a case-by-case basis in light of all the relevant facts and circumstances of the proposal. Therefore, MFS may vote similar proposals differently at different shareholder meetings based on the specific facts and circumstances of the issuer or the terms of the proposal. In addition, MFS also reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular proxy proposal when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients.

 

  While MFS generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client portfolios, MFS may vote differently on the matter for different client portfolios under certain circumstances. One reason why MFS may vote differently is if MFS has received explicit voting instructions to vote differently from a client for its own account. Likewise, MFS may vote differently if the portfolio management team responsible for a particular client account believes that a different voting instruction is in the best long-term economic interest of such account.

 

  From time to time, MFS may receive comments on the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and revises them as appropriate, in MFS’ sole judgment.

 

  These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see Sections B.2 and D below), and shall ultimately vote the relevant proxies in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring and reporting with respect to such potential material conflicts of interest.

 

  MFS is also a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment. In developing these guidelines, MFS considered environmental, social and corporate governance issues in light of MFS’ fiduciary obligation to vote proxies in the best long-term economic interest of its clients.
 
B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

  1. MFS Proxy Voting Committee

 

  The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment and Client Support Departments as well as members of the investment team. The Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee:

 

    a. Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;
 
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    b. Determines whether any potential material conflict of interest exists with respect to instances in which MFS (i) seeks to override these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (ii) votes on ballot items not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (iii) evaluates an excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors; or (iv) requests a vote recommendation from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g., mergers and acquisitions);

 

    c. Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time; and

 

    d. Determines engagement priorities and strategies with respect to MFS’ proxy voting activities

 

  2. Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

  The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. Due to the client focus of our investment management business, we believe that the potential for actual material conflict of interest issues is small. Nonetheless, we have developed precautions to assure that all proxy votes are cast in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders. Other MFS internal policies require all MFS employees to avoid actual and potential conflicts of interests between personal activities and MFS’ client activities. If an employee (including investment professionals) identifies an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to any voting decision (including the ownership of securities in their individual portfolio), then that employee must recuse himself/herself from participating in the voting process. Any significant attempt by an employee of MFS or its subsidiaries to unduly influence MFS’ voting on a particular proxy matter should also be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

  In cases where proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist. In cases where (i) MFS is considering overriding these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (ii) matters presented for vote are not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (iii) MFS evaluates a potentially excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors or advisory pay or severance package vote, or (iv) a vote recommendation is requested from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g., mergers and acquisitions); (collectively, “Non-Standard Votes”); the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will follow these procedures:

 

    a. Compare the name of the issuer of such proxy against a list of significant current (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, and (ii) MFS institutional clients (the “MFS Significant Distributor and Client List”);

 

    b. If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;

 

    c. If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee (with the participation of MFS’ Conflicts Officer) will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests; and

 

    d. For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuer’s relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS’ Conflicts Officer.

 

  The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, in consultation with MFS’ distribution and institutional business units. The MFS Significant Distributor and Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.

 

  For instances where MFS is evaluating a director nominee who also serves as a director/trustee of the MFS Funds, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will adhere to the procedures described in section (d) above regardless of whether the portfolio company appears on our Significant Distributor and Client List.

 

  If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by Sun Life Financial, Inc. or any of its affiliates (collectively “Sun Life”), MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client as such client instructs or in the event that a client instruction is unavailable pursuant to the recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.’s (“ISS”) benchmark policy, or as required by law. Likewise, if an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by a public company for which an MFS Fund director/trustee serves as an executive officer, MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client as such client instructs or in the event that client instruction is unavailable pursuant to the recommendations of ISS or as required by law.

 

  Except as described in the MFS Fund’s Prospectus, from time to time, certain MFS Funds (the “top tier fund”) may own shares of other MFS Funds (the “underlying fund”). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a shareholder vote, the top tier fund will generally vote its shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the underlying fund. If there are no other shareholders in the underlying fund, the top tier fund will vote in what MFS believes to be in the top tier fund’s best long-term economic interest. If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by a pooled investment vehicle advised by MFS (excluding those vehicles for which MFS’ role is primarily portfolio management and is overseen by another investment adviser), MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the pooled investment vehicle.

 

  3. Gathering Proxies

 

  Most proxies received by MFS and its clients originate at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). Broadridge and other service providers, on behalf of custodians, send proxy related material to the record holders of the shares beneficially owned by MFS’ clients, usually to the client’s proxy voting administrator or, less commonly, to the client itself. This material will include proxy ballots reflecting the shareholdings of Funds and of clients on the record dates for such shareholder meetings, as well as proxy materials with the issuer’s explanation of the items to be voted upon.
 
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  MFS, on behalf of itself and certain of its clients (including the MFS Funds) has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm pursuant to which the proxy administration firm performs various proxy vote related administrative services such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions. Except as noted below, the proxy administration firm for MFS and its clients, including the MFS Funds, is ISS. The proxy administration firm for MFS Development Funds, LLC is Glass, Lewis & Co., Inc. (“Glass Lewis”; Glass Lewis and ISS are each hereinafter referred to as the “Proxy Administrator”).

 

  The Proxy Administrator receives proxy statements and proxy ballots directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system by an MFS holdings data-feed. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders’ meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

  It is the responsibility of the Proxy Administrator and MFS to monitor the receipt of ballots. When proxy ballots and materials for clients are received by the Proxy Administrator, they are input into the Proxy Administrator’s on-line system. The Proxy Administrator then reconciles a list of all MFS accounts that hold shares of a company’s stock and the number of shares held on the record date by these accounts with the Proxy Administrator’s list of any upcoming shareholder’s meeting of that company. If a proxy ballot has not been received, the Proxy Administrator contacts the custodian requesting the reason as to why a ballot has not been received.

 

  4. Analyzing Proxies

 

  Proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator, at the prior direction of MFS, automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by MFS. In these circumstances, if the Proxy Administrator, based on MFS’ prior direction, expects to vote against management with respect to a proxy matter and MFS becomes aware that the issuer has filed or will file additional soliciting materials sufficiently in advance of the deadline for casting a vote at the meeting, MFS will consider such information when casting its vote. With respect to proxy matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives considers and votes on those proxy matters. In analyzing all proxy matters, MFS uses a variety of materials and information, including, but not limited to, the issuer’s proxy statement and other proxy solicitation materials (including supplemental materials), our own internal research and research and recommendations provided by other third parties (including research of the Proxy Administrator). As described herein, MFS may also determine that it is beneficial in analyzing a proxy voting matter for members of the Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives to engage with the company on such matter. . MFS also uses its own internal research, the research of Proxy Administrators and/or other third party research tools and vendors to identify (i) circumstances in which a board may have approved an executive compensation plan that is excessive or poorly aligned with the portfolio company’s business or its shareholders, (ii) environmental and social proposals that warrant further consideration or (iii) circumstances in which a non-U.S. company is not in compliance with local governance or compensation best practices. In those situations where the only MFS Fund that is eligible to vote at a shareholder meeting has Glass Lewis as its Proxy Administrator, then we will utilize our own internal research and research from Glass Lewis to identify such issues. MFS analyzes such issues independently and does not necessarily vote with the ISS or Glass Lewis recommendations on these issues. Representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

  For certain types of votes (e.g., mergers and acquisitions, proxy contests and capitalization matters), the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives will seek a recommendation from the MFS investment analyst and/or portfolio managers.2 For certain other votes that require a case-by-case analysis per the MFS Proxy Policies (e.g., potentially excessive executive compensation issues, or certain shareholder proposals), the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives will likewise consult with MFS investment analysts and/or portfolio managers. However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will ultimately responsible for the manner in which all proxies are voted.

 

  As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.

 

  5. Voting Proxies

 

  In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS’ clients.

 

  For those markets that utilize a “record date” to determine which shareholders are eligible to vote, MFS generally will vote all eligible shares pursuant to these guidelines regardless of whether all (or a portion of) the shares held by our clients have been sold prior to the meeting date.

 

  6. Securities Lending

 

  From time to time, the MFS Funds or other pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS may participate in a securities lending program. In the event MFS or its agent receives timely notice of a shareholder meeting for a U.S. security, MFS and its agent will attempt to recall any securities on loan before the meeting’s record date so that MFS will be entitled to vote these shares. However, there may be instances in which MFS is unable to timely recall securities on loan for a U.S. security, in which cases MFS will not be able to vote these shares. MFS will report to the appropriate board of the MFS Funds those instances in which MFS is not able to timely recall the loaned securities. MFS generally does not recall non-U.S. securities on loan because there may be insufficient advance notice of proxy materials, record dates, or vote cut-off dates to allow MFS to timely recall the shares in certain markets on an automated basis. As a result, non-U.S. securities that are on loan will not generally be voted. If MFS receives timely notice of what MFS determines to be an unusual, significant vote for a non-U.S. security whereas MFS shares are on loan, and determines that voting is in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders, then MFS will attempt to timely recall the loaned shares.

 

  7. Engagement
 
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  The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are available on www.mfs.com and may be accessed by both MFS’ clients and the companies in which MFS’ clients invest. From time to time, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue or written communication with a company or other shareholders regarding certain matters on the company’s proxy statement that are of concern to shareholders, including environmental, social and governance matters. A company or shareholder may also seek to engage with members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or proxy voting team in advance of the company’s formal proxy solicitation to review issues more generally or gauge support for certain contemplated proposals. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee establish proxy voting engagement goals and priorities for the year. For further information on requesting engagement with MFS on proxy voting issues or information about MFS’ engagement priorities, please visit www.mfs.com and refer to our most recent proxy season preview and engagement priorities report.
 
C. RECORDS RETENTION
MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. Proxy solicitation materials, including electronic versions of the proxy ballots completed by representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, together with their respective notes and comments, are maintained in an electronic format by the Proxy Administrator and are accessible on-line by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including records generated by the Proxy Administrator’s system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each company’s proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable law.
D. REPORTS

 

  U.S. Registered MFS Funds

 

  MFS publicly discloses the proxy voting records of the U.S. registered MFS Funds on a quarterly basis. MFS will also report the results of its voting to the Board of Trustees of the U.S. registered MFS Funds. These reports will include: (i) a summary of how votes were cast (including advisory votes on pay and “golden parachutes”); (ii) a summary of votes against management’s recommendation; (iii) a review of situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the guidelines and the rationale therefore; (iv) a review of the procedures used by MFS to identify material conflicts of interest and any matters identified as a material conflict of interest; (v) a review of these policies and the guidelines; (vi) a review of our proxy engagement activity; (vii) a report and impact assessment of instances in which the recall of loaned securities of a U.S. issuer was unsuccessful; and (viii) as necessary or appropriate, any proposed modifications thereto to reflect new developments in corporate governance and other issues. Based on these reviews, the Trustees of the U.S. registered MFS Funds will consider possible modifications to these policies to the extent necessary or advisable.

 

  Other MFS Clients

 

  MFS may publicly disclose the proxy voting records of certain other clients (including certain MFS Funds) or the votes it casts with respect to certain matters as required by law. A report can also be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue and, upon request, may identify situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

  Firm-wide Voting Records

 

  MFS also publicly discloses its firm-wide proxy voting records.

 

  Except as described above, MFS generally will not divulge actual voting practices to any party other than the client or its representatives because we consider that information to be confidential and proprietary to the client. However, as noted above, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue with a company regarding certain matters. During such dialogue with the company, MFS may disclose the vote it intends to cast in order to potentially effect positive change at a company in regards to environmental, social or governance issues.
 
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MELLON INVESTMENTS CORPORATION Proxy Disclosure
Policy Name: Proxy Voting Policy
Last Reviewed: 09/27/2021
Related Regulations: Rule 206(4)-6 and 204-2 under The Investment Advisers Act of 1940
ERISA Rule 404a-1
Related Corporate Policies: BNY Mellon Proxy Voting Policy
Policy Statement
It is the policy of Newton Investment Management North America LLC (“NIMNA” or the “Firm”) to fully meet its fiduciary obligations in exercising the power, discretion and responsibility to vote proxies where clients have delegated such authority.
Registered Investment Advisers have a number of responsibilities regarding voting of proxies for client securities that are under its management and that are governed by the Advisers Act. Rule 206(4)-6 requires investments advisers to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes client securities in the best interests of clients, which procedures must include how material conflicts that may arise between an adviser’s interests and those of its clients are addressed; (b) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; and (c) describe to clients its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients. Rule 204-2 further requires an investment adviser to retain certain records relating to the exercise of its proxy voting authority.
Definitions
As a registered Investment Advisor, NIMNA is often entrusted with the fiduciary responsibility to vote proxies for shares of corporate stock held on behalf of our clients. Proxy voting is an integral part of the management of the investment in those shares. In voting proxies, NIMNA takes into account long term economic value as we evaluate issues relating to corporate governance, including structures and practices, the nature of long-term business plans, including sustainability policies and practices to address environmental and social factors that are likely to have an impact on shareholder value, and other financial and non-financial measures of corporate performance.
NIMNA has established a Proxy Voting Committee to implement and maintain the Firm’s Proxy Voting Policy and related proxy voting guidelines (the “Voting Guidelines”). This Committee oversees the Firm’s proxy voting activities and ensures that the Voting Guidelines are generally applied consistently and impartially for securities held in accounts for which NIMNA has proxy voting authority. NIMNA will make every reasonable effort to ensure that proxies are received and voted in accordance with this policy and the Voting Guidelines. To assist us in that process, NIMNA retains Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) to provide various services related to proxy voting, such as research, analysis, voting services, proxy vote tracking, recordkeeping, and reporting. In addition, NIMNA retains Glass Lewis for research services only.
NIMNA has appointed the BNY Mellon Proxy Voting Conflicts Committee to address certain conflicts associated with actual or potential material conflicts of interest involving The Bank of New York Mellon (“Parent Company”). These conflicts typically arise due to a relationship between a proxy issuer and the Parent Company, the Parent Company’s Chief Executive Officer, or a member of the Parent Company’s Board of Directors.
NIMNA will furnish a copy of its Proxy Voting Policy and its Voting Guidelines upon request to each advisory client that has delegated voting authority.
Voting BNY Mellon Stock
It is the policy of NIMNA not to vote or make recommendations on how to vote shares of BNY Mellon stock, even where NIMNA has the legal power to do so under the relevant governing instrument. In order to avoid any appearance of conflict relating to voting BNY Mellon stock, NIMNA has contracted with an independent fiduciary (ISS) to direct all voting of BNY Mellon Stock held by any Mellon accounts on any matter in which shareholders of BNY Mellon Stock are required or permitted to vote.
Voting Non-US Company Proxies
NIMNA seeks to effect vote decisions through the application of the Voting Guidelines. However, corporate governance practices, disclosure requirements and voting operations vary significantly among the various non-U.S. markets in which clients may invest. In these markets, NIMNA may face regulatory, compliance, legal or logistical limits with respect to voting securities held in client accounts which can affect the firm’s ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. Non-U.S. regulatory restrictions or company-specific ownership limits, as well as legal matters related to consolidated groups, may restrict the total percentage of an issuer’s voting securities that Mellon can hold for clients and the nature of our voting in such securities. The Firm’s ability to vote proxies may also be affected by, among other things: (1) late receipt of meeting notices; (2) requirements to vote proxies in person: (3) restrictions on a foreigner’s ability to exercise votes; (4) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; (5) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions; and (6) requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in proximity to the shareholder meeting. Absent an issue that is likely to impact clients’ economic interest in a company, NIMNA generally will not subject clients to the costs (which may include a loss of liquidity) that could be imposed by these requirements. In these markets, NIMNA will weigh the associative costs against the benefit of voting and may refrain from voting certain non-U.S. securities in instances where the items presented are not likely to have a material impact on shareholder value (where the expense and administrative inconvenience or other burdens outweigh the benefits to clients of voting the securities).
Securities Lending
Generally, NIMNA expects that the projected long-term economic benefit to clients in voting proxies would be exceeded by securities lending income on shares on loan. In our assessment, the resolutions being voted on are typically routine and will not have significant economic consequences and/or because the outcome would not be affected by voting all or a portion of loaned securities.
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While most resolutions are routine, from time to time, the Proxy Voting Committee in conjunction with the investment management team may determine that the expected economic benefit of voting clients’ entire holding is greater than the projected lending revenue. Shares on loan are not recalled to vote unless the case can be made that the optimal voting outcome would be economically beneficial for clients and voting all eligible shares in client portfolios would increase the likelihood of achieving that outcome.
Proxy Voting Disclosure
Clients who have delegated proxy voting authority to NIMNA may obtain the proxy voting records for their account upon written or verbal request.
Oversight Activities - Operational
NINMA performs periodic oversight of the operational and voting processes implemented on behalf of clients to ensure that proxy ballots are voted in accordance with established guidelines. These activities may include, but are not limited to, monthly account reconciliation between the voting agent and NIMNA records and forensic testing of the application of vote instruction in relation to policy vote recommendations at the ballot level. These efforts are monitored as component of our Rule 206(4) -7 compliance program.
Oversight Activities – Proxy Advisors
NIMNA, with the assistance of the BNY Mellon Proxy Research & Governance team, as well as certain BNY Mellon vendor review groups, provides oversight of the Proxy Advisors through various activities. Depending on the particular set of services a Proxy Advisor is engaged to provide, these activities may include, but are not limited to:

 

Annual request and review of information related to compliance policies and procedures.

 

Annual compliance due diligence questionnaires, certifications and/or document requests.

 

Annual and ad hoc due diligence meetings, as well as periodic on-site due diligence meetings.

 

Periodic meetings, correspondence and telephonic communications, as needed.

 

Periodic review of the proxy advisor’s systems to assess whether the Voting Guidelines are reflected accurately.

 

Periodic review and testing of proxy votes, with respect to routine proposals, as well as those proposals which require more analysis.

 

Periodic review of SSAE 18 and/or other external reports or summaries thereof, where applicable.

 

Periodic review of BNY Mellon’s (internal and/or external) vendor review groups reports, where applicable.
 
Maintenance of Required Records
NIMNA, with the assistance of engaged service providers, shall maintain such records as required under Rule 204-2.
Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken for failure to comply with the requirements of this policy, which could include termination of employment.
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PZENA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
PROXY VOTING POLICY
INTRODUCTION
As a registered investment adviser and fiduciary, Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“PIM”) exercises our responsibility, where applicable, to vote in a manner that, in our judgement, is solely in the client’s best interest and will maximize long-term shareholder value. The following policies and procedures have been established to ensure decision making is consistent with PIM’s fiduciary responsibilities and applicable regulations under the Investment Company Act, Advisers Act and ERISA.
GENERAL APPROACH
Each proxy that comes to PIM to be voted shall be evaluated per the prudent process described below, in terms of what is in the best interest of our clients. We deem the best interest of clients to be solely that which maximizes shareholder value and yields the best economic results (e.g., higher stock prices, long-term financial health, and stability). We will not subordinate the interests of our clients to any non-pecuniary interests nor will we promote non-pecuniary benefits or goals unrelated to our clients’ long-term financial interests.
PIM’s standard Investment Advisory Agreement provides that until notified by the client to the contrary, PIM shall have the right to vote all proxies for securities held in that client’s account. Where PIM has voting responsibility on behalf of a client, and absent any client specific instructions, we generally follow the Voting Guidelines (“Guidelines”) set forth below. These Guidelines, however, are not intended as rigid rules and do not cover all possible proxy topics. Each proxy issue will be considered individually and PIM reserves the right to evaluate each proxy vote on a case-by-case basis, as long as voting decisions reflect what is in the best interest of our clients.
To the extent that, in voting proxies for an account subject to ERISA, PIM determines that ERISA would require voting a proxy in a manner different from these Guidelines, PIM may override these Guidelines as necessary in order to comply with ERISA. Additionally, because clients, including ERISA clients, do not pay any additional fees or expenses specifically related to our proxy voting, there is not a need to consider the costs related to proxy voting impacting the value of an investment or investment performance.
In those instances where PIM does not have proxy voting responsibility, we shall forward any proxy materials to the client or to such other person as the client designates.
Proxy Voting Limitations
While, subject to the considerations discussed above, PIM uses our best efforts to vote proxies, in certain circumstances it may be impractical or impossible to do so. Such instances include but are not limited to share blocking, securities lending, if PIM concludes that abstention is in our clients’ economic interests and/or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant.
VOTING GUIDELINES
The following Guidelines summarize PIM’s positions on various issues of concern to investors and give an indication of how portfolio securities generally will be voted. These Guidelines are not exhaustive and do not cover all potential voting issues or the intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. Actual proxy votes may also differ from the Guidelines presented, as we will evaluate each individual proxy on its own merit. ,
It is also worth noting that PIM considers the reputation, experience and competence of a company’s management and board when it researches and evaluates the merits of investing in a particular security. In general, PIM has confidence in the abilities and motives of the board and management of the companies in which we invest.
1) ROUTINE BUSINESS
PIM will typically vote in accordance with the board and management on the items below and other routine issues when adequate information on the proposal is provided.
i. Change in date and place of annual meeting (if not associated with a takeover);
ii. Change in company name;
iii. Approval of financial statements;
iv. Reincorporation (unless to prevent takeover attempts);
v. Stock splits; or
vi. Amend bylaws/articles of association to bring in line with changes in local laws and regulations.
PIM will oppose vague, overly broad, open-ended, or general “other business” proposals for which insufficient detail or explanation is provided or risks or consequences of a vote in favor cannot be ascertained.
2) CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Stock Issuance
PIM will consider on a case-by-case basis all proposals to increase the issuance of common stock, considering company-specific factors that include, at a minimum:
i. Past board performance (use of authorized shares during the prior three years); ii. Stated purpose for the increase; iii. Risks to shareholders of not approving the request; or iv. Potential dilutive impact.
PIM will generally vote for such proposals (without preemptive rights) up to a maximum of 20% more than currently issued capital over a specified period, while taking into account management’s prior use of these preemptive rights. PIM will, however, vote against such proposals if restrictions on discounts are inadequate and/or the limit on the number of times the mandate may be refreshed are not in line with local market practices.
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3) AUDIT SERVICES
PIM is likely to support the approval of auditors unless,
i. Independence is compromised;
ii. Non-audit (“other”) fees are greater than the sum of the audit fees , audit-related fees and permissible tax fees ;
iii. There is reason to believe the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position; or
iv. Serious concerns about accounting practices are identified such as fraud, misapplication of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
PIM will also apply a case-by-case assessment to shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services (or capping the level of non-audit services), taking into account whether the non-audit fees are excessive (per the formula above) and whether the company has policies and procedures in place to limit non-audit services or otherwise prevent conflicts of interest.
4) COMPENSATION
PIM supports reasonable incentive programs designed to attract and retain key talent. PIM typically supports management’s discretion to set compensation for executive officers, so long as the plan aligns management and shareholder interests. PIM evaluates each plan in detail to assess whether the plan provides adequate incentive to reward long-term performance and the impact on shareholder value (e.g. dilution).
Say on Pay
PIM prefers a shareholder vote on compensation plans to provide a mechanism to register discontent with the plan itself or management team performance. As long as such proposals are non-binding and worded in a generic manner (unrestrictive to actual company plans), PIM will support them. In evaluating these proposals, PIM will generally consider, at minimum: company performance, pay practices relative to industry peers, potentially problematic pay practices and/or past unresponsive behavior. Circumstances where PIM may oppose these proposals include:
i. Restricts the company’s ability to hire new, suitable management; or
ii. Restricts an otherwise responsible management team in some other way harmful to the company.
Pay for Performance
PIM will generally support plans under which 50% or more of the shares awarded to top executives are tied to performance goals. Maintaining appropriate pay-for-performance alignment means executive pay practices must be designed to attract, retain, and appropriately motivate the key employees who drive shareholder value creation over the long term. Our evaluation of this issue will take into consideration, among other factors, the link between pay and performance; the mix between fixed and variable pay; performance goals; equity-based plan costs; and dilution.
Incentive Options
PIM is generally supportive of incentive options that provide the appropriate degree of pay-for-performance alignment (as per the above) and are therefore in shareholder best interest. PIM will vote on a case-by-case basis depending on certain plan features and equity grant practices, where positive factors may counterbalance negative factors, and vice versa.
However, the following would generally cause PIM to vote against a management incentive arrangement:
i. The proposed plan is in excess of 10% of shares;
ii. Company has issued 3% or more of outstanding shares in a single year in the recent past;
iii. The new plan replaces an existing plan before the existing plan’s termination date and some other terms of the new plan are likely to be adverse to the maximization of investment returns; or
iv. The proposed plan resets options, or similarly compensates executives, for declines in a company’s stock price. This includes circumstances where a plan calls for exchanging a lower number of options with lower strike prices for an existing larger volume of options with high strike prices, even when the option valuations might be considered the same total value. However, this would not include instances where such a plan seeks to retain key executives who have been undercompensated in the past.
Golden Parachutes / Severance Agreements
PIM will vote on a case-by-case basis, considering at minimum existing change-in-control arrangements maintained with named executive officers and new or extended arrangements.
PIM will generally vote against such proposals if:
i. The proposed arrangement is excessive or not reasonable in light of similar arrangements for other executives in the company or in the company’s industry;
ii. The proposed parachute or severance arrangement is considerably more financially attractive than continued employment. Although PIM will apply a case-by-case analysis of this issue, as a general rule, a proposed severance arrangement which is three or more times greater than the affected executive’s then current compensation shall be voted against; or
iii. The triggering mechanism in the proposed arrangement is solely within the recipient’s control (e.g., resignation).
Tax Deductibility
Votes to amend existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify for tax deductibility under the provisions of Section 162(m) should be considered on a case-by-case basis, considering the overall impact of the amendment(s).
Pay Peer Groups
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PIM prefers that compensation peer groups are based on the industry, not size, revenue or balance sheet.
5) BOARD
Director Elections
PIM generally will evaluate director nominees individually and as a group based on our assessment of record and reputation, business knowledge and background, shareholder value mindedness, accessibility, corporate governance abilities, time commitment, attention and awareness, independence, and character. PIM will apply a case-by-case approach to determine whether to vote for or against directors nominated by outside parties whose interests may conflict with our interests as shareholders, regardless of whether management agrees with the nomination.
Board Independence
PIM will generally withhold votes from or vote against any insiders on audit, compensation or nominating committees, and from any insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent. PIM also prefers companies to have compensation and audit committees composed of entirely independent directors.
PIM may vote in favor of any such directors in exceptional circumstances where the company has shown significant improvement.
Board Size
PIM believes there is no optimal size or composition that fits every company. However, PIM prefers that the number of directors cannot be altered significantly without shareholder approval; otherwise, potentially allowing the size of the board to be used as an anti-takeover defense.
Board Tenure
PIM believes that any restrictions on a director’s tenure, such as a mandatory retirement age or length of service limits, could harm shareholder interests by forcing experienced and knowledgeable directors off the board. However, PIM prefers that boards do not have more than 50% of members serving for longer than ten years to avoid board entrenchment and ‘group-think’.
Chairman/CEO
PIM will evaluate and vote proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions in a company on a case-by-case basis based on our assessment of the strength of the company’s governing structure, the independence of the board and compliance with NYSE and NASDAQ listing requirements, among other factors. When the positions of Chairman and CEO are combined, PIM prefers that the company has a lead independent director to provide some independent oversight.
Cumulative Voting
PIM will generally vote against proposals to establish cumulative voting, as this leads to misaligned voting and economic interest in a company. PIM will, however, vote in favor of proposals for cumulative voting at controlled companies where insider voting power is greater than 50%.
Director Over-Boarding
PIM will vote such proposals on a case-by-case basis but prefers that directors do not sit on more than three additional boards. In evaluating these proposals PIM will consider, at minimum, management tenure, director business expertise and director performance.
Classified Boards
PIM generally opposes classified boards because this makes a change in board control more difficult and hence may reduce the accountability of the board to shareholders. However, these proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will consider, at minimum, company and director performance.
Board Diversity
PIM is generally supportive of a diverse board (age, race, gender etc.) that is representative of its customers and stakeholders. That said, PIM does not believe in board quotas or any restrictions on director tenure that could harm shareholder interests by preventing qualified board candidates from being nominated or forcing experienced or knowledgeable directors off the board.
6) SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
In general PIM does not support any proposals designed to limit shareholder rights; below we have outlined some of the issues we consider most important.
Special Meetings
PIM generally supports proposals enabling shareholders to call a special meeting of a company so long as at least a 15% threshold with a one-year holding period is necessary for shareholders to do so. However, on a case-by-case basis, a 10% threshold may be deemed more appropriate should particular circumstances warrant; for example, in instances where executive compensation or governance has been an issue for a company.
One Share, One Vote
PIM is generally opposed to proposals to create dual-class capitalization structures as these provide disparate voting rights to different groups of shareholders with similar economic investments. However, PIM will review proposals to eliminate a dual-class structure on a case-by-case basis, considering, at minimum, management’s prior record.
Supermajority
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PIM does not support supermajority voting provisions with respect to corporate governance issues unless it would be in the best interest of shareholders. In general, vesting a minority with veto power over shareholder decisions could deter tender offers and hence adversely affect shareholder value.
Proxy Access
PIM will assess these proposals on a case-by-case basis, but generally supports proxy access proposals that include an ownership level and holding period of at least 3% for three years or 10% for one year.
7) SOCIAL/ENVIRONMENTAL
PIM will consider environmental and social proposals on their own merits and make a case-by-case assessment. PIM will consider supporting proposals that address material issues if we believe they will protect and/or enhance the long-term value of the company.
While PIM is generally supportive of resolutions seeking additional ESG disclosures, such proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration whether the requested disclosure is material, incremental and of reasonable cost to the business.
8) ANTI-TAKEOVER
PIM generally supports anti-takeover measures that are in the best interest of shareholders and does not support anti-takeover measures such as poison pills that entrench management and/or thwart maximization of investment returns.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Role of ISS
PIM has engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) to provide a proxy analysis with research and a vote recommendation for each shareholder meeting of the companies in our client portfolios. In engaging and continuing to engage ISS, PIM has determined that, where applicable, ISS proxy voting guidelines are consistent with ERISA’s fiduciary duties including that the votes are made in the best interest of our clients, focus on yielding the best economic results for our clients. ISS also votes, records and generates a voting activity report for our clients and assists us with recordkeeping and the mechanics of voting. In no circumstance shall ISS have the authority to vote proxies except in accordance with standing or specific instructions given to it by PIM. PIM retains responsibility for instructing ISS how to vote, and we still apply our own Guidelines as set forth herein. PIM does not utilize pre-population or automated voting except as a safeguard mechanism designed to ensure that, in the unlikely event that we fail to submit vote instructions for a particular proxy, our shares will still get voted. If PIM does not issue instructions for a particular vote, the default is for ISS to mark the ballots in accordance with our Guidelines (when they specifically cover the item being voted on), and to refer all other items back to PIM for instruction (when there is no PIM policy covering the vote).
When voting a proxy for a security that PIM’s Research team does not cover, we will vote in accordance with our Guidelines (when they specifically cover the item being voted on) and defer to ISS’s recommendations on all other items.
Periodically, PIM’s Vendor Management Committee conducts a due diligence review of ISS, through which it reviews and evaluates certain key policies and procedures submitted to us by ISS. On a quarterly basis, PIM reviews proxy voting reports for a sample of accounts by comparing and reconciling them against one another and against our internal holdings information for those accounts. PIM also samples and reviews proxy votes when testing our Proxy Voting Policy, as part of our regular compliance testing procedures. Further, PIM reviews ISS’ procedures for receiving additional information from issuers after a proxy has been sent, incorporating that information into its recommendations, and sending that information and/or updated recommendations to PIM.
Role of Analyst
The analyst who is responsible for covering the company also votes the associated proxies since they have first-hand in-depth knowledge of the company. In evaluating proxy issues, the analyst will utilize a variety of sources to help come to a decision:
i. Information gathered through in-depth research and on-going company analyses performed by our investment team in making buy, sell and hold decisions for our client portfolios. This process includes regular external engagements with senior management of portfolio companies and internal discussions with Portfolio Managers (“PMs”) and the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”), as needed;
ii. ISS reports to help identify and flag factual issues of relevance and importance;
iii. Information from other sources, including the management of a company presenting a proposal, shareholder groups, and other independent proxy research services; and/or
iv. Where applicable, any specific guidelines designated in writing by a client.
Proxy Voting Committee
To help make sure that PIM votes client proxies in accordance with our fiduciary obligation to maximize shareholder value, we have established a Proxy Voting Committee (“the Committee”) which is responsible for overseeing the Guidelines. The Committee consists of representatives from Legal and Research, including our Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), Director of Research (“DOR”), and at least one PM (who represents the interests of all PIM’s portfolio managers and is responsible for obtaining and expressing their opinions at committee meetings). The Committee will meet at least once annually and as often as necessary to oversee our approach to proxy voting.
The DOR is responsible for monitoring the analyst’s compliance with the Guidelines, the CCO is responsible for monitoring overall compliance with these procedures and an internally-designated “Proxy Coordinator” is responsible for day-to-day proxy voting activities.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
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PIM is sensitive to conflicts of interest that may arise in the proxy voting process. PIM believes that application of the Guidelines should, in most cases, adequately address any potential conflicts of interest. However, if an actual or potential material conflict of interest has been identified, PIM has put in place a variety of different mitigation strategies as outlined below.
A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations:

 

  i. PIM manages any pension or other assets affiliated with a publicly traded company, and also holds that company’s or an affiliated company’s securities in one or more client portfolios;

 

  ii. PIM has a client relationship with an individual who is a corporate director, or a candidate for a corporate directorship of a public company whose securities are in one or more client portfolios; or

 

  iii. A PIM officer, director or employee, or an immediate family member thereof is a corporate director, or a candidate for a corporate directorship of a public company whose securities are in one or more client portfolios. For purposes hereof, an immediate family member is generally defined as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
 
If a potential material conflict of interest exists, the following procedures will be followed:

 

  i. If our proposed vote is consistent with the Guidelines, above, we will vote in accordance with our proposed vote;
ii. If our proposed vote is inconsistent with or not covered by our Guidelines, but is consistent with the recommendations of ISS, we will vote in accordance with ISS recommendations; and
iii. If our proposed vote is inconsistent with or not covered by our Guidelines, and is inconsistent with the recommendations of ISS, the CCO and the DOR (or their respective designees) (the “Conflicts Committee”) will review the potential conflict and determine whether the potential conflict is material.

 

    a. If the Conflicts Committee determines that the potential conflict is not material, we will vote in accordance with the proposed vote.
b. If the Conflicts Committee determines the potential conflict is material, the Conflicts Committee will review the proposed vote, the analysis and rationale for the vote recommendation, the recommendations of ISS and any other information the Conflicts Committee may deem necessary in order to determine whether the proposed vote is reasonable and not influenced by any material conflicts of interest. The Conflicts Committee may seek to interview the research analysts or portfolio managers or any other party it may deem necessary for making its determination.

 

        i. If the Conflicts Committee determines the proposed vote is reasonable and not influenced by any conflicts of interest, we will vote in accordance with our proposed vote.
ii. If the Conflicts Committee cannot determine that the proposed vote is reasonable and not influenced by any conflict of interest, the Conflicts Committee will determine the best course of action in the best interest of the clients which may include deferring to the ISS recommendation or notifying each client who holds the relevant securities of the potential conflict, to seek such client’s voting instruction.
 
On an annual basis, we will review and assess the conflicts policies and Code of Conduct that ISS posts on its website for sufficiency in addressing potential conflict of interest, self-dealing and improper influence issues that may affect voting recommendations by ISS. PIM will also periodically review samples of ISS’ recommendations for voting proxies, after the vote has occurred, to ensure that ISS’ recommendations are consistent with ISS’ proxy voting guidelines, as applicable. PIM’s analysts also incorporate information regarding ISS’ potential conflicts of interest into their process when evaluating and voting proxies, and on a quarterly basis, our DOR reviews an updated list of ISS’ significant client relationships.
Other Situations
Client Conflict
Where PIM manages the assets of a proponent of a shareholder proposal for a company whose securities are in one or more client portfolios, the following guidance should be followed:

 

  i. The identity of the proponent of a shareholder proposal shall not be given any substantive weight (either positive or negative) and shall not otherwise influence an analyst’s determination whether a vote for or against a proposal is in the best interest of our clients.
ii. Where PIM determines that it is in the best interest of our clients to vote against that proposal, a designated member of PIM’s client service team will notify the client-proponent and give that client the option to direct PIM in writing to vote the client’s proxy differently than it is voting the proxies of our other clients.
iii. If the proponent of a shareholder proposal is a PIM client whose assets under management with PIM constitute 30% or more of PIM’s total assets under management, and PIM has determined that it is in the best interest of our clients to vote for that proposal, PIM will disclose its intention to vote for such proposal to each additional client who also holds the securities of the company soliciting the vote on such proposal and for whom PIM has authority to vote proxies. If a client does not object to the vote within three business days of delivery of such disclosure, PIM will be free to vote such client’s proxy as stated in such disclosure.
 
Analyst Conflict
If the analyst voting the proxy also beneficially owns shares of the company in his/her personal trading accounts, they must notify the Proxy Coordinator and the DOR must sign off on the analyst’s votes for that company. It is the responsibility of each analyst to disclose such personal interest and obtain such approval. Any other owner, partner, officer, director, or employee of PIM who has a personal or financial interest in the outcome of the vote is prohibited from attempting to influence the proxy voting decision of PIM personnel responsible for voting client securities.
VOTING PROCEDURES
If an analyst desires to vote contrary to the Guidelines set forth in this proxy voting policy or the written proxy voting policy designated by a specific client, the analyst will discuss the vote with the CIO, and/or DOR and/or a PM for the strategy in which the security is held. The CIO, DOR and/or the PM, shall, in turn, determine how to vote the proxy based on the analyst’s recommendation and the long-term economic impact such vote will have on
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the securities held in client portfolios. If the CIO, DOR and/or the PM agree with the analyst’s recommendation and determine that a contrary vote is advisable the analyst will provide written documentation of the reasons for the vote.
Vote Processing
It is understood that PIM’s and ISS’ ability to commence voting proxies for new or transferred accounts is dependent upon the actions of custodian’s and banks in updating their records and forwarding proxies. PIM will not be liable for any action or inaction by any Custodian or bank with respect to proxy ballots and voting.
Client Communication
PIM will include a copy of these proxy voting policies and procedures, as they may be amended from time to time, in each new account pack sent to prospective clients. We also will update our ADV disclosures regarding these policies and procedures to reflect any material additions or other changes to them, as needed. Such ADV disclosures will include an explanation of how to request copies of these policies and procedures as well as any other disclosures required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act.
Return Proxies
The CCO or designee shall send or cause to be sent (or otherwise communicate) all votes to the company or companies soliciting the proxies within the applicable time period designated for return of such votes, unless not possible to do so due to late receipt or other exigent circumstances.
CORPORATE ACTIONS
PIM is responsible for monitoring both mandatory (e.g. calls, cash dividends, exchanges, mergers, spin-offs, stock dividends and stock splits) and voluntary (e.g. rights offerings, exchange offerings, and tender offers) corporate actions. Operations personnel will ensure that all corporate actions received are promptly reviewed and recorded in PIM’s portfolio accounting system, and properly executed by the custodian banks for all eligible portfolios. On a daily basis, a file of PIM’s security database is sent to a third-party service, Vantage, via an automated upload which then provides corporate action information for securities included in the file. This information is received and acted upon by the Operations personnel responsible for corporate action processing. In addition, PIM receives details on voluntary and mandatory corporate actions from the custodian banks via email or online system and all available data is used to properly understand each corporate event.
Voluntary Corporate Actions
The Portfolio Management team is responsible for providing guidance to Operations on the course of action to be taken for each voluntary corporate action received in accordance with the standards described above for proxy voting, including, but not limited to, acting in the best interest of clients to maximize long-term shareholder value and yield the best economic results. In some instances, if consistent with such standards, the Portfolio Management team may maintain standing instructions on particular event types. As appropriate, Legal and Compliance may be consulted to determine whether certain clients may participate in certain corporate actions. Operations personnel will then notify each custodian bank, either through an online interface, via email, or with a signed faxed document of the election selected. Once all necessary information is received and the corporate action has been vetted, the event is processed in the portfolio accounting system and filed electronically. A log of holdings information related to the corporate action is maintained for each portfolio in order to confirm accuracy of processing.
CLASS ACTIONS
PIM shall not have any responsibility to initiate, consider or participate in any bankruptcy, class action or other litigation against or involving any issue of securities held in or formerly held in a client account or to advise or take any action on behalf of a client or former client with respect to any such actions or litigation.
RECORD KEEPING
PIM or ISS, on PIM’s behalf, maintains (i) copies of the proxy materials received by PIM for client securities; (ii) records of proxies that were not received and what actions were taken to obtain them; (iii) votes cast on behalf of clients by account; (iv) records of any correspondence made regarding specific proxies and the voting thereof; (v) client requests for proxy voting information (including reports to mutual fund clients for whom PIM has proxy voting authority containing information they need to satisfy their annual reporting obligations under Rule 30b-1-4 and to complete Form N-PX); (vi) documents prepared by PIM to inform and/or memorialize a voting decision, including these policies and procedures and any documentation related to a material conflict of interest; and (vii) records of any deviations from broad Guidelines. Such records will be maintained for a minimum of six years.
POLICY REVIEW
The Proxy Voting Committee reviews these Voting Guidelines and procedures at least annually and makes such changes as it deems appropriate, considering current trends and developments in corporate governance and related issues, as well as operational issues facing PIM and applicable regulations under the Investment Company Act, Advisers Act and ERISA.
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WEDGE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.L.P.
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Proxy Policy
Revised: January 2020
WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P. (“WEDGE”) established this policy to comply with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and, as a fiduciary to ERISA clients, proxy voting responsibilities promulgated by the Department of Labor. This policy applies to accounts in which WEDGE has voting authority. WEDGE’s authority to vote client proxies is established by an advisory contract or a comparable document.
Standard Voting Guidelines
Traditional Products (SCP, MCP, LCP, SCP International)
The analyst who recommends the security for the WEDGE portfolio has voting responsibility for that security. If the security is held in multiple traditional products, the analyst who holds the most shares in his or her portfolio is responsible for voting. Securities held in both a quantitative product and a traditional product are voted by the traditional portfolio analyst.
WEDGE casts votes in the best economic interest of shareholders. Therefore, the vote for each security held in a traditional product is cast on a case-by-case basis. Each analyst may conduct his or her own research and/or use the information provided by Glass Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”). (Glass Lewis provides proxy analyses containing research and objective vote recommendations on each proposal.) If an analyst chooses to vote against management’s recommended vote, a reason must be provided on the voting materials and recorded in the vote management software.
Votes should be cast either “For” or “Against.” In very limited instances an abstention may be appropriate; in which case, the analyst should document why he or she abstained. This will be documented in the vote management software by the proxy department.
WEDGE uses its best efforts to vote proxies; in certain circumstances it may be impractical or impossible for WEDGE to vote proxies. For example, in accordance with local laws or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending after the meeting (“share blocking”). Due to these restrictions, WEDGE must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potential consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the shares at the most advantageous time. Additionally, WEDGE may not be able to vote proxies for certain foreign securities if WEDGE does not receive the proxy statement in time due to custodial processing delays.
Quantitative Products (MIC, QVM: Large Cap, QVM: Small-Mid, Enhanced Core)
WEDGE will generally vote securities held in products that are quantitative in nature in the best economic interest of shareholders. To facilitate this process, WEDGE has developed a custom voting policy in conjunction with Glass Lewis and will cast votes in accordance with this policy. The custom voting policy will be reviewed annually by the covering analyst and updated as applicable. In instances where WEDGE votes against the management recommended vote, a reason must be recorded in the vote management software.
Client-Directed Voting Guidelines
In certain situations, and as previously agreed to, WEDGE may be able to accommodate voting securities in accordance with a set of guidelines specified by the client. Specifically, WEDGE is able to accept client directed voting if the client directs WEDGE to vote in accordance with a set of voting guidelines provided by Glass Lewis and to which WEDGE has subscribed. WEDGE will obtain the Glass Lewis voting guidelines that best align with the interests of the client (e.g. ESG, Catholic, AFL-CIO, etc.) and every security thereafter will be auto-voted in accordance with the specified Glass Lewis recommended vote. In doing so, the vote cast on behalf of the client will in some cases differ from the vote recommended by WEDGE’s analysts under the Standard Voting Guidelines. WEDGE will only be able to accommodate Client-Directed Voting in situations where Glass Lewis is able to provide a recommended vote for a set of guidelines and when previously agreed to by both WEDGE and the client.
Conflicts of Interest
All conflicts of interest are to be resolved in the best interest of our clients.
To alleviate potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts, WEDGE does not allow any associate or his or her spouse to sit on the board of directors of any public company without Management Committee approval, and all associates have to affirm quarterly that they are in compliance with this requirement.
All associates must adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, which requires specific disclosure of conflicts of interest and strict adherence to independence and objectivity standards. Situations that may create a conflict or the appearance of a conflict include but are not limited to the following:

 

1 An analyst has a financial interest in the company or in a company which may be involved in a merger or acquisition with the company in question.

 

2 An analyst has a personal relationship with someone (e.g. a close friend or family member) who is employed by the company in question or by a company which may be involved in a merger or acquisition with the company in question.

 

3 The company in question is a client or prospective client of the firm.
 
If any of the three criteria listed above is met, or if the analyst feels a potential conflict of interest exists for any reason, he or she should complete a Potential Conflict of Interest Form (PCIF - Attachment A). The PCIF identifies the potential conflict of interest and is used to document the review of the vote.
For items 1 & 2 above, the voting analyst is required to consult with an analyst who does not have a potential conflict of interest. If the consulting analyst disagrees with the voting analyst’s vote recommendation, a Management Committee member must be consulted. For item 3 above (or any other potential conflict not identified above), two of the three Management Committee members must review and agree with the recommended vote. The completed PCIF is attached to the voting materials and reviewed by the proxy department for accurate completion prior to being recorded in the vote management software.
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Due to the reliance on Glass Lewis to provide a recommended vote based on our custom voting policy it is important that Glass Lewis has procedures in place to provide the correct vote and mitigate any potential conflicts of interest. While WEDGE receives analyses and voting recommendations from Glass Lewis, these are not determinative of WEDGE’s ultimate decision. Rather, WEDGE exercises its independent judgment in making voting decisions. For further information regarding WEDGE’s voting policies, please contact proxy@wedgecapital.com.
Proxy Voting Records
As required by Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, WEDGE will maintain the following records:

 

The Proxy Policy

 

Record of each vote cast on behalf of WEDGE’s clients

 

Documents prepared by WEDGE that were material to making a proxy voting decision, including PCIFs

 

Each written client request for proxy voting records and WEDGE’s written response to any written or oral client request
 
Policy Disclosure
On an annual basis, WEDGE will send Form ADV Part 2 to all clients to disclose how they can obtain a copy of the Proxy Policy and/or information on how their securities were voted. Clients may request a copy of the Proxy Policy and voting decisions at any time by contacting WEDGE at the address below.
Attention: Proxy Request
WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P.
301 S. College Street, Suite 3800
Charlotte, NC 28202-6002
Via E-mail: proxy@wedgecapital.com
Review Procedures
Periodically, WEDGE will review proxy voting for compliance with this policy and determine if revisions to the policy are necessary.
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APPENDIX C
Ratings Definitions
Below are summaries of the ratings definitions used by some of the rating organizations. Those ratings represent the opinion of the rating organizations as to the credit quality of the issues that they rate. The summaries are based upon publicly available information provided by the rating organizations.
Ratings of Long-Term Obligations and Preferred Stocks — A Fund utilizes ratings provided by rating organizations in order to determine eligibility of long-term obligations. The ratings described in this section may also be used for evaluating the credit quality for preferred stocks.
Credit ratings typically evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of bonds. The rating organizations may fail to update a credit rating on a timely basis to reflect changes in economic or financial conditions that may affect the market value of the security. For these reasons, credit ratings may not be an accurate indicator of the market value of a bond.
The four highest Moody’s ratings for long-term obligations (or issuers thereof) are Aaa, Aa, A and Baa. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality and subject to the lowest level of credit risk. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and subject to low credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and, as such, may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Moody’s ratings of Ba, B, Caa, Ca and C are considered below investment grade. Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and subject to very high credit risk. Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. Moody’s also appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.
The four highest S&P Global ratings for long-term obligations are AAA, AA, A and BBB. An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong. An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters; however, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
S&P Global ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, SD, and D are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. An obligation rated SD (selective default) and D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also is used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. An SD rating is assigned when S&P Global believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
The four highest ratings for long-term obligations by Fitch Ratings are AAA, AA, A and BBB. Obligations rated AAA are deemed to be of the highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. Obligations rated AA are deemed to be of very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. Obligations rated A are deemed to be of high credit quality. An A rating denotes expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. Obligations rated BBB are deemed to be of good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.
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Fitch’s ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists, which can be utilized to help service financial commitments. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, the capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. Obligations rated CCC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Obligations rated CC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. Obligations rated C indicate exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; (c) the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or (d) a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings’ opinion, has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings’ opinion, has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. “Imminent” default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice. The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below B.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations — Moody’s ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2, MIG/VMIG 3, and SG. The MIG/VMIG 1 rating denotes superior credit quality, providing excellent protection through established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG/VMIG 2 rating denotes strong credit quality. Generally, MIG/VMIG 2 indicates that the margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG/VMIG 3 rating denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG rating denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
S&P Global uses SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and D to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An obligor determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay the debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. A rating of D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
Ratings of Short-Term Obligations — Moody’s short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 (Prime-1) is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody’s and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-2 (Prime-2) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-3 (Prime-3) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term policyholder claims and obligations. The rating NP (Not Prime) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
S&P Global short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated SD and D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than
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five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. An SD rating is assigned when the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.
Fitch Ratings’ short-term ratings have a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance markets. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest short-term credit quality. It indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good short-term credit quality. It indicates a good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A rating of F3 denotes fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is of speculative short-term credit quality, indicating minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments as well as heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only, a rating of D indicates a broad-based default event for an entity or the default of a short-term obligation.
Fitch’s ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. Obligations rated CCC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Obligations rated CC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. Obligations rated C indicate exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; (c) the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or (d) a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. “Imminent” default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice. The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations — Moody’s ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2, MIG/VMIG 3, and SG. The MIG/VMIG 1 rating denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG/VMIG 2 rating denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG/VMIG 3 rating denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG rating denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
S&P Global uses SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and D to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. A rating of D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
Ratings of Short-Term Obligations — Moody’s short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody’s and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-2 denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-3 denotes an issuer (or
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supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term policyholder claims and obligations. The rating NP (Not Prime) denotes an issuer (or supporting institutions) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
S&P Global short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated SD and D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. An ‘SD’ rating is assigned when the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.
Fitch Ratings’ short-term ratings have a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance markets. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest short-term credit quality. It indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good short-term credit quality. It indicates a good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A rating of F3 denotes fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is of speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only, a rating of D indicates a broad-based default event for an entity or the default of a short-term obligation.
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APPENDIX D
GLOSSARY
ADRs
American Depositary Receipts
Advisers Act
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
American Beacon or the Manager
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
BDCs
Business Development Companies
Beacon Funds
American Beacon Funds
Board
Board of Trustees
Brexit
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.
CCO
Chief Compliance Officer
CD
Certificate of Deposit
CDSC
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
CFTC
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Denial of Services
A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems.
Dividends
A Fund’s distributions from net investment income.
Dodd-Frank Act
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRD
Dividends-received deduction.
EMU
The European Union’s Economic and Monetary Union
ETF
Exchange-Traded Fund
EU
European Union
Fannie Mae
Federal National Mortgage Association
FHFA
Federal Housing Finance Agency
FHLMC
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FINRA
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Floaters
Floating rate debt instruments
FNMA
Federal National Mortgage Association
Forwards
Forward Currency Contracts
Freddie Mac
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
GDR
Global Depositary Receipt
Ginnie Mae
Government National Mortgage Association
GNMA
Government National Mortgage Association
Holdings Policy
Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Internal Revenue Code
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Investment Company Act
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
IPO
Initial Public Offering
IRA
Individual Retirement Account
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
ISS
Institutional Shareholder Services
LIBOR
ICE LIBOR
LLC
Limited Liability Company
LOI
Letter of Intent
Management Agreement
The Fund’s Management Agreement with the Manager.
Manager
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
MLP
Master Limited Partnership
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
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NAV
Net asset value
NDF
Non-deliverable forward contracts
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
OTC
Over-the-Counter
Proxy Policy
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
QDI
Qualified Dividend Income
REIT
Real Estate Investment Trust
REMICs
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits
RIC
Regulated Investment Company
S&P Global
S&P Global Ratings
SAI
Statement of Additional Information
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act
Securities Act of 1933, as amended
State Street
State Street Bank and Trust Co.
STRIPS
Separately traded registered interest and principal securities
TBA
To be announced security
Trust
American Beacon Funds
Trustee Retirement Plan
Trustee Retirement and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan
UK
United Kingdom
UMBS
Uniform mortgage-backed security
Voluntary Action
When a Fund voluntarily participates in corporate actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as the Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders.
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American Beacon
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 2022
Share Class
Y
R5
Investor
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
TOVYX
TOVIX
TIVFX
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.

 

 
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7
8
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American Beacon
Tocqueville International Value FundSM
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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, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. More information is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 18 of the Prospectus.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class
Y
R5
Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
None
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds)
None
None
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Share Class
Y
R5
Investor
Management Fees
0.75
%
0.75
%
0.75
%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Other Expenses1,2
0.23
%
0.17
%
0.45
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.98
%
0.92
%
1.20
%
Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement3
0.00
%
(0.01
%)
0.00
%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
0.98
%
0.91
%
1.20
%
1 During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid amounts to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) that were previously waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager under a contractual fee waiver/expense reimbursement agreement for the Fund’s R5 Class shares in the amount of 0.01%.
2 Other Expenses for all share classes include 0.02% securities lending expenses.
3 The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund’s R5 Class through February 28, 2023 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 0.89% for the R5 Class (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.
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, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for the R5 Class shares through February 28, 2023. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
Share Class
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Y
$100
$312
$542
$1,201
R5
$93
$292
$508
$1,130
Investor
$122
$381
$660
$1,455
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 34% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of companies based in at least three different countries located outside the United States, which may include developed and emerging market countries. The Fund may invest in international and U.S. companies representing a broad spectrum of market capitalizations, including large-cap companies having market values of $10 billion or more, and mid cap companies having market values between $2 billion and $10 billion. The Fund may invest principally in equity securities of value companies, which may include common stock, depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges, income deposit securities, income trusts, master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and preferred stock, although the Fund also may invest in growth companies. The Fund’s sub-advisor, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. (“sub-advisor”), may hedge the Fund’s foreign currency exposure by selling foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”).
The investment strategy of the Fund is value oriented and contrarian. The Fund seeks to invest in companies that have good long-term business fundamentals but are temporarily out of favor with investors, and hence have a market value lower than their intrinsic value. The fundamental research-based value orientation of the sub-advisor helps it identify a focused portfolio of typically 40 to 60 companies believed to have good businesses. The sub-advisor’s contrarian orientation enables the purchase of those companies at what the sub-advisor believes to be attractive prices. The Fund may have significant
Prospectus – Fund Summary1 

 

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exposure to the Industrials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to the Industrials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other market sectors may be higher. The Fund may have significant exposure to Japan. However, as the composition of the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to Japan may be lower at a future date, and the Fund’s exposure to other countries may be higher.
“Value oriented” as stated above means that the sub-advisor seeks to invest in companies that are selling at a discount to their intrinsic value, and where business fundamentals are improving or expected to improve. In assessing intrinsic value, the sub-advisor’s judgments will be based on a comparison of a company’s stock market value with various financial parameters, including historical and projected cash flow, book earnings, and net asset value.
“Contrarian” as stated above means that the sub-advisor seeks investment opportunities in stocks that are out of favor with investors. The sub-advisor considers a stock to be out of favor when its price has declined significantly or has lagged the relevant market index for an extended period of time and the consensus among investors does not expect improvement.
In general, the sub-advisor acquires investment ideas by identifying companies whose stock prices are down, or have lagged the market. The sub-advisor then analyzes the quality of their business franchise and long-term fundamentals and makes a judgment regarding their intrinsic value. Alternatively, the sub-advisor may identify companies with strong long-term business fundamentals and then wait for them to fall out of favor with investors in order to buy them at a discount to intrinsic value.
The sub-advisor will purchase stocks for the Fund’s portfolio when they meet the above criteria and when the sub-advisor believes that they have a limited risk of further decline. The sub-advisor will sell stocks when they are no longer considered to be good values.
The sub-advisor’s investment processes incorporate the sub-advisor’s environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) analysis as a consideration in the assessment of all potential portfolio investments. However, as ESG information is just one investment consideration, ESG considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision made by the sub-advisor. In addition, the sub-advisor does not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. The sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks.
The Fund may also invest cash balances in other investment companies, including government money market funds. 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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Asset Selection Risk
Assets selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. The investment models used to manage the Fund 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.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or a derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Fund.
Currency Risk
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by using various instruments. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, and may be affected by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currencies may also decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund’s investments.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund and its service providers as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Emerging Markets Risk
When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political or economic uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading suspensions and other restrictions on investment; delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures; and significant limitations on investor rights and recourse. The governments of emerging market countries may also be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by the sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations.
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Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

 

Income Deposit Securities Risk. Although income deposit securities (“IDSs”), which are units representing shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by a company, trade on an exchange, there may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting both common stock and subordinated debt securities. IDSs are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk.

 

Income Trust Risk. Securities of income trusts, which hold income producing assets and pass the income on to security holders, share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership. Income trusts may also lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Income trusts are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”).

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”). 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. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Focused Holdings Risk
Because the Fund may have a focused portfolio of fewer companies than other more diversified funds, the increase or decrease of the value of a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and total return when compared to other diversified funds.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk
Foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”), are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Forward currency transactions, including NDFs, and forward currency contracts include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency, and other risks inherent in trading derivatives.
Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Geographic Concentration Risk
From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance. Investing in such a manner could cause the Fund’s performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds.

 

Japan Investment Risk. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and may be adversely affected by changes in international trade agreements, the economic conditions of its trading partners, the strength of the yen, and regional and global conflicts. The domestic Japanese economy faces several concerns, including large government deficits, a shrinking workforce, and, in some cases, companies with poor corporate governance. The Japanese Government’s tax and fiscal policies may have negative impacts on the Japanese economy. Japan is also heavily dependent on oil and other commodity imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the Japanese economy. Currency fluctuations, which have been significant at times, can have a considerable impact on exports and the overall Japanese economy. Natural disasters could occur in Japan and may have a significant impact on the business operations of Japanese companies in the affected regions and Japan’s economy. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
 
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Growth Companies Risk
Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund’s investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company’s growth is incorrect, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company stocks may also lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock price declines in market downturns.
Hedging Risk
If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss. In addition, hedges, even when successful in mitigating risk, may not prevent the Fund from experiencing losses on its investments. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had the Fund not used the hedging instruments.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with 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, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.
Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as changes in interest or inflation rates, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in late 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the pandemic has negatively affected and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model and has disrupted the supply chains that many businesses depend on. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through the economy. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be a further increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons.

 

  Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an
 
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  increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation.

 

  Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
 
Market Timing Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of the Fund’s investments, which requires the Fund, in certain instances, to fair value certain of its investments. Some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s shares. 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 ability to execute efficient investment strategies.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. In certain situations, an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.
Redemption Risk
The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. A rise in interest rates or other market developments may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund’s performance.
Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector includes companies engaged in the construction and engineering industry, machinery, energy, transportation, professional services, aerospace and defense industries. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damage, product and environmental liability claims, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, changes in the supply and demand for products and services, and product obsolescence, among other factors.
 
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund’s payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to its benchmark index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
Valuation Risk
The Fund may value certain assets at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that are illiquid or may become illiquid, or securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Prospectus – Fund Summary5 

 

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Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. The Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time; however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund’s investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund’s performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index and was the benchmark index of the Fund’s predecessor, for the periods indicated.
Each of the Fund’s share classes commenced operations on January 22, 2019. The Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of The Tocqueville International Value Fund, a series of The Tocqueville Trust, in a reorganization that closed upon the close of business on January 18, 2019. In connection with that reorganization, the Investor Class shares of the Fund have adopted the performance history and financial statements of the Fund’s predecessor. In the bar chart and table below, the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class shares for periods prior to January 22, 2019 is the performance of the shares of the Fund’s predecessor. In the table below, the performance of the Y Class and R5 Class shares for periods prior to January 22, 2019 represents the returns of the shares of the Fund’s predecessor. The Y Class and R5 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the shares of the Fund’s predecessor because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, the shares of the Fund’s predecessor had different expenses than the Y Class and R5 Class shares, which would affect performance. The Y Class and R5 Class performance shown in the table below has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between those share classes and the shares of the predecessor fund. You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund’s website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31
image 
Highest Quarterly Return:
15.97%2nd Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Lowest Quarterly Return:
-23.42%1st Quarter 2020
01/01/2012 through 12/31/2021
Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2021
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Investor Class
08/01/1994
Returns Before Taxes
7.49
%
7.53
%
7.76
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions
7.01
%
7.38
%
7.44
%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares
5.50
%
6.16
%
6.44
%
Inception Date of Class
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Share Class (Before Taxes)
Y
01/22/2019
7.67
%
7.65
%
7.82
%
R5
01/22/2019
7.77
%
7.71
%
7.85
%
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted)
MSCI® EAFE Index (Net)*
11.26
%
9.55
%
8.03
%
* Reflects the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using a tax rate applicable to non-resident individuals who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares of the Fund; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
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 Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.
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Portfolio Manager
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.
James E. Hunt
Portfolio Manager
Since 2001
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see “About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares.” Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
Tax Information
Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).
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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional 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 principal risks and performance benchmark. However, this Prospectus does not describe all of the Fund’s investment practices. Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined are defined in Appendix A. For additional information, please see the Fund’s 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 American Beacon Tocqueville International Value 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 without the approval of Fund shareholders.
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,

 

selects and changes sub-advisors,

 

allocates assets among sub-advisors,

 

monitors and evaluates the sub-advisor’s investment performance,

 

monitors the sub-advisor’s compliance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions,

 

oversees the Fund’s securities lending activities and actions taken by the securities lending agent to the extent applicable, and

 

directs the investment of the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisor determines should be allocated to short-term investments.
 
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The assets of the Fund are currently allocated by the Manager to one sub-advisor, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. (“Tocqueville”). Tocqueville has full discretion to purchase and sell securities for the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s objective, 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.
Although the Manager has no current intention to do so, the Fund’s assets may be allocated among one or more additional sub-advisors in the future by the Manager. The Fund operates in a manager-of-managers structure. The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Fund, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors, and materially amend agreements with sub-advisors, that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of the shareholders. In the future, the Fund and the Manager may rely on an SEC staff no-action letter, dated July 9, 2019, that would permit the Fund to expand its exemptive relief to hire and replace sub-advisors that are affiliated and unaffiliated with the Manager without shareholder approval, subject to approval by the Board and other conditions. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The SEC order also exempts the Fund from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Fund to individual sub-advisors in a multi-manager fund in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In the future, the Fund may rely on the SEC staff no-action letter to expand its exemptive relief to individual sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager. Under that no-action letter, the fees payable to sub-advisors unaffiliated with or partially-owned by the Manager or its parent company would be aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are wholly-owned by the Manager or its parent company, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. Whenever a sub-advisor change is proposed in reliance on the order, in order for the change to be implemented, the Board, including a majority of its “non-interested” trustees, must approve the change. 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 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 government money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including government money market funds that are advised by the Manager. If the Fund invests in government money market funds, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees of the government money market funds in which the Fund invests, such as advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s operations. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with government money market funds and the portfolio investments of such government money market funds, including the risk that a government money market fund’s yield will be lower than the return that the Fund would have derived from other investments that provide liquidity.
Currencies
The Fund may invest in foreign currencies and foreign currency-denominated securities. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time or through forward currency contracts (see “Foreign Currency Forward Contracts”), and may purchase and sell foreign currency forward contracts, including NDFs. The Fund may engage in these transactions in order to hedge or protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities or other derivative positions. The Fund also may use foreign currency, foreign currency denominated instruments and foreign currency forward contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another.
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 traded via an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges. 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 not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges 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.

 

Income Deposit Securities. An IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.

 

Income Trusts. An income trust is an investment trust that holds income-producing assets and passes the income on to its security holders. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts are structured to avoid taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust, if properly structured, should not be subject to federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.

 

Master Limited Partnerships. MLPs are limited partnerships (or similar entities) in which the ownership units (e.g., limited partnership interests) are publicly traded and units are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. The majority of MLPs operate in oil and gas related businesses, including energy processing and distribution. An MLP is an investment that combines the tax benefits of a limited partnership with the liquidity of publicly traded securities. Many MLPs are pass-through entities that generally are taxed at the security holder level and generally are not subject to
 
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federal or state income tax at the partnership level. Annual income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of an MLP pass through directly to its security holders. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of capital. A Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited by tax considerations. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the MLP.

 

REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that own, and often operate, income producing real estate (known as “equity REITs”) or invest in mortgages secured by loans on such real estate (known as “mortgage REITs”) or both (known as “hybrid REITs”). 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.
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies, direct investments in non-U.S. currencies and in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Not all forward contracts require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Other Investment Companies Securities
The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including government money market funds. The Fund may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager. 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, if applicable, are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in this 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 government money market funds under the Investment Company Act, to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. The Fund could invest in government money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If the Fund invests in government money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the government money market funds in which the Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager.
Although a government money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a government money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the government money market fund has purchased may reduce the government money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a government money market security to decrease. In addition, a government money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.
Preferred Stock
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 it does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock 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 typically set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be variable, changed or omitted by the issuer.
Additional Information About Risks
The greatest risk of investing in a mutual fund is that its returns will fluctuate and you could lose money. The following section provides additional information regarding the Fund’s principal risk factors in light of its principal investment strategies. The principal risks of investing in the Fund listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.
Asset Selection Risk
Assets selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential performance of a particular asset class or individual security may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that individual securities will perform as anticipated. Additionally, asset classes tend to go through cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to each other and to the general securities markets. The investment models used to manage the Fund 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.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Fund. As a result, the Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Some of the markets in which the Fund may effect derivative transactions are OTC or “interdealer” markets. The participants in such markets are typically not subject to credit evaluation and regulatory oversight to the same extent as are members of “exchange-based” markets. This exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a credit or liquidity problem with the counterparty. Recent turbulence in the financial markets could exacerbate counterparty risk resulting from OTC derivative transactions.
The Fund is also subject to the risk that an FCM would default on an obligation set forth in an agreement between the Fund and the FCM. This risk exists at and from the time that the Fund enters into derivatives transactions that are centrally cleared. In such cases, a clearing organization becomes the Fund’s counterparty and the principal counterparty risk is that the clearing organization itself will default. In addition, the FCM may hold margin posted in connection with those contracts and that margin may be re-hypothecated (or re-pledged) by the FCM, and lost, or its return delayed, due to a default by the FCM or other customer of the FCM. The FCM may itself file for bankruptcy, which would either delay the return of, or jeopardize altogether, the assets posted by the
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FCM as margin in response to margin calls relating to cleared positions. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, goes bankrupt, or otherwise experiences a business interruption, the Fund could miss investment opportunities or otherwise hold investments it would prefer to sell, resulting in losses for the Fund.
Currency Risk
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by using various instruments. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, and may be affected by the imposition of currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. As a result, the Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of the Fund. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund’s investments. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency derivatives may not always work as intended, and in specific cases, the Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). In the case of hedging positions, the U.S. dollar or other currency may decline in value relative to the foreign currency that is being hedged and thereby affect the Fund’s investments. There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, the Fund may choose to not hedge its currency risks.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers, and third-party fund distribution platforms, as well as the ability of shareholders to transact with the Fund. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (also known as “denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, the inability to process Fund transactions, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory scrutiny, penalties, fines, reputational damage, additional compliance requirements, and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders. The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager, other Fund service providers, or third-party fund distribution platforms to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Emerging Markets Risk
When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets have unique risks that are greater than, or in addition to, the risks associated with investing in developed markets because emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political and economic uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities, resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading suspensions and other restrictions on investment; delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures; and significant limitations on investor rights and recourse. The economies and political environments of emerging market countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of return than the developed markets and substantially greater risk to investors. The governments of emerging market countries may also be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. Emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping requirements and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration, and custodial procedures. In addition, there may be less publicly available or less reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, which can impede the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately evaluate foreign securities. Such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain emerging market countries, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries, and investor protections may be more limited than those in other countries. It may be difficult to obtain or enforce legal judgments against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in foreign jurisdictions, either through the foreign judicial system or through a private arbitration process. These matters have the potential to impact the Fund’s investment objective and performance.
Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk
The use of environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations by the sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The use of ESG investment considerations may also affect the Fund’s exposure to certain investments, which may impact the Fund’s relative investment performance depending on the performance of those issuers. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations. The sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering ESG risks and, because there are few generally accepted standards to use in such considerations, the information and considerations used for the Fund may differ from the information and considerations used for other funds.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. 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. Common stock
 
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generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay common stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders and preferred stockholders have been made.

 

Depositary Receipts and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U. S. Exchanges 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 generally subject to many of the same risks of investing in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement. There may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.

 

Income Deposit Securities Risk. Income deposit securities (“IDS”) are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk. Although IDSs, which are units representing shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by a company, trade on an exchange, there may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. IDSs also are subject to the risk that regulatory changes could adversely affect the tax treatment of these instruments. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting both common stock and subordinated debt securities.

 

Income Trust Risk. Securities of income trusts, which hold income producing assets and pass the income on to security holders, also are subject to the operating risk associated with their underlying investments and the risk that regulatory changes could reduce or eliminate any tax benefits and adversely affect the value of such securities. Income trust securities share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership. In addition, the potential growth of an income trust investment may be diminished because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the trust. Income trust securities are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and dividend risk.

 

MLPs Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund invests as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amounts the Fund has 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. The Fund’s investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of the amount originally invested, which would not be taxable to the extent the distributions do not exceed the investor’s adjusted basis on its MLP interest. These reductions in the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) recognized by the Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Risk. REITs or other real estate-related securities are subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; risks related to general and local economic conditions; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. All REITs are dependent on management skills, are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally are not diversified. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. 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. Equity, mortgage and hybrid 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, and are subject to cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers, and any domestic REIT could fail to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code, or to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act. 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 indirectly paying Fund expenses. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.
 
Focused Holdings Risk
Because the Fund may have a focused portfolio of fewer companies, the increase or decrease of the value of a single stock may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and total return when compared to other funds. Although a focused portfolio has the potential to generate attractive returns over time, it also may increase the Fund’s volatility.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk
Foreign currency forward contracts, including NDFs, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the price of a forward contract and the underlying security, index or currency, which may increase the volatility of the Fund. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. Foreign currency forward transactions include risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency, and other risks inherent in trading derivatives. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways.
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Foreign Investing Risk
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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) greater volatility; (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency, and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank, depository, or their agents goes bankrupt. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. The Fund’s investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country. Global economic and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility and instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Geographic Concentration Risk
From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance. Investing in such a manner could cause the Fund’s performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds. The economies and financial markets of certain countries or regions can be highly interdependent. Therefore, a decline in the economies or financial markets of one country or region may adversely affect the economies or financial markets of another.

 

Japan Investment Risk. A significant portion of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of Japanese issuers. The Fund is susceptible to changes in Japanese economic and political conditions, the reliability of financial information available concerning these issuers, and the legal, tax and regulatory environment surrounding these issuers. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and may be adversely affected by changes in international trade, the economic conditions of its trading partners, strength of the yen, and regional and global conflicts. The domestic Japanese economy faces several concerns, including large government deficits, a shrinking workforce, and, in some cases, companies with poor corporate governance. The Japanese government tax and fiscal policies may also have negative impacts on the Japanese economy. Currency fluctuations, which have been significant at times, can have a considerable impact on exports and the overall Japanese economy. Japan is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, which may have a significant impact on the business operations of Japanese companies in the affected regions and Japan’s economy. Relations with its neighbors, particularly China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, have at times been strained due to territorial disputes, historical animosities and defense concerns. Japan is also heavily dependent on oil and other commodity imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the Japanese economy. These and other factors could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of an investment in the Fund.
 
Growth Companies Risk
Growth companies are those that are expected to have the potential for above-average or rapid growth. Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund’s investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company’s growth is incorrect, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company stocks may lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock price declines in market downturns. Growth companies may have limited operating histories and greater business risks, and their potential for profitability may be dependent on regulatory approval of their products or regulatory developments affecting certain sectors, which could have an adverse impact upon growth companies’ future growth and profitability. 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 it to underperform funds that use a value or non-growth approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Hedging Risk
The Fund may enter into hedging transactions with the intention of reducing or controlling risk. It is possible that hedging strategies will not be effective in controlling risk, due to unexpected non-correlation (or even positive correlation) between the hedging instrument and the position being hedged, increasing, rather than reducing, both risk and losses. To the extent that the Fund enters into hedging transactions, the hedges will not be static but rather will need to be continually adjusted based on the sub-advisor’s assessment of market conditions, as well as the expected degree of non-correlation between the hedges and the portfolio being hedged. The success of the Fund’s hedging strategies will depend on the sub-advisor’s ability to implement such strategies efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as on the accuracy of the sub-advisor’s judgments concerning the hedging positions to be acquired by the Fund. A counterparty to a hedging transaction may be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund. In addition, the sub-advisor may be unable to close the transaction at the time it would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth. The Fund may not, in general, attempt to hedge all market or other risks inherent in the Fund’s investments, and may hedge certain risks only partially, if at all. Certain risks, either in respect of particular investments or in respect of the Fund’s overall portfolio, may not be hedged, particularly if doing so is economically unattractive. As a result, various directional market risks may remain unhedged. Gains or losses from positions in hedging instruments may be much greater than the instrument’s original cost. If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful. The use of hedges may fail to mitigate risks, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss. In addition, hedges, even when successful in mitigating risk, may not prevent the Fund from experiencing losses on its investments. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had the Fund not used the hedging instruments. When hedging is combined with leverage, the Fund risks losses that are multiplied by the degree of leverage used.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. The share price of the Fund fluctuates, which means that 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.
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Issuer Risk
The value of, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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. When the issuer of a security implements strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, there is the risk that the market response to such initiatives will cause the share price of the issuer’s securities to fall. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market, in some cases for extended periods of time, because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.
Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future, particularly if markets enter a period of uncertainty or economic weakness. Periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or geographic region, continue to recur. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions or general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse geopolitical, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest, currency or inflation rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, public perceptions concerning these developments or adverse market sentiment generally. The value of a security may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole.
Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity, which may adversely affect the value of your investment. Such market disruptions have caused, and may continue to cause, broad changes in market value, negative public perceptions concerning these developments, a reduction in the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, difficulties for some borrowers in obtaining financing on attractive terms, if at all, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Adverse market events may also lead to increased shareholder redemptions, which could cause the Fund to sell investments at an inopportune time to meet redemption requests by shareholders and may increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover, which could increase the costs that the Fund incurs and lower the Fund’s performance. Even when securities markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibility of many markets being affected by events in a single country or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in the Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments. These fluctuations in securities prices could be a sustained trend or a drastic movement. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

Recent Market Events Risk. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in December 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving, and the transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions, closed international, national and local borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event cancellations, reductions and other changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The current pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping on-line, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and companies that have been slow to transition to an on-line business model. The travel, hospitality and public transit industries may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty and further developments could result in additional disruptions and uncertainty. These impacts have caused significant volatility in global financial markets, which have caused and may continue to cause losses for investors. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained economic downturn or recession. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons. Although promising vaccines have been released, it may be many months before vaccinations are sufficiently widespread in many countries to allow the restoration of full
 
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economic activity. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased.

 

  The U.S. Federal Reserve has taken numerous measures to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the reduction of the federal funds target rate and the introduction of several credit and liquidity facilities, and the U.S. federal government has taken steps to stimulate the U.S. economy, including adopting stimulus packages targeted at large parts of the economy. The ultimate effects of these and other efforts that may be taken may not be known for some time, and it is not known whether and to what extent they will be successful. In addition, COVID-19 has caused and may continue to cause employees and vendors at various businesses, including the Manager and other service providers, to work at external locations, and could cause extensive medical absences. Not all events that could affect the business of the Manager, or other service providers can be determined and addressed in advance. The impact of COVID-19 and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may in turn increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, increase market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce liquidity. The impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems.

 

  The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets. However, the Federal Reserve recently began to reduce its interventions as the economy improved and inflation accelerated. Concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown as a result. Over the past several years, the United States has moved away from tighter legislation and regulation impacting businesses and the financial services industry. There is a potential for materially increased regulation in the future, as well as higher taxes or taxes restructured to incentivize different activities. These changes, should they occur, may impose added costs on the Fund and its service providers, and affect the businesses of various portfolio companies, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Markets may react strongly to expectations about the changes in these policies, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there may be an increase in public debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons. Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. The U.S. Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates beginning in 2022, in part to address an increase in the annual inflation rate in the U.S. Over the longer term, rising interest rates may present a greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives or their alteration or cessation. Slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The full impact of Brexit and the nature of the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union remains uncertain. The United Kingdom and the European Union reached a trade agreement on December 31, 2020, which became effective on May 1, 2021 after being ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and European Union governmental bodies. The period following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is expected to be one of significant political and economic uncertainty particularly until the United Kingdom government and European Union member states agree and implement the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union. Brexit may create additional economic stresses for the United Kingdom, which may include causing a contraction of the United Kingdom economy and price volatility in United Kingdom stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of pounds sterling, and wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. The Fund may be negatively impacted by changes in law and tax treatment resulting from or following Brexit. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact the value of investments held by the Fund.

 

  Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. A rise in sea levels, an increase in powerful windstorms and/or a climate-driven increase in sea levels or flooding could cause coastal properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change. These losses could adversely affect, among others, corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities.
 
Market Timing Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of its investments, which requires the Fund in certain instances to fair value certain of its investments. Some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Fund’s shares. 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 ability to execute efficient investment strategies. While the Manager monitors trading in the Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investments in mid-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investments in larger, more established companies. Mid-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 may 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, mid-capitalization companies may have less market liquidity than large-capitalization companies, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
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Other Investment Companies Risk
To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. If the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders when distributed to them. The Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objective, the value of the Fund’s investment may decline, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

 

Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.
 
Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. If interest rates rise, the dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stocks may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions for their call or redemption prior to maturity, which can have a negative effect on their prices when interest rates decline. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. In certain situations, an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities. Issuers may threaten preferred stockholders with the cancellation of all dividends and liquidation preference rights in an attempt to force their conversion to less secure common stock. Certain preferred stocks are equity securities because they do not constitute a liability of the issuer and therefore do not offer the same degree of protection of capital or continuation of income as debt securities. The rights of preferred stock on distribution of a corporation ‘s assets in the event of its liquidation are generally subordinated to the rights associated with a corporation ‘s debt securities. Therefore, in the event of an issuer ‘s bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay preferred stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders have been made. Preferred stocks may also be subject to credit risk.
Redemption Risk
The Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or a depressed value. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. The risk of loss is also greater if redemption requests are frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to sell are illiquid. Heavy redemptions, whether by a few large investors or many smaller investors, could hurt the Fund’s performance. The ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities or otherwise to “make a market” in debt securities has also been reduced. These factors, along with an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on a security’s resale, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets, and heightened redemption risk. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains or losses, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains.
Sector Risk
Sector risk is the risk associated with the Fund holding a significant amount of investments in similar businesses, which would be similarly affected by particular economic or market events that may, in certain circumstances, cause the value of the equity and debt securities of companies in a particular sector of the market to change. To the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks to the Fund associated with that sector increase. In addition, when the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The businesses that constitute a sector may all react the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. The Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors do not perform as expected. The lack of exposure to one or more sectors may adversely affect performance. As the Fund’s portfolio changes over time, the Fund’s exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

 

Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector includes companies engaged in the construction and engineering, machinery, energy, transportation, professional services, aerospace, and defense industries. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damage, product and environmental liability claims, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, changes in the supply and demand for products and services, and product obsolescence, among other factors. Stock prices of issuers in the industrials sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrials sector products generally.
 
Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions in order to obtain additional income. Borrowers of the Fund’s securities provide collateral either in the form of cash, which the Fund reinvests in securities or in the form of non-cash collateral consisting of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated government 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 cover its payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan. The Fund could also lose money due to a decline in the value of non-cash collateral. 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 or could result in increased costs. Moreover, if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral. There also is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligation to return loaned securities at a time when the value of the Fund’s collateral is inadequate. Although the Fund’s securities lending agent may indemnify the Fund against that risk, it is also possible that the securities lending agent will be unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to the Fund before an ex-dividend date, whether or not due to a default by the borrower, the payment in lieu of the dividend that the Fund receives from the securities’ borrower would not be treated as a dividend for federal income tax purposes and thus would not qualify for treatment as “qualified dividend income” (as described under “Distributions and Taxes – Taxes” below).
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Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected for the Fund may decline substantially in value or may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and anticipated price movements of a security or asset class may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that securities will perform as anticipated. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
Valuation Risk
This is the risk that the Fund has valued a security at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that may be illiquid or may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents. If market conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require the Fund to value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before the Fund determines its NAV.
Value Stocks Risk
Investments in value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. This may result in the value stocks’ prices remaining undervalued for extended periods of time and they may not ever realize their intrinsic or full value. While the Fund’s investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains 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 performance also may be affected adversely if value stocks become unpopular with, or lose favor among, investors. The Fund’s value style could cause it to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Additional Information About Performance Benchmark
The annual total return of the Fund is compared to the MSCI® EAFE Index. Set forth below is additional information regarding the index to which the Fund’s performance is compared.
The MSCI® EAFE Index is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities across 21 developed markets countries, including countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excluding the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
Notices Regarding Index Data
Neither MSCI nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the MSCI data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any of such data. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, any of its affiliates or third party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages. No further distribution or dissemination of the MSCI data is permitted without MSCI’s express written consent.
Fund Management
The Manager
AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC. (the “Manager”) serves as the Manager and administrator of the Fund. The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, which is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P.
The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, and administrative services. The Manager is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from registration as a CPO under the Commodity Exchange Act, and the Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid aggregate management fees to the Manager and investment advisory fees to its sub-advisor of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, net of any waivers and recoupments of management fees and sub-advisory fees.
As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Fund, the Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers when a borrower posts collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. 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.
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund intends to engage in securities lending activities.
A discussion of the Board’s consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the sub-advisor and the Manager is available in the Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the following share classes to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed a percentage of a class’ average daily net assets (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) through February 28, 2023 as follows:
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Contractual Expense Limitations
American Beacon Fund
Y Class
R5 Class
Investor Class
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
n/a
0.89%
n/a
The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. The Board has approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.
The Sub-Advisor
Set forth below is a brief description of the sub-advisor and the portfolio manager who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager, including other accounts managed, his ownership in the Fund and his compensation.
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P (“Tocqueville’’), 40 W 57th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019, is a registered investment advisor and serves as the sub-advisor to the Fund. Tocqueville is a Limited Partnership that was organized in the State of Delaware. As of December 31, 2021, Tocqueville had approximately $9.0 billion in assets under management. Tocqueville managed the Fund’s predecessor fund from its inception.
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tocqueville pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay Tocqueville an annualized subadvisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 0.40% on the first $1 billion, 0.35% on the next $1 billion, and 0.325% thereafter of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
James E. Hunt is a Portfolio Manager at Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. He joined Tocqueville in 2000 and is Chairman of the Investment Committee of the International Multi Cap Equity strategy and the Global Equity strategy, and Portfolio Manager of the Fund’s predecessor, the Tocqueville International Value Fund, and Tocqueville Global Partners. He is also a member of the Investment Committee of the U.S. Multi Cap Equity strategy. Mr. Hunt was Director of Research at Tocqueville from 2000-2006. Prior to joining Tocqueville, he spent eight years with Lehman Brothers and two years with Warburg Dillon Read as an executive in their respective investment banking departments. He began his career in 1984 as an Equity Analyst with Delafield Asset Management. Mr. Hunt earned a B.A. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Yale University’s School of Management.
Valuation of Shares
The price of the Fund’s shares is based on its NAV. The Fund’s NAV per share 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 per share 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 each business day as of the regular close of trading on the NYSE, which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Fund’s NAV per share typically would still be determined as of the regular close of trading on the NYSE. The Fund does not price its shares on days that the NYSE is closed. Foreign exchanges may permit trading in foreign securities on days when the Fund is not open for business, which may result in the value of the Fund’s portfolio investments being affected at a time when you are unable to buy or sell shares.
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. The price of debt securities generally is determined using pricing services or quotes obtained from broker/dealers who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as comparable characteristics, yield curve, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, underlying collateral and estimated cash flow. 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.
The valuation of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When the Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Board, 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 per share, 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. The Fund may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which it invests. In addition, the Fund may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.
The Fund is expected to fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which this Fund invest. 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. The Fund may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. 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.’’
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In December 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including related oversight and reporting requirements. The rule also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the Investment Company Act, the threshold for determining whether the Fund must fair value a security. The Fund will not be required to comply with this new rule until September 8, 2022. The Fund and the Manager are evaluating the impact of the rule on the Fund’s valuation policies.
About Your Investment
Choosing Your Share Class
The Fund offers various classes of shares. Each share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities for the Fund, but each class has its own expense structure and combination of purchase restrictions and ongoing fees, 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 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 professional to help you decide which share class is best for you.
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
Eligibility
The Y Class, R5 Class, and Investor 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.
Subject to your eligibility, as described below, you may invest in the Fund through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators, and retirement plans. As described below, the Manager may allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund in its sole discretion.
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 a share class for any investor.
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 all information 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 Investment Amount by Share Class
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for a Y Class or R5 Class investor to meet the initial investment requirement. In addition, for investors such as trust companies and financial professionals who make investments for a group of clients, the minimum initial investment can be met through aggregated purchase orders for more than one client.
Opening an Account
You may open an account through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a 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.
Direct mutual fund accounts are not available to new shareholders. Existing direct mutual fund account shareholders may continue to buy or sell shares through their existing direct mutual fund accounts, but will not be able to open new direct mutual fund accounts. The Manager may allow the following individuals or entities to open new direct mutual fund accounts in its sole discretion: (i) corporate accounts, (ii) employees of the Manager, or its direct parent company, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., and its affiliates and subsidiaries, (iii) employees of a sub-advisor to a fund in the American Beacon Funds Complex, (iv) members of the Board, (v) employees of Kelso & Company, L.P. or Estancia Capital Management, LLC, the Manager’s indirect parent companies, and (vi) members of the Manager’s Board of Directors.
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, 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, and taxpayer identification numbers on the account or other documentation. The Fund is required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.
The Fund reserves the right to liquidate a shareholder’s account at the current day’s NAV per share and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution is unable to verify the shareholder’s identity within three days of account opening.
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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. A purchase order is considered to be received in good order when it complies with all of the Fund’s applicable policies. 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. 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 per share after receipt by the financial intermediary or its designee. 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. The Fund is not responsible for the failure of a broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit a purchase order 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. The Fund reserves the right to require payment by wire. 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.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the Fund or the Manager has incurred. Under applicable anti-money laundering regulations and other federal regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted, or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
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. A sale or redemption of your shares is generally taxable to you. See “Distributions and Taxes - Taxes.”
The redemption price will be the NAV per share next determined after a redemption request is received in good order. 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).
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, ACH, 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 per share 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 by paying out available cash, cash generated by selling portfolio holdings (including cash equivalent portfolio holdings), or funds borrowed through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, in stressed market conditions and other appropriate circumstances, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by borrowing funds from external parties or distributing 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 the intermediary’s policies to effect an exchange.
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. Since an exchange involves a concurrent redemption and purchase, please review the sections titled ‘‘Redemption Policies’’ and ‘‘Purchase Policies’’ for additional limitations that apply to redemptions and purchases. If Fund shares were purchased by check, a shareholder must have owned those shares for at least ten days prior to exchanging out of the Fund and into another fund.
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 requests if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. Please refer to the section titled “Frequent Trading and Market Timing” for information on the Fund’s policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Shares of any class of the Fund may be converted to shares of another class of the Fund under certain limited circumstances. For federal income tax purposes, the conversion of shares of one share class of the Fund to shares of a different share class of the Fund will not result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. However, an exchange of shares of the Fund for shares of a different American Beacon Fund generally is considered a redemption and a concurrent purchase, respectively, and thus may result in the realization of capital gain or loss for those purposes.
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How to Purchase, Redeem or Exchange Shares
If your account is through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, please contact them directly to purchase, redeem or exchange 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. 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. You should include the following information with any order:

 

  • Your name/account registration

 

  • Your account number

 

  • Type of transaction requested

 

  • Fund name(s) and fund numbers

 

  • Dollar amount or number of shares
 
Transactions for direct shareholders are conducted through:
Internet
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Phone
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only)
Mail
American Beacon Funds
PO Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Purchases by Wire:
Send a bank wire to State Street Bank and Trust Co. with these instructions:

 

ABA# 0110-0002-8; AC-9905-342-3,

 

Attn: American Beacon Funds,

 

the fund name and fund number, and

 

shareholder account number and registration.
 
New Account
Existing Account
Share Class
Minimum Initial Investment Amount
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire
Investor
$2,500
$50
$250
Y
$100,000
$50
None
R5
$250,000
$50
None
Redemption proceeds will be mailed to the account of record or transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
Supporting documents may be required for redemptions by estates, trusts, guardianships, custodians, corporations, and welfare, pension and profit sharing plans. Redemption requests must also include authorized signature(s) of all persons required to sign for the account. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions.
To protect the Fund and your account from fraud, a 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 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.
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
For certain share classes, the Fund and/or the Manager (and/or the Manager’s 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 the Manager or its affiliates pay such compensation, it would likely include amounts from that party’s own resources and constitute what is sometimes referred to as ‘‘revenue sharing’’.
Compensation received by a financial intermediary from the Fund, the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager 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.
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Any compensation received by a financial intermediary, whether from the Fund or the Manager and/or its affiliates, 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 can contact your financial intermediary for details about any such payments it receives from the Manager, its affiliates and/or the Fund, or any other fees, expenses, or commissions your financial intermediary may charge you in addition to those disclosed in this Prospectus.
Additional Payments with Respect to Y Class Shares
Y Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with the Fund’s distributor to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor transacting in Y Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
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
Investor
$ 2,500
Y
$25,000
R5
$75,000
If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, the Fund reserves the right, upon 30 days’ advance written notice, to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. The Fund reserves the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.
A traditional IRA or Roth IRA invested directly will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian.
An ACH privilege allows electronic transfer from a checking or savings account into a direct account with the Fund. The ACH privilege may not be used for initial purchases but may be used for subsequent purchases and redemptions. Purchases of Fund shares by ACH are subject to a limit of $2,000 per day. The Fund reserves the right to waive such limit in its sole discretion.
ACH privileges must be requested on the account application, or may be established on an existing account by submitting a request in writing to the Fund. Validated signatures from all shareholders of record for the account are required on the written request. See details below regarding signature validations. Such privileges apply unless and until the Fund receives written instructions from all shareholders of record canceling such privileges. Changes of bank account information must also be made in writing with validated signatures. The Fund reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue the ACH privilege at any time without prior notice. The ACH privilege does not apply to shares held in broker “street name” accounts or in other omnibus accounts.
When a signature validation is called for, a Medallion signature guarantee or Signature Validation Program (“SVP”) stamp may be required. A Medallion signature guarantee is intended to provide signature validation for transactions considered financial in nature, and an SVP stamp is intended to provide signature validation for transactions non-financial in nature. A Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution which is participating in a Medallion program or SVP recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The Fund may reject a Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp. Shareholders should call 800-658-5811 for additional details regarding the Fund’s signature guarantee requirements.
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 per share and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution is 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.
 
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:

 

Send a letter to American Beacon Funds via the United States Post Office.

 

Speak 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.

 

Access 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. Unless you 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.
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Shareholders that reside in the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive escheatment notifications by completing and submitting a designation form that can be found on the website of the Texas Comptroller. While the designated representative does not have any rights to claim or access the shareholder’s account or assets, the escheatment period will cease if the representative communicates knowledge of the shareholder’s location and confirms that the shareholder has not abandoned his or her property. If a shareholder designates a representative to receive escheatment notifications, any escheatment notices will be delivered both to the shareholder and the designated representative. The completed designation form may be mailed to the below address.
Contact information:

 

  American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
1-800-658-5811
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
 
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 per share, (ii) an increase in the Fund’s expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s 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 per share 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 either (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 a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary: (i) 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) certifies that it directs transactions in accounts participating in the wrap program(s) in concert with changes in a model portfolio; (iii) provides the Manager a description of the wrap program(s); 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.
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 or that the Manager will be able to detect frequent trading and market timing.
22Prospectus – About Your Investment 

 

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Distributions and Taxes
The Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income (“dividends”) on an annual basis and distributions of realized net capital gains (“capital gain distributions”) and net gains from foreign currency transactions (sometimes referred to below collectively as “other distributions”) on an annual basis (and dividends and other distributions are sometimes referred to below collectively as “distributions”). Different tax treatment applies to different types of distributions (as described in the table under “Taxes”).
The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate nor does it 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 dividends on different classes of shares may be different as a result of the services and/or fees applicable to certain classes of shares.
American Beacon Fund
Dividends Paid
Other Distributions Paid
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
Annually
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 you instruct otherwise in your account application, distributions payable to you by the Fund will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing class of the Fund. There are four payment options available:

 

Reinvest All Distributions. You can elect to reinvest all distributions by the Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of the Fund.

 

Reinvest Only Some Distributions. You can elect to reinvest some types of distributions by the Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of the Fund while receiving the other types of distributions by the Fund by check or having them sent directly to your bank account by ACH (“in cash”).

 

Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive all distributions in cash.

 

Reinvest Your Distributions in shares of another American Beacon Fund. You can reinvest all of your distributions by the Fund on a particular class of shares 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.
 
Distributions of Fund income are generally taxable to you regardless of the manner in which received or reinvested.
If you invest directly with the Fund, any election to receive distributions payable by check will only apply to distributions totaling $10.00 or more. Any distribution by the Fund totaling less than $10.00 will be reinvested in shares of the distributing class of the Fund and will not be paid to you by check.
If you elect to receive a distribution by check and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your check, or if your check remains uncashed for at least six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the amount of your check, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions, in shares of the distributing class of the Fund at the NAV per share on the day of the reinvestment. 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 distributions with the intermediary.
Taxes
Fund distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement plans and accounts and other tax-exempt investors. However, the portion of the Fund’s dividends derived from its investments in U.S. Government obligations, if any, is generally exempt from state and local income taxes. Fund dividends, except those that are “qualified dividend income” (as described below), are subject to federal income tax at the rates for ordinary income contained in the Internal Revenue Code. The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:
Type of Transaction
Federal Tax Status
Dividends from net investment income*
Ordinary income**
Distributions of the 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 the 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,’’ if any.
To the extent distributions are attributable to net capital gain that the Fund recognizes they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an ‘‘individual’’) (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding certain thresholds, which are indexed for inflation annually), regardless of how long the shareholder held his or her Fund shares. A portion of the dividends the Fund pays to individuals may be ‘‘qualified dividend income’’ (‘‘QDI’’) and thus eligible for the preferential rates, mentioned above, that apply to net capital gain. QDI is the aggregate of dividends the Fund receives on shares of most domestic corporations (excluding most distributions from REITs) and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions. 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 (“DRD”), 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.
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 15% and 20% tax rates mentioned above.
Prospectus – About Your Investment23 

 

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A shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method with respect to Fund shares other than the average basis method (the Fund’s default method) must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The Fund, or its administrative agent, must report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for dispositions of Fund 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 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.
Each year, the Fund’s shareholders will receive tax information regarding Fund distributions and dispositions of Fund shares to assist them in preparing their income tax returns.
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.
Additional Information
The Fund’s Board oversees generally the operations of the Fund. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Fund’s manager, sub-advisor(s), custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This Prospectus provides information concerning the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or create an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to create any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived. Nothing in this Prospectus, the SAI or the Fund’s reports to shareholders is intended to provide investment advice and should not be construed as investment advice.
Service Plans and Service Fees
The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan for its Investor Class shares for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. The shareholder services plan authorizes annual payment of up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares. In addition, the Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and R5 Class shares of the Fund.
Portfolio Holdings
A complete list of the Fund’s holdings is made available on the Fund’s website on a quarterly basis approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter 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 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
The summary prospectus and shareholder reports are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Fund’s summary prospectus, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on ‘‘Quick Links’’ and then ‘‘Register for E-Delivery.’’ You can also request to receive paper Annual Shareholder Reports and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports by calling 1-866-345-5954 with the unique ID number that is provided in the notification you receive, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish.
To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the summary prospectus, Annual Shareholder Report and Semi-Annual Shareholder 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 operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions).
For periods prior to January 18, 2019, the financial highlights of the Fund shown below for Investor Class shares of the Fund represent the financial history of the Fund’s predecessor, the Tocqueville International Value Fund (“Tocqueville Fund”), a series of Tocqueville Trust, which was acquired by the Fund in a reorganization that closed upon the close of business on January 18, 2019. The information for the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2017, and October 31, 2018 was audited by the Tocqueville Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The information in the financial highlights for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2019 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021 has been derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s Annual Report, which you may obtain upon request.
24Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
Y Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
January 22, 2019A to October 31, 2019
Net asset value, beginning of period
$15.56
$15.64
$14.78
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.59
B
0.05
0.23
Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.49
0.25
0.63
Total income from investment operations
4.08
0.30
0.86
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.10
)
(0.38
)
-
Total distributions
(0.10
)
(0.38
)
-
Net asset value, end of period
$19.54
$15.56
$15.64
Total returnC
26.25
%
1.84
%
5.82
%
D
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$160,793,226
$136,563,697
$229,275,205
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.98
%
0.99
%
0.98
%
E
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.98
%
0.99
%
0.98
%
E
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
3.40
%
B
0.78
%
2.10
%
E
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
3.40
%
B
0.78
%
2.10
%
E
Portfolio turnover rate
34
%
28
%
35
%
F
A
Commencement of operations.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.3834.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D
Not annualized.
E
Annualized.
F
Portfolio turnover is for the period from January 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019 and is not annualized.
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American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
R5 ClassA
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
January 22, 2019B to October 31, 2019
Net asset value, beginning of period
$15.58
$15.65
$14.78
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.60
C
0.03
0.21
Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.50
0.29
0.66
Total income from investment operations
4.10
0.32
0.87
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.12
)
(0.39
)
-
Total distributions
(0.12
)
(0.39
)
-
Net asset value, end of period
$19.56
$15.58
$15.65
Total returnD
26.38
%
1.94
%
5.89
%
E
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$20,907,091
$20,327,704
$37,138,368
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.92
%
0.91
%
0.93
%
F
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
0.91
%
H
0.89
%
0.89
%
F
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
3.14
%
C
0.84
%
2.18
%
F
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
3.15
%
C
0.86
%
2.22
%
F
Portfolio turnover rate
34
%
28
%
35
%
G
A
Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.
B
Commencement of operations.
C
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.3366.
D
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E
Not annualized.
F
Annualized.
G
Portfolio turnover is for the period from January 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019 and is not annualized.
H
Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses.
26Prospectus – Additional Information 

 

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American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
Investor Class
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
Year Ended October 31, 2021
Year Ended October 31, 2020
Year Ended October 31, 2019
Year Ended October 31, 2018
Year Ended October 31, 2017
Net asset value, beginning of period
$15.60
$15.61
$15.06
$17.58
$14.44
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
0.76
B
0.25
0.40
0.24
A
0.14
A
Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)
3.29
0.01
0.34
(2.53
)
3.23
Total income (loss) from investment operations
4.05
0.26
0.74
(2.29
)
3.37
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.06
)
(0.27
)
(0.19
)
(0.17
)
(0.15
)
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-
-
(0.06
)
(0.08
)
Total distributions
(0.06
)
(0.27
)
(0.19
)
(0.23
)
(0.23
)
Net asset value, end of period
$19.59
$15.60
$15.61
$15.06
$17.58
Total returnC
26.01
%
1.63
%
5.03
%
(13.20
)%
23.70
%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period
$180,324,267
$198,905,986
$355,423,059
$1,060,000,108
$1,120,993,795
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.20
%
1.18
%
1.29
%
1.48
%
1.53
%
Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
1.20
%
1.18
%
1.18
%
1.25
%
1.25
%
Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.81
%
B
0.63
%
1.42
%
1.09
%
0.73
%
Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments
2.81
%
B
0.63
%
1.53
%
1.32
%
1.01
%
Portfolio turnover rate
34
%
28
%
35
%
25
%
22
%
A
Net investment income per share is calculated using the ending balance prior to consideration or adjustment for permanent book-to-tax differences.
B
Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.3074.
C
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
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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.
Annual Shareholder Report/Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
The Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports list the Fund’s actual investments as of the report’s date. They also 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 is included in the Annual Shareholder Report.
SAI
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 SEC.
To obtain more information about the Fund or to request a copy of the documents listed above:
By Telephone:
Call
1-800-658-5811
By Mail:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
By E-mail:
americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com
On the Internet:
Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
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.
American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds and the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
image 
SEC File Number 811-04984

 

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Appendix A
GLOSSARY
ACH
Automated Clearing House
ADRs
American Depositary Receipts
Advisers Act
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended
American Beacon or Manager
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Beacon Funds or the Trust
American Beacon Funds
Board
Board of Trustees
Brexit
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union
Capital Gains Distributions
Distributions of realized net capital gains
CFTC
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Denial of Services
A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems
Dividends
Distributions of most or all of the Fund’ s net investment income
DRD
Dividends-received deduction
ETF
Exchange-Traded Fund
EU
European Union
FCM
Futures Commission Merchant
Forwards
Forward Currency Contracts
Internal Revenue Code
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Investment Company Act
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
IRA
Individual Retirement Account
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
Management Agreement
The Fund’s Management Agreement with the Manager
NAV
Fund’s net asset value
NDF
Non-deliverable forward contract
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
OTC
Over-the-Counter
Other Distributions
Distributions of net gains from foreign currency transactions
QDI
Qualified Dividend Income
REIT
Real Estate Investment Trust
SAI
Statement of Additional Information
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act
Securities Act of 1933, as amended
State Street
State Street Bank and Trust Company
SVP
Signature Validation Program
Trust
American Beacon Funds
UK
United Kingdom
Prospectus – Additional InformationA-1 

 

image 
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 2022
Ticker
Share Class
Y
R5
Investor
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
TOVYX
TOVIX
TIVFX
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2022 (the “Prospectus”) for the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund (the “Fund”), a separate series of 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 by reference into 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 the current Prospectus. Capitalized terms in this SAI have the same definition as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise defined. Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this SAI or the Prospectus are defined in Appendix D.
The Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and the financial statements and accompanying notes appearing therein are incorporated by reference into this SAI. Copies of the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports may be obtained, without charge, upon request by calling (800) 658-5811 or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

 

 
Table of Contents
1
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” as that term is defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund is comprised of multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. This SAI relates to the Y Class, R5 Class and Investor Class shares of the Fund. Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class shares were known as the Institutional Class shares.
On January 18, 2019, the Fund acquired all the assets and assumed all the liabilities of the Tocqueville International Value Fund, a series of Tocqueville Trust (the “Acquired Tocqueville Fund”). Since the investment objective and policies of the Acquired Tocqueville Fund are the same in all material respects as those of the Fund, and since the Fund has engaged the investment advisor that previously provided services to the Acquired Tocqueville Fund as the Fund’s sub-advisor, the Fund has adopted the prior performance and financial history of the Acquired Tocqueville 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 objective. It may use some of the investment strategies only at some times or it may not use them at all. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund.
Borrowing Risk — 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 impact the Fund’s expenses and reduce its returns.
Callable Securities — The Fund may invest in fixed income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, the Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by the Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates. Thus, the Fund’s income could be reduced as a result of a call. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s total return.
Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments — Cash equivalents and other short-term investments in which the Fund may invest include the investments set forth below.

 

CDs. CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies) for a definite period of time and earning a specified rate of return. 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.

 

Government obligations. Government obligations may include U.S. Treasury securities, Treasury inflation-protected securities, and other debt instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, or debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored entities.

 

Money market funds. The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including money market funds that are advised by the Manager. Money market funds invest in highly-liquid, short-term instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, and debt securities with high credit ratings and short-term maturities, such as U.S. Treasuries. If the Fund invests in money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses of the money market funds in which the Fund invests. These expenses may include, for example, advisory and administrative fees, including 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.

 

Short-term corporate debt securities. Short-term corporate debt securities are securities and bonds issued by corporations with shorter terms to maturity. Corporate securities generally bear a higher risk than U.S. government bonds.
 
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 traded over-the-counter. OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
Convertible Securities — Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities generally have features of, and risks associated with, both equity and fixed income instruments. As such, the value of most convertible securities will vary with changes in the price of, and will be subject to the risks associated with, the underlying common stock. Additionally, convertible securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal or interest when due and the value of the convertible security may change based on the issuer’s credit rating.
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A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, such securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth if converted to the underlying common stock. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer senior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.
If the convertible security’s “conversion value,” which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained upon the conversion of the convertible security, is substantially below the “investment value,” which is the value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield), the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding an income-producing security.
The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may have a mandatory conversion feature or a call feature that subjects it to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption the Fund will be required to convert it into the underlying common stock, sell it to a third party or permit the issuer to redeem the security. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.
Cover and Asset Segregation — The Fund may make investments or employ trading practices that obligate the Fund, on a fixed or contingent basis, to deliver an asset or make a cash payment to another party in the future. The Fund will comply with rules and guidance from the SEC with respect to coverage of certain investments and trading practices. Currently, applicable regulatory guidance requires segregation, either in a segregated account at the custodian or by earmarking on the Fund’s books and records, of cash or liquid assets to the extent the Fund’s obligations with respect to these strategies are not otherwise “covered” through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument or by offsetting portfolio positions. For example, if the Fund enters into a currency forward contract to sell foreign currency on a future date, the Fund may cover its obligation to deliver the foreign currency by segregating cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the value of the deliverable currency on a marked-to-market basis. Alternatively, the Fund could cover its obligation by entering into an offsetting transaction to acquire, on or before the date such foreign currency must be delivered, an amount of foreign currency at least equal to the deliverable amount at a price at or below the sale price to be received by the Fund under the currency forward contract. The Fund’s approach to asset coverage may vary among different types of transactions. For example, if the Fund’s forward obligation on the transaction is only to make a cash payment equal to the amount, if any, by which the value of the Fund’s position is less than that of its counterparty, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal to that difference calculated on a daily marked-to-market basis (a “net amount”). Additionally, if the Fund is a protection seller in a credit default swap, the Fund, depending on how the credit default swap is settled, usually will segregate assets equal to the full notional value of the swap. If the Fund is a protection buyer in a credit default swap, depending on how the credit default swap is settled, it usually will cover the total amount of required premium payments plus the prepayment penalty. With respect to certain investments, the Fund calculates the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis” (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Under such circumstances, the Fund’s current obligations will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid by the Fund based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). Inasmuch as the Fund covers its obligations under these transactions as described above, the Manager and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede the management of the Fund’s portfolio or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The Fund may be unable to promptly dispose of assets that are necessary to cover, or need to be segregated with respect to, an illiquid futures, options, forward, or swap position, which may result in a loss to the Fund. On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”), replacing the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (“Release 10666”) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. For a fund using a significant amount of derivatives, the Derivatives Rule mandates the fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value at risk limitations in lieu of asset segregation requirements; (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Derivatives Rule provides an exception for a fund with derivatives exposure not exceeding 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. The full impact of the Derivatives Rule on the Fund remains uncertain, but due to the compliance timeline within the Derivatives Rule, it is unlikely that the Fund will be required to fully comply with the requirements until August 19, 2022. The Fund reserves the right to modify its policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated by the SEC or its staff, such as the Derivatives Rule, regarding asset segregation.
Currencies Risk — The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies (including frontier and emerging market currencies), or by purchasing or selling foreign currency forward contracts, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures and swaps for cross-currency investments. Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline, in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against foreign currencies, the value of Fund holdings generally would depreciate and vice versa.
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Cybersecurity Risk — With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund, and its service providers, may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding), the theft and holding for ransom of proprietary or confidential information or data, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cybersecurity breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund or the Manager, the sub-advisor, the custodian, the transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, result in the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate NAV per share, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A cyber-attack may also result in shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cybersecurity risk management purposes. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers or securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value. Adverse consequences also could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchanges and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, other financial institutions and other parties. The Fund’s service providers also may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology errors or malfunctions, changes in personnel, and errors caused by Fund service providers or counterparties.
Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. For example, if a cybersecurity incident results in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts and be unable to buy or sell Fund shares for an unknown period of time, and service providers could be unable to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions. Cybersecurity incidents could cause the Fund or a service provider to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures, or financial loss of a significant magnitude and could result in allegations that the Fund or Fund service provider violated privacy and other laws. There are inherent limitations in risk management systems that seek to reduce the risks associated with cybersecurity and business continuity plans in the event there is a cybersecurity breach, including the possibility that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, the Fund does not control the cybersecurity systems and plans of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, third party service providers, trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders.
Depositary ReceiptsThe Fund may invest in depositary receipts, which represent ownership interests in securities of foreign companies (an “underlying issuer”) that have been deposited with a bank or trust and that trade on an exchange or OTC. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, and they are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate. 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 issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts 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. The Fund may invest in the following type of depositary receipts:

 

ADRs. ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution, traded in U.S. securities markets.
 
Derivatives — Generally a derivative is a financial instrument the value of which is based on, or “derived” from, a traditional security, asset, currency, or market index (collectively referred to as “reference assets”). The Fund may use derivatives for hedging and efficient portfolio management purposes. Derivative instruments may allow for better management of exposure to certain asset classes, as well as more efficient access to asset classes. There are many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures and options on securities, commodities, or indices, are traded on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized or complex, and may be harder to value. Certain derivative securities are described more accurately as index/structured securities. Index/structured securities are derivative securities whose value or performance is linked to other equity securities (such as depositary receipts), currencies, interest rates, indices or other financial indicators.
Derivatives may involve significant risk. Many derivative instruments often require little or no payment and therefore often create inherent economic leverage. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy and sell derivatives that are neither centrally cleared nor traded on an exchange. Such derivatives may be subject to heightened counterparty, liquidity and valuation risk. Transactions in derivatives may expose the Fund to an obligation to another party and, as a result, the Fund may need to “cover” the obligation or segregate liquid assets in compliance with current SEC guidelines, as discussed under “Cover and Asset Segregation.”
On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”), replacing the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (“Release 10666”) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. For a fund using a significant amount of derivatives, the Derivatives Rule mandates the fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value at risk limitations in lieu of asset segregation requirements; (ii) a
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written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Derivatives Rule provides an exception for a fund with derivatives exposure not exceeding 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. The full impact of the Derivatives Rule on the Fund remains uncertain, but due to the compliance timeline within the Derivatives Rule, it is unlikely that the Fund will be required to fully comply with the requirements until August 19, 2022. The Fund reserves the right to modify its policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated by the SEC or its staff, such as the Derivatives Rule, regarding asset segregation.
The enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act resulted in historic and comprehensive reform relating to derivatives, including the manner in which they are entered into, reported, recorded, executed, and settled or cleared. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC and the CFTC have promulgated a broad range of regulations and promulgated guidance on the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. These include regulations with respect to security-based swaps (e.g., derivatives based on a single security or narrow-based securities index) that are regulated by the SEC, and other swaps that are regulated by the CFTC and the markets in which these instruments trade. In addition, regulations adopted by the banking regulators require certain banks to include in a range of financial contracts, including many derivatives contracts, terms delaying or restricting default, termination and other rights in the event that the bank and/or its affiliates become subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The regulations could limit the Fund’s ability to exercise a range of cross-default rights if its counterparty, or an affiliate of the counterparty, is subject to bankruptcy or similar proceeding. Such regulations could further negatively impact the Fund’s use of derivatives. Prior to 2012, advisers of registered investment companies like the Fund that trade commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, non-deliverable forwards and swaps), were excluded from regulation as CPOs pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5. In 2012, the CFTC amended Regulation 4.5 to dramatically narrow this exclusion. Under the amended Regulation 4.5 exclusion, in order to rely on the exclusion, the Fund’s commodity interests, other than those used for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), must be limited such that the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the positions (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options are “in-the-money” at the time of purchase) do not exceed 5% of the Fund’s NAV. Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of the positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 100% of the Fund’s NAV, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). Further, to qualify for the exclusion in amended Regulation 4.5, the Fund must satisfy a marketing test, which requires, among other things, that the Fund not hold itself out as a vehicle for trading commodity interests. The Fund’s ability to use these instruments also may be limited by federal income tax considerations. See the section entitled “Tax Information.”
Further information about the specific types of derivative instruments in which the Fund may invest, including the risks involved in their use, are contained under the description of each of these instruments in this SAI. The Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, including among others:

 

Foreign currency forward contracts and other forwards (including NDFs)

 

Forward contracts

 

Futures contracts

 

Warrants
 
ESG Considerations — Environmental, social, and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations, either quantitative or qualitative, may be utilized as a component of the Fund’s investment process to implement its investment strategies. Since ESG considerations are not the only component that may be evaluated by the sub-advisor, the issuers in which the Fund invests may not be considered ESG issuers or have good ESG ratings. To the extent that the Fund utilizes such considerations as a component of the Fund’s investment process, the Fund’s performance may be affected depending on whether such considerations are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not include such considerations in the investment process. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the utilization of such considerations will be additive to the Fund’s performance. These considerations may vary across types of investments and issuers, and not every such consideration may be identified, evaluated, or evaluated in the same manner. ESG norms also differ by country and region, and an issuer’s ESG practices or the sub-advisor’s assessment process of such considerations may change over time. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have good ESG characteristics, and the Fund may underperform other funds that use different considerations and/or a different methodology in evaluating such considerations. Information used by the Fund to evaluate such considerations, including the use of third-party research, if any, may not be readily available, complete or accurate, and may vary across third-party research providers and issuers, which could negatively impact the Fund’s ability to accurately assess an issuer. As investors can differ in their views regarding the meaning of ESG considerations, the Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is still developing, and future rules and regulations may require the Fund to modify or alter its investment process with respect to the use of such considerations.
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.
Fixed-Income Investments — The Fund may hold debt, including government and corporate debt, and other fixed income securities, including derivative instruments that have fixed income securities as reference assets. Typically, the values of fixed income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause the Fund’s NAV to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. However, calculations of maturity and duration may be based on estimates and may not reliably predict a security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and non-U.S. interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of
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different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest rates may diminish the Fund’s yield and performance. Conversely, if rising interest rates cause the Fund to lose value, the Fund could face increased shareholder redemptions, which may lead to increased portfolio turnover and transaction costs. An increase in shareholder redemptions could also force the Fund to liquidate investments at disadvantageous times or prices, therefore adversely affecting the Fund as well as the value of your investment. For fixed income securities with variable or floating rates, the interest rates reset when the specified index or reference rate changes. Fixed income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in the Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Fixed-income securities may also be subject to valuation risk and liquidity risk. Valuation risk is the risk that one or more of the fixed-income securities in which the Fund invests are priced differently than the value realized upon such security’s sale. In times of market instability, valuation may be more difficult. Liquidity risk is the risk that fixed-income securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the Fund would like or at the price the sub-advisor believes the security is currently worth. To the extent the Fund invests in fixed-income securities in a particular industry or economic sector, its share values may fluctuate in response to events affecting that industry or sector.
Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. To the extent that the Fund invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income securities, such Fund may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a portfolio that does not invest in such derivatives.
The market for certain fixed-income securities may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Recent and potential future changes in government monetary policy may also affect the level of interest rates. The Fund may be subject to heightened interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve ends a quantitative easing program and/or raises interest rates. The end of quantitative easing and/or rising interest rates may expose fixed-income markets to increased volatility and may reduce the liquidity of certain investments. These developments could cause the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate or make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities. The amount of assets deemed illiquid remaining within the Fund may also increase, making it more difficult to meet shareholder redemptions and further adversely affecting the value of the Fund.
In addition, specific types of fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest are subject to the risks described elsewhere in this SAI. See “High-Yield Bonds” disclosure below for the risks associated with low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds, a type of fixed-income security.

 

  Corporate Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities. Typically, the values of fixed income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value generally will decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause the Fund’s NAV to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. They are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Fixed income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments, and that the security may go into default.
 
Foreign Securities — The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar-denominated equity and debt securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable CDs, bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper. 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; the difficulty of predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of exchange controls or limitations on the removal of funds or assets; and possibly more limited legal remedies and access to the courts available to enforce the Fund’s rights as an investor. The prices of such securities may be more volatile than those of domestic securities. Equity securities may trade at price/earnings multiples higher than comparable U.S. securities, and such levels may not be sustainable. The economies of certain foreign markets often do not compare favorably with that of the U.S. with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources, and balance of payments position. Certain such economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures.
Foreign stock markets are generally not as developed or efficient as, and may be more volatile than, those in the United States. While growing in volume, they usually have substantially less trading volume than U.S. markets. As a result, foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater or lower price volatility. The Fund may be exposed to risks in the process of clearing and settling trades and the holding of securities by foreign banks, agents and depositories. 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. Investments in emerging markets may be subject to greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets. 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 not 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
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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.
Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves not only the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described above, but also the additional risks of adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and 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 those negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the sub-advisor endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.
The Fund may also invest in foreign “market access” investments, such as participatory notes, low-exercise price options or warrants, equity-linked notes, or equity swaps. These investments may provide economic exposure to an issuer without directly holding its securities. For example, market access investments may be used where regulatory or exchange restrictions make it difficult or undesirable for the Fund to invest directly in an issuer’s common stock. Use of market access investments may involve risks associated with derivative investments, which are discussed in “Derivatives.” Market access investments can be either exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Certain market access investments can be subject to the credit risk of both the underlying issuer and a counterparty. Holders of certain market access investments might not have voting, dividend, or other rights associated with shareholders of the referenced securities. Holders of market access investments might not have any right to make a claim against an issuer or counterparty in the event of their bankruptcy or other restructuring. It may be more difficult or time consuming to dispose of certain market access investments than the referenced security.
The Fund may be subject to the risk that its share price may be exposed to arbitrage attempts by investors seeking to capitalize on differences in the values of foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that may close before the time the Fund’s net asset value is determined. If such arbitrage attempts are successful, the Fund’s net asset value might be diluted.
The Fund’s use of fair value pricing in certain circumstances may help deter such arbitrage activities. The effect of such fair value pricing is that foreign securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary foreign securities market in which they are traded, but rather may be fair valued. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgment and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale of a foreign security. It is also possible that use of fair value pricing will limit an investment adviser’s ability to implement the Fund’s investment strategy (e.g., reducing the volatility of the Fund’s share price) or achieve its investment objective. Redemption fees and the Fund’s market timing and frequent trading policies and procedures also are intended to help deter arbitrage activities.

 

  Brexit Risk. The risk of investing in Europe may be heightened due to the 2016 referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” The United Kingdom and the European Union reached a trade agreement which applied provisionally as of January 1, 2021 and became effective on May 1, 2021 after being ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and European Union governmental bodies. This agreement sets out the foundation of the economic and legal framework for trade between the UK and the EU. In addition, at the end of March 2021, the UK and the European Union concluded technical discussions on the content of a Memorandum of Understanding on financial services, setting out how the UK and EU financial services regulators will cooperate and share information. The implementation of this legal framework and basis of cooperation remains to be seen. Therefore, the period following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is expected to be one of significant political and economic uncertainty, particularly until the United Kingdom government and EU member states agree and implement the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union. Brexit may create additional economic stresses for the United Kingdom, which may include causing a contraction of the United Kingdom economy and price volatility in United Kingdom stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of pounds sterling, and wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. The Fund may be negatively impacted by changes in law and tax treatment resulting from or following Brexit. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact the value of investments held by the Fund. Brexit may also have a destabilizing impact on the EU or the EMU to the extent that other member states similarly seek to withdraw from the EU or the EMU. Any further exits from the EU or the EMU would likely cause additional market disruptions globally, impact the market values of EU and various other securities and currencies, cause redenomination of certain securities into less valuable local currencies, create more volatile and illiquid markets, and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.

 

  Chinese Company Securities. Investing in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in other more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, or confiscatory taxation; (b) greater social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of war); (c) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (d) the increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets, particularly in China; (f) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (g) higher rates of inflation; (h) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on the Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (i) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy, and greater intervention in the Chinese financial markets, such as the imposition of trading restrictions; (j) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs currently in place and could return to the completely centrally planned economy that was in place prior to 1978; (k) the fact that Chinese companies, particularly those located in China, may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized; (l) the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards that may result in unavailability of material information about issuers, particularly in China; (m) the fact that statistical information regarding the Chinese economy may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the U.S. or other economies; (n) the less extensive, and still developing, regulation of the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (o) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in
 
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  foreign markets may be longer; (p) uncertainty surrounding the willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese and Hong Kong economies and markets; (q) the risk that it may be more difficult or impossible, to obtain and/or enforce a judgment than in other countries; (r) the rapidity and erratic nature of growth, particularly in China, resulting in inefficiencies and dislocations; and (s) the risk that, because of the degree of interconnectivity between the economies and financial markets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, any sizable reduction in the demand for goods from China, or an economic downturn in China could negatively affect the economies and financial markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well.

 

  There has been increased attention from the SEC and the PCAOB with regard to international auditing standards of U.S.-listed companies with operations in China as well as PCAOB-registered auditing firms in China. Currently, the SEC and PCAOB are only able to get limited information about these auditing firms and are restricted from inspecting the audit work and practices of registered accountants in China. In addition, certain China-based issuers, even if listed on a U.S. exchange, may qualify as “foreign private issuers,” which are exempt from certain U.S. corporate governance requirements including board independence and various SEC reporting and certification requirements. Investment in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan is subject to certain political risks. China’s economy has transitioned from a rigidly central-planned state-run economy to one that has been only partially reformed by more market-oriented policies. Although the Chinese government has implemented economic reform measures, reduced state ownership of companies and established better corporate governance practices, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the Chinese government. The government continues to exercise significant control in regulating industrial development and, ultimately, control over China’s economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. China continues to limit direct foreign investments generally in industries deemed important to national interests. Foreign investment in domestic securities are also subject to substantial restrictions.

 

  Some believe that China’s currency is undervalued. Currency fluctuations could significantly affect China and its trading partners. China continues to exercise control over the value of its currency, rather than allowing the value of the currency to be determined by market forces. This type of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns.

 

  For decades, a state of hostility has existed between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. Beijing has long deemed Taiwan a part of the “one China” and has made a nationalist cause of recovering it. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan’s economy and could negatively affect its stock market. By treaty, China has committed to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, if China would exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. As demonstrated by protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020 over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to the protests, there continues to be a great deal of political unrest, which may result in economic disruption. China could be affected by military events on the Korean peninsula or internal instability within North Korea. North Korea and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two countries present the risk of war. Any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy and securities market. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market and may adversely affect performance of the Chinese economy.

 

  The current political climate has intensified concerns about trade tariffs and a potential trade war between China and the United States, despite the United States signing a partial trade agreement with China that reduced some U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods while boosting Chinese purchases of American goods. However, this agreement left in place a number of existing tariffs, and it is unclear whether further trade agreements may be reached in the future. The ability and willingness of China to comply with the trade deal may determine to some degree the extent to which its economy will be adversely affected, which cannot be predicted at the present time. Future tariffs imposed by China and the United States on the other country’s products, or other escalating actions, may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially negative impact to the Fund.

 

  On June 3, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. persons from entering into transactions in publicly traded securities, as well as derivatives and securities designed to provide investment exposure to, any securities of any issuers designated “Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies,” as designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. This executive order superseded a prior similar order from then-President Trump. Continued ownership of such securities by U.S. persons is prohibited after June 3, 2022, following a one-year divestment period. A number of Chinese issuers have been designated under this program and more could be added. Certain implementation matters related to the scope of, and compliance with, the executive order have not yet been resolved, and the ultimate application and enforcement of the executive order may change. Under current guidance, U.S. investors may purchase interests in an investment fund that does not make any new purchases of designated securities and is “seeking to” divest its holdings of such securities during the divestment period. As a result, the executive order and related guidance may significantly reduce the liquidity of such securities, force the Fund to sell certain positions at inopportune times or for unfavorable prices, and restrict future investments by the Fund. U.S. investment advisers are permitted to advise non-U.S. funds and non-U.S. persons that purchase and sell such prohibited securities, provided this activity does not indirectly expose U.S. persons to such companies.

 

  For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the
 
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  activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value.While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest. In addition, the listed offshore entity’s control over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE breaches the terms of the agreement, is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation, such as chops and seals, are used without the Chinese-based issuer’s authorization to enter into contractual arrangements in China. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents, represent a legally binding commitment by the company. Moreover, any future regulatory action may prohibit the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the Chinese-based operating company, which may cause the value of the Fund’s investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss. For example, in 2021, the Chinese government prohibited use of the VIE structure for investment in after-school tutoring companies. There is no guarantee that the government will not place similar restrictions on other industries.

 

  Emerging Market Securities. The Fund may invest in emerging market securities. The Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices. Investments in emerging market country securities involve special risks. The economies, markets and political structures of a number of the emerging market countries in which the Fund can invest do not compare favorably with the United States and other mature economies in terms of wealth and stability. Therefore, investments in these countries may be riskier, and will be subject to erratic and abrupt price movements. These risks are discussed below.

 

  Economies: The economies of emerging market countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, reliable access to capital, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, balance of payments and trade difficulties. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and may be heavily dependent upon international trade, as well as the economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Such economies accordingly have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist or retaliatory measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Similarly, many of these countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of national and external debt, severe recession, and extreme poverty and unemployment. The economies of emerging market countries may be based predominately on only a few industries or may be dependent on revenues from participating commodities or on international aid or developmental assistance. Emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop. Investments in countries that have recently begun moving away from central planning and state-owned industries toward free markets, such as the Eastern European, Russian or Chinese economies, should be regarded as speculative.

 

  Governments: Emerging markets may have uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability. While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In addition, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, confiscatory taxation or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of the Fund’s investments. In such event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets.

 

  Emerging market countries may have national policies that limit the Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. In addition, if the Fund invests in a market where restrictions are considered acceptable, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after investment that are unacceptable. This might require, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Further, some attractive securities may not be available, or may require a premium for purchase, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors.

 

  An issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of an emerging market country’s debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, and, in the case of a government debtor, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject. Government debtors may default on their debt and may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Holders of government debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government debtors. There may be limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government fixed income securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.

 

  Capital Markets: The capital markets in emerging market countries may be underdeveloped. They may have low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities from more developed capital markets.
 
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  Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and securities may be held by a limited number of investors. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Fund’s acquisition or disposal of securities. There may be less publicly available information about emerging markets than would be available in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the U.S., may not be applicable. Investing in certain countries with emerging capital markets may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations, and in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer’s poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the investing Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud. There may also be custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to investments in emerging market countries.

 

  Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund may use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. Supervisory authorities also may be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the “counterparty”) through whom the transaction is effected might cause the Fund to suffer a loss. There can be no certainty that the Fund will be successful in eliminating counterparty risk, particularly as counterparties operating in emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund.

 

  Regulatory authorities in some emerging markets currently do not provide the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board with the ability to inspect public accounting firms as required by U.S. law, including sufficient access to inspect audit work papers and practices, or otherwise do not cooperate with U.S. regulators, which potentially could expose investors to significant risks.

 

  Legal Systems: Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by the lack, or relatively early development, of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context. The organizational structures of certain issuers in emerging markets may limit investor rights and recourse.

 

  The Fund may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain emerging market countries, either individually or in combination with other shareholders. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities. Additionally, in certain emerging market countries, fraud, corruption and attempts at market manipulation may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Shareholder claims that are common in the U.S. and are generally viewed as determining misconduct, including class action securities law and fraud claims, generally are difficult or impossible to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in many emerging markets.

 

  The laws in certain countries with emerging capital markets may be based upon or be highly influenced by religious codes or rules. The interpretation of how these laws apply to certain investments may change over time, which could have a negative impact on those investments and the Fund.

 

  European Securities. The Fund’s performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as growth of economic output (the gross national product), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits and the resource self-sufficiency of European countries. The Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) of the EU is comprised of EU members that have adopted the euro currency. Member states relinquish control of their own monetary policies and are subject to fiscal and monetary controls. The EMU requires eurozone countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, fiscal and monetary controls, and other factors, each of which may significantly impact every European country and their economic partners, including those countries that are not members of the EMU. Changes in imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of the EU), the threat of default or actual default by one or more EU member states on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more EU member states may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other EU member states and their trading partners.

 

  The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns, rising government debt levels and the possible default of government debt, and national unemployment in several European countries, including, but not limited to, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. In the past decade, several countries including Greece, Ireland and Portugal agreed to multi-year bailout loans from the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund, and other institutions. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have unintended consequences. A default or debt restructuring by any European country can adversely impact holders of that country’s debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country’s creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries and can affect exposures to other EU countries and their financial companies as well. Further defaults or restructurings by governments or other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, issuers have faced difficulties
 
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  obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity.

 

  Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain, the independence movement in Scotland and the Flemish movement in Belgium, as well as government or other responses to such movements, may also create instability and uncertainty in the region. In addition, the national politics of countries in the EU have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups and ideologies. The governments of EU countries may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe also could impact financial markets. The impact of these events is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and materially impact the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.

 

  Latin American Securities. Investments in securities of Latin American issuers involve risks that are specific to Latin America, including certain legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation, as well as high interest rates. This has at time led to extreme government measures to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels. Latin American economies generally are heavily dependent upon foreign credit and loans, and may be more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. In addition to risk of default, debt repayment may be restructured or rescheduled, which may impair economic activity. Moreover, the debt may be susceptible to high interest rates and may reach levels that would adversely affect Latin American economies. In addition, certain Latin American economies have been influenced by changing supply and demand for a particular currency, monetary policies of governments (including exchange control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in other countries), and currency devaluations and revaluations. A relatively small number of Latin American companies represents a large portion of Latin America’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements.

 

  Certain Latin American countries have historically suffered from social, political, and economic instability and volatility, currency devaluations, government defaults and high unemployment rates. For investors, this has meant additional risk caused by periods of regional conflict, political corruption, totalitarianism, protectionist measures, nationalization, hyperinflation, debt crises, sudden and large currency devaluation, and intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres. However, in some Latin American countries, a move to sustainable democracy and a more mature and accountable political environment is under way. Domestic economies have been deregulated, privatization of state-owned companies is almost completed and foreign trade restrictions have been relaxed. Nonetheless, there can be no guarantee that such trends will continue or that the desired outcomes of these developments will be successful. In addition, to the extent that events such as those listed above continue in the future, they could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region. Investors in the region continue to face a number of potential risks. Governments of many Latin American countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Latin American countries, which could affect the companies in which the Fund invests and, therefore, the value of Fund shares. Additionally, an investment in Latin America is subject to certain risks stemming from political and economic corruption, which may negatively affect the country or the reputation of companies domiciled in a certain country. For certain countries in Latin America, political risks have created significant uncertainty in the financial markets and may further limit the economic recovery in the region.

 

  Certain Latin American countries depend heavily on exports to the U.S., investments from a small number of countries, and trading relationships with key trading partners, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and other Latin American countries. Accordingly, these countries may be sensitive to fluctuations in demand, protectionist trade policies, exchange rates and changes in market conditions associated with those countries. Additionally, in Mexico, the long-term implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the 2020 successor to NAFTA, are yet to be determined. This uncertainty may have an adverse impact on Mexico’s economic outlook and the value of Fund investments in Mexico. The economic growth of most Latin American countries is highly dependent on commodity exports and the economies of certain Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Venezuela, are highly dependent on oil exports. As a result, these economies are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in the price of oil and other commodities and currency fluctuations.

 

  The prices of oil and other commodities experienced volatility driven, in part, by a continued slowdown of growth in China and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If growth in China remains slow, or if global economic conditions worsen, prices for Latin American commodities may experience increased volatility and demand may continue to decrease. Although certain of these countries have recently shown signs of recovery, such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. In addition, prolonged economic difficulties may have negative effects on the transition to a more stable democracy in some Latin American countries.

 

  A number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a history of reliance on foreign debt and default. The majority of the region’s economies have become dependent upon foreign credit and loans from external sources to fund government economic plans. Historically, these plans have frequently resulted in little benefit accruing to the economy. Most countries have been forced to restructure their loans or risk default on their debt obligations. In addition, interest on the debt is subject to market conditions and may reach levels that would impair economic activity and create a difficult and costly environment for borrowers. Accordingly, these governments may be forced to reschedule or freeze their debt repayment, which could negatively affect local markets. Because of their dependence on foreign credit and loans, a number of Latin American economies may benefit from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent lowering of interest rates; however the impact of such interest rate cuts remains to be seen. While the region has recently had mixed levels of economic growth, recovery from past economic downturns in Latin America has historically been slow, and such growth, if sustained, may be gradual. The ongoing effects of the European debt crisis, the effects
 
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  of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in the global economy may reduce demand for exports from Latin America and limit the availability of foreign credit for some countries in the region. As a result, the Fund’s investments in Latin American securities could be harmed if economic recovery in the region is limited.

 

  Middle East Securities. Middle East Securities. Many Middle Eastern countries are prone to political turbulence, and the political and legal systems in such countries may have an adverse impact on the Fund. Certain economies in the Middle East are highly reliant on income from the exports of primary commodities such as oil or trade with countries involved in the sale of oil, and their economies are therefore vulnerable to changes in the market for oil and foreign currency values. As global demand for oil fluctuates, many Middle Eastern economies may be significantly impacted. Additionally, the economies of many Middle Eastern countries are largely dependent on, and linked together by, certain commodities (such as gold, silver, copper, diamonds, and oil). As a result, Middle Eastern economies are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, and fluctuations in demand for these commodities could significantly impact economies in these regions. A downturn in one country’s economy could have a disproportionally large effect on others in the region.

 

  Many Middle Eastern governments have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, a Middle Eastern country’s government may own or control many companies, including some of the largest companies in the country. Accordingly, governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in middle eastern countries, and a country’s government may act in a detrimental or hostile manner toward private enterprise or foreign investment. This could affect private sector companies and the Fund, as well as the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

  Certain Middle Eastern markets are in the earliest stages of development and may be considered “frontier markets.” Financial markets in the Middle East generally are less liquid and more volatile than other markets, including markets in developed and other emerging economies. As a result, there may be a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Brokers in Middle Eastern countries typically are fewer in number and less well capitalized than brokers in the United States. In addition, securities may have limited marketability and be subject to erratic price movements.

 

  The legal systems in certain Middle Eastern countries also may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation generally is limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment. However, the concept of limited liability is less clear in certain Middle Eastern countries. The Fund therefore may be liable in certain Middle Eastern countries for the acts of a corporation in which it invests for an amount greater than its actual investment in that corporation. Similarly, the rights of investors in Middle Eastern issuers may be more limited than those of shareholders of a U.S. corporation. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce a legal judgment in a Middle Eastern country. Some Middle Eastern countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investment by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer. Certain Middle Eastern countries may also limit the investment by foreign persons to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals of the relevant Middle Eastern country.

 

  The manner in which foreign investors may invest in issuers in certain Middle Eastern countries, as well as limitations on those investments, may have an adverse impact on the operations of the Fund. For example, in certain of these countries, the Fund may be required to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares that were purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund. Re-registration in some instances may not be possible on a timely basis. This may result in a delay during which the Fund may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where the Fund places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled and, consequently, the Fund may not be able to invest in the relevant company.

 

  Substantial limitations may exist in certain Middle Eastern countries with respect to the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital gains. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investment. Certain Middle Eastern countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, have been and may continue to be negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These countries also have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. In addition, certain issuers located in Middle Eastern countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations, and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks.

 

  Certain Middle Eastern countries have strained relations with other Middle Eastern countries due to territorial and sovereignty disputes, historical animosities, international alliances, religious tensions or defense concerns, which may periodically become violent and may adversely affect the economies of these countries. Certain Middle Eastern countries experience significant unemployment as well as widespread underemployment. Many Middle Eastern countries periodically have experienced political, economic and social unrest as protestors have called for widespread reform. Some of these protests have resulted in a governmental regime change, internal conflict or civil war. In some instances where pro-democracy movements successfully toppled regimes, the stability of successor regimes has at times proven weak, as evidenced, for example, in Egypt. In other instances, these changes have devolved into armed conflict involving local factions, regional allies or international forces, and even protracted civil wars. If further regime change were to occur, internal conflicts were to intensify, or a civil war were to continue in any of these countries, such instability could adversely affect the economies of these Middle Eastern countries in which the Fund invests and could decrease the value of the Fund’s investments.

 

  Middle Eastern economies may be subject to acts of terrorism, political strife, religious, ethnic or socioeconomic unrest, conflict and violence and sudden outbreaks of hostilities with neighboring countries. There has been a recent increase in recruitment efforts and an aggressive push for
 
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  territorial control by terrorist groups in the region, which has led to an outbreak of warfare and hostilities. The protracted civil war in Syria has spread to surrounding areas, including many portions of Iraq and Turkey, given rise to numerous militias, terrorist groups, and most notably, the proto-state of ISIS. The conflict has disrupted oil production across Syria and Iraq, adversely affecting the economic value of large portions of the region, and caused an exodus of refugees into neighboring states, which further threatens government infrastructure of the refuge countries. Such hostilities may continue into the future or may escalate at any time due to ethnic, racial, political, religious or ideological tensions between groups in the region or foreign intervention or lack of intervention, among other factors. There is a risk of the conflict expanding as the civil wars draw in more regional states and ISIS spreads an extremist ideology.

 

  Pacific Basin Securities. Many Asian countries may be subject to a greater degree of social, political and economic instability than is the case in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things, (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. In addition, the Asia Pacific geographic region has historically been prone to natural disasters. The occurrence of a natural disaster in the region, including the subsequent recovery, could negatively impact the economy of any country in the region. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also presents risks in certain Asian countries, as do environmental problems.

 

  The economies of most of the Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners, principally, the U.S., Japan, China and the EU. The enactment by the U.S. or other principal trading partners of protectionist trade legislation, reduction of foreign investment in the local economies and general declines in the international securities markets could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of the Asian countries. The economies of certain Asian countries may depend to a significant degree upon only a few industries and/or exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. In addition, certain developing Asian countries, such as the Philippines and India, are especially large debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. Many of the Pacific Basin economies may be intertwined, so an economic downturn in one country may result in, or be accompanied by, an economic downturn in other countries in the region. Furthermore, many of the Pacific Basin economies are characterized by high inflation, underdeveloped financial services sectors, heavy reliance on international trade, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets.

 

  The securities markets in Asia are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the U.S., and some of the stock exchanges in the region are in the early stages of their development, as compared to the stock exchanges in the U.S. Equity securities of many companies in the region may be less liquid and more volatile than equity securities of U.S. companies of comparable size. Additionally, many companies traded on stock exchanges in the region are smaller and less seasoned than companies whose securities are traded on stock exchanges in the U.S. A high proportion of the shares of many issuers may be held by a limited number of persons and financial institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by the Fund. In some countries, there is no established secondary market for securities. Therefore, liquidity of securities may be generally low and transaction costs generally high. Similarly, volume and liquidity in the bond markets in Asia are less than in the U.S. and, at times, price volatility can be greater than in the U.S. A limited number of issuers in Asian securities markets may represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of securities markets in Asia may also affect the Fund’s ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so. In addition, the Asian securities markets are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks of securities.

 

  Many stock markets are undergoing a period of growth and change which may result in trading volatility and difficulties in the settlement and recording of transactions, and in interpreting and applying the relevant law and regulations. With respect to investments in the currencies of Asian countries, changes in the value of those currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies. Certain developing economies in the Asia Pacific region have experienced currency fluctuations, devaluations, and restrictions; unstable employment rates; rapid fluctuation in, among other things, inflation and reliance on exports; and less efficient markets. Currency fluctuations or devaluations in any one country can have a significant effect on the entire Asia Pacific region. Holding securities in currencies that are devalued (or in companies whose revenues are substantially in currencies that are devalued) will likely decrease the value of the Fund’s investments. Some developing Asian countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price and shareholder rights) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals of the relevant country. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to the Fund’s purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.
 
Forward Contracts — The Fund may enter into forward contracts. Forward contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or obligation underlying the 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 asset against receipt of the specified price. Forward contracts are typically traded over-the-counter, as distinguished from futures contracts, which are traded on both U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. A forward is a private agreement between two parties and is not traded on an exchange.
Forward contracts are often negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated, as there is no limit on daily price movements and speculative position limits are not applicable. The principals who deal in certain forward contract markets are not required to continue to make markets in the underlying reference assets in which they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity, sometimes of significant duration. There have been periods during which certain participants in forward contract markets have refused to quote prices for certain underlying references or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they were prepared to buy and that at which they were prepared to sell. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may
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incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in forward contract prices. The liquidity of the markets for forward contracts depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the market for forwards could be reduced. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying reference assets and their attendant risks.
The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor.
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts (“forward currency contracts”), which are a type of derivative instrument, for a variety of reasons. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties at a price set at the time of the contract. Because these forward currency contracts normally are settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
Forward currency contracts may serve as long hedges. For example, the Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that it intends to acquire. Forward currency contract transactions also may serve as short hedges. For example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security or from a dividend or interest payment on a security denominated in a foreign currency.
The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to sell a foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount approximating the value of some or all of its respective portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts when the sub-advisor wishes to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of a security when the Fund is purchasing or selling a security denominated in a foreign currency or anticipates receiving a dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency.
The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to portfolio positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies.
The Fund may use forward currency contracts to seek to hedge against, or profit from, changes in the value of a particular currency by using forward currency contracts on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the value of which the sub-advisor believes will have a positive correlation to the values of the currency being hedged. When hedging, use of a different foreign currency magnifies the risk that movements in the price of the forward contract will not correlate or will correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. For example, if the Fund owned securities denominated in a foreign currency that the sub-advisor believed would decline relative to another currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign currency, with payment to be made in the second currency. Transactions that involve two foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as “cross hedging.” Use of a different foreign currency magnifies the Fund’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The Fund also may enter into forward currency contracts for non-hedging purposes if a foreign currency is anticipated to appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund’s investment portfolio.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts usually are entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When the Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
Sellers or purchasers of forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures, by purchasing or selling, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument sold or bought, respectively. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, however, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a position in the securities or currencies that are the subject of the hedge or to maintain cash or securities.
The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of securities whose U.S. dollar value is being hedged by those contracts involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward currency contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward currency contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor.
At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and either extend the maturity of the forward contract (by “rolling” that contract forward) or may initiate a new forward contract. If the Fund retains
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the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign currency.
Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund’s entering into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
Forward currency contracts in which the Fund may engage include foreign exchange forwards. The consummation of a foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Because foreign exchange forwards are physically settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A foreign exchange forward generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and the prices at which they are selling various currencies. When the Fund enters into a foreign exchange forward, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
The Fund may be required to obtain the currency that it must deliver under the foreign exchange forward through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. When the Fund engages in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes, it will not enter into foreign exchange forwards to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency materially in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency.

 

Non-Deliverable Currency Forwards. The Fund also may enter into NDFs. NDFs are cash-settled, short-term forward contracts on foreign currencies (each a “Reference Currency”), generally on currencies that are non-convertible, and may be thinly traded or illiquid. NDFs involve an obligation to pay a U. S. dollar amount (the “Settlement Amount”) equal to the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate for the Reference Currency and the agreed upon exchange rate (the “NDF Rate”), with respect to an agreed notional amount. NDFs have a fixing date and a settlement (delivery) date. The fixing date is the date and time at which the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate and the agreed upon exchange rate is calculated. The settlement (delivery) date is the date by which the payment of the Settlement Amount is due to the party receiving payment.

 

  Although NDFs are similar to other forward currency contracts, NDFs do not require physical delivery of a Reference Currency on the settlement date. Rather, on the settlement date, one counterparty pays the Settlement Amount. NDFs typically may have terms from one month up to two years and are settled in U.S. dollars. The Fund will typically use NDFs for hedging purposes or for direct investment in a foreign country for income or gain. The use of NDFs for hedging or to increase income or gain may not be successful, resulting in losses to the Fund, and the cost of such strategies may reduce the Fund’s returns.

 

  NDFs are subject to many of the risks associated with derivatives in general and forward currency transactions including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency and the risk that the counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations. In addition, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted by the CFTC in connection with implementing the Dodd-Frank Act, NDFs are deemed to be swaps, and consequently commodity interests for purposes of amended Regulation 4.5. Although NDFs have historically been traded OTC, some are now exchange-traded pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. Under such circumstances, they will be centrally cleared and a secondary market for them will exist. All NDFs are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not perform as contractually required under the NDF. With respect to NDFs that are centrally-cleared, the Fund could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if it breaches its obligations under the NDF, becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be entitled to the net amount of gains the investor is entitled to receive plus the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the clearing organization’s other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the investor. NDFs that remain traded OTC will be subject to margin requirements for uncleared swaps and counterparty risk common to other swaps.
 
Frontier and Emerging Market Investments — The Fund may invest in frontier and emerging market securities. The Fund may consider a country to be a frontier or emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices. Investments in frontier and emerging market country securities involve special risks. The economies, markets and political structures of a number of the frontier and emerging market countries in which the Fund can invest do not compare favorably with the United States and other mature economies in terms of wealth and stability. Therefore, investments in these countries may be riskier, and will be subject to erratic and abrupt price movements. These risks are discussed below.
Economies. The economies of frontier and emerging market countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, reliable access to capital, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments and trade difficulties. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and may be heavily dependent upon international trade, as well as the economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Such economies accordingly have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist or retaliatory measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Similarly, many of these countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of national and external debt, severe recession, and extreme poverty and unemployment.
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The economies of frontier and emerging market countries may be based predominately on only a few industries or may be dependent on revenues from participating commodities or on international aid or developmental assistance. Frontier and emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop. Investments in countries that have recently begun moving away from central planning and state-owned industries toward free markets, such as the Eastern European, Russian or Chinese economies, should be regarded as speculative. Governments. Frontier and emerging markets may have uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability. While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In addition, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, confiscatory taxation or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of the Fund’s investments. In such event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets.
Frontier and emerging market countries may have national policies that limit the Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some frontier and emerging market countries. In addition, if the Fund invests in a market where restrictions are considered acceptable, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after investment that are unacceptable. This might require, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Further, some attractive securities may not be available, or may require a premium for purchase, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with frontier and emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors.
An issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of a frontier or emerging market country’s debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, and, in the case of a government debtor, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject. Government debtors may default on their debt and may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Holders of government debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government debtors. There may be limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government fixed income securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.
Capital Markets. The capital markets in frontier and emerging market countries may be underdeveloped. They may have low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities from more developed capital markets. Frontier and emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and securities may be held by a limited number of investors. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Fund’s acquisition or disposal of securities.
There may be less publicly available information about issuers in frontier and emerging market countries than would be available in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the U.S., may not be applicable. Investing in certain countries with emerging capital markets may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations, and in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer’s poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the investing Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud. There may also be custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to investments in frontier or emerging market countries.
Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in frontier and emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund may use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. Supervisory authorities also may be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the “counterparty”) through whom the transaction is effected might cause the Fund to suffer a loss. There can be no certainty that the Fund will be successful in eliminating counterparty risk, particularly as counterparties operating in frontier and emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund.
Regulatory authorities in some frontier and emerging markets currently do not provide the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board with the ability to inspect public accounting firms as required by U.S. law, including sufficient access to inspect audit work papers and practices, or otherwise do not cooperate with U.S. regulators, which potentially could expose investors to significant risks.
The markets for securities in certain frontier countries are in the earliest stages of their development, and these countries issue securities across the credit spectrum. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in frontier countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness
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and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of frontier country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.
In the past, governments within the frontier markets have become overly reliant on the international capital markets and other forms of foreign credit to finance large public spending programs, which in the past have caused huge budget deficits. Often, interest payments have become too overwhelming for a government to meet, representing a large percentage of total GDP. These foreign obligations have become the subject of political debate and served as fuel for political parties of the opposition, which pressure the government not to make payments to foreign creditors, but instead to use these funds for, among other things, social programs. Either due to an inability to pay or submission to political pressure, foreign governments have been forced to seek a restructuring of their loan and/or bond obligations, have declared a temporary suspension of interest payments or have defaulted. These events have adversely affected the values of securities issued by foreign governments and corporations domiciled in those countries and have negatively affected not only their cost of borrowing, but their ability to borrow in the future as well.
Legal Systems. Investments in frontier and emerging market countries may be affected by the lack, or relatively early development, of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. Many frontier and emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context. The organizational structures of certain issuers in frontier and emerging markets may limit investor rights and recourse.
The Fund may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain frontier and emerging market countries, either individually or in combination with other shareholders. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities. Additionally, in certain frontier and emerging market countries, fraud, corruption and attempts at market manipulation may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Shareholder claims that are common in the U.S. and are generally viewed as determining misconduct, including class action securities law and fraud claims, generally are difficult or impossible to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in many frontier and emerging markets.
The laws in certain countries with frontier and emerging capital markets may be based upon or be highly influenced by religious codes or rules. The interpretation of how these laws apply to certain investments may change over time, which could have a negative impact on those investments and the Fund.
Many frontier market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret and laws may be too new to provide any precedential value. Laws regarding foreign investment and private property may be weak or non-existent. Sudden changes in governments may result in policies which are less favorable to investors, such as policies designed to expropriate or nationalize “sovereign” assets.
Futures Contracts — The Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or other obligation underlying the 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, as distinguished from forward contracts, which are traded over-the-counter. 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, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt 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 (sometimes referred to as “maintenance 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, or even intraday, variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily or intraday 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 trades that contract. 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 many futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of the underlying asset, 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. If an offsetting purchase price is less
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than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sell price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The Fund has no current intent to accept physical delivery in connection with the settlement of 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 markets, 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.
Futures contracts also entail other 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. 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. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures, including technical influences in futures trading, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.
Growth Companies — Growth companies are those that are expected to have the potential for above-average or rapid growth. Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or earnings decrease, the prices of these securities may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund’s investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company’s growth is incorrect, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company securities may lack the dividend yield that can cushion prices in market downturns. Growth companies may have limited operating histories and greater business risks, and their potential for profitability may be dependent on regulatory approval of their products or regulatory developments affecting certain sectors, which could have an adverse impact upon growth companies’ future growth and profitability. 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 it to underperform funds that use a value or non-growth approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. 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. Such securities include those sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Section 4(a)(2) securities”). Such 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. 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. Section 4(a)(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(a)(2) securities, thus providing liquidity. 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. Rule 144A under the Securities Act 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 are uninterested in purchasing restricted securities, the Fund’s investment in such securities could have the effect of reducing the Fund’s liquidity. A determination could be made that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. In addition to Rule 144A, Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Fund, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.
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. 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
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indicative of their liquidity. In addition, the Fund may get only limited information about an issuer of such a security, 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. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV.
Income Deposit Securities — The Fund may purchase IDSs. Each IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.
There may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting common stock and subordinated debt securities, including the issuer’s actual or perceived ability to pay interest and principal on the notes and pay dividends on the stock.
The federal income tax treatment of IDSs is not entirely clear and there is no authority that directly addresses the tax treatment of securities with terms substantially similar to IDSs. Among other things, although it is expected that the subordinated notes portion of an IDS will be treated as debt, if it is characterized as equity rather than debt, then interest paid on the notes could be treated as dividends (to the extent paid out of the issuer’s earnings and profits).
Income Trusts — The Fund may invest in shares of income trusts, including Canadian royalty trusts. An income trust is an investment trust which holds income-producing assets and generally distributes the income generated by such assets on to its security holders. Income trusts also may include royalty trusts, a particular type of income trust whose securities are listed on a stock exchange and which controls an underlying company whose business relates to, without limitation, the acquisition, exploitation, production and sale of oil and natural gas. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.
Income trusts generally are structured to avoid income taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust, if properly structured, should not be subject to federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity.
Despite the potential for attractive regular payments, income trusts are equity investments, not fixed-income securities, and they share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership, including operating risk based on the income trusts’ underlying assets and their respective businesses. Such risks may include lack of, or limited, operating histories. In addition, an income trust may lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Because income trusts may pay out more than their net income, the unitholder equity (capital) may decline over time. Income trusts often grow through acquisition of additional assets, funded through the issuance of additional equity or, where the trust is able, additional debt. Income trusts do not guarantee minimum distributions or even return of capital; therefore, if the business of a trust starts to lose money, the trust can reduce or even eliminate distributions. The tax structure of income trusts described above, which would allow income to flow through to investors and be taxed only at the investor level, could be challenged under existing law, or the tax laws could change. Royalty trusts and income trusts frequently are found in Canada, and an investment in a Canadian trust will be subject to certain additional risks of investing in foreign securities.
Initial Public Offerings — The Fund can invest in 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. IPOs may adversely impact the Fund’s performance. However, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will likely decrease as the Fund’s asset size increases.
Interfund Lending — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Fund may participate in a credit facility whereby the Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other funds under the Manager’s management 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 departments, 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 the Fund has insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions, or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for the Fund. When the Fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, it often does not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). However, redemption requests normally are satisfied the next business day. 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 and utilize lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.
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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.
Large-Capitalization Companies Risk — The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market, in some cases for extended periods of time. Such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.
Leverage RiskBorrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. When the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Fund’s investment, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than the Fund would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses to the Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment, interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset segregation or coverage requirements.
Master Limited PartnershipsThe Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as 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 partners are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. An MLP also may be an entity similar to a limited partnership, such as an LLC, which has one or more managers or managing members and non-managing members (who are like limited partners). The Fund will invest in an MLP as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amount that the Fund has invested therein. However, as a limited partner, the Fund would not be shielded to the same extent that a stockholder 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. This right of an MLP’s creditors would continue even after the Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. Holders of MLP units have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership than owners of common stock. MLPs typically invest in real estate and oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.
Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio.
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 more established companies with larger capitalization. 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 — 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. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager, and shareholders could pay fees charged by the Manager to such investment company. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities. The Fund’s investment in securities of other investment companies, except for money market funds, is generally limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate. However, currently the Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of an ETF or other investment company subject to a statutory exemption or to the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC obtained by the ETF or other investment company that permits an investing fund, such as the Fund, to invest in the ETF or other investment company in excess of the limits described above. Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act and revisions to other rules permitting funds to invest in other investment companies, which are intended to streamline and enhance the regulatory framework applicable to fund of funds arrangements, took effect on January 19, 2022. While Rule 12d1-4 permits more types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order, and supersedes many prior exemptive orders, it imposes new conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies and exchange-traded products, which, in addition to the general risks of investments in other investment companies described above, include the following risks:

 

BDCs. BDCs are a specialized form of closed-end fund that invest generally in small developing companies and financially troubled businesses. The Investment Company Act imposes certain restraints upon the operation of a BDC. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and
 
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high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. As a result, BDCs generally invest in private companies and thinly traded securities of public companies, including debt instruments. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make fully informed investment decisions. Many debt investments in which a BDC may invest will not be rated by a credit rating agency and will be below investment grade quality. Risks faced by BDCs include competition for limited BDC investment opportunities; the liquidity of a BDC’s private investments; uncertainty as to the value of a BDC’s private investments; risks associated with access to capital and leverage; and reliance on the management of a BDC. The Fund’s investments in BDCs are similar and include portfolio company risk, leverage risk, market and valuation risk, price volatility risk and liquidity risk. Historically, shares of BDCs have frequently traded at a discount to their net asset value, which discounts have, on occasion, been substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.

 

ETFs. 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 to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. 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 decline in value. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (1) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to their NAV per share; (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.

 

Money Market Funds. The Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as money market funds under 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. Although a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund, or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts redeemed from the money market fund.
 
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. Because preferred stock is subordinate to bonds in the issuer’s capital structure, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stockholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, and may suffer a loss of value as a result. 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 the deferral of dividend payments, the non-cumulative payment of dividends (in which omitted or deferred dividends are not subsequently paid), subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights. The market prices of preferred stock are generally more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
Real Estate Related Investments — The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, 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. Such securities also have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are 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.
Reliance on Corporate Management and Financial Reporting Risk — The sub-advisor may select investments for the Fund in part on the basis of information and data made directly available to the sub-advisor by the issuers of securities or through sources other than the issuers such as collateral pool servicers. The sub-advisor is dependent upon the integrity of the management of these issuers and of such servicers and the financial and collateral performance reporting processes in general. Investors, including the Fund, can incur material losses as a result of corporate mismanagement and fraud resulting in accounting irregularities.
Small-Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 overall economic conditions, 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
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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. The market prices of U.S. Government agency securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. 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 and credit ratings. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Treasury inflation-indexed securities (formerly known as inflation-protected securities or “TIPS”) are U.S. Government Securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation (by reference to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics a part of the Department of Labor). The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any non-U.S. inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. The three-month lag in calculating the CPI-U for purposes of adjusting the principal value of U.S. TIPS may give rise to risks under certain circumstances.
The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the security this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation (but not below par value). Although repayment of the original principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period the Fund holds TIPS, the Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. Because the coupon rate on TIPS is lower than fixed-rate Treasury Department securities, the CPI-U would have to rise at least to the amount of the difference between the coupon rate of the fixed-rate Treasury Department issues and the coupon rate of the TIPS, assuming all other factors are equal, in order for such securities to match the performance of the fixed-rate Treasury Department securities. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation, (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds’ inflation measure. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments thereon, but holders at maturity receive no less than par value. However, if the Fund purchases inflation-indexed securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, the Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation.
Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the CPI is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though the holder will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, the Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a “regulated investment company.” See “Tax Information.” If the Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount (“OID”) any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If the Fund purchases such securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having OID. Because the Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued OID), its investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require it to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.
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, such as certain credit-linked notes and other derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid, and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require the Fund to value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. No assurance can be given that such prices accurately reflect the price the Fund would receive upon sale of a security. An investment’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before the Fund determines its NAV.
Value Companies Risk — Value companies are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, 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.
Warrants — Warrants are options to purchase an issuer’s securities at a stated price during a stated term. If the market price of the underlying common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in
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the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indices (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of the exercise. Warrants may also be linked to the performance of oil and/or the GDP of specific frontier and emerging markets. The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. Rights are short-term warrants issued in conjunction with new stock or bond issues. There is no specific limit on the percentage of assets the Fund may invest in rights and warrants.
OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the Fund may (except where otherwise indicated):

 

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 sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in Section 4(a)(2) securities and illiquid securities unless the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, determines that any Section 4(a)(2) securities held by the Fund in excess of this level are 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.
The Fund has no current intention to convert to a master-feeder structure, as permitted by the foregoing policy.
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 voting securities. “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 (unless otherwise indicated):

 

1 Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that the Fund may 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 Fund’s 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).
 
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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 with respect to portfolio securities.

 

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 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 assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any particular 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 to 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 33¹/3% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received).
For purposes of the Fund’s industry concentration policy set forth in (8) above, the Manager may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and instrument and may assign an industry classification consistent with those characteristics. The Manager may, but need not, consider industry classifications provided by third parties, and the classifications applied to Fund investments will be informed by applicable law. A large economic or market sector shall not be construed as a single industry or group of industries. The Manager currently considers securities issued by a foreign government (but not the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) to be an “industry” subject to the 25% limitation. Thus, not more than 25% of the Fund’s assets will be invested in securities issued by any one foreign government or supranational organization. The Fund might invest in certain securities issued by companies in a particular industry whose obligations are guaranteed by a foreign government. The Manager could consider such a company to be within the particular industry and, therefore, the Fund will invest in the securities of such a company only if it can do so under its policy of not being concentrated in any particular industry or group of industries.
For purposes of the Fund’s policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (5) above, “senior securities” are defined as Fund obligations that have a priority over the Fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The Investment Company Act prohibits the Fund from issuing any class of senior securities or selling any senior securities of which it is the issuer, except that the Fund is permitted to borrow from a bank so long as, immediately after such borrowings, there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of the Fund (not including borrowings for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets). In the event that such asset coverage falls below this percentage, the Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) so that the asset coverage is restored to at least 300%. Consistent with guidance issued by the SEC and its staff, the requisite asset coverage may vary among different types of instruments. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.
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 or effect short sales, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases or sales of securities.
 
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 OR DEFENSIVE 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 agencies 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
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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.
Portfolio turnover may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, investment strategy changes, and/or changes in the sub-advisor’s investment outlook.
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 (available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov);

 

2 a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each fiscal quarter in publicly available filings of Form N-PORT with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter (available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov);

 

3 a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Fund’s website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) approximately sixty days after the end of the calendar quarter; 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 the Fund’s ten largest holdings may exclude U.S. Treasury securities and cash equivalent assets, although such holdings will be included in the Fund’s complete list of holdings.
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 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 does not restrict the Fund from disclosing that a particular security is not a holding of the Fund. 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
Securities lending agent for Funds that participate in securities lending, Fund’s custodian and foreign custody manager, and foreign sub-custodians
Complete list on intraday basis with no lag
Chicago Clearing
Class Action Services to Sub-Advisor
Complete list quarterly with no lag
Ernst & Young LLP
Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm
Complete list on annual 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
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Service Provider
Service
Holdings Access
KPMG International
Service provider to State Street
Complete list on annual basis with lag
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.
Proxy voting research provider to sub-advisor
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 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 the 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 cash or cash equivalents, securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, approved bank letters of credit, or other forms of collateral that are permitted by the SEC for registered investment companies, 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 may pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” for the use of that cash collateral. Under the terms of the securities loan agreement between the Fund and State Street, its securities lending agent, State Street indemnifies the Fund for certain losses resulting from a borrower default. However, should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the
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collateral. 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 normally 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.
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. The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities.
As of the date of this SAI, the Fund intends to engage in securities lending activities.
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, 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 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 the 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 below) and through the Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (“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, typically 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 Audit and Compliance Committee meets with the Fund’s CCO to discuss matters relating to the Fund’s compliance program.
Board Structure and Related Matters
Independent Trustees constitute at least three-quarters of the Board. Brenda A. Cline, 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 Independent 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 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 process, typically performed annually, 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.
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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 in the Trust, the number of series of the American Beacon Funds Complex 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 28 series within the American Beacon Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and 1 series within the American Beacon Select Funds. The same persons who constitute the Board of the Trust also constitute the Board of the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts’ combined 30 series.
The Board holds five (5) 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 Retirement Plan 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 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement.*
Name (Age)*
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Eugene J. Duffy (67)**
Trustee since 2008
Trustee since 2017
Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial Administrative Corporation (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-2016); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Gilbert G. Alvarado (52)
Trustee since 2015
Trustee since 2017
President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-Present); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Joseph B. Armes (60)
Trustee since 2015
Trustee since 2017
Director, Switchback Energy Acquisition (2019-2021); Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (investment company) (2014-2017); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-2018); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Gerard J. Arpey (63)
Trustee since 2012
Trustee since 2017
Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-Present); Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD) (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Brenda A. Cline (61)
Chair since 2019
Vice Chair 2018
Trustee since 2004
Chair since 2019
Vice Chair 2018
Trustee since 2017
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End (2) and Open-End Funds (3) (2017-Present); Chair, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021); Chair, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021).
Claudia A. Holz (64)
Trustee since 2018
Trustee since 2018
Independent Director, Blue Owl Capital, Inc. (2021-Present); Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
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Name (Age)*
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
Douglas A. Lindgren (60)
Trustee since 2018
Trustee since 2018
CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Consultant, Carne Financial Services (2017-2019); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Barbara J. McKenna (58)
Trustee since 2012
Trustee since 2017
President/Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
* The Board has adopted a retirement policy that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.
** Mr. Duffy is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by virtue of his position with Mesirow Financial, Inc., a broker-dealer.
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.
Gilbert G. Alvarado: Mr. Alvarado has extensive organizational management and financial experience as senior vice president and chief financial officer in public charities and private foundations, service as director of private companies and non-profit organizations, service as president of non-profit institutional investment fund, an adjunct professor for a non-profit school of management at University of San Francisco, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Joseph B. Armes: Mr. Armes has extensive financial, investment and organizational management experience as chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of an investment company listed on NASDAQ, president and chief executive officer of a private family investment vehicle, chief operating officer of a private holding company for a family office, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer and director of a special purpose acquisition company listed on the American Stock Exchange, a director and audit committee chair of an oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and as an officer of public companies and as a director and officer of private companies, and multiple years of service as a 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, service to several charitable organizations, 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 director, trustee, audit committee chair, and member of the nominating and governance committees of various publicly held companies and mutual funds, service as a trustee to a private university, and several charitable boards, 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 a financial services industry association, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Claudia A. Holz: Ms. Holz has extensive financial audit and organizational management experience obtained as an audit partner with a major public accounting firm for over 27 years. Prior to her retirement, she led audits of large public investment company complexes and held several management roles in the firm’s New York and national offices.
Douglas A. Lindgren: Mr. Lindgren has extensive senior management experience in the asset management industry, having overseen several organizations and numerous fund structures and having served as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School.
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, member of numerous financial services industry associations, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Committees of the Board
The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee (“Audit Committee”). The Audit Committee consists of Ms. Holz, and Messrs. Duffy, Armes and Alvarado (Chair). Ms. Cline, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. 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 Fund 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”);
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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 four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee (“Nominating Committee”) that is comprised of Messrs. Armes (Chair), Arpey and Duffy, and Ms. Cline. 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 Chair 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; and (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. 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, and must otherwise comply with the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of Ms. McKenna (Chair), and Messrs. Arpey and Lindgren. Ms. Cline, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Investment Committee in an ex-officio non-voting 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 objectives 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 four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
Trustee Ownership in the Fund
As of the calendar year ended December 31, 2021, none of the Trustees owned equity securities of the Fund. The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned in the American Beacon Funds Complex by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2021.
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
American Beacon Fund
Duffy
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (30 Funds as of December 31, 2021)
Over $100,000
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
American Beacon Fund
Alvarado
Armes
Arpey
Cline
Holz
Lindgren
McKenna
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (30 Funds as of December 31, 2021)
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Over $100,000
Trustee Compensation
As compensation for their service to the American Beacon Funds Complex, including the Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $130,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for telephonic attendance, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special telephonic Board meeting; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by videoconference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time.
For her service as Board Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although she attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, she receives a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at the Audit Committee and Investment Committee meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.
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The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
Name of Trustee
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
Total Compensation from the Trusts
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Eugene J. Duffy
$185,690
$190,000
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Gilbert G. Alvarado
$215,009
$220,000
Joseph B. Armes
$199,861
$204,500
Gerard J. Arpey
$190,576
$195,000
Brenda A. Cline1
$239,442
$245,000
Claudia A. Holz
$191,065
$195,500
Douglas A. Lindgren
$193,508
$198,000
Barbara J. McKenna
$215,009
$220,000
R. Gerald Turner1,2
$46,178
$47,250
1 Upon retirement from the Board, each of these current and former Trustees is eligible for flight benefits afforded to Trustees who served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.
2 Dr. Turner received compensation from the Trust prior to and up to his retirement from the Board on December 31, 2020.
The Boards adopted a Trustee Retirement Plan. The Trustee Retirement Plan provides that a Trustee who has served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008, and who has reached a mandatory retirement age established by the Board (currently 75) is eligible to elect Trustee Emeritus status (“Eligible Trustees”). Ms. Cline is the only Eligible Trustee. Eligible Trustees who have served on the Board of one or more Trusts for at least five years may elect to retire from the Board at an earlier age and immediately assume Trustee Emeritus status. The Board has determined that, other than the Trustee Retirement Plan established for Eligible Trustees, no other retirement benefits will accrue for current or future Trustees.
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) for a maximum period of 10 years, depending upon length of service prior to September 12, 2008. Eligible Trustees may opt to receive instead an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits. No retirement benefits are accrued for Board service after September 12, 2008.
A Trustee Emeritus must be reasonably available to provide advice, counseling and assistance to the Trustees and American Beacon as needed, as agreed to from time to time by the parties involved; 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, three individuals who retired from the Board and accrued retirement benefits for periods prior to September 12, 2008, have assumed Trustee Emeritus status. Two individuals and their spouses receive annual flight benefits of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines. The other individual receives an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits.
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 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. 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 Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust.
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Name (Age)
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
OFFICERS
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (67)
President since 2009
President since 2017
President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Topco, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager and President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman and President and CEO Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director and Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC (2019-2021); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-2018); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (47)
Vice President since 2010
Vice President since 2017
Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President and COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President and COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2017-Present), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); Director and Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings, LLC (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
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Name (Age)
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
Rosemary K. Behan (63)
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2017
Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2006-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2006-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present).; Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2015-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2015-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC (2019-2021); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Brian E. Brett (61)
Vice President since 2004
Vice President since 2017
Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Vice President (2017-2018), Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Paul B. Cavazos (52)
Vice President since 2016
Vice President since 2017
Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Erica B. Duncan (51)
Vice President since 2011
Vice President since 2017
Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Terri L. McKinney (58)
Vice President since 2010
Vice President since 2017
Senior Vice President, (2021-Present) Vice President, (2009-2021), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2018-2021), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Samuel J. Silver (59)
Vice President since 2011
Vice President since 2017
Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Melinda G. Heika (60)
Vice President since 2021
Vice President since 2021
Senior Vice President, (2021-Present) Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
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Name (Age)
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years
Sonia L. Bates (65)
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2021
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2021
Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Director, Fund and Tax Reporting (2011-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).
Christina E. Sears (50)
Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Assistant Secretary since 1999
Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary since 2017
Chief Compliance Officer, (2004-Present) Vice President (2019-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC (2019-2021); Chief Compliance Officer, RSW Investments Holdings, LLC (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2019) and Vice President (2016-2020), Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (2018-2019) and Vice President (2018-Present), Continuous Capital, LLC.; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Shelley L. Dyson (52)
Assistant Treasurer since 2021
Assistant Treasurer since 2021
Manager, Tax (2014-2020); Fund Tax Manager (2020-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Assistant Treasurer (2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.
Shelley D. Abrahams (47)
Assistant Secretary since 2008
Assistant Secretary since 2017
Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-Present), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Rebecca L. Harris (55)
Assistant Secretary since 2010
Assistant Secretary since 2017
Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2011-2021), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2015-2021), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Michael D. Jiang (37)
Assistant Secretary since 2021
Assistant Secretary since 2021
Assistant Secretary (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President (2018-2021), Second Vice President (2015-2018), The Northern Trust Company; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).
Teresa A. Oxford (63)
Assistant Secretary since 2015
Assistant Secretary since 2017
Assistant Secretary (2015-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2018-2021), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2016-2020), Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC; Assistant Secretary (2020-Present), Continuous Capital, LLC.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
CODE OF ETHICS
The Manager, the Trust, the Distributor, and the sub-advisor each have 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 the Trust’s Code of Ethics requires 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.
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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 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 Board 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 Proxy 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 will be 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.
Set forth below are entities or persons that own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Fund as of February 1, 2022. The Trustees and officers of the Trusts, as a group, did not own more than 1% of any class of the Fund’s shares outstanding.
Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
Y CLASS
R5 Class
Investor CLASS
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS*
9.96%
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
5.20%
21.40%
15.83%
SPECIAL CUST A/C
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC*
5.27%
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
211 MAIN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905
MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &*
16.10%
SMITH INC (HOUSE ACCOUNT)
THE AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC*
40.61%
43.02%
43.85%
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF
OUR CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995
PERSHING LLC*
36.60%
10.91%
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001
TD AMERITRADE INC FOR THE*
4.96%
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
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Shareholder Address
Fund Percentage (listed if over 25%)
Y CLASS
R5 Class
Investor CLASS
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
UBS WM USA
5.25%
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F*
SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
MID ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO
23.88%
TOCQUEVILLE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
1251 WATERFRONT PLACE, SUITE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only
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 advisor 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 may be considered affiliates of the Fund.
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. (“Tocqueville”)
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Tocqueville Management Corp
General Partner
Management Company organized in 1995
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tocqueville pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay Tocqueville an annualized subadvisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 0.40% on the first $1 billion, 0.35% on the next $1 billion, and 0.325% thereafter of the Fund’s average daily net 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 for an initial period of two years and thereafter from year to year 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.
MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, SECURITIES LENDING, AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The Manager
The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039 is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms. The address of Kelso and its investment funds is 320 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The address of Estancia and its investment fund is 20865 N 90th Place, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. The address of RIH is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

Listed below are individuals and entities that may be deemed control persons of the Manager.
Controlling Person/Entity
Basis of Control
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business
Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC
Parent Company
Holding Company - Founded in 2015
Kelso Investment Associates VIII
Ownership in Parent Company
Investment Fund
The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for providing the Fund with management and administrative services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares of the Fund based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class.
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The Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:
First $5 billion
0.35%
Next $5 billion
0.325%
Next $10 billion
0.30%
Over $20 billion
0.275%
Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, 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;

 

supervising the provision of services to the Trust by third parties; and

 

administering the interfund lending facility and lines of credit, if applicable.
 
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 service providers 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 Manager has contractually agreed from time to time to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for the Fund. The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. The Board approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for such fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.
The following tables show the total management fees paid to the Manager for management and administrative services and the investment advisory fees paid to the sub-advisor from the Fund’s commencement of operations, January 22, 2019, through October 31, 2019, and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021. The following tables also show the management fees waived or recouped by the Manager and the sub-advisory fees waived by the sub-advisor, if applicable. The fees paid to the Manager were equal to 0.35% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In the table below, the fees paid to the sub-advisor are expressed both as a dollar amount and percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)
Fund
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
$2,099,452
$1,583,397
$1,382,514
Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
$2,377,589
$1,796,650
$1,496,658
0.40%
0.40%
0.40%
Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped
2019*
2020
2021
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
$(4,367)
$0
$0
* Prior to the reorganization of the Tocqueville International Value Fund, the Fund’s predecessor, into the Fund on January 18, 2019, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P., which served as the manager of the predecessor fund, waived management fees of $684,461.
Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped for periods prior to 2020 reflect a revision to the order in which management fees waived and expenses reimbursed are deducted from the total fees waived and expense reimbursement amounts reported in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders. The revision was implemented in 2020.
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Sub-Advisor Fees (Waived)
2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
$0
$0
$0
Certain sub-advisors of the Fund or other series of the American Beacon Funds contribute to the Manager to support distribution activities.
Service Plan Fees
The Investor Class has adopted a Service Plan (the “Service Plan”). The Service Plan authorizes 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. In addition, the Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and R5 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 Y Class, R5 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 primary non-distribution shareholder fees paid to financial intermediaries, such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers, generally include shareholder servicing, record keeping and servicing fees. Service Plan fees paid by the Fund’s Investor Class shares from the Fund’s commencement of operations January 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019, and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021 are set forth below:
Service Plan Fees
2019
2020
2021
Investor Class
$1,115,199
$860,322
$699,268
Securities Lending Fees
As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Fund, the Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers when a borrower posts collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees.
Securities lending income is generated from the demand premium (if any) paid by the borrower to borrow a specific security and from the return on investment of cash collateral, reduced by negotiated rebate fees paid to the borrower and transaction costs. To the extent that a loan is secured by non-cash collateral, securities lending income is generated as a demand premium reduced by transaction costs.
Fees received by the Manager from securities lending from January 22, 2019 through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 , and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021 were approximately as follows:
Securities Lending Fees
2019
2020
2021
$19,356
$6,062
$72,989
State Street serves as securities lending agent for the Fund and, in that role, administers the Fund’s securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending authorization agreement entered into between the Fund and State Street (“Securities Lending Agreement”).
As securities lending agent, State Street is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Fund’s securities lending program. State Street’s responsibilities include: (1) lending available securities to approved borrowers; (2) continually monitoring the creditworthiness of approved borrowers and potential borrowers; (3) determining whether a loan shall be made and negotiating the terms and conditions of the loan with the borrower, provided that such terms and conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Securities Lending Agreement; (4) receiving and holding, on the Fund’s behalf, or transferring to a fund account, upon instruction by the Fund, collateral from borrowers to secure obligations of borrowers with respect to any loan of available securities; (5) marking loaned securities and collateral to their market value each business day; (6) obtaining additional collateral, as needed, to maintain the value of the collateral relative to the market value of the loaned securities at the levels required by the Securities Lending Agreement; (7) returning the collateral to the borrower, at the termination of the loan, upon the return of the loaned securities; (8) investing cash collateral in permitted investments, including the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund; and (9) establishing and maintaining records related to the Fund’s securities lending activities. Additionally, State Street has indemnified the Fund for borrower default as it relates to the securities lending program administered by State Street.
State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split, as provided in the Securities Lending Agreement. The table below shows the income the Fund earned and the fees and compensation it paid to service providers (including fees paid to State Street as securities lending agent and the Manager for administrative and oversight functions) in connection with its securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.
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American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
Gross income earned by the fund from securities lending activities
$740,693
Fees and/or compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities and related services:
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split
$72,989
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split
$5,936
Administrative fees not included in revenue split
$0
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split
$0
Rebate (paid to borrower)
$9
Other fees not included in revenue split (administrative and oversight functions provided by the Manager)
$72,989
Aggregate fees/compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities
$151,923
Net income from securities lending activities
$588,770
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 Distributor
Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”) is the Fund’s distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares.
RID, located at 220 East Las Colinas, Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of FINRA. The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter 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 the Fund’s shares.
There were no underwriting discounts and commissions paid to, or retained by, RID from the sale of the Fund’s shares from the commencement of operations, January 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019, and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021.
RID does not receive compensation on redemptions and repurchases, brokerage commissions, or other compensation.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
State Street, located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as custodian for the Fund. State Street also serves as the Fund’s Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to rules adopted under the Investment Company Act, whereby it selects and monitors eligible foreign sub-custodians. The Manager also has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the sub-administration agreement, State Street provides the Fund with certain financial reporting and tax services.
Pursuant to an administrative services agreement among the Manager, the Trust, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (“Parametric”), located at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, Washington 98104, Parametric provides certain administrative services related to the equitization of cash balances for certain series of the American Beacon Funds Complex.
DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 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 Ernst & Young LLP, which is located at 2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 2000, Dallas, Texas 75219.
K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
The portfolio manager to the Fund (the “Portfolio Manager”) has responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by the sub-advisor and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of October 31, 2021.
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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 Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other accounts
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. (“Tocqueville”)
James E. Hunt
None
2 ($54mil)
82 ($614mil)
None
None
None
Conflicts of Interest
As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Manager manages accounts other than the Fund. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between a Portfolio Manager’s 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 as of October 31, 2021.
The Portfolio Manager may manage other accounts in addition to the Fund. A Portfolio Manager’s management of these other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. The Sub-Advisor has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to identify and minimize the effects of these potential conflicts, however, there can be no guarantee that these policies and procedures will be effective in detecting potential conflicts, or in eliminating the effects of any such conflicts.
Certain components of the Portfolio Managers’ compensation structure may also give rise to potential conflicts of interest to the extent that the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor or devote more effort in managing accounts that impact, or impact to a larger degree, his overall compensation. As reflected herein, the Portfolio Manager’s base remuneration is based on total advisory fees collected each month, in arrears, for those accounts managed by such Portfolio Manager, including the Fund. As a result, since his base remuneration is directly tied to the percentage of the advisory fee charged to the accounts, including the Fund, the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor accounts where the Sub-Advisor charges a higher advisory fee and those accounts that have a larger asset base to the disadvantage of other accounts that have a lower advisory fee and those accounts with lower total net assets.
In addition, as described herein, the Portfolio Manager is paid a discretionary annual bonus and the level of the discretionary annual bonus is determined, in part, based upon the Sub-Advisor’s profitability. Such profits are generally derived from the fees the Sub-Advisor receives for managing all of its investment management accounts. To the extent that accounts other than the Fund have the potential to generate more profits for the Sub-Advisor than the Fund, the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor such other accounts.
Because the Portfolio Manager manages multiple accounts with similar objectives, and thus frequently purchases and sells the same securities for such accounts, certain allocation issues may arise. In particular, if the Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. In addition, in the event the Portfolio Manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The Sub-Advisor has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to manage the risk that an account could be systematically advantaged or disadvantaged in connection with the allocation of investment opportunities and aggregation of trade orders. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be effective in preventing instances where one account is advantaged or disadvantaged over another.
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 Manager as of October 31, 2021.
The Portfolio Manager receives compensation in connection with his management of the Fund and other accounts identified above, which includes the following components: (1) base remuneration, (2) incentive fee, and (3) a discretionary annual bonus. In addition, Mr. Hunt as a shareholder of Tocqueville Management Corp, the General Partner of the Sub-Advisor, also receives compensation based upon the profitability of the firm.
Base Remuneration. The annual base remuneration can be a fixed or variable amount. Mr. Hunt receives a variable remuneration. The variable amount is calculated using the amount of investment advisory fees collected by the Sub-Advisor each month, in arrears, derived from the value of the portfolio assets of accounts (including the Fund), for which this individual is a Portfolio Manager. The Portfolio Manager will receive the balance of any respective variable amounts remaining as his compensation, after payment of the fixed amounts to other members of the investment team and certain other expenses.
Incentive Fee. For some accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager a portion of the fees paid to the Sub-Advisor may be linked to performance. For these particular accounts, the Sub-Advisor will receive an incentive fee in addition to the standard advisory fee if the performance of the account raises the value of the account above a predetermined threshold. The Portfolio Manager is then paid a percentage of all these incentive fees and the Sub-Advisor retains the balance. The Fund is not among the accounts included in the incentive fee arrangement and, consequently, the Fund’s performance does not impact the Portfolio Manager’s receipt of an incentive fee.
Bonus. The Portfolio Manager is eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus in addition to his base remuneration. The level of the discretionary bonus is determined by the General Partner based upon a number of factors, including the firm’s profitability, the expansion of the client account base,
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the securities market environment for the respective period, the portion of revenue generated by the work and effort of the Portfolio Manager, the involvement of the Portfolio Manager in the investment management functions of the Sub-Advisor, his role in the development of other investment professionals and his work relationship with support staff, and his overall contribution to strategic planning and his input in decisions for the Sub-Advisor’s group of investment managers.
Ownership of the Fund
The Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of the Fund is defined as the Portfolio Manager 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 Manager’s immediate family or by a trust of which the Portfolio Manager is a trustee could be considered ownership by the Portfolio Manager. The table below sets forth the Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of the Fund as of October 31, 2021 as provided by the Fund’s sub-advisor.
Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.
James E. Hunt
Over $1,000,000
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, as amended), provision of statistical quotations (including the quotations necessary to determine the Fund’s NAV), 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 Trust does 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-advisor 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 their 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 turnover increases the Fund’s transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may result in a greater amount of recognized capital gains.
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.
Soft Dollars
The table below reflects the amount of transactions the Fund directed to brokers in part because of research services provided and the amount paid in commissions on such transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
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American Beacon Fund
Amounts Directed
Amounts Paid in Commissions
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
$296,102,453
$428,319
Brokerage Commissions
From the Fund’s commencement of operations on January 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019, and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021, the following brokerage commissions were paid by the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund bear only their pro-rata portion of such expenses.
American Beacon Fund
January 22, 2019 to October 31, 2019
2020
2021
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
$1,160,645
$748,995
$428,404
Affiliated Brokerage Commissions
From the Fund’s commencement of operations on January 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021, no brokerage commissions were paid to affiliated brokers by the Fund.
Securities Issued by Top 10 Brokers
The following table lists the Fund’s holdings in securities issued by a broker-dealer (or by its parent) that were one of the top ten brokers or dealers, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, through which the Fund executed transactions or sold shares.
Regular Broker-Dealers
American Beacon Fund
Aggregate Value of Securities
UBS Group
Tocqueville International Value Fund
$9,653
Commission Recapture
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund received $0 as a result of participation in the commission recapture program.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
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. 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 in the Prospectus and in this section relates solely to the federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund will continue to qualify each taxable year as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code (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 tax 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 tax information is based on the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations in effect, and administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions publicly available, 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 continue 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 so 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 (together with Qualifying Other Income (as defined below), “Qualifying Income”), or other income, including gains from options, futures or forward contracts, derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies (“Qualifying Other Income”) 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” (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”)) that meets certain qualifying income requirements other than a partnership at least 90% of the gross income of which is Qualifying Income;

 

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) the securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) the
 
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securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their voting power) that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) the securities of one or more QPTPs (“Diversification Requirements”); and

 

Distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income, the excess (if any) of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and net gains (if any) from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and 90% of its net exempt interest income (“Distribution Requirement”).
 
By qualifying for treatment as a RIC, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the part of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to its shareholders. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for that treatment — either (1) by failing to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, even if it satisfies the Gross Income and Diversification Requirements (“Other Requirements”), or (2) by failing to satisfy any of the Other Requirements and is unable to, or determines not to, avail itself of Internal Revenue Code provisions that enable a RIC to cure a failure to satisfy any of the Other 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 the regular corporate rate without any deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders, and the dividends it pays would be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly, (a) for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each an “individual”), as “qualified dividend income” (as described in the Prospectus) (“QDI”), and/or (b) in the case of corporate shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements regarding their Fund shares, as eligible for the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”)) 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 re-qualifying for RIC treatment. It is possible that the Fund will not qualify as a RIC in any given taxable year.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax (“Excise Tax”) to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary 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. The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions by the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the Excise Tax.
Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies
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 such contracts will be treated as Qualifying Income under the Gross Income Requirement.
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 realized on investments by foreign investors. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of the Fund’s foreign tax in advance, since the amount of its assets to be invested in various countries is not known.
The Fund may invest in the stock of “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests for a taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive; or (2) an average of at least 50% of the value (or adjusted tax basis, if elected) of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” it receives on the PFIC stock and of any gain on its disposition of that stock (collectively, “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible to be treated as QDI or for the DRD.
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), then in lieu of incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain — which the Fund likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax — even if the QEF did not distribute those earnings and gain to the Fund. In most instances, however, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.
Alternatively, the Fund may elect to “mark to market” any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year, in which event it likely would be required to distribute to its shareholders any resulting gains to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. “Marking-to-market,” in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock over the Fund’s adjusted basis therein (including any net mark-to-market gain or loss for each prior taxable year for which an election was in effect) as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. The Fund’s adjusted basis in each PFIC’s stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
Investors should be aware that determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that is based on various facts and circumstances and thus is subject to change, and the principles and methodology used therein are subject to interpretation. As a result, the Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation’s stock, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC, and a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires stock therein. While the Fund generally will seek to minimize its investment in PFIC stock, and to make appropriate
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elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will be able to do so, and the Fund reserves the right to make those investments as a matter of its investment policy.
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 contract the Fund holds at the end of its taxable year 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.
Under Internal Revenue Code section 988, a gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2) except in certain circumstances, from options, futures, and forward contracts on foreign currencies (and on financial instruments involving foreign currencies) and from notional principal contracts (e.g., swaps, caps, floors, and collars) involving payments denominated in foreign currencies, (3) on the disposition of each foreign-currency-denominated debt security that is attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the dates of acquisition and disposition of the security, and (4) that is attributable to exchange rate fluctuations between the time the Fund accrues interest, dividends, or other receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities generally will be 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 the Fund’s section 988 losses exceed its other investment company taxable income for a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year (including those made before the losses were realized) would be characterized as a non-taxable “return of capital” to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares and treating any part of such distribution exceeding that basis as gain from the disposition of those 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 recognition 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 a “mixed straddle” (i.e., a straddle at least one, but not all, positions of which are Section 1256 contracts).
When a covered call option written (sold) by the Fund expires, the Fund 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 (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 transaction of the Fund 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).
Certain aspects of the tax treatment of derivative instruments are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, administrative rules, and/or other legally binding authority that could affect the treatment of income from those instruments and the character, timing of recognition and amount of the Fund’s taxable income or net realized gains and distributions. If the IRS were to assert successfully that income the Fund derives from those investments does not constitute Qualifying Income, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC (with the consequences described above under “Taxation of the Fund”) or might be required to reduce its exposure to such investments.
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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 or before December 31 of that year even if the Fund pays the distributions during the following January. Accordingly, those distributions will be reportable by, and taxed to, those shareholders for the taxable year in which that December 31 falls.
If Fund shares are redeemed 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 on those shares. In addition, any loss a shareholder realizes on a redemption of Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the redemption; in that case, the basis in the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Investors also should be aware that the price of Fund shares at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming dividend or other distribution, so if they purchase Fund shares shortly before the record date for a distribution, they will pay full price for the shares and receive some part of the price back as a taxable distribution, even though it represents a partial return of invested capital.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, it will be eligible to file an election for that year with the IRS that would enable its shareholders to benefit from any foreign tax credit or deduction available with respect to any foreign taxes it pays. Pursuant to the election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder (1) would be required to include in gross income, and treat as paid by the shareholder, the shareholder’s proportionate share of those taxes, (2) would be required to treat that share of those taxes and of any dividend the Fund paid that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources (“foreign-source income”) as the shareholder’s own income from those sources, and (3) could either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against the shareholder’s federal income tax or, alternatively, deduct the foreign taxes deemed paid by the shareholder in computing taxable income. If the Fund makes this election for a taxable year, it will report to its shareholders shortly after that year their respective shares of the foreign taxes it paid and its foreign-source income for that year.
An individual shareholder of the Fund who, for a taxable year, has no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on IRS Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign-source income is “qualified passive income” may elect for that year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation for federal income tax purposes (about which shareholders may wish to consult their tax advisers), in which event the shareholder would be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required. A shareholder will not be entitled to credit or deduct its portion of foreign taxes the Fund paid that is allocable to Fund shares the shareholder has not held for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-distribution date for those shares. The minimum holding period will be extended if the shareholder’s risk of loss with respect to those shares is reduced by reason of holding an offsetting position. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. A foreign shareholder may not deduct or claim a credit for foreign taxes in determining its federal income tax liability unless the Fund dividends paid to it are effectively connected with the shareholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
Basis Election and Reporting - A Fund shareholder who wants to use an acceptable method for basis determination with respect to Fund shares that the shareholder acquired or acquires after 2011 (“Covered Shares”) other than the average basis method (the Fund’s default method) must elect to do so in writing (which may be electronic). The basis determination method a Fund shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption (including a redemption that is part of an exchange) of Covered Shares after the settlement date of the redemption.
In addition to the requirement to report the gross proceeds from redemptions of Fund shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for Covered Shares that are redeemed 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 advisers 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 Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact their financial intermediary for information related to the basis election and reporting.
Backup Withholding - The Fund is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury 24% 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 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 the shareholder’s federal income tax liability or refunded if proper documentation is submitted to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Shareholders - Dividends the Fund pays to a shareholder who is a non-resident alien individual or foreign entity (each a “non-U.S. shareholder”) -- other than (1) dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder whose ownership of the Fund’s shares is “effectively connected” with a trade or business within the United States the shareholder conducts and (2) capital gain distributions paid to a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the United States for no more than 182 days during the taxable year -- generally are subject to 30% federal withholding tax (unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable treaty). However, two categories of dividends the Fund might pay, “short-term capital gain dividends” and “interest-related dividends,” to non-U.S. shareholders (with certain exceptions) and reported by it in writing to its shareholders are exempt from that tax. “Short-term capital gain dividends” are dividends that are attributable to net short-term gain, computed with certain adjustments. “Interest-related dividends” are dividends that are attributable to “qualified net interest income” (i.e., “qualified interest income,” which generally consists of certain original issue discount, interest on obligations “in registered form,” and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. The Fund’s capital gain distributions will also not be subject to such withholding tax. Non-U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of that withholding tax.
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Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) - Under FATCA, “foreign financial institutions” (“FFIs”) and “non-financial foreign entities” (“NFFEs”) that are Fund shareholders may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on income dividends the Fund pays. As discussed more fully 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 that certifies its status as such and, in certain circumstances, information regarding substantial U.S. owners. Proposed regulations (having current effect) have been issued to eliminate certain FATCA withholding taxes, including the withholding tax on investment sale proceeds that was scheduled to begin in 2019, and to defer the effective date of other taxes.
The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (“IGAs”) with certain countries. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of the IGA instead of U.S. Treasury regulations. 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 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 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 NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying its status as such and, in certain circumstances, either that (1) it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or (2) it does have one or more such owners and reports the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each such owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which may, in turn, report information to the IRS.
Those foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted, or deemed compliant categories established by U.S. Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in the Fund will need to provide it 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. Foreign investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these requirements to their own situation and the impact thereof on their investment in the Fund.
Investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund based on their particular circumstances. The Fund does not expect to receive a ruling from any tax authority or an opinion of tax counsel with respect to its treatment of any tax positions. Tax consequences of transactions are not the primary consideration of the Fund in implementing its investment strategy.
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 (e.g., 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. The following individuals (and members of that individual’s “immediate family”) are eligible to purchase shares of the R5 Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, or its parent company RIM, (ii) employees of a sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) members of the Board, (iv) employees of Kelso/Estancia, and (v) 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 R5 Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the R5 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 R5 and Y Classes were created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, 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. The audited financial statements are incorporated by reference to the American Beacon Funds’ Annual Report to Shareholders of the Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. Effective with the reorganization on January 18, 2019, the Fund adopted the financial statements of the Acquired Tocqueville Fund. Those financial statements were audited by another registered public accounting firm.
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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 American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the “Funds”). AmBeacon may invest a Fund in shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund solicits a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, AmBeacon’s interests as manager of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, AmBeacon will vote the Fund’s shares in accordance with the Select Funds’ Board of Trustees’ recommendations in the proxy statement.
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS TRUST
AMERICAN BEACON SOUND POINT ENHANCED INCOME FUND
AMERICAN BEACON APOLLO TOTAL RETURN FUND
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Last Amended February 28, 2018
Preface
Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion to secure the best long-term interests of shareholders of the American Beacon Funds (“Beacon Funds”), the American Beacon Select Funds (“Select Funds”), the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (“Institutional Funds”), the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the “Funds”). Therefore, this 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 may allocate discrete portions of the Funds among sub-advisors, and the Manager may directly manage all or a portion of the assets of certain Funds. The Funds’ respective 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 instruct the sub-advisor to vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party proxy voting advisory service.
Each Fund can invest in the shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund issues a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, the Manager’s interests regarding the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, the Manager will vote in accordance with the 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.
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Securities on Loan
With respect to the Funds that engage in securities lending, 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 a 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 Funds’ 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 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 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 Funds’ website (if applicable), and c) on the SEC’s website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the Funds’ 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 Reporting
On at least an annual basis, the Manager will present a summary of the voting records of the Funds 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.
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APPENDIX B
TOCQUEVILLE ASSET MANAGEMENT L.P.
PROXY VOTING POLICY GUIDELINES
Overview
It is impossible to establish policies so comprehensive as to address every issue presented for a proxy vote by either corporate management or shareholder proponents. Accordingly Tocqueville has adopted “guidelines” that generally pertain to 95% of all proxy proposals presented. These guidelines do not dictate a particular result but rather provide the policy foundation for determining an appropriate course of action for voting proxies.
These guidelines are designed to be applicable to the proxy voting process for U.S. domestic corporations as well as to the proxy voting process for Canadian issuers. In light of the voting complexity, timing and cost as well as language barriers of voting proxies in multiple foreign jurisdictions, Tocqueville has determined that, as a matter of policy, it is the best interest of its clients to adopt the Global Proxy Voting Policies of Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) as the voting policies for Tocqueville in exercising proxy votes outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. and Canada.
Due to the precatory nature of most shareholder proposals, latitude may be given to supporting resolutions that “request” the board of directors’ consideration of a particular corporate action or policy, whereas a stricter standard may be imposed if the shareholder proposal is a by-law amendment that, if approved, mandates implementation by the board.
When an issue is presented for the first time ever, Tocqueville may abstain until the there is an opportunity to analyze the subject matter for the adoption of a formal guideline.

In special matters, such as a “hostile” takeover, contested election of directors, proposed merger or acquisition, portfolio managers and equity research analysts of Tocqueville and proxy voting advisory research services will provide additional insight on the both the financial and corporate governance aspects of the situation. As always, the ultimate vote cast will be based on what Tocqueville determines to be in the best financial interest of its clients toward the maximization of shareholder value.
Guidelines on Management Proposals
Advanced Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals *Vote case-by-case on advance notice proposals, giving support to those proposals which allow shareholders to submit proposals/nominations as close to the meeting date as reasonably possible and within the broadest window possible, recognizing the need to allow sufficient notice for company, regulatory, and shareholder review. To be reasonable, the company’s deadline for shareholder notice of a proposal/nominations must be no earlier than 120 days prior to the anniversary of the previous year’s meeting and have a submittal window of no shorter than 30 days from the beginning of the notice period. The submittal window is the period under which shareholders must file their proposals/nominations prior to the deadline. In general, *Supports additional efforts by companies to ensure full disclosure regarding a shareholder proponent’s economic and voting position in the company so long as the informational requirements are reasonable and aimed at providing shareholders with the necessary information to review such proposals.
Appointment of Auditors Generally *Supports the choice of auditors recommended by the independent audit committee of the board of directors, but prefers that there be a rotation of the firm auditing the company every ten (10) years. Such support may be withheld if (a) An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; (b) There is reason to believe that opinion rendered by the independent auditor is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position; (c) Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or (d) Fees for non-audit services (“Other” fees) are excessive as determined by ISS.
Classified/Staggered Boards *Supports the annual election of all directors.*Does not support the establishment of staggered terms or “classified” boards. However support will not be withheld for the election of directors simply because the board is currently classified.
Confidential Ballot *Supports confidential voting by shareholders, and the use of independent tabulators and inspectors of election. *Supports proposals seeking to maintain the confidentiality of votes cast by proxy on uncontested matters, including a running tally of votes for and against. *Does not support any attempt to either circumvent or curtail the confidentiality of the voting process, or use information obtained during the voting process to influence the outcome of the voting. *Supports proposals requesting the adoption of a uniform method of vote tabulation to insure that the support for management and shareholder proposals be calculated in the same manner (e.g., If abstentions are excluded when calculating director support, abstentions should be excluded when calculating support for shareholder proposals)
Consent Proceedings/Special Meetings *Does not support the elimination or restriction of the shareholder right to solicit written consents for the removal and election of directors without a shareholder meeting. *Does not support restricting the ability or right of shareholders to call a special meeting of the company.

Contested Election of Directors *Case-by-case analysis will be undertaken to review the a) long term financial performance of the company, b) management’s track record, c) qualifications of both slates of candidates, d) basis for the proxy contest, e) likelihood of proposed objectives being met and f) ultimate best economic interest of all shareholders.
Cumulative Voting *Supports allowing shareholders to cast cumulative votes by multiplying the number of shares owned by the number of director candidates and casting the total vote for any individual or slate of candidates. Cumulative voting may result in a minority bloc of stock being represented on the board and may also provide the most effective means for getting a difference in viewpoint on the board.
Director Liability & Indemnification *Supports a limitation on director liability and increased indemnification provided there is an exception to such indemnity in the event of fraud or a violation of fiduciary duty by any director. In particular, Does not support any proposal that would affect a director’s liability for (a) breach of the duty of loyalty, (b) acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations
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of law, (c) unlawful purchase or redemption of stock, (d) payment of unlawful dividends, or (e) receipt of improper personal benefits. *Supports indemnification of legal expenses of directors and officers who acted in good faith and for a purpose they reasonably believe to be in the corporation’s best interest. *Does not support increasing the indemnification of directors or officers for damages caused by violations of the duty of care.
Director Nomination by Shareholders The proposition that shareholders have an effective and equitable means of participating in the election of directors is one that we support if it is achieved with uniform application. The difficulty with addressing this topic via shareholder proposals is one of definition. Accepting that substantial long-term shareholders should have the means to nominate directors for inclusion in the company proxy statement, what is a reasonable amount and duration of such a holding? Until the SEC and/or state legislatures establish the nomination and election processes for directors and a uniform process is applicable to all corporations, we are not enthralled with the piecemeal approach to resolving this important governance issue. However, *Supports proposals seeking to authorize holders of 3% or more of outstanding shares for at least three years to nominate up to 25% of board seats available whose names would appear in the company proxy statement, for election to the Board. *Supports an additional limitation as to the number of shareholders that may aggregate holdings in order to meeting the ownership percentage threshold (i.e. no more than 20).
Dual Class Stock *Does not support the creation or extension of dual class or unequal voting rights stock which reduces the voting power of existing shareholders and concentrates significant power in management.
Election of Directors *Support for the election of directors will be based primarily on the long-term economic performance of the company, its corporate governance principles and practices and the maintenance of accountability & independence of the board of directors. A failure of the directors to exercise appropriate oversight of management or to advance the best financial interests of shareholders could result in the withholding of election support. Where less than 75% of the board is independent directors (as defined below): *Does not support the election of non-independent nominees or the members of the Nominating Committee. *Does not support the election of the Audit Committee Chair (or Audit Committee members if classified board and Audit Chair is not a current nominee) who fails to submit the appointment of auditors to shareholders for ratification. *Does not support the election of the Audit Committee Chair if the Audit Committee has selected auditors for which ratification is being withheld under the guideline for “Appointment of Auditors” noted above. In recognition of the substantial equity stake held by certain directors or shareholders, on a *case-by-case basis, director nominees who are or represent such shareholders may be supported under our board and committee independence policies provided the company has adopted independence and governance criteria identified by ISS. *As to individual directors, the failure of a director (except new nominees) to attend 75% of the meeting of the board and committees of which the director is a member, without justification (i.e., illness) will result in the withholding of support. If the proxy disclosure is unclear and insufficient to determine whether a director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of his/her board and committee meetings during his/her period of service, support will be withheld from the election of the director(s) in question.*Does not support election of directors, other than first time candidates, who have failed to personally invest their own funds in an equity position in the company. *Does not support the election of directors if the board has failed or refused to implement as corporate policy the resolve of a shareholder resolution which received the favorable vote of the majority of the votes cast during the preceding annual meeting.
*Does not support the election of members of Governance Committee (or equivalent) or the entire Board if there is no governance Committee if the company’s charter or articles of incorporation impose an outright prohibition on the submission of binding shareholder proposals or share ownership requirements or time holding requirements to file such by-law amendments are in excess of SEC Rule 14a-8. Vote against on an ongoing basis. We believe the shareholders’ ability to amend the bylaws is a fundamental right of ownership which should not be infringed upon. *Does not support the election of persons nominated for director who seek to serve on four or more public company boards of directors. *Does not support the election of a Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of a company who serve on the board of more than one public company besides their own. Further, *support will be withheld for the election of (a) members of the Compensation Committee adopting executive compensation programs either too excessive or without regard for the financial performance of the company, (b) members of the Audit Committee if the company has corporate governance deficiencies or wrongdoings, (c) members of the Compensation Committee where the backdating of options was approved, or (d) the entire Board where it has failed to adopt corrective measures to re-price the backdated options or to recoup option gains on the backdated grants. *Support will be withheld for the election of the entire board of directors, if: the board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote or makes a material adverse modification to an existing pill, including, but not limited to, extension, renewal or lowering the trigger without shareholder approval. *Support will be withheld from all director nominees if the pill, whether short-term or long-term, has a dead-hand or slow-hand feature. *Support will be withheld for the election of the entire board if: A company completes its initial public offering (IPO) with a multi-class capital structure (with unequal voting rights), a classified board, supermajority vote requirements to amend by-laws or charter or other governance provisions deemed contrary to shareholder interest and fails to either reverse such provisions or put each provision to a shareholder vote within three years after the completion of the IPO. *Does not support the election of directors nominated by slate ballot, which requires a vote being cast for all nominees collectively. This policy will not apply to contested director elections. *Does not support the adoption of bylaw provisions that would allow for the appointment of an alternate director, who has not been elected to the board by shareholders, to attend board or committee meetings in place of the duly elected director. *Does not support management proposals to limit the tenure of independent directors through mandatory retirement ages. Supports proposals to remove mandatory age limits. Proposals to establish term limits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration.

 

The Board’s rationale for adopting term/tenure limits;

 

The robustness of the company’s board evaluation process;

 

Whether the limit allows for a broad range of director tenures;

 

Whether the limit would disadvantage independent directors; and

 

Whether the limit will be imposed evenly, and not allow for waiver in a discriminatory manner.
 
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Certain principles of corporate governance can impact performance and therefore may be considered in determining whether to support the election of directors:

 

Seventy-five percent (75%) of directors should be non-management independents with no direct relationship with the company. Independence shall be evidence by (1) not being employed by the company or an affiliate in an executive capacity within the past three years, (2) not being or having been employed with a company or firm that is a paid advisor or consultant to the company, (3) having no personal services contract with the company, and (4) not being an immediate family member related to any current director or senior executive of the company or not being related to several employees of the company.

 

The audit committee, nominating committee and compensation committee of the board should be comprised entirely of non-management independent directors.

 

Directors should not take specific action considered particularly detrimental to shareholder interests; should not adopt excessive forms of compensation or severance agreements to protect economic interests of particular executives without approval of shareholders; and should not adopt or implement excessive defensive measures that entrench management rather that protect shareholder value.
 
The plethora of compensation packages, products or arrangements that constitute poor or offensive compensation practices has expanded, virtually unchecked or challenged. Shareholders have reason to be outraged at excessive rewards having no relationship or relevance to performance or merit. We believe that such practices should prompt the withholding of support for the Compensation Committee, and most likely the entire Board when we have identified:
• Employment contracts having egregious multi-year guarantees of bonuses or grants
• “Perks” excessively dominating compensation • There is a significant misalignment between CEO pay and company performance (“pay for performance”)
• Performance metric or criteria being changed during the performance period
• Outrageous pension payouts
• Excessive severance or new hire compensation packages
• Options backdating
• Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or significant reduction of job responsibilities
• The company fails to include a Say on Pay ballot item when required under SEC provisions, or under the company’s declared frequency of Say on Pay
• The company fails to include a Frequency of Say on Pay ballot item when required under SEC provisions
Employee Stock Purchase Plans *Supports employee stock purchase plans provided that the plan is available to all employees, the purchase price is not less than 85% of the market price, employees are investing their own funds and the number of shares allocated for the plan does not excessively dilute the ownership interest of current shareholders.
Executive & Director Compensation Proposals to adopt or extend executive compensation plans are reviewed on a *case-by-case basis, but any compensation plan must have the overriding purpose of motivating corporate personnel through performance incentives and must not be unduly generous. However, *Does not support any compensation plan that excessively consumes corporate resources or is dilutive to earnings and asset values. Additional negative factors of a compensation plan include: a) excessive dilution; b) options at below market prices; c) restricted stock giveaways awarding longevity rather than performance; d) stand-alone stock appreciation rights; e) loans or other forms of financial assistance to award holders; f) abusive change of control payments; g) excessive severance agreements; and h) blank-check authority to the administering committee to set or forgive terms as it desires.
Guided by analyses of performance metrics, peer group adoptions, a balance of fixed vs. performance driven compensation, excessive practices, board responsiveness to investor input and the ultimate board rationale for the Executive Compensation Plan proposed, such executive pay and practices proposals, as well certain aspects of outside director compensation, will be addressed on a *case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS. However *Does not support management say on pay (MSOP) proposals, the election of compensation committee members (or, in rare cases where the full board is deemed responsible, all directors including the CEO), and/or an equity-based incentive plan proposal if:

 

There is a misalignment between CEO pay and company performance (pay for performance);

 

The company maintains problematic pay practices;

 

The board exhibits poor communication and responsiveness to shareholders.
 
Director Compensation Equity ownership by directors is encouraged and a compensation structure should include shares of stock as a portion of the annual fee, however, *Does not support stock options for outside directors. *Does not support the creation of retirement benefits for outside directors. *Does not support granting bonuses or options to outside directors in the event of a “change of control”, but *Supports the acceleration of awards already granted to avoid a sacrifice of benefits in such an event.
Stock Option Plans *Does not support either the adoption or extension of stock option plans or plan amendments that result in excessive dilution. *Does not support omnibus stock option plans with multiple types of awards in one plan prohibiting the opportunity for shareholders to vote on the separate components of each plan. *Does not support the granting of stock appreciation rights that defeat the purpose of giving employees a long-term equity stake in the company. *Does not support stock depreciation rights that pay the employee cash when the market price of an option previously granted declines. *Does not support plans allowing for the repricing of underwater options (unless resulting from a market wide event over the short term rather than company specific poor performance) without shareholder approval. *Does not support option exercise pricing at below the market price of the stock on the date of grant. *Does not support the reloading of options so that the stock available under the plan automatically
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increases as the exercise of options increases. *Does not support the extension of the option exercise period more than three years beyond retirement affording retired executives unlimited upside profit potential from movement in the stock price that is unrelated to any effort of the executive to improve performance.
*Does not support option plans that include an evergreen feature permitting automatic share replenishment or that is a rolling equity plan enabling auto-replenishment of share reserves without requiring periodic shareholder approval of at least every three years.
Executive Loans Consistent with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 prohibition against personal loans to corporate officers or directors, *Does not support company loans to executives/employees for use in paying for stock or stock options with a promissory note or to borrow money from the company. *Does not support a loan at rates substantially below market rates. *Does not support the forgiveness of loans upon termination or retirement. Any existing loans and action taken with regard to them must be fully disclosed to shareholders and have been made only pursuant to plans previously approved by the board of directors.
Incentive Compensation Plans *Does not support incentive compensation plans, such as restricted stock or cash equivalents, that are not specifically related to corporate and individual performance or tied to stated performance goals but are granted as a reward for continuing employment with the company a certain number of years.
Fair Price Amendments *Supports proposals that prohibit a two-tier pricing system by requiring anyone seeking to acquire a company to pay every shareholder a fair price. *Does not support such amendments if they are coupled or linked with a supermajority vote requirement or other anti-takeover defensive device.
Golden Parachute Compensation Proposals seeking shareholder approval of “golden parachute” compensation present complex and significant issues often requiring extensive analysis. While recognizing the need and equity of a severance package program, such programs should not be exorbitant or excessive. Guided by the terms of the programs and the ultimate board rationale for the package proposed, such proposals will be addressed on a *case-by-case basis in accordance with analysis and guidance from ISS. Circumstances where the golden parachute vote is incorporated into a company’s separate advisory vote on compensation (management “say on pay”) will be viewed as a “linked or bundled proposal” resulting in a vote of *Does not support.
Linked Proposals *Does not support proposals which link or bundle two or more elements or issues, that are not separately beneficial to shareholders, together in one proposal: such as when a proposal includes one or more elements that could have an adverse impact on shareholder value/rights or that violates a policy developed under these Guidelines, Such proposals can be used as either a means to disguise what is being sought or a form of coercion (i.e. a fair price amendment linked to a supermajority amendment or a corporate governance reform linked to the payment of a dividend).
Mergers & Acquisitions *Case-by-case analysis and evaluation will be conducted by the portfolio managers and equity analyst staff to determine whether the planned merger or acquisition is in the ultimate best financial interest of shareholders and our clients.
Private Placement Financing *Does not support proposals seeking blanket shareholder approval of the unrestricted issuance or the issuance of more than 10% of equity shares for private placement financing. Without having explanation and information on a specific placement, shareholders should not relinquish such broad discretion for equity financing to the board.
Poison Pills *Does not support the creation or extension of poison pills, involving the issuance of preferred stock purchase rights unilaterally declared as a dividend without shareholder approval, that can result in insulating incumbent management against competitive bids for the company. *Does not support any form of management entrenchment device and practice, thus poison pills presented for shareholder approval will not be supported.
Pre-emptive Rights *Does not support proposals seeking to eliminate the pre-emptive right of shareholders to maintain their proportional ownership position by having the first opportunity to purchase additional shares made available through a new public offering. Such rights not only reduce the negative impact of dilution otherwise caused by newly issued shares, but also preserve the voting interests of the shareholders.
Proxy Process *Does not support the elimination or restriction of shareholders’ access to the proxy process. Federal and state law authorizes the filing of shareholder resolutions that are limited in scope by the procedures of SEC Rule 14a-8, providing a means by which shareholders may pursue the accountability of directors and the future policy direction of the company.
Reincorporation *Supports proposals for reincorporation to another jurisdiction when a sound financial or business reason is demonstrated. *Does not support such proposals when posed as part of an anti-takeover defense or solely to limit directors’ liability.
Say on Pay *Supports shareholders having an annual opportunity to review, evaluate and have a “say” on executive pay practices. U.S. Domestic Issuers listed in different countries with multiple compensation proposals on the ballot pertaining to the same pay program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using the following guiding principle: (1) align voting recommendations so as to not have inconsistent recommendations on the same pay program, and (2) use the policy perspective of the country in which the company is listed. However, if there is a compensation proposal on a ballot under which there is no applicable U.S. policy, the policy of the country requiring it to be on ballot will apply. This is a limited carve out; for U.S.-listed companies, most markets’ say-on-pay proposals will be viewed from a U.S. say-on-pay policy perspective.
Shareholder Litigation Rights
Federal Forum Selection Provisions require that U.S. federal courts be the sole forum for shareholders to litigate claims arising under federal securities law. Generally, *Supports federal forum selection provisions in the charter or bylaws that specify “the district courts of the United States” as the exclusive forum for federal securities law matters, in the absence of serious concerns about corporate governance or board responsiveness to shareholders. *Does not support provisions that restrict the forum to a particular federal district court.
Exclusive Forum Provisions for State Law Matters in the charter or bylaws restrict shareholders’ ability to bring derivative lawsuits against the company, for claims arising out of state corporate law, to the courts of a particular state (generally the state of incorporation). Generally, *Supports charter or
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bylaw provisions that specify courts located within the state of Delaware as the exclusive forum for corporate law matters for Delaware corporations. For states other than Delaware, review *case-by-case on exclusive forum provisions, taking into consideration:

 

The stated rationale for adopting such a provision;

 

The breadth of application of the provision, including the types of lawsuits to which it would apply; and

 

Governance features such as shareholders’ ability to repeal the provision at a later date and their ability to hold directors accountable through annual director elections.
 
Generally, *Does not support provisions that specify a state other than the state of incorporation as the exclusive forum for corporate law matters, or that specify a particular local court within the state.
Size of the Board *Supports the board of directors’ discretion, with shareholder approval, in setting the size of the board.
Share Repurchase Programs *Supports proposals seeking approval of open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms or which grant the board authority to conduct open-market repurchases provided there is an absence of company-specific concerns regarding:

 

  Greenmail,

 

  The use of buybacks to inappropriately manipulate incentive compensation metrics,

 

  Threats to the company’s long-term viability, or

 

  Other company-specific factors as warranted.
 
In addition, based on analysis and recommendation of ISS will vote case-by-case on proposals to repurchase shares directly from specified shareholders.
Stakeholder Proposals *Does not support proposals seeking to redefine the “business judgment rule” and provide a wide range of director discretionary considerations as to the impact of corporate actions on its employees, customers, creditors and communicates. Allowing consideration of stakeholders can undermine the pre-eminence of shareholder rights and may have a negative impact on the company.
Stock Authorization Providing the board of directors with flexibility in changing financial conditions is desirable, but an increase of authorized stock as an anti-takeover defensive mechanism is not. *Supports an increase of authorized common stock when management demonstrates a specific need or intent to meet immediate business needs (i.e. stock split, recapitalization or funding of employee stock purchase plan). An increase of greater than 100% of the current authorization will be evaluated on the basis of the company’s need for additional shares. *Does not support the authorization of or an increase in blank-check preferred stock unless management provides an explanation of the specific financial purpose and benefit of the issuance, and details all voting rights associated with the preferred stock. For companies treated as U.S. domestic issuers by the SEC, with a sole listing in the U.S., but which are required by the laws of the country of incorporation to seek approval for all share issuances. of general share issuance authorities (i.e. those without a specified purpose), *Supports the issuance of up to a maximum of twenty percent (20%) of currently issued capital, provided the duration of the authority is clearly disclosed and reasonable (i.e. up to three years). Share issuance mandates at dual-listed companies which are required to comply with listing rules in the country of incorporation will be evaluated and voted on pursuant to the ISS policy for that market.
Supermajority Amendments *Does not support proposals that would establish a supermajority vote threshold (higher than 2/3) for shareholder approval of any action of the board of directors, including but not limited to the adoption or amendment of the company charter or bylaws, or the merger with or acquisition of/by another corporate entity.
TARP Compensation Plans *Proposals seeking shareholder advisory votes on TARP Fund Compensation Plans present complex and significant issues requiring extensive analysis. As long as the shareholder vote continues to be non-binding; guided by analyses of performance metrics, peer group adoptions, a balance of fixed vs. performance driven compensation, excessive practices, board responsiveness to investor input and the ultimate board rationale for the Plan proposed, such proposals will be addressed on a *case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS.
Virtual Shareholder Meetings Generally, *Supports management proposals allowing for the convening of shareholder meetings by electronic means, so long as they do not preclude in-person meetings. Companies are encouraged to disclose the circumstances under which virtual-only meetings would be held, and to allow for comparable rights and opportunities for shareholders to participate electronically as they would have during an in-person meeting.
Guidelines on Shareholder Proposals
Auditor Independence *Supports proposals seeking to restrict the public accounting firm retained to perform auditing services for a company from also engaging in management consulting service for the company. *Supports company initiatives that also seek shareholder ratification of the appointment of the separate management consulting firm.
Board Diversity In our view, establishing the criteria for qualified independent directors is both the duty and prerogative of the (presumably) independent Nominating Committee of the board.*Does not support proposals that encourage diversified representation on the board merely for the sake of diversification.
*Supports proposals that seek to expand the search for qualified director candidates without regard to race, creed, gender or color. *Does not support proposals that dictate the inclusion or exclusion of a class or group as directors. *Does not support proposals that suggest, recommend or require specific personal, professional or educational qualifications for director nominees.
Bonus Recapture *Supports the recapture of executive bonuses proven to be unearned because of significant restatement financial results or other “corrections” that dramatically alter the performance target achievements used to determine and calculate such bonuses. In the event of a significant restatement of financial results or an extraordinary write-off subsequent to the awarding of performance incentives, such awards must be recalculated to ascertain that the performance criterion was, in fact, achieved. In our view, any management personnel who receive compensation based on what is
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subsequently determined to be erroneous information, whether the result of intentional misconduct or simple error, should return those sums as they were not, in fact, earned based on meeting established performance criteria.
Business Continuity *Supports proposals seeking the adoption of a documented CEO succession planning policy. It is imperative that all companies have succession plans in place. The SEC expects investment advisers to provide for such succession plans in their business continuity programs, and it is logical for us support such proposals barring significant foundation to do otherwise.
Business Operations *Does not support shareholder proposals that seek to dictate the course, content or direction of business operations. *Does not support proposals asking suppliers, genetic research and food retail companies and restaurants to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and/or eliminate GE ingredients.
Charitable/Political Contributions *Does not support proposals seeking to direct how and to whom the company should make charitable, philanthropic and political contributions. *Does not support proposals seeking to bar the company from making any political contributions. Legislation and rule promulgation significantly impact on the ability to do business. Barring all political contributions could put the company at a competitive disadvantage. *Supports reasonable requests for disclosure of such contributions (except the publishing in newspapers and public media) as an element of the board’s accountability to shareholders, provided it does not entail excessive costs. *Does not support proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. Such a list would be burdensome to prepare without providing any meaningful information to shareholders
Climate Change *Supports proposals seeking increased disclosure regarding the risks of liability and cost to a company’s business operations, financial security and reputation that may result from climate changes caused by green-house gas emissions and “global warming”. Insurers having begun to factor directors’ actions to address the potential risks associated with climate change in the determination to provide directors-and-officers liability coverage, it is equally important that there be increased disclosure to shareowners of how the board plans to address and mitigate these risks.
Director Compensation Approvals *Does not support proposals seeking to establish the annual approval by shareholders of compensation for non-employee directors. If dissatisfied with the levels of compensation being paid our displeasure is expressed by withholding support for the election of the board or the Compensation Committee members. * Supports proposals requesting submission of “golden coffins” to a shareholder vote or to eliminate the practice altogether. Shareholders deserve the opportunity to review and approve or reject corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards including, but not limited to unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting of unvested equity grants, or other “perks” in lieu of compensation following the death of senior executives. A benefit program or equity plan proposal to which the broad-based employee population is eligible are generally not considered such a “golden coffin”.
Director Governance & Policy *Supports proposals promoting good corporate governance by seeking a majority of non-management, independent directors, and the formation of totally independent audit, nominating and compensation committees. *Supports the elimination of retirement plans for non-management independent directors. *Supports proposals seeking the separation of the offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in order that the structure and style of leadership does not compromise the Chairman’s duty to oversee management or give the CEO undue power to determine corporate policy. As an alternative to requiring the separation of these offices, *Does not support the separation of the principal offices provided:

 

  o There is a robust lead independent director role

 

  o There are established governance guidelines of the Board

 

  o 75% of the directors are independent

 

  o There are independent key committees of the Board.
 
*Does not support the establishment of artificial qualifications for directors such as mandatory retirement age, term limits and minimum stock ownership. The board’s internal self-evaluation of director performance should determine whether a director continues to be qualified for the board. *Does not support proposals requesting the creation of a new standing board committee on social issues unless ISS analysis determines that existing oversight mechanisms (including current committee structure) are grossly insufficient, the level of current board disclosure regarding the issue for which oversight is sought is inadequate, or the company has a record either poor performance or no performance in addressing the underlying social issue.
Director Nomination Processes The proposition that shareholders have an effective and equitable means of participating in the election of directors is one that we support if it is achieved with uniform application. The difficulty with addressing this topic via shareholder proposals is one of definition. Accepting that substantial long-term shareholders should have the means to nominate directors for inclusion in the company proxy statement, what is a reasonable amount and duration of such a holding? Until the SEC and/or state legislatures establish the nomination and election processes for directors and a uniform process is applicable to all corporations, we are not enthralled with a piecemeal approach to resolving this important governance issue. *Does not support proposals seeking multiple nominees for each director position being elected. *Supports proposals seeking to authorize holders of 3% or more of outstanding shares for at least three years to nominate up to 25% of board seats available whose names would appear in the company proxy statement, for election to the Board.
Disclosure Issues *Supports proposals seeking disclosure to shareholders on business activities and social and environmental issues provided there is no excessive cost to the company, the request is reasonable, the information would be of benefit to all shareholders and is not otherwise readily available. *Does not support disclosure when the information being sought is proprietary, confidential, duplicative, excessive or irrelevant to the operation of the company. *Does not support proposals seeking disclosure that exceeds SEC requirements about executive compensation, director nominees or corporate employees’ prior professional service. *Proposals requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies are reviewed on a *case-by-case basis, considering the company’s: current disclosure related to energy efficiency policies, initiatives, and performance measures; level of participation in voluntary energy efficiency programs and initiatives; compliance with applicable legislation and/or regulations regarding energy efficiency; and energy efficiency policies and initiatives relative to industry peers. *Supports proposals requesting a report on company policies, initiatives/procedures, oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials, including certain product line toxicities, and/or product safety in its supply chain,
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unless ISS analysis reveals that: the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as a Supplier Code of Conduct and/or a sustainability report; the company has formally committed to the implementation of a toxic materials and/or product safety and supply chain reporting and monitoring program based on industry norms or similar standards within a specified time frame; and the company has not been recently involved in relevant significant controversies or violations. *Proposals requesting that the company review and report on the financial and reputation risks associated with operations in “high risk” markets, such as a terrorism-sponsoring state or otherwise, will be reviewed on a *case-by-case basis considering guidance and evaluation by ISS. *Guided by the analysis of ISS, proposals requesting reports outlining the potential community impact of company operations in specific regions considering will be reviewed on a *case-by-case basis taking into consideration the impact of regulatory non-compliance, litigation, remediation, or reputational loss that may be associated with failure to manage the company’s operations in question, including the management of relevant community and stakeholder relations; and, the degree to which company policies and procedures are consistent with industry norms. *Does not support proposals requesting the company disclose its diversity policies, initiatives, comprehensive diversity data, and EEO-1 data.
Drug Patent Extension The business decision to request an extension of the patent on a prescription drug is not, per se, an unethical endeavor. While the FTC has ultimate authority to regulate the competition between generic and patent protected drugs, and to ensure that any request for patent extension is pursued within the parameters of the pertinent statute (Hatch-Waxman law), it is not an unreasonable request that the board of directors adopt ethical standards for its process of seeking a patent extension and to report to shareholders on such standards. *Supports proposals resolving such a reasonable request.
Election of Directors * Supports proposals seeking to have the electoral threshold for directors raised to a majority of shareholders entitled to vote provided the proposal is reasonably crafted, whether binding bylaws and precatory (nonbinding), and further provided that it does not conflict with State law of incorporation. Consideration is given to voting against such a proposal if the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present an effective equivalent to the majority voting proposal (including director resignation policies) or if the proposal does not exempt contested elections from the majority standard. Consideration is also given to the company’s history of accountability to shareholders in its governance structure & past actions. *Does not support proposals seeking the adoption of company policy that would forbid any director having more than 25 percent of the vote cast for his/her election to the board withheld by shareholders from serving on any key board committee. Having established as policy that directors should receive a 50 percent vote in support of their election to the board, there is little to be gained in establishing additional vote thresholds for being members of key board committees. *Does not support proposals to limit the tenure of independent directors through mandatory retirement ages. Supports proposals to remove mandatory age limits. *Does not support proposals to establish term limits.
Energy & Environmental Issues *Supports proposals promoting the preservation of the global environment by seeking the adoption of policies and procedures (i.e. the CERES Principles) that encourage the company to operate in a manner that protects the environment as well as the safety and health of its employees. If a corporation’s environmental record is proven so poor as to have (or the potential for) a negative economic impact on shareholder value, support may be given to a proposal seeking specific action directed at significantly improving the company’s poor environmental record. *Supports proposals requesting that companies to adopt policies to reduce the danger of potential catastrophic chemical releases at chemical and/or manufacturing plants. Proposals requesting that companies report on such policies will be reviewed on a *case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS.
Equal Employment/Anti-Discrimination *Supports proposals seeking prohibitions against discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, sexual orientation, labor organization affiliation or activities, or non-job related criteria.
Executive Compensation *Does not support proposals seeking to establish arbitrary limits or caps on executive compensation.*Supports proposals seeking to link compensation to financial performance objectives and/or shareholder value. *Does not support “common sense executive compensation” proposals seeking to establish arbitrary limitations or caps on executive compensation or to dictate the considerations weighed by compensation committees in determining the appropriate levels of competitive compensation programs.*Supports the use of “indexed stock options” having an exercise price indexed or linked to a market or industry peer group stock performance index. *Does not support proposals linking executive compensation to corporate social responsibility performance measures.
*Supports proposals seeking annual advisory shareholder votes on executive pay practices such “say on pay” proposals allowing shareholders to exercise a non-binding vote on executive compensation. The expansion of compensation discussion and the Summary Compensation Table mandated by the SEC provide shareholders a better understanding of the amounts & types of executive pay as well as the factors considered by the Compensation Committee in establishing such programs. *Supports proposals requesting boards to adopt “pay-for-superior performance” compensation plans for senior executives if the proposal seeks plans that set forth the financial performance criteria (financial or stock price based) to be benchmarked against a reasonable peer group performance and further request that the company exceed the mean performance of the disclosed peer group on the selected criteria. Any long-term equity compensation component of the plan should also specify the performance criteria to be benchmarked against others. The receipt of such equity-based compensation must require company performance that exceeds the mean performance of the peer group on the selected criteria. *Supports proposals calling for companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives, except in situations where gross-ups are pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as a relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy. *Proposals seeking to expand executive compensation restrictions beyond those contained in the TARP program for companies seeking to participate in the U.S. Treasury Department’s bailout program may be viewed as a symbolic call on companies receiving this relief to adhere to higher compensation standards, a number of which were proposed in earlier drafts of the TARP legislation. The need or desire for compensation restrictions beyond those mandated by statute cannot and should not be applied or adopted in a uniform manner. Accordingly, such proposals will be addressed on a *case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS. *Guided by the analysis of ISS, proposals seeking the adoption of a policy requiring any future senior executive severance agreements providing for payments made on a change in control be “double triggered” and not allowing for accelerated vesting of unvested equity awards will be addressed on a *case-by-case basis. Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered) are generally considered poor pay practices and could result in withheld votes from Compensation Committee
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members. The second component of these proposals, the elimination of accelerated vesting, requires consideration of the company’s current treatment of equity in change-of-control situations and current employment agreements, including potential poor pay practices such as gross-ups embedded in those agreements.
Expensing Stock Options *Does not support proposals seeking a company expense future stock options as this would result in the understatement of the true cost of the dilution and would obscure the company’s profitability.
Incorporation Jurisdiction Acknowledging the good governance practices and protections afforded shareholders in the United States, and also noting the financial impact of cost and taxation considerations of incorporating “off shore”, *Does not support proposals seeking to dictate the jurisdiction of incorporation. The determination of where to incorporate is a fundamental business decision balancing the combined economic and governance interests of the shareholders that is best left to the Board of Directors.
International Human Rights *Does not support proposals seeking specific action to promote human rights outside the United States. *Abstain on proposals seeking disclosure about international business activities. *Supports the adoption and implementation of the Global Sullivan Principles considering their previous significant success in advancing human rights within U.S. corporate operations in South Africa. *Supports that adoption and implementation of the MacBride Principles of Fair Employment in Northern Ireland considering advancements made within U.S. corporations there to eliminate religious discrimination in employment and hiring. *Supports the adoption and implementation of the China Business Principles as being a logical extension of the Sullivan Principles and the McBride Principles that have been effective in improving both the opportunity and condition of employment for workers.
Majority Voting Standard *Does not support reducing the vote threshold for approval of all issues from two-thirds of the shares eligible to vote to a simple majority of the votes cast. While opposed to “super-majority” thresholds of 75%, we are equally comfortable with shareholder approval by the 2/3 of the shares entitled to vote. Lowering the standard to a simple majority of votes cast could result in a near-controlling shareholder or an otherwise minority group of shareholders exercising undue influence or dictating the course of the company which, in our view, is neither in the best interest of all shareholders nor necessarily representative of their wishes.
Military Issues *Abstain on proposals pertaining to military issues/operations or the production of products used by or created for the military.
Poison Pill *Supports proposals seeking to have the creation of future and the extension of current poison pills be subjected to shareholder approval. The redemption of poison pill should be evaluated on a *case-by-case basis, therefore *Does not support proposals that bundle the redemption of an existing pill with the shareholder approval of poison pill adoption.
Prearranged Trading Plans *Supports proposals calling for certain principles regarding the use of prearranged trading plans (10b5-1 plans) for executives. These principles include: adoption, amendment, or termination of a 10b5-1 Plan must be disclosed within two business days in a Form 8-K; amendment or early termination of a 10b5-1 Plan is allowed only under extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the board; ninety days must elapse between adoption or amendment of a 10b5-1 Plan and initial trading under the plan; reports on Form 4 must identify transactions made pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan; and, an executive may not trade in company stock outside the 10b5-1 Plan. In addition, trades under a 10b5-1 Plan must be handled by a broker who does not handle other securities transactions for the executive.
Proxy Process *Does not support proposals seeking to expand the means or criteria for shareholders to gain access to or inclusion in issuer proxy materials unless such modification of process is done pursuant to SEC Rule uniformly applicable to all corporations. *Supports proposals seeking to establish an engagement process between the board of directors and proponents of shareholder proposals that have been supported by a majority of the votes cast.
Radioactive Waste Recognizing that all policies and procedures regarding radioactive waste must comply with regulations promulgated by the NRC, *Supports proposals seeking a renewal or new review of company policy in order to implement processes to reduce vulnerability to catastrophic nuclear accidents as being reasonable and as not imposing undue burden or costs on the company.
Severance Agreement Approval *Supports shareholder approval of severance packages that will provide for benefits greater than 2.5 times compensation (salary & bonus).
Share Retention *Supports proposals seeking the board of directors to adopt a policy requiring that directors and/or executives retain a percentage of shares acquired through equity compensation programs during their employment. However, *Does not support proposals that seek to establish a minimum percentage of shares to be retained. While the percentage should be relatively high, the board of directors should determine what is appropriate for the equity compensation programs of the company. *Does not support proposals prohibiting executives from selling shares of company stock during periods in which the company has announced that it may or will be repurchasing shares of its stock. However, *Supports such a proposal when there is a pattern of abuse by executives exercising options or selling shares during periods of share buybacks. *Does not support proposals that seek to require the retention by executives of a significant percent of equity awards obtained through compensation plans for a designated period of years after retirement. Ideally the companies have rigorous stock ownership guidelines and a holding period requirement that encourages significant long-term ownership and meaningful retention while executives are employed with the firm. With retirement, such guidelines and requirements should only be applicable to shares recently granted upon retirement. In our view, imposing additional or further restrictions on previously vested shares is inappropriate.
Succession Planning *Supports proposals requesting the board to adopt and disclose the nature of the company succession plan for management. It is imperative that all companies have succession plans in place. It is equally imperative the proprietary and private details of such a plan remain confidential. There can be a balance between keeping shareholders informed of the process and maintaining competitively sensitive information. Unless the proposal is unreasonable in its request for information and material to be disclosed, support should be given to the adoption of a succession program policy and disclosure.
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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) *Supports proposals requesting shareholder approval of extraordinary benefits contained in SERP agreements unless the benefits in the executive pension plan are not excessive when compared to those offered in employee-wide plans. *Supports proposals seeking to limit SERP benefits by limiting the “qualified compensation” used to establish such benefits to the executive’s annual salary, exclusive of any incentive or bonus pay.
Tobacco *Does not support proposals advocating the disinvestment of tobacco or e-cigarette operations or to otherwise effect the production of tobacco or e-cigarette related products. *Supports proposals that seek either a uniform international warning system on the health risks of tobacco use and vaping or increased corporate public education activities regarding the health risks of tobacco or vaping use. *Review on a case-by-case basis proposals pertaining to issues such as youth smoking, cigarette smuggling, vaping and internet sale of cigarettes.
Virtual Shareholder Meetings Review shareholder proposals concerning virtual-only meetings on a *case-by-case basis, considering the scope and rationale of the proposal and any concerns identified with the company’s prior meeting practices.
Workers’ Rights *Supports proposals directed at the fair treatment of workers and their labor organizations seeking labor/management cooperation and enhance labor/management relations. *Supports the adoption of workplace codes of conduct and rights of employment protecting against child or compulsory labor, discrimination and freedom of association, such as those included in the ILO Conventions, which are in conformance or even may exceed the local law of a foreign jurisdiction. The fundamental rights of employment protection and workplace safety should be uniformly available to all workers engaged in the production of products and services sold by U.S. corporations regardless of the geographic location of the factory or plant.
Revision History
Policy Adopted
06/01/03
Policy Expansion
04/16/04
Policy Revisions 05/17/04, 06/04/04, 08/19/04, 04/07/05, 05/17/05, 03/29/06, 02/05/07, 02/23/07, 03/21/07, 04/09/07, 03/28/08, 04/20/09, 05/05/10, 01/20/11, 04/20/11, 10/11/12, 12/13/12, 04/03/13, 04/21/14, 02/03/16, 12/15/16, 02/17/17, 02/12/18, 02/24/20, 02/24/21
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APPENDIX C
Ratings Definitions
Below are summaries of the ratings definitions used by some of the rating organizations. Those ratings represent the opinion of the rating organizations as to the credit quality of the issues that they rate. The summaries are based upon publicly available information provided by the rating organizations.
Ratings of Long-Term Obligations and Preferred Stocks — The Fund utilizes ratings provided by rating organizations in order to determine eligibility of long-term obligations. The ratings described in this section may also be used for evaluating the credit quality for preferred stocks.
Credit ratings typically evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of bonds. The rating organizations may fail to update a credit rating on a timely basis to reflect changes in economic or financial conditions that may affect the market value of the security. For these reasons, credit ratings may not be an accurate indicator of the market value of a bond.
The four highest Moody’s ratings for long-term obligations (or issuers thereof) are Aaa, Aa, A and Baa. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality and subject to the lowest level of credit risk. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and subject to low credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and, as such, may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Moody’s ratings of Ba, B, Caa, Ca and C are considered below investment grade. Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and subject to very high credit risk. Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. Moody’s also appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.
The four highest S&P Global ratings for long-term obligations are AAA, AA, A and BBB. An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong. An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters; however, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
S&P Global ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, SD, and D are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. An obligation rated SD (selective default) and D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also is used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. An SD rating is assigned when S&P Global believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
The four highest ratings for long-term obligations by Fitch Ratings are AAA, AA, A and BBB. Obligations rated AAA are deemed to be of the highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. Obligations rated AA are deemed to be of very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. Obligations rated A are deemed to be of high credit quality. An A rating denotes expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. Obligations rated BBB are deemed to be of good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.
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Fitch’s ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists, which can be utilized to help service financial commitments. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, the capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. Obligations rated CCC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Obligations rated CC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. Obligations rated C indicate exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; (c) the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or (d) a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings’ opinion, has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings’ opinion, has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. “Imminent” default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice. The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below B.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations — Moody’s ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2, MIG/VMIG 3, and SG. The MIG/VMIG 1 rating denotes superior credit quality, providing excellent protection through established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG/VMIG 2 rating denotes strong credit quality. Generally, MIG/VMIG 2 indicates that the margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG/VMIG 3 rating denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG rating denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
S&P Global uses SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and D to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An obligor determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay the debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. A rating of D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
Ratings of Short-Term Obligations — Moody’s short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 (Prime-1) is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody’s and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-2 (Prime-2) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-3 (Prime-3) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term policyholder claims and obligations. The rating NP (Not Prime) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
S&P Global short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated SD and D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than
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five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. An SD rating is assigned when the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.
Fitch Ratings’ short-term ratings have a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance markets. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest short-term credit quality. It indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good short-term credit quality. It indicates a good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A rating of F3 denotes fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is of speculative short-term credit quality, indicating minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments as well as heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only, a rating of D indicates a broad-based default event for an entity or the default of a short-term obligation.
Fitch’s ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. Obligations rated CCC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Obligations rated CC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. Obligations rated C indicate exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; (c) the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or (d) a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. “Imminent” default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice. The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations — Moody’s ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2, MIG/VMIG 3, and SG. The MIG/VMIG 1 rating denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG/VMIG 2 rating denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG/VMIG 3 rating denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG rating denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
S&P Global uses SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and D to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. A rating of D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
Ratings of Short-Term Obligations — Moody’s short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody’s and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-2 denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-3 denotes an issuer (or
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supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term policyholder claims and obligations. The rating NP (Not Prime) denotes an issuer (or supporting institutions) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
S&P Global short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated SD and D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. An ‘SD’ rating is assigned when the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.
Fitch Ratings’ short-term ratings have a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance markets. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest short-term credit quality. It indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good short-term credit quality. It indicates a good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A rating of F3 denotes fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is of speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only, a rating of D indicates a broad-based default event for an entity or the default of a short-term obligation.
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APPENDIX D
GLOSSARY
ADRs
American Depositary Receipts
American Beacon or the Manager
American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Beacon Funds
American Beacon Funds
Board
Board of Trustees
Brexit
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union
CCO
Chief Compliance Officer
CD
Certificate of Deposit
CFTC
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Covered Shares
Fund shares that the shareholder acquired or acquires after 2011
CPO
Commodity Pool Operator
Denial of Services
A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems
Dividends
Distributions of most or all of the Fund’s net investment income
Dodd-Frank Act
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRD
Dividends-received deduction
ETF
Exchange-Traded Fund
ETN
Exchange-Traded Note
EU
European Union
FINRA
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Floaters
Floating rate debt instruments
Forwards
Forward Currency Contracts
Holdings Policy
Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Internal Revenue Code
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Investment Company Act
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
IPO
Initial Public Offering
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
ISS
Institutional Shareholder Services
Junk Bonds
High yield, non-investment grade bonds
Management Agreement
The Fund’s Management Agreement with the Manager
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
NAV
Net asset value
NDF
Non-deliverable forward contracts
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
OTC
Over-the-Counter
PCAOB
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
Proxy Policy
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
QDI
Qualified Dividend Income
REIT
Real Estate Investment Trust
RIC
Regulated Investment Company
S&P Global
S&P Global Ratings
SAI
Statement of Additional Information
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act
Securities Act of 1933, as amended
State Street
State Street Bank and Trust Company
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Trust
American Beacon Funds
Trustee Retirement Plan
Trustee Retirement and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan
UK
United Kingdom
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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits

Number

Exhibit Description

(a)

(1)

Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated August 20, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 355, filed October 25, 2019 (“PEA No. 355”)

(2)

Certificates of Designation for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund, and American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 208, filed December 19, 2014

(3)

Certificates of Designation for American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 239, filed December 23, 2015

(4)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 253, filed April 1, 2016

(5)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 266, filed November 9, 2016

(6)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 286, filed March 30, 2017

(7)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 291, filed May 26, 2017

(8)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, filed September 11, 2017 (“PEA No. 297”)

(9)(i)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund, dated June 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 317, filed July 31, 2018 (“PEA No. 317”)

(9)(ii)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Fund, dated November 5, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 329, filed December 17, 2018 (“PEA No. 329”)

(10)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317

(11)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, dated June 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 348, filed April 30, 2019 (“PEA No. 348”)

(12)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, dated September 10, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 321, filed October 17, 2018

(13)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, dated March 5, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 348

(14)(i)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon TwentyFour Short Term Bond Fund, dated December 2, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 358, filed December 23, 2019

(14)(ii)

Amended Certificate of Designation for American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund, dated October 7, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 391, filed October 28, 2021 (“PEA No. 391”)

(15)

Certificate of Designation for American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund, dated August 17, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 377, filed September 10, 2020 (“PEA No. 377”)

(b)

Amended and Restated By-Laws, effective as of August 20, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(c)

Rights of holders of the securities being registered are contained in Articles III, VIII, X, XI and XII of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Articles II, III, VI, VII and VIII of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws

(d)

(1)(A)

Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 4, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 258, filed May 19, 2016 (“PEA No. 258”)

(1)(B)

Amendment to Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated June 23, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 269, filed December 23, 2016 (“PEA No. 269”)

(1)(C)

Nineteenth Amendment to Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated August 2, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 389, filed August 27, 2021 (“PEA No. 389”)

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Number

Exhibit Description

(1)(D)

Management Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269

(1)(E)

Management Agreement between American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated December 31, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 341, filed January 18, 2019 (“PEA No. 341”)

(2)(A)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, dated November 17, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 384, filed December 29, 2020

(2)(B)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, dated July 31, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 392, filed December 27, 2021 (“PEA No. 392”)

(2)(B)(ii)

Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, dated January 1, 2022 - (filed herewith)

(2)(C)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 231, filed October 1, 2015 (“PEA No. 231”)

(2)(C)(ii)

First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated January 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(D)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(D)(ii)

Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC, dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(E)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(F)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Pzena Investment Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(G)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Zebra Capital Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(H)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated August 31, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(I)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Massachusetts Financial Services Company, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(J)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(J)(ii)

First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated July 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(J)(iii)

Second Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated September 1, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(K)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 228, filed August 28, 2015

(2)(K)(ii)

First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated January 28, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 245, filed February 4, 2016

(2)(L)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(M)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated June 28, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317

(2)(N)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(N)(ii)

First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and AHL Partners LLP, dated November 7, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 331, filed December 21, 2018 (“PEA No. 331”)

3  


 

Number

Exhibit Description

(2)(N)(iii)

Second Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and AHL Partners LLP, dated November 3, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 383, filed December 14, 2020 (“PEA No. 383”)

(2)(O)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(P)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(P)(ii)

First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated November 7, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 331

(2)(Q)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Sound Point Capital Management, LP, dated December 9, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 237, filed December 9, 2015

(2)(R)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231

(2)(S)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated March 29, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258

(2)(T)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, dated January 23, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 275, filed January 25, 2017

(2)(U)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, dated August 24, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 389

(2)(V)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated September 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297

(2)(W)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Newton Investment Management North America, LLC, dated August 31, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(2)(X)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated June 14, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317

(2)(Y)(i)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Continuous Capital, LLC, dated September 25, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 329

(2)(Y)(ii)

First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Continuous Capital, LLC, dated November 13, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(Y)(iii)

Second Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Continuous Capital, LLC, dated June 10, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(Z)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P., dated September 13, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 322, filed October 22, 2018

(2)(AA)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated November 7, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 331

(2)(BB)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and SSI Investment Management LLC, dated May 31, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(2)(CC)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and American Century Investment Management, Inc., dated January 7, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 362, filed February 14, 2020 (“PEA No. 362”)

(2)(DD)

Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and National Investment Services of America, LLC, dated August 21, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 377

(e)

(1)

Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated March 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 312, filed March 28, 2018 (“PEA No. 312”)

(2)

First Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated March 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 312

(3)

Second Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated June 15, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 319, filed September 14, 2018 (“PEA No. 319”)

(4)

Third Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated December 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 329

(5)

Fourth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated April 22, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 348

4 


 

Number

Exhibit Description

(6)

Fifth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated May 17, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(7)

Sixth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated August 20, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(8)

Seventh Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated October 15, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 357, filed November 22, 2019 (“PEA No. 357”)

(9)

Eighth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated January 13, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 362

(10)

Ninth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated April 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 368, filed May 28, 2020 (“PEA No. 368”)

(11)

Tenth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated July 31, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 374, filed on August 28, 2020 (“PEA No. 374”)

(12)

Eleventh Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated September 10, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 377

(13)

Twelfth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated November 2, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 383

(14)

Thirteenth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 386, filed February 25, 2021 (“PEA No. 386”)

(15)

Fourteenth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated July 16, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 389

(16)

Fifteenth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated October 11, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(f)

Bonus, profit sharing or pension plans – (none)

(g)

(1)

Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 1, 1997, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, filed February 27, 1998 (“PEA No. 24”)

(2)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 9, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 353, filed May 30, 2019

(3)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 13, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 355

(4)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated October 15, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 357

(5)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective January 22, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 362

(6)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated April 15, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368

(7)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 31, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 374

(8)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated August 27, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 377

(9)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated October 8, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 381, filed October 28, 2020 (“PEA No. 381”)

(10)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective November 2, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 383

(11)

Amendment to Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective August 3, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 389

(h)

(1)(A)

Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated January 1, 1998, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 24

(1)(B)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement regarding anti-money laundering procedures, dated September 24, 2002, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42, filed February 28, 2003

5  


 

Number

Exhibit Description

(1)(C)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement to replace fee schedule, dated March 26, 2004, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64, filed March 1, 2007

(1)(D)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 17, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 278, filed February 28, 2017

(1)(E)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated September 11, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 298, filed September 15, 2017

(1)(F)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 303, filed November 14, 2017

(1)(G)

Amendment to and Assignment of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement from State Street Bank and Trust Company to Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., dated September 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 313, filed April 25, 2018

(1)(H)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 30, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 319

(1)(I)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated November 16, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 330, filed December 21, 2018

(1)(J)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated February 25, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 348

(1)(K)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 31, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 357

(1)(L)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 13, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 362

(1)(M)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated February 18, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 364, filed February 28, 2020

(1)(N)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated April 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368

(1)(O)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated June 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 374

(1)(P)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated August 25, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 377

(1)(Q)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 27, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(1)(R)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 383

(1)(S)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 11, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 385, filed January 29, 2021 (“PEA No. 385”)

(1)(T)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 12, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 389

(1)(U)

Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated September 27, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(2)(A)

Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(B)

First Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated May 8, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(C)

Second Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated August 26, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(D)

Third Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated March 26, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

6 


 

Number

Exhibit Description

(2)(E)

Fourth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated October 15, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(F)

Fifth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 13, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(G)

Sixth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective April 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(H)

Seventh Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective July 31, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(I)

Eighth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective September 10, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(J)

Ninth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective September 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(2)(K)

Tenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective November 2, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 383

(2)(L)

Eleventh Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective August 2, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 389

(3)(A)

Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 300, filed October 23, 2017 (“PEA No. 300”)

(3)(B)

Joinder and First Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated June 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300

(3)(C)

Second Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated September 18, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300

(3)(D)

Third Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 31, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 351, filed May 15, 2019

(3)(E)

Fourth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated September 6, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 374

(3)(F)

Fifth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 12, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368

(3)(G)

Sixth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 27, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 370, filed June 18, 2020

(4)

Administration Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269

(5)(A)

Administrative Services Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, dated June 10, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 357

(5)(B)

First Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, effective April 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368

(6)

Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Investor Class, dated March 6, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77, filed August 3, 2009

7  


 

Number

Exhibit Description

(7)

Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Advisor Class (formerly known as the AAdvantage Funds Service Class), dated May 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45, filed May 1, 2003 (“PEA No. 45”)

(8)(A)

Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated February 16, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84, filed March 16, 2010

(8)(B)

Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, effective October 11, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(9)(A)

Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated May 25, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90, filed June 15, 2010 (“PEA No. 90”)

(9)(B)

Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, effective October 11, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(10)(A)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Fund, R5, Y and Investor Class Shares, dated April 30, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 388, filed May 27, 2021 (“PEA No. 388”)

(10)(B)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Fund, A and C Share Classes, dated January 22, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 385

(10)(C)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund, dated August 18, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 377

(10)(D)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund A and C Class Shares, dated August 18, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381

(10)(E)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund, American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund and American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund, dated November 10, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 392

(10)(F)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund, dated January 11, 2022 - (filed herewith)

(10)(G)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund, dated November 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 341

(10)(H)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, dated March 4, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 387, filed April 29, 2021 (“PEA No. 387”)

(10)(I)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund, dated August 18, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 383

(10)(J)

Fee Waiver Agreement for American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, dated April 30, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 387

(10)(K)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund Y Class, R5 Class and Investor Class Shares, American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund, dated August 24, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(10)(L)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund A Class and C Class Shares, dated August 24, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(10)(M)

Fee Waiver Agreement for American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, dated January 1, 2022, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 392

(i)

Opinion and consent of counsel — (filed herewith)

(j)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — (filed herewith)

(k)

Financial statements omitted from prospectus — (none)

(l)

Letter of Investment Intent, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, filed December 18, 1997

(m)

(1)

Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Advisor Class (formerly known as the Service Class), dated May 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 45

(2)(A)

Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, dated February 16, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88, filed May 17, 2010

(2)(B)

Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, effective October 11, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

8 


 

Number

Exhibit Description

(3)(A)

Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, dated May 25, 2010, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 90

(3)(B)

Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, effective October 11, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(n)

Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, dated November 12, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(p)

(1)

Code of Ethics of American Beacon Advisors, Inc., American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated April 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 388

(2)

Code of Ethics of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated December 31, 2018, as revised December 31, 2020 - (filed herewith)

(3)

Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated October 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 386

(4)

Code of Ethics of Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 25, 2005, as revised June 30, 2021 - (filed herewith)

(5)

Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated September 1, 2021 - (filed herewith)

(6)

Code of Ethics and Personal Investment Policy of Lazard Asset Management LLC - (filed herewith)

(7)

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Pzena Investment Management, LLC, as revised June 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 386

(8)

Code of Conduct for The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, parent company of Newton Investment Management North America, LLC, dated November 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(9)

Code of Ethics of Zebra Capital Management, LLC, effective as of September 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 392

(10)

Code of Ethics of Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated September 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 392

(11)

Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Co., dated October 15, 2021 - (filed herewith)

(12)

Code of Ethics for Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated February 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 387

(13)

Code of Ethics for Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated September 23, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 366, filed April 28, 2020

(14)

Code of Ethics for The London Company of Virginia, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 392

(15)

Code of Ethics for Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated January 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 388

(16)

Code of Ethics for AHL Partners LLP, dated May 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 387

(17)

Code of Ethics for Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., dated 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 387

(18)

Code of Ethics for Sound Point Capital Management, LP, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 392

(19)

Code of Ethics for Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated January 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 344

(20)

Code of Ethics for ARK Investment Management LLC, as amended June 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(21)

Code of Ethics for TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(22)

Code of Ethics for WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P., dated February 6, 2020 - (filed herewith)

(23)

Code of Ethics for Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(24)

Code of Ethics for Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368

(25)

Code of Ethics for Continuous Capital, LLC, dated April 30, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317

(26)

Code of Ethics for Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P., adopted November 11, 1986, as revised January 15, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 386

(27)

Code of Ethics for SSI Investment Management LLC, dated June 18, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391

(28)

Code of Ethics for American Century Investment Management, Inc., dated October 29, 1999, as revised January 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 386

(29)

Code of Ethics for National Investment Services of America, LLC, dated April 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 388

Other Exhibits

9  


 

Number

Exhibit Description

Powers of Attorney for Trustees of American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, effective as of January 31, 2022 - (filed herewith)

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

The Trust through the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, a separate series of the Trust, wholly owns and controls the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (“Managed Futures Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Managed Futures Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included, on a consolidated basis, in the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

The Trust through the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, a separate series of the Trust, wholly owns and controls the American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (“TargetRisk Subsidiary”), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The TargetRisk Subsidiary’s financial statements will be included, on a consolidated basis, in the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Item 30. Indemnification

Article XI of the Amended and Restated 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 and officers of the Trust 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, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee or officer 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 or employee of the Trust or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (“Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust and each series to the fullest extent permitted by law, including the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as amended from time to time and interpretations thereunder, against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof;

 

    (ii) subject to the provisions of this Section 2, each Covered Person shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the records, books and accounts of the Trust or, as applicable, any Series, upon an opinion or other advice of legal counsel, or upon reports made or advice given to the Trust or, as applicable, any Series, by any Trustee or any of its officers, employees, or a service provider selected with reasonable care by the Trustees or officers of the Trust, regardless of whether the person rendering such report or advice may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust or, as applicable, any Series.

 

    (iii) as used herein, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit,” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, investigative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened, and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities whatsoever.

 

  (b) To the extent required under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as amended from time to time and interpretations thereunder, but only to such extent 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 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 or her office; or

 

    (ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her 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).

 

  (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 Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such Covered Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which any Covered Person or other person may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law or prevent the Trust from entering into any contract to provide indemnification to any Covered Person or other Person.

 

  (d) To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, the Person or Persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
 

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  (e) To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as amended from time to time and interpretations thereunder, 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 shall be paid by the Trust or the applicable Series 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 or her to the Trust or a Series, as applicable, if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 2; provided, however, that any such advancement will be made in accordance with any conditions required by the Commission.
 

According to Article XII, Section 1 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, nothing in the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association. 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 or her office.

Article V, Section 5 provides that, subject to the provisions of Article XI, the Trustees shall not be liable for any act or omission in accordance with certain advice of counsel or other experts or for failing to follow such advice. Article XI, Section 1 provides that the Trustees are not liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but a Trustee 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 or her office, for any act or omission in accordance with advice of counsel or other experts or for failing to follow such advice.

Numbered Paragraph 10 of the Management Agreement provides that:

10. 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. The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and, therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of the Manager under such laws. This Paragraph 10 does not in any manner preempt any separate written indemnification commitments made by the Manager with respect to any matters encompassed by this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Aberdeen Asset Managers 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of and to the extent of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with AHL Partners LLP provides, in relevant part, that:

9. Liability. 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities or commodities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement, relating to its trading activities or information provided to the Manager regarding the Adviser, by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of the Adviser under such laws.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with American Century Investment Management, Inc. provides, in relevant part, 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with ARK Investment Management LLC provides, in relevant part, that:

9. Liability of the Parties. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person of the Adviser within the meaning of Section

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2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act (“Affiliated Person”), and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager (“Controlling Person”), against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such Affiliated Person or Controlling Person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust or the Funds that may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any Affiliate Person acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, any Affiliated Person of the Adviser, and each Controlling Person of the Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Adviser or its Affiliated Persons or Controlling Person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s responsibilities to the Trust or the Funds that may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any Affiliated Person acting on behalf of the Manager of the Manager’s obligations and/or duties under its agreements with the Trust or the Funds. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Bahl & Gaynor, 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of 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 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 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 Continuous Capital, 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Garcia Hamilton & Associates, 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or

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controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of 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 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 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with National Investment Services of America, LLC provides that

9. (a) Liability of Adviser and Indemnification by Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, however arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon: (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser, or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust’s prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund, the Trust or the Manager, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager or the Trust by the Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Newton Investment Management North America, 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 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 Shapiro 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the

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Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Sound Point Capital Management, 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with SSI Investment Management LLC provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser and Manager. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement. Each of the Adviser and the Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the other party, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the other party, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the other party or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the indemnifying party’s responsibilities to the Trust based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the indemnifying party’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the indemnifying party or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the indemnifying party. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination 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 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 Tocqueville Asset Management, 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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP provides that:

9. Liability. The Adviser, including its officers, directors, employees and agents shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, its officers, directors, employees and agents (each such person, a “Manager Indemnified Persons”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and related expenses) (“Losses”), to which a Manager Indemnified Persons may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser, provided, however that the Manager’s obligation under this paragraph 9 shall be reduced to the extent that the Losses experienced by a Manager Indemnified Person are caused by or are otherwise directly related to a Manager Indemnified Person’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

The Manager, including its officers, directors, employees and agents shall have no liability to the Adviser, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, its officers, directors, employees and agents (each such person, an “Adviser Indemnified Persons”) against any and all Losses, to which an Adviser Indemnified Persons may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s responsibilities to the Trust,

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its shareholders or any third party, provided, however that the Manager’s obligation under this paragraph 9 shall be reduced to the extent that the Losses experienced by an Adviser Indemnified Person are caused by or are otherwise directly related to an Adviser Indemnified Person’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Adviser nor the Manager will be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damage.

The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with WEDGE Capital Management L.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, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of 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.

Section 4.2 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:

 

  (a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Resolute shall not be responsible for, and the Client shall on behalf of each applicable Fund or Class thereof, indemnify and hold harmless Resolute, its employees, directors, officers and managers and any person who controls Resolute 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), “Resolute 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 “Resolute Claim”)

 

    (i) any material action (or omission to act) of Resolute 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 Resolute, or its affiliates, 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 Client in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or exhibits to the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Resolute;

 

    (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 Resolute or its agents or subcontractors of information, records, documents or services which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Client or any agent of the Client, including but not limited to any Predecessor Records provided pursuant to Section 2.9(b).

 

  (b) Resolute will indemnify, defend and hold the Client and their several officers and members of their Governing Bodies and any person who controls the Client within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (collectively, the “Client Indemnitees” and, with the Resolute 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 “Client Claim” and, with a Resolute Claim, a “Claim”):

 

    (i) any material action (or omission to act) of Resolute 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 Resolute, or its affiliates, 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 Client in writing in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Resolute; or

 

    (iii) any material breach of Resolute’s agreements, representations, warranties and covenants set forth in Section 2.4 and 5.1 hereof.

 

  (c) The Client or Resolute (for purpose of this Section 4.2(d), an “Indemnifying Party”) may assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any Resolute Claim or Client 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
 

15  


 

 

  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.

 

  (d) 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.

 

  (e) 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 Resolute. 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) 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, Resolute shall look only to the assets and property of the Fund to which Resolute’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 Manager

ABA shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, in his or her individual capacity, from and against any cost, asserted claim, liability or expense, including reasonable legal fees (collectively, “Liability”) based upon or arising out of (i) any duty of ABA under the Management Agreement (including ABA’s failure or omission to perform such duty), and (ii) any liability or claim against Indemnitee arising pursuant to Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rule 10b-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any similar or related federal, state or common law statutes, rules or interpretations. ABA’s indemnification obligations under this Letter Agreement shall be limited to civil and administrative claims or proceedings.

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.

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Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

Other Substantial Business and Connections

Rosemary K. Behan; Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Senior Vice President. Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.

Melinda S. Blackwill, Assistant Treasurer and Controller

Assistant Treasurer and Controller, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer and Controller, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer, Continuous Capital, LLC

Brian E. Brett, Senior Vice President, Distribution

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Senior Vice President, Distribution, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Distribution, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.

Paul B. Cavazos, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.

Christopher L. Collins; Director

Director and Vice President, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director and Vice President, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.

Erica B. Duncan, Vice President, Marketing

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Vice President, Marketing, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Vice President, Marketing, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.

Stephen C. Dutton; Director

Director and Vice President, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director and Vice President, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.

Rebecca L. Harris, Senior Vice President, Product Management and Corporate Development

Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Senior Vice President, Product Management and Corporate Development, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Product Management and Corporate Development, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC

Melinda G. Heika; Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Treasurer, Continuous Capital, LLC; Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.

Terri L. McKinney, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC

Takashi B. Moriuchi; Director

Director, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.

17  


 

Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

Other Substantial Business and Connections

Gene L. Needles, Jr.; Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Director and Chairman, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director and Chairman, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director and Chairman, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager and President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC; Director and Chairman , Continuous Capital, LLC; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust; President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director and President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; Director, RSW Investment Holdings LLC; Manager, SSI Investment Management LLC; Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC

Teresa A. Oxford, Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel

Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC

Bo Ragsdale, Vice President, Information Technology

Vice President, Information Technology, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc,; Vice President, Information Technology, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl; Director, President and Chief Operating Officer

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Director and President, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President, Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director and President, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, President and COO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director, President and COO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Manager and Senior Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC; Director and, Executive Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust; Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; Director, RSW Investment Holdings LLC; Manager, SSI Investment Management LLC; Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC

Christina E. Sears, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, RSW Investments Holdings LLC

Samuel J. Silver, Vice President and Chief Fixed Income Officer

Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex

Claire L. Stervinou, Assistant Treasurer and Corporate Tax Manager

Assistant Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer, Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.

The principal address of each of the entities referenced above, other than RSW Investment Holdings LLC, Shapiro Capital Management LLC, SSI Investment Management LLC, and National Investment Services of America, LLC is 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. The principal address of RSW Investment Holdings LLC is 47 Maple Street, Suite 304, Summit, New Jersey 07901. The principal address of Shapiro Capital Management LLC is 3060 Peachtree Road NW #1555, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. The principal address of SSI Investment Management LLC is 9440 Santa Monica Blvd, 8th Floor, Beverly Hills, California 90210. The principal address of National Investment Services of America, LLC is 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2350, Milwaukee, WI, 53202.

II. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

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

American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039.

Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (“Aberdeen”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund. The principal address of Aberdeen is 10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, AB10 1XL. Information as to the officers and directors of Aberdeen is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 162309), and is incorporated herein by reference.

AHL Partners LLP (“AHL”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund. The principal address of AHL is 2 Swan Lane, London, United Kingdom EC4R 3AD. Information as to the officers and directors of AHL is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 167882), and is incorporated herein by reference.

18 


 

American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The principal address for American Century is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. Information as to the Officers and Directors of American Century is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105778), and is incorporated herein by reference.

ARK Investment Management LLC (“ARK”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund. The principal address for ARK is 3 East 28th Street, Seventh Floor, New York, New York 10016. ARK was formed in June 2013 and registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2014. Information as to the Officers and Directors of ARK is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 169525), 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 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 2700, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Information as to the officers and directors of Bahl & Gaynor 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 a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal business address of Barrow is 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-2761. Information as to the officers and directors of Barrow is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105519), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Brandywine is 1735 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Information as to the officers and directors of Brandywine is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 110783), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Bridgeway Capital Management, LLC (“Bridgeway”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund and the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund. The principal address of Bridgeway is 20 Greenway Plaza, Suite 450, Houston, Texas 77046. Information as to the officers and directors of Bridgeway is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 111441), and is incorporated herein by reference.

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 Causeway is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 113308), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Continuous Capital, LLC (“Continuous Capital”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Fund. The principal office of Continuous Capital is 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039. Continuous Capital is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P. Information as to the officers and directors of Continuous Capital is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 292774), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. (“Garcia Hamilton”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund. The principal address of Garcia Hamilton is 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas 77010. Information as to the officers and directors of Garcia Hamilton is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 108017), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Global Evolution USA, LLC (“Global Evolution”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund. The principal address of Global Evolution is 250 Park Avenue, 19th floor, New York, NY 10177, United States. Global Evolution’s parent company is Global Evolution Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S and is located at Kokholm 3A, DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark. Information as to the officers and directors of Global Evolution is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 161677), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC (“Hotchkis”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Hotchkis is 601 South Figueroa Street, 39th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017-5439. Information as to the officers and directors of Hotchkis is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 114649), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Lazard Asset Management LLC (“Lazard”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The principal address of Lazard is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 55th Floor, New York, NY 10112. Information as to the officers and directors of Lazard is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 122836), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) is a registered investment adviser and is 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. Information as to the officers and directors of MFS is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 110045), and is incorporated herein by reference.

19  


 

National Investment Services of America, LLC (“NIS”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund. The principal address of NIS is 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2350, Milwaukee, WI 53202. NIS is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P. Information as to the officers and directors of NIS is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 307169), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Newton Investment Management North America, LLC (“NIMNA”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. NIMNA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon Corp”). The principal address of NIMNA is BNY Mellon Center, 201 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. Information as to the officers and directors of NIMNA is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 312937), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Pzena is 320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Information as to the officers and directors of Pzena is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 106847), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Shapiro Capital Management LLC (“Shapiro”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment subadvisor for the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund. The principal address of Shapiro is 3060 Peachtree Road NW #1555, Atlanta, GA 30305. Shapiro is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P. Shapiro was founded in 1990. Information as to the Officers and Directors of Shapiro is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105581), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Sound Point Capital Management, LP (“Sound Point”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund. The principal address of Sound Point is 375 Park Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10152. Information as to the officers and directors of Sound Point is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 157479), and is incorporated herein by reference.

SSI Investment Management LLC (“SSI”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund. The principal address of SSI is 9440 Santa Monica Boulevard, 8th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. SSI is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P. Information as to the officers and directors of SSI is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 104889), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC (“SIMG”) is a registered investment adviser and 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. Information as to the officers and directors of SIMG is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 136369), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Strategic Income Management, LLC (“SiM”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund. The principal address of SiM is 1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 713, Seattle, WA 98109. Information as to the officers and directors of SiM is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 151956), and is incorporated herein by reference.

The London Company Of Virginia, LLC (“London Company”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon London Company Income Equity Fund. The principal place of business address of London Company is 1800 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, Virginia 23226. Information as to the officers and directors of London Company is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 106654), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. (“Tocqueville”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund. The principal address of Tocqueville is 40 West 57th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019. Information as to the officers and directors of Tocqueville is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105690), and is incorporated herein by reference.

TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP (“TwentyFour”) is a registered investment adviser and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vontobel Holding AG and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and the American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund. The principal address of TwentyFour is 1540 Broadway, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10036. Information as to the officers and directors of TwentyFour is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 285791), and is incorporated herein by reference.

WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P. (“WEDGE”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund. The principal address of WEDGE is 301 South College Street, Suite 3800, Charlotte, NC 28202. Information as to the officers and directors of WEDGE is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 106234), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Zebra Capital Management, LLC (“Zebra”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund. The principal address of Zebra is 2187 Atlantic Street, 4th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902. Information as to the officers and directors of Zebra is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 126285), and is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 32. Principal Underwriter

(a) Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

1 American Beacon Funds

 

2 American Beacon Select Funds
 

(b) The following are the Officers and Managers of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

Name

Address

Position with Underwriter

Position with Registrant

Gene L. Needles, Jr.

220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039

Director, Chairman, President, and CEO

President

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl

220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039

Director, Executive Vice President

Vice President

Rosemary K. Behan

220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039

Secretary and General Counsel

Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

Brian E. Brett

220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039

Senior Vice President

Vice President

Christina E. Sears

220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039

Vice President

Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary

Michael D. Jiang

220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039

Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel

Assistant Secretary

(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 and fund accounting agent at State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110; 2) the Manager at American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039; 3) the Trust’s transfer agent, DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., 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.

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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 represents that this Amendment meets all the requirements for effectiveness pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 393 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irving and the State of Texas, on February 28, 2022.

 

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. 393 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) February 28, 2022
Gene L. Needles, Jr.    
     
/s/ Sonia L. Bates Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and February 28, 2022
Sonia L. Bates Principal Accounting Officer)  
     
Gilbert G. Alvarado* Trustee February 28, 2022
Gilbert G. Alvarado    
     
Joseph B. Armes* Trustee February 28, 2022
Joseph B. Armes    
     
Gerard J. Arpey* Trustee February 28, 2022
Gerard J. Arpey    
     
Brenda A. Cline* Chair and Trustee February 28, 2022
Brenda A. Cline    
     
Eugene J. Duffy* Trustee February 28, 2022
Eugene J. Duffy    
     
Claudia A. Holz* Trustee February 28, 2022
Claudia A. Holz    
     
Douglas A. Lindgren* Trustee February 28, 2022
Douglas A. Lindgren    
     
Barbara J. McKenna* Trustee February 28, 2022
Barbara J. McKenna    

 

*By: 

/s/ Rosemary K. Behan

 
 

Rosemary K. Behan

 

Attorney-In-Fact

 
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Type

Description

99.(d)(2)(B)(ii)

Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, dated January 1, 2022

99.(h)(10)(F)

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund, dated January 11, 2022

99.(i)

Opinion and consent of counsel

99.(j)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

99.(p)(2)

Code of Ethics of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated December 31, 2018, as revised December 31, 2020

99.(p)(4)

Code of Ethics of Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 25, 2005, as revised June 30, 2021

99.(p)(5)

Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated September 1, 2021

99.(p)(6)

Code of Ethics and Personal Investment Policy of Lazard Asset Management LLC

99.(p)(11)

Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Co., dated October 15, 2021

99.(p)(22)

Code of Ethics for WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P., dated February 6, 2020

Other

Powers of Attorney for Trustees of American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, effective as of January 31, 2022