N-CSR 1 d506500dncsr.htm N-CSR N-CSR

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-4984

 

 

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)

 

 

JEFFREY K. RINGDAHL, PRESIDENT

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (817) 391-6100

Date of fiscal year end: June 30, 2023

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2023

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 


LOGO

 


About American Beacon Advisors

 

Since 1986, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. has offered a variety of products and investment advisory services to numerous institutional and retail clients, including a variety of mutual funds, corporate cash management, and separate account management.

Our clients include defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial planners, and other institutional investors. With American Beacon Advisors, you can put the experience of a multi-billion dollar asset management firm to work for your company.

ARK TRANSFORMATIONAL INNOVATION FUND

Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. Companies that the sub-advisor believes are capitalizing on disruptive innovation and developing technologies to displace older technologies or create new markets may not in fact do so. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be sensitive to factors affecting those sectors. Information Technology sector companies may face intense competition and rapid product obsolescence, have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel, and lose patent, copyright and trademark protections. Investing in Health Care sector companies involves risk due to government regulations, product litigation, competitive forces, and loss of patent protection. The Fund’s incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) considerations in its investment strategy may cause it to underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations. The Fund participates in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

Any opinions herein, including forecasts, reflect our judgment as of the end of the reporting period and are subject to change. Each advisor’s strategies and each Fund’s portfolio composition will change depending on economic and market conditions. This report is not a complete analysis of market conditions, and, therefore, should not be relied upon as investment advice. Although economic and market information has been compiled from reliable sources, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the statements contained herein.

 

American Beacon Funds

    June 30, 2023


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    8  

Schedule of Investments:

 

American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

    9  

Financial Statements

    11  

Notes to Financial Statements

    14  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

    34  

Federal Tax Information

    40  

Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    41  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    45  

Privacy Policy

    52  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

“Don’t rock the boat.” How many times have we heard that phrase, applied to almost every facet of our daily lives?

 

For many of us, that proverbial boat is almost certain to rock despite our best efforts to keep it steady. Forces we cannot control will move it forward, backward and sideways – pushing us off our desired trajectory during stormy seas and preventing us from reaching the safety of the harbor.

 

However, by carefully planning, fine-tuning and adjusting our courses over time, we can help steady the boat and increase our chances of safely reaching  our  destination. The same can also be said about our investment

portfolios. If we make prudent adjustments as we seek to preserve and grow our savings – especially during periods of geopolitical and economic uncertainty – we’ll be better able to withstand the tempests we encounter along the way.

To help your investment portfolio weather storms over the long term, we encourage you to work with financial professionals to develop your personal savings plan, conduct annual plan reviews, and make thoughtful, purposeful plan adjustments to better manage your evolving financial needs and goals. By investing across different investment styles and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks in your portfolio. By allocating your portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to withstand short-term crises. Through careful planning, you will be better positioned to achieve enduring financial success.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for long-term financial rewards.

Thank you for entrusting your financial success with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products or to access your account information, please visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

Best Regards,

 

LOGO

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl

President

American Beacon Funds

 

 

1


Global Equity Market Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

For the 12-month period ended June 30, 2023, global equity markets were up significantly despite several wide-ranging global events. The last six months of 2022 saw rapid turnover in the British prime minister’s office, the death of Queen Elizabeth II and civil rights protests in Iran. These events were followed in the first six months of 2023 by China terminating its zero-COVID-19 policy, Croatia adopting the euro and joining the Schengen zone to become a full-fledged member of the European Union, Ukraine launching a substantial counteroffensive against Russian invaders, the World Health Organization declaring an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency, additional rate increases by central banks, a miniature bank run in the United States, and smoke from Canadian wildfires hampering air quality in New York City. Regardless, the MSCI® All Country World Index returned 16.53% for the period due to market increases in developed and emerging markets.

In the U.S., the S&P 500® Index was up 19.59% and only two sectors produced negative returns – Utilities (down 6.64%) and Real Estate (down 7.47%). Of the positive sectors, Information Technology (up 38.82%) led the way, followed by Industrials (up 22.98%). From a style perspective, Growth outperformed Value as the Russell 3000® Growth Index returned 26.60% compared to the Russell 3000 Value Index return of 11.22%. In terms of market capitalization, large-cap stocks again outperformed their smaller-capitalization peers, evidenced by the Russell 1000® Index returning 19.36% compared to the Russell 2000® Index return of 12.31%.

International developed markets also ended the period higher as the MSCI EAFE Index was up 18.77%. In Europe, the top-performing countries were Ireland and Italy, represented by the MSCI Ireland Index (up 45.35%) and the MSCI Italy Index (up 43.40%), and the lagging countries were Norway and Finland, represented by the MSCI Norway Index (down 8.99%) and the MSCI Finland Index (down 1.15%). In Japan, equity returns were generally in line with other broad markets as the MSCI Japan Index returned 18.14%.

Emerging markets performed worse than developed markets as the MSCI Emerging Market Index returned 1.75%. The worst-performing countries were China (down 16.82%), represented by the MSCI China Index, followed by Qatar and the MSCI Qatar Index (down 15.38%). In contrast, Greece and Turkey were two of the best-performing markets as the MSCI Greece Index returned 71.27% and the MSCI Turkey Index returned 53.27%.

 

 

2


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund (the “Fund”) returned 11.48% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2023. The Fund underperformed the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”) return of 19.59% for the same period.

Comparison of Changes in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period 1/27/2017 through 6/30/2023

 

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2023

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Year

  

5 Year

 

Since Inception
01/27/2017

  

Value of $10,000
01/27/2017-

06/30/2022

R5 Class (1,6)

     ADNIX          11.98 %          (14.05 )%        0.59 %       11.26 %      $ 19,846

Y Class (1,6)

     ADNYX          11.87 %          (14.14 )%        0.49 %       11.15 %      $ 19,721

Investor Class (1,6)

     ADNPX          11.48 %          (14.37 )%        0.21 %       10.86 %      $ 19,389

A without Sales Charge (1,2,3,6)

     ADNAX          11.51 %          (14.39 )%        0.24 %       10.96 %      $ 19,504

A with Sales Charge (1,2,3,6)

     ADNAX          5.07 %          (16.07 )%        (0.94 )%       9.94 %      $ 18,383

C without Sales Charge (1,2,3,6)

     ADNCX          10.55 %          (15.06 )%        (0.45 )%       10.37 %      $ 18,840

C with Sales Charge (1,2,3,6)

     ADNCX          9.55 %          (15.06 )%        (0.45 )%       10.37 %      $ 18,840

R6 Class (1,4,6)

     ADNRX          11.92 %          (14.11 )%        0.55 %       11.23 %      $ 19,809
                                

S&P 500® Index (5)

              19.59 %          14.60 %        12.31 %       12.88 %      $ 21,777

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to the R5, Y, Investor, and R6 Classes of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception. The strategy employed by the Fund’s sub-advisor has the potential for more volatility than broad market averages, which may result in significant fluctuations in the Fund’s short-term returns, both positive and negative.

 

 

3


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. A portion of the fees charged to the A and C Classes of the Fund was waived from Fund inception to 2020 and in 2023. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown for periods when waivers were in effect.

 

3.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Investor Class from 1/27/2017 up to 1/2/2019, the inception date of the A and C Classes. Expenses of the Investor Class are lower than those of the A and C Classes. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A and C Classes been in existence since 1/27/2017.

 

4.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the R5 Class from 1/27/2017 up to 10/28/2020, the inception date of the R6 Class. Expenses of the R5 Class are higher than those of the R6 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 1/27/2017.

 

5.

The S&P 500® Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by American Beacon Advisors. Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global (“S&P”). Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). The American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions of the S&P 500 Index. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

6.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Class shares were 1.12%, 1.19%, 1.45%, 1.43%, 2.19%, and 1.12%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund underperformed the Index primarily due to security selection, while sector allocation contributed positively to relative performance over the period. The Fund’s underperformance relative to the Index was principally attributable to holdings in the Information Technology and Communication Services sectors. Relative performance benefited from selection in the Health Care sector, however.

Sector allocation contributed to relative performance over the period. A null allocation to the Consumer Staples sector and an overweight allocation to the Information Technology sector buoyed relative performance. Conversely, an overweight allocation to the Health Care sector detracted from relative performance.

The sub-advisor will continue to focus on identifying companies best positioned for long-term exponential growth and capital appreciation created by transformational innovation.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Tesla, Inc.           11.2  
Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A           7.3  
Roku, Inc.           7.1  
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A           6.9  
Block, Inc.           5.9  
UiPath, Inc., Class A           5.4  
Unity Software, Inc.           4.5  
Shopify, Inc., Class A           4.4  
Exact Sciences Corp.           4.3  
Teladoc Health, Inc.           4.1  
Total Fund Holdings      30       
       

 

 

4


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Industry Weightings (% of Investments)

 

Software           20.5  
Biotechnology           15.9  
Automobiles           11.5  
Entertainment           10.7  
Capital Markets           9.9  
IT Services           8.3  
Financial Services           6.1  
Health Care Technology           4.2  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure           4.0  
Life Sciences Tools & Services           3.9  
Chemicals           2.6  
Health Care Providers & Services           0.6  
Interactive Media & Services           0.5  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment           0.5  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies           0.4  
Diversified Consumer Services           0.4  

 

 

5


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Expense Example

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees, if applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and R5 Classes that invest in the Fund through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The “Hypothetical” lines of the tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and R5 Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs charged by the Funds, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption fees, as applicable. Similarly, the expense examples for other funds do not reflect any transaction costs charged by those funds, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the “Hypothetical” lines of the tables are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If you were subject to any transaction costs during the period, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

6


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2023
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2023
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2023-6/30/2023*
R5 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,411.90       $5.92
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.89       $4.96
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,412.50       $6.46
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.44       $5.41
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,408.80       $7.88
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.25       $6.61
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,411.50       $7.41
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.65       $6.21
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,405.40       $11.75
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.03       $9.84
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,411.70       $5.92
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.89       $4.96

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.99%, 1.08%, 1.32%, 1.24%, 1.97%, and 0.99% for the R5, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

7


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Funds and Shareholders of American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund (one of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds, referred hereafter as the “Fund”) as of June 30, 2023, the related statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2023, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of June 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2023 and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June 30, 2023 by correspondence with the custodians and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

August 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the American Beacon family of funds since 2016.

 

 

8


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 97.32%            
Communication Services - 10.97%            
Entertainment - 10.45%            
ROBLOX Corp., Class AA       229,708         $ 9,257,232
Roku, Inc.A       305,158           19,517,906
           

 

 

 
              28,775,138
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 0.52%            
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class AA       4,970           1,426,291
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              30,201,429
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 15.43%            
Automobiles - 11.21%            
Tesla, Inc.A       117,879           30,857,186
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - 0.35%            
2U, Inc.A       241,078           971,544
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 3.87%            
DraftKings, Inc., Class AA       400,203           10,633,394
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              42,462,124
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 15.60%            
Capital Markets - 9.67%            
Coinbase Global, Inc., Class AA       279,300           19,983,915
Robinhood Markets, Inc., Class AA       664,943           6,636,131
           

 

 

 
              26,620,046
           

 

 

 
           
Financial Services - 5.93%            
Block, Inc.A       245,337           16,332,084
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              42,952,130
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 24.26%            
Biotechnology - 15.43%            
Beam Therapeutics, Inc.A       93,117           2,973,226
CRISPR Therapeutics AGA B       178,218           10,005,158
Exact Sciences Corp.A       126,245           11,854,405
Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.A       228,993           9,338,335
Twist Bioscience Corp.A       140,391           2,872,400
Veracyte, Inc.A       156,942           3,997,313
Verve Therapeutics, Inc.A       75,401           1,413,769
           

 

 

 
              42,454,606
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 0.39%            
Cerus Corp.A       440,925           1,084,675
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 0.55%            
Invitae Corp.A B       1,335,962           1,509,637
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 4.11%            
Teladoc Health, Inc.A B       446,915           11,315,888
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 3.78%            
10X Genomics, Inc., Class AA       70,467           3,934,877
Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.A       486,004           6,463,853
           

 

 

 
              10,398,730
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              66,763,536
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 97.32% (continued)            
Information Technology - 28.54%            
IT Services - 8.07%            
Shopify, Inc., Class AA       185,937         $ 12,011,530
Twilio, Inc., Class AA       160,374           10,202,994
           

 

 

 
              22,214,524
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 0.50%            
Teradyne, Inc.       12,277           1,366,798
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 19.97%            
PagerDuty, Inc.A       266,210           5,984,401
Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class AA       167,863           2,573,340
UiPath, Inc., Class AA       904,551           14,988,410
Unity Software, Inc.A       283,194           12,296,283
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class AA       281,635           19,117,384
           

 

 

 
              54,959,818
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              78,541,140
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 2.52%            
Chemicals - 2.52%            
Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.A B       3,729,945           6,937,698
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $463,582,480)

              267,858,057
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 2.65% (Cost $7,285,814)            
Investment Companies - 2.65%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%C D       7,285,814           7,285,814
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 1.40% (Cost $3,846,396)            
Investment Companies - 1.40%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%C D       3,846,396           3,846,396
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 101.37% (Cost $474,714,690)

              278,990,267

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (1.37%)

              (3,766,323 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 275,223,944
           

 

 

 
             
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at June 30, 2023 (Note 8).

C The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

D 7-day yield.

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2023, the investments were classified as described below:

 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 267,858,057       $ -       $ -       $ 267,858,057  

Short-Term Investments

    7,285,814         -         -         7,285,814  

Securities Lending Collateral

    3,846,396         -         -         3,846,396  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 278,990,267       $ -       $ -       $ 278,990,267  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2023

 

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value §

  $ 267,858,057  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    11,132,210  

Dividends and interest receivable

    21,482  

Receivable for investments sold

    596,742  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    572,579  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    99,877  

Prepaid expenses

    42,097  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    280,323,044  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    428,666  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    412,859  

Payable for expense recoupment (Note 2)

    19,560  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    207,053  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    38,604  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    16,894  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 8)§

    3,846,396  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    7,844  

Professional fees payable

    64,527  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    478  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    54,207  

Other liabilities

    2,012  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    5,099,100  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 275,223,944  
 

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 709,431,859  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    (434,207,915
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 275,223,944  
 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding at no par value (unlimited shares authorized):

 

R5 Class

    369,968  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

    14,395,419  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

    5,423,006  
 

 

 

 

A Class

    1,764,751  
 

 

 

 

C Class

    1,055,671  
 

 

 

 

R6 Class

    61,692  
 

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

R5 Class

  $ 4,474,962  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 172,981,127  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 64,126,589  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 20,818,534  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 12,078,215  
 

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ 744,517  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

R5 Class

  $ 12.10  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 12.02  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 11.82  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 11.80  
 

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 12.52  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 11.44  
 

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ 12.07  
 

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 463,582,480  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 11,132,210  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 12,636,194  

A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Statement of Operations

For the period ended June 30, 2023

 

 

    ARK
Transformational
Innovation Fund
 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities

  $ 1,094  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

    203,075  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 8)

    64,497  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    268,666  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    2,315,947  

Transfer agent fees:

 

R5 Class (Note 2)

    2,423  

Y Class (Note 2)

    173,559  

Investor Class

    3,917  

A Class

    904  

C Class

    551  

R6 Class

    571  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    34,070  

Professional fees

    127,596  

Registration fees and expenses

    118,948  

Service fees (Note 2):

 

Investor Class

    217,488  

A Class

    45,594  

C Class

    33,027  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

 

A Class

    50,465  

C Class

    115,170  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    96,541  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    24,616  

Loan expense (Note 9)

    4,826  

Other expenses

    57,417  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,423,630  
 

 

 

 

Net fees waived and expenses (reimbursed) (Note 2)

    (315,277
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    3,108,353  
 

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

    (2,839,687
 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized (loss) from:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (181,122,286

Change in net unrealized appreciation of:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    208,197,234  

Foreign currency transactions

    21  
 

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    27,074,969  
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 24,235,282  
 

 

 

 

A The Fund did not recognize net realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments in affiliated securities.

 

B The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have a change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment (loss)

  $ (2,839,687     $ (4,310,737

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities

    (181,122,286       43,033,949  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securities, and foreign currency transactions

    208,197,255         (719,293,292
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    24,235,282         (680,570,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

     

R5 Class

    (267,134       (2,685,198

Y Class

    (10,260,124       (112,948,763

Investor Class

    (4,039,338       (45,317,560

A Class

    (1,376,666       (13,396,308

C Class

    (826,866       (7,709,359

R6 Class

    (39,638       (504,056
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (16,809,766       (182,561,244
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    94,322,640         292,365,287  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    16,618,535         181,453,825  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (120,074,405       (548,129,793
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (9,133,230       (74,310,681
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets

    (1,707,714       (937,442,005
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of year

    276,931,658         1,214,373,663  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 275,223,944       $ 276,931,658  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund, a series within the Trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. As of June 30, 2023, the Trust consists of twenty-five active series, one of which is presented in this filing: American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund (the “Fund”). The remaining twenty-four active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). 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.

On July 11, 2023, (i) RIH, RIM and certain of their affiliates, and (ii) the current owners of approximately 93% of RIH (the “Current Ownership Group”) entered into a transaction agreement with certain creditors of RIM (the “Lender Group”) pursuant to which (i) all equity interests in RIH would be cancelled, (ii) new RIH equity interests would be issued to members of the Lender Group, and (iii) the existing credit agreements between RIM and the Lender Group would be terminated and a new credit agreement would be executed (“Transaction”). The Lender Group consists of various institutional investment funds (“New Ownership Group”) that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. The address of the New Ownership Group will be 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

Upon the closing of the Transaction, the Manager will be wholly-owned indirectly by the New Ownership Group, rather than the Current Ownership Group. The Transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. The Transaction will result in a change of control of the Manager and the termination of the Fund’s management and investment advisory agreements. The Board has approved a new management agreement with the Manager and a new investment advisory agreement between the Manager and the sub-advisors that would become effective upon the closing of the Transaction. A meeting of the shareholders of the Funds in the American Beacon Funds Complex that were operational as of July 31, 2023, will be called to consider the new management agreement and such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. In advance of the meeting, proxy materials will be sent to those shareholders regarding the new management agreement and any other matters proposed for shareholder approval. There are no anticipated changes in the services provided by the Manager or sub-advisors or in the fee rates charged by the Manager to the Fund.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848); Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. The guidance is applicable to contracts referencing London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The ASU is effective as of March 12, 2020 and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 which updates and clarifies ASU No. 2020-04. The amendments in this ASU defer the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Management expects these ASUs will not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

 

14


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820); Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, which provides clarifying guidance that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management expects the ASU will not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements.

Class Disclosure

The Fund has multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. The following table sets forth the differences amongst the classes:

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
R5 Class    Large institutional investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  
Y Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  
Investor Class    All investors using intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors.    $ 2,500  
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class    Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  
R6 Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold through retirement plan sponsors.      None  

Each class offered by the Trust has equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Income and non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class based on the relative net assets. Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of each class are allocated daily based on the relative net assets of each class of the respective Fund. Class specific expenses, where applicable, currently include service, distribution, transfer agent fees, and sub-transfer agent fees that vary amongst the classes as described more fully in Note 2.

Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies, consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of the financial statements. The Fund is considered an investment company and accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded as of the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may be settled beyond a standard settlement period for the security after the trade date.

Dividend income, net of foreign taxes, is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except certain dividends from foreign securities which are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Fund. Interest income, net of foreign taxes, is earned from settlement date, recorded on the accrual basis, and adjusted, if necessary, for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Realized gains (losses) from securities sold are determined based on specific lot identification.

 

 

15


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values are converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean of the bid and ask prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as last quoted by a recognized dealer. Income, expenses, and purchases and sales of investments are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of the exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments is separately identified from the fluctuations arising from changes in market values of securities held and is reported with all other foreign currency gains and losses on the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

Distributions to Shareholders

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 and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate and does not guarantee that it will pay any distributions in any particular period. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Fund may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Commission Recapture

The Fund has established brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If the Fund’s investment 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. This amount is reported with the net realized gain (loss) in the Fund’s Statement of Operations, if applicable.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments of the Fund are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund. Expenses directly charged or attributable to the Fund will be paid from the assets of the Fund. Generally, expenses of the Trust will be allocated among and charged to the assets of the Fund on a basis that the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) deems fair and equitable, which may be based on the relative net assets of the Fund or nature of the services performed and relative applicability to the Fund.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimated.

Other

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide indemnification to the other party or parties against potential costs or liabilities. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made in the future and, therefore, cannot be estimated. The Trust has had no prior claims or losses pursuant to any such agreement.

 

 

16


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

2.  Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Fund and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Fund with investment advisory and administrative services. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will 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

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with ARK Investment Management LLC (the “Sub-Advisor”) pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily based on the Fund’s average daily net assets according to the following schedule:

 

First $5 billion

     0.55

Next $5 billion

     0.525

Next $10 billion

     0.50

Over $20 billion

     0.475

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Fund for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

    Effective Fee Rate              Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 905,019  

Sub-Advisory Fees

    0.55       1,410,928  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.90     $ 2,315,947  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the 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, a fee of 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. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and sub-advisory fees” on the Statement of Operations. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager received securities lending fees of $7,565 for the securities lending activities of the Fund.

Distribution Plans

Separate Distribution Plans (the “Distribution Plans”) have been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act for the A and C Classes of the Fund. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

The Manager and the Trust entered into a Service Plan that obligates the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Investor, A and C Classes of the Fund. As compensation for performing the duties

 

 

17


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

required under the Service Plan, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Fund.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the R5 and Y Classes of the Fund and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Fund primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of its customers who hold positions in the Fund. Certain services would have been provided by the Fund’s transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Fund’s transfer agent. Accordingly, the Fund, pursuant to Board approval, has agreed to reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the R5 and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statement of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ 165,765  

As of June 30, 2023, the Fund owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent  Fees
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ 13,865  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Fund may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Fund in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Fund listed below held the following shares with a June 30, 2023 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

  Type of
Transaction
        Fund         June 30,
2023
Shares/Principal
          Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
          Realized
Gain
(Loss)
          Dividend
Income
   

 

    June 30,
2023
Shares/

Fair Value
 
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Direct     ARK Transformational
Innovation
    $ 7,285,814       $ -       $ -       $ 203,075       $ 7,285,814  
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Securities
Lending
    ARK Transformational
Innovation
      3,846,396         -         -         N/A         3,846,396  

The Fund and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager earned fees on the Fund’s direct investments and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
     Securities Lending
Collateral
Investments in USG
Select Fund
     Total  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ 5,601      $ 4,281      $ 9,882  

 

 

18


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in a credit facility whereby each fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the funds because it provides added liquidity and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Fund borrowed on average $1,320,149 for 9 day at an average interest rate of 4.74% with interest charges of $1,513. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statement of Operations.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the classes of the Fund, through October 31, 2023, to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) exceed the Fund’s expense cap. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                  Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class    7/1/2022 -
10/31/2022
    11/1/2022 -
06/30/2023
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

   R5      0.99     0.99   $ 5,876      $ -       2025-2026  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   Y      1.08     1.08     178,019        (16,552 )**      2025-2026  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   Investor      1.32     1.32     80,869        (4,912 )**      2025-2026  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   A      N/A       1.34 %*      29,217        -       2025-2026  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   C      N/A       2.10 %*      20,236        -       2025-2026  

ARK Transformational Innovation

   R6      0.99     0.99     1,060        (23 )**      2025-2026  

* Voluntary expense cap effective November 1, 2022.

** These amounts represent Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and are reflected in Total Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

Of the above amounts, $19,560 was disclosed as a Payable for expense recoupment on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2023.

The Fund has adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such contractual or voluntary fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager’s waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Fund’s annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed

 

 

19


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

above will expire in 2025 and 2026. The Fund did not record a liability for potential reimbursement due to the current assessment that a reimbursement is uncertain. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

   Recouped
Expenses
     Excess Expense
Carryover
     Expired Expense
Carryover
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ -      $ -      $ 138,754        2022-2023  

ARK Transformational Innovation

     21,487        192,248        -        2023-2024  

ARK Transformational Innovation

     -        292,619        -        2024-2025  

Sales Commissions

The Fund’s Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of A Class sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended June 30, 2023, RID collected $12,246 from the sale of A Class Shares of the Fund.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to A Class Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Fund’s Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the A Class Shares redeemed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no CDSC fees were collected for A Class Shares of the Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to C Class Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Fund’s Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the C Class Shares redeemed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, CDSC fees of $1,615 were collected for C Class Shares of the Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

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 and Compliance 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 video conference 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 only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit and Compliance 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.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

 

 

20


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

The NAV of each class of the Fund’s shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of the Fund’s investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. The Fund’s NAV per share is determined each business day as of the regular close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE” or “Exchange”), which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. ET, 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, including shares of closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), are valued at the last sale price or official closing price taken from the primary exchange in which each security trades. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share on the day of valuation. Debt securities are valued at bid quotes from broker/dealers or evaluated bid prices from pricing services, who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as prices of comparable securities, yield curves, spreads, credit ratings, coupon rates, maturity, default rates, and underlying collateral. Futures are valued based on their daily settlement prices. Exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued at the last sale price. Options with no last sale for the day are priced at mid quote. Swaps are valued at evaluated mid prices from pricing services.

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. ET.

Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act (the “Valuation Rule”) 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. Among other things, the Valuation Rule permits the Board to designate the Manager as “valuation designee” to perform the Fund’s fair value determinations subject to board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Manager’s fair value determinations. Effective September 8, 2022, the Board has designated the Manager as valuation designee to perform fair value functions in accordance with the requirements of the Valuation Rule. Prior to September 8, 2022, fair value determinations were made pursuant to methodologies approved by the Board.

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

The Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund’s pricing time of 4:00 p.m. ET. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and

 

 

21


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

may materially affect the value of those securities. If the Manager determines that the last quoted prices of non-U.S. securities will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all the Fund’s portfolio securities, the Manager can adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the Exchange. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the Manager reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. These securities are fair valued using a pricing service, using methods approved by the Manager, that considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and futures contracts. The Manager’s Valuation Committee may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. The Fund uses outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets and adjusted prices.

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 its fair valuation procedures for the Fund.

Valuation Inputs

Various inputs may be used to determine the fair value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

Level 1   -   Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2   -   Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and others.
Level 3   -   Prices determined using other significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment.

Level 1 and Level 2 trading assets and trading liabilities, at fair value

Common stocks, ETFs and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or options that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain securities that are solely traded on a foreign exchange to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign market and the close of the Exchange. These securities are valued using pricing service providers that consider the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments. Securities using these valuation adjustments are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in registered open-end investment management companies will be valued based upon the NAVs of such investments and are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

22


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

4.  Securities and Other Investments

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 OTC. OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

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

The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADR and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. These securities are subject to many of the risks inherent in investing in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular ADR or foreign stock. 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 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 securities.

Foreign Securities

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include corporations, banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. While investments in foreign securities may be 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, different governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund’s rights as an investor.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies (“BDCs”), ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment

 

 

23


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager or the Sub-Advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund’s 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. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

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

5.  Principal Risks

Investing in the Fund may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.

Asset Selection Risk

Assets selected by the sub-advisor or the Manager for the Fund may not perform to expectations. The portfolio manager’s 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.

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.

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.

 

 

24


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to investment and market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks. Investing in such securities may expose the funds to additional 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.

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 stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. 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. 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 or depository or their agents goes bankrupt. 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, 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 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 delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures. In addition, there may be less information available to make investment decisions and more volatile rates of return.

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. 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. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, 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.

 

 

25


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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, including the U.S. presidential election, 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.

Non-Diversification Risk

When a Fund is non-diversified, it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. When a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, it may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified portfolio might be. Some of those issuers also may present substantial credit or other risks. When a Fund is non-diversified, its NAV and total return may also fluctuate more or be subject to declines in weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes a Fund to greater market risk, price volatility and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

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, 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 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.

Recent Market Events Risk

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. 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 various variants of COVID-19, and efforts to contain their spread, have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, travel restrictions and closed borders, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy.

 

 

26


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Any resurgence of COVID-19 or a variant could negatively impact the Funds and adversely impact 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.

Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, recently, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates as part of its efforts to address rising inflation. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve will continue to increase interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such increases. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve to change its approach in the future and the Federal Reserve’s actions may result in an economic slowdown. Unexpected increases in interest rates could lead to market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market.

Slowing global economic growth; risks associated with 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, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine or in eastern Asia; political or economic dysfunction within some nations, including major producers of oil; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine beginning in February 2022, the responses and sanctions by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and the prices of various commodities.

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.

Sector Risk

The Fund’s investing approach may dictate an emphasis on certain sectors or sub-sectors of the market at any given time. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in one particular sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, it thereby presents a more concentrated risk and its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors or sub-sectors. In addition, the value of the Fund’s shares may change at different rates than to the value of shares of another fund that invests in a more diversified mix of sectors and industries. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may have above-average performance during particular periods, but may also move up and down more than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. The Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors, industries, or sub-sectors do not perform as expected. Because the Fund may hold a limited number of securities, it may at times be substantially over-weighted in certain economic sectors and underweighted in others. Accordingly, the Fund’s performance is likely to be disproportionately affected by the factors influencing the sectors in which it is substantially over-weighted. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries 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.

Securities Lending Risk

A Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions to seek 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

 

 

27


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated 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.”

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, such as 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 conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, the Fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. 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.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Fund is a party to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Fund employs multiple money managers and counterparties and has elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below, if applicable. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of the report date, June 30, 2023.

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2023
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 3,846,396       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 3,846,396  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 3,846,396       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 3,846,396  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 3,846,396  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

28


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

6.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

It is the policy of the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), by complying with all applicable provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is treated as a single entity for the purpose of determining such qualification.

The Fund does not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended June 30, 2023 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations.

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on returns of income earned or gains realized or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized capital gains and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

Dividends are categorized in accordance with income tax regulations which may treat certain transactions differently than U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Distributions paid from:

 

Ordinary income*

 

R5 Class

  $ -       $ 828,707  

Y Class

    -         34,427,122  

Investor Class

    -         13,263,997  

A Class

    -         3,952,773  

C Class

    -         2,070,125  

R6 Class

    -         155,638  

Long-term capital gains

 

R5 Class

    267,134         1,856,491  

Y Class

    10,260,124         78,521,641  

Investor Class

    4,039,338         32,053,563  

A Class

    1,376,666         9,443,535  

C Class

    826,866         5,639,234  

R6 Class

    39,638         348,418  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

    16,809,766       $ 182,561,244  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

* For tax purposes, short-term capital gains are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of June 30, 2023, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

  $ 571,137,655       $ 21,006,603       $ (313,154,002     $ (292,147,399

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
          Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
          Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
          Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
          Other Temporary
Differences
          Distributable
Earnings
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

  $ (292,147,399     $ -       $ -       $ (142,060,516     $ -       $ (434,207,915

 

 

29


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, unused capital losses, the deferral of late year losses and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains from passive foreign investment companies.

Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses, and realized gains (losses) under U.S. GAAP and federal income tax regulations, permanent differences between book and tax reporting have been identified and appropriately reclassified on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from unused net operating losses and distributions in excess of current earnings as of June 30, 2023:

 

Fund

   Paid-in-Capital     Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ (9,794,230   $ 9,794,230  

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“RIC MOD”), net capital losses recognized by the Fund in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 are carried forward indefinitely and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term losses.

As of June 30, 2023, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

   Short-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
     Long-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ 53,765,685      $ 87,023,923  

The Fund is permitted for tax purposes to defer into the next fiscal year qualified late year losses. Qualified late year capital losses are net losses incurred after October 31 through the Fund’s fiscal year end, June 30, 2023. Qualified late year ordinary losses are specified losses generally incurred after October 31 through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year end, June 30, 2023. For the period ending June 30, 2023, the Fund deferred $1,270,909 ordinary loss to July 1, 2023.

7.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Purchases
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
     Sales
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

   $ 81,015,030      $ 112,435,240  

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        June 30,
2022
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           June 30,
2023
Shares/Fair
Value
 
ARK Transformational Innovation   Direct     $ 5,017,674       $ 72,853,958       $ 70,585,818       $ 7,285,814  
ARK Transformational Innovation   Securities Lending       9,417,165         57,359,416         62,930,185         3,846,396  

 

 

30


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

8.  Securities Lending

The Fund may lend its securities to qualified financial institutions, such as certain broker-dealers, to earn additional income. The borrowers are required to secure their loans continuously with collateral in an amount at least equal to the fair value of the securities loaned, initially in an amount at least equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of the fair value of international securities loaned. Collateral is monitored and marked-to-market daily. Daily mark-to-market amounts are required to be paid to the borrower or received from the borrower by the end of the following business day. This one day settlement for mark-to-market amounts may result in the collateral being temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan or temporarily more than the required minimum collateral.

To the extent that a loan is collateralized by cash, such cash collateral shall be invested by the securities lending agent (the “Agent”) in money market mutual funds and other short-term investments, provided the investments meet certain quality and diversification requirements. Securities purchased with cash collateral proceeds are listed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and the collateral is shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a payable.

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. The Fund, the Agent, and the Manager retained 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of the income generated from securities lending.

While securities are on loan, the Fund continues to receive certain income associated with that security and any gain or loss in the market price that may occur during the term of the loan. In the case of domestic equities, the value of any dividend is received in the form of a substitute payment approximately equal to the dividend. In the case of foreign securities, a negotiated amount is received that is less than the actual dividend, but higher than the dividend amount minus the foreign tax that the Fund would be subject to on the dividend.

Securities lending transactions pose certain risks to the Fund, including that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral required to be returned to the borrower, that non-cash collateral may be subject to legal constraints in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, and that the cash collateral investments could become illiquid and unable to be used to return collateral to the borrower. The Fund could also experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Fund bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower and any action which impairs its ability to liquidate non-cash collateral to satisfy a borrower default.

As of June 30, 2023, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral were as follows:

 

Fund

  Fair Value of
Securities on Loan
   

 

    Cash Collateral
Received
   

 

    Non-Cash Collateral
Received
   

 

    Total Collateral
Received
 

ARK Transformational Innovation

  $ 12,636,194       $ 3,846,396       $ 9,435,516       $ 13,281,912  

Cash collateral is listed on the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Income earned on these investments is included in “Income derived from securities lending” on the Statement of Operations.

Non-cash collateral received by the Fund may not be sold or re-pledged except to satisfy a borrower default. Therefore, non-cash collateral is not included on the Fund’s Schedule of Investments or Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

31


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 11, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the Fund, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $100 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 9, 2023, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Fund, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also renewed an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”) agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $100 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) OBFR daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 9, 2023, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Loan expense” on the Statement of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Fund did not utilize these facilities.

10.  Capital Share Transactions

The tables below summarize the activity in capital shares for each Class of the Fund:

 

    R5 Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     81,761       $ 912,917         117,372       $ 3,082,508  
Reinvestment of dividends     30,642         264,744         93,450         2,657,723  
Shares redeemed     (128,977       (1,433,848       (171,861       (5,060,205
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (16,574     $ (256,187       38,961       $ 680,026  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     6,072,595       $ 69,213,029         8,905,547       $ 224,385,259  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,177,624         10,115,788         3,964,770         112,242,638  
Shares redeemed     (7,757,274       (85,969,323       (13,126,039       (361,424,619
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (507,055     $ (6,640,506       (255,722     $ (24,796,722
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,629,724       $ 18,019,878         1,751,215       $ 46,788,467  
Reinvestment of dividends     477,004         4,035,453         1,615,676         45,238,934  
Shares redeemed     (2,083,291       (22,811,873       (4,865,543       (149,518,802
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     23,437       $ (756,542       (1,498,652     $ (57,491,401
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

32


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     421,138       $ 4,527,596         394,670       $ 10,652,906  
Reinvestment of dividends     158,643         1,338,947         468,861         13,118,735  
Shares redeemed     (682,004       (7,213,188       (738,168       (20,918,805
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (102,223     $ (1,346,645       125,363       $ 2,852,836  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     127,226       $ 1,386,904         236,775       $ 5,800,101  
Reinvestment of dividends     100,239         823,965         279,395         7,691,739  
Shares redeemed     (249,039       (2,567,216       (390,958       (9,507,838
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (21,574     $ (356,347       125,212       $ 3,984,002  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

ARK Transformational Innovation Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     23,953       $ 262,316         51,141       $ 1,656,046  
Reinvestment of dividends     4,598         39,638         17,761         504,056  
Shares redeemed     (7,308       (78,957       (75,063       (1,699,524
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     21,243       $ 222,997         (6,161     $ 460,578  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

11.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

 

33


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.82       $ 48.75       $ 27.41       $ 18.59       $ 18.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.17       (0.12 )B        (0.34 )D        (0.16 )B C        (0.29

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.26         (28.04       21.91         9.60         1.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.09         (28.16       21.57         9.44         0.95  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.90       (0.07       (0.03        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.81       (7.87       (0.16       (0.59       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81       (8.77       (0.23       (0.62       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.10       $ 11.82       $ 48.75       $ 27.41       $ 18.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    11.98       (68.27 )%        78.67       52.22       6.55
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 4,474,962       $ 4,569,803       $ 16,943,552       $ 8,438,698       $ 2,674,638  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.13       1.12       1.03       1.24       1.74

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupmentsF

    0.99       1.06       1.00       1.00       1.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.03 )%        (0.47 )%        (0.87 )%D        (1.04 )%C        (1.42 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (0.89 )%        (0.41 )%        (0.84 )%D        (0.80 )%C        (0.68 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       59       61       28       63

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

C 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Xilinx, Inc. amounting to $0.0021.

D 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Novartis AG, ADR amounting to $0.0114.

E 

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.

F 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses.

 

See accompanying notes

 

34


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.76       $ 48.53       $ 27.31       $ 18.54       $ 18.57  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.16       (0.04       (0.29 )C        (0.19 )A B        (0.06

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.23         (28.00       21.73         9.58         0.99  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.07         (28.04       21.44         9.39         0.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.86       (0.06       (0.03        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.81       (7.87       (0.16       (0.59       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81       (8.73       (0.22       (0.62       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.02       $ 11.76       $ 48.53       $ 27.31       $ 18.54  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    11.87       (68.30 )%        78.48       52.09       6.45
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 172,981,127       $ 175,258,402       $ 735,669,845       $ 220,504,263       $ 32,822,832  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.19       1.19       1.11       1.26       1.94

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupmentsE

    1.08       1.15       1.09       1.10       1.10

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.09 )%        (0.52 )%        (0.95 )%C        (1.08 )%B        (1.62 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (0.98 )%        (0.48 )%        (0.93 )%C        (0.92 )%B        (0.78 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       59       61       28       63

 

A 

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Xilinx, Inc. amounting to $0.0042.

C 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Novartis AG, ADR amounting to $0.0150.

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses.

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.62       $ 47.98       $ 27.05       $ 18.42       $ 18.51  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.13       (0.37       (0.37 )C        (0.25 )A B        (0.17

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.14         (27.41       21.48         9.50         1.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.01         (27.78       21.11         9.25         0.87  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.71       (0.02       (0.03        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.81       (7.87       (0.16       (0.59       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81       (8.58       (0.18       (0.62       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.82       $ 11.62       $ 47.98       $ 27.05       $ 18.42  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    11.48       (68.36 )%        78.03       51.66       6.13
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 64,126,589       $ 62,722,510       $ 331,002,394       $ 69,421,549       $ 9,310,932  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.46       1.45       1.38       1.52       2.03

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupmentsE

    1.32       1.39       1.34       1.38       1.38

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.36 )%        (0.77 )%        (1.21 )%C        (1.34 )%B        (1.71 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.22 )%        (0.71 )%        (1.17 )%C        (1.19 )%B        (1.06 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       59       61       28       63

 

A 

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Xilinx, Inc. amounting to $0.0063.

C 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Novartis AG, ADR amounting to $0.0143.

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended June 30,           January 2,
2019A to
June 30,
2019
 
             
    2023           2022           2021           2020        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.60       $ 48.00       $ 27.05       $ 18.42       $ 14.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.22       (0.06       (0.35 )C        (0.06 )B        (0.05

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.23         (27.74       21.46         9.31         3.75  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.01         (27.80       21.11         9.25         3.70  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.73       (0.00 )D        (0.03        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.81       (7.87       (0.16       (0.59        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81       (8.60       (0.16       (0.62        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.80       $ 11.60       $ 48.00       $ 27.05       $ 18.42  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    11.51       (68.40 )%        78.03       51.66       25.14 %F 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 20,818,534       $ 21,659,351       $ 83,589,357       $ 23,391,480       $ 3,606,814  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.56       1.43       1.37       1.66       2.31 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupmentsH

    1.41 %I        1.43       1.37       1.40       1.40 %G 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.46 )%        (0.76 )%        (1.21 )%C        (1.47 )%B        (2.00 )%G 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.31 )%        (0.76 )%        (1.21 )%C        (1.21 )%B        (1.09 )%G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       59       61       28       63

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Xilinx, Inc. amounting to $(0.0608).

C 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Novartis AG, ADR amounting to $0.0160.

D 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

E 

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.

F 

Not annualized.

G 

Annualized.

H 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses.

I

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the voluntary expense caps on November 1, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended June 30,           January 2,
2019A to
June 30,
2019
 
             
    2023           2022           2021           2020        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.37       $ 47.16       $ 26.78       $ 18.35       $ 14.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.26       (0.27       (0.61 )C        (0.09 )B        (0.10

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.14         (27.23       21.15         9.11         3.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.88         (27.50       20.54         9.02         3.63  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.42                        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.81       (7.87       (0.16       (0.59        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81       (8.29       (0.16       (0.59        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.44       $ 11.37       $ 47.16       $ 26.78       $ 18.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    10.55       (68.62 )%        76.68       50.54       24.66 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 12,078,215       $ 12,244,432       $ 44,900,174       $ 15,060,539       $ 1,790,079  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.37       2.19       2.12       2.31       3.25 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupmentsG

    2.19 %H        2.19       2.12       2.15       2.15 %F 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (2.27 )%        (1.52 )%        (1.96 )%C        (2.13 )%B        (2.94 )%F 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.09 )%        (1.52 )%        (1.96 )%C        (1.97 )%B        (1.83 )%F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       59       61       28       63

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Xilinx, Inc. amounting to $(0.0873).

C 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Novartis AG, ADR amounting to $0.0154.

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 due to security lending expenses.

H

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the voluntary expense caps on November 1, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended June 30,     October 28,
2020A to
June 30,
2021
 
    2023           2022        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.80       $ 48.67       $ 36.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment (loss)

    (0.10 )C        (0.55       (0.14 )B 

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.18         (27.54       12.78  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.08         (28.09       12.64  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.91       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.81       (7.87       (0.16
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81       (8.78       (0.22
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.07       $ 11.80       $ 48.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    11.92       (68.25 )%        34.86 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 744,517       $ 477,160       $ 2,268,341  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.18       1.12       1.22 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupmentsG

    0.99       1.04       0.95 %F 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.07 )%        (0.42 )%        (1.05 )%B F 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.88 )%        (0.34 )%        (0.78 )%B F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       59       61 %E 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Novartis AG, ADR amounting to $0.0197.

C 

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

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 due to security lending expenses.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Federal Tax Information

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds are required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended June 30, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

ARK Transformational Innovation

                N/A  

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

ARK Transformational Innovation

                N/A  

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

ARK Transformational Innovation

  $ 16,809,766  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

ARK Transformational Innovation

  $                  0  

Shareholders will receive notification in January 2024 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2023 income tax returns.

 

 

40


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Renewal and Approval of Management Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement

At meetings held on May 16, 2023 and June 6-7, 2023 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 7, 2023 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) on behalf of the American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund (“Fund”); and

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, ARK Investment Management LLC (the “sub-advisor”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund. The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement are referred to herein individually as an “Agreement” and collectively as the “Agreements.”

In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the sub-advisor, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and the sub-advisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the sub-advisor. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided in connection with the renewal process, as well as information furnished to the Board throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees. In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. This information is described below in the section summarizing the factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements, as well as the section describing additional Board considerations with respect to the Fund.

The Board noted that the Manager provides management and administrative services to the Fund pursuant to the Management Agreement. The Board considered that many mutual funds have separate contracts governing each type of service and observed that, with respect to such mutual funds, the actual management fee rates provided by Broadridge for peer group funds reflect the combined advisory and administrative fees, reduced by any fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

The Manager or the sub-advisor may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its decision to approve the renewal of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of whether to approve the renewal of each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal of investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements, and related regulatory guidelines. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the renewal of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

Considerations With Respect to the Renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement

In determining whether to approve the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered the Fund’s investment management and sub-advisory relationships separately. In each instance, the Board considered, among

 

 

41


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

other things, the following factors: (1) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided; (2) the investment performance of the Fund and the sub-advisor for the Fund; (3) the profits earned by the Manager and the sub-advisor in rendering services to the Fund; (4) comparisons of services and fee rates with contracts entered into by the Manager or the sub-advisor or their affiliates with other clients (such as pension funds and other institutional clients); (5) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting each fee rate schedule; (6) whether fee rate levels reflect economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of Fund investors; and (7) any other benefits derived or anticipated to be derived by the Manager or the sub-advisor from its relationship with the Fund.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. With respect to the renewal of the Management Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: the Fund’s long-term performance; the length of service of key investment personnel at the Manager; the cost structure of the Fund; the financial condition of the Manager, including its parent company; the Manager’s culture of compliance and support that reduce risks to the Fund; the Manager’s quality of services; the Manager’s active role in monitoring and, as appropriate, recommending additional or replacement sub-advisors; and the Manager’s representations regarding its efforts to retain key employees and maintain staffing levels.

With respect to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: the representations made by the sub-advisor regarding the sub-advisor’s level of staffing; the sub-advisor’s assets under management; the financial stability of the sub-advisor; and its compliance program. Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and the sub-advisor were appropriate for the Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of the Fund relative to its Broadridge Performance Universe, Morningstar Category, and/or benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent methodology for selecting the Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe. The Board also considered that the Performance Universe selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for the Fund due to the Fund’s unique or distinctive investment strategies. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at meetings of the Board and its committees throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by the sub-advisor regarding the performance of the Fund relative to the performance of a composite of comparable investment accounts managed by the sub-advisor and the Fund’s benchmark index. In addition, the Board considered the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to the Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the Fund.”

Costs of the Services Provided to the Fund and the Profits Realized by the Manager from its Relationship with the Fund. In analyzing the costs of services and profitability of the Manager, the Board considered the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by the Manager, before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager. The profits or losses were noted at both an aggregate level for all funds within the group of mutual funds sponsored by the Manager (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual fund level, with the Manager sustaining a loss before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager for the Fund. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the Fund, the Manager represented that the difference is attributable to, among other factors, the fact that the Manager does not perform administrative services for non-investment company clients and reflects the greater level of responsibility and regulatory requirements associated with managing the Fund. The Board also noted that, for the Fund and certain of its share classes, the Manager is waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses.

 

 

42


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

The Board further considered that, with respect to the Fund, the Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive a management fee comprised of an annualized fee that is retained by the Manager. In addition, the Board considered that the Manager receives fees for administering and overseeing the securities lending program on behalf of the Fund. The Board also noted that certain share classes of the Fund maintain higher expense ratios in order to compensate third-party financial intermediaries.

In analyzing the fee rates charged by the sub-advisor in connection with its investment advisory services to the Fund, the Board considered the representation made by the sub-advisor that the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement states that the sub-advisor will not charge the Fund a sub-advisory fee that is higher than that charged by the sub-advisor for advisory or sub-advisory services provided to other clients of the sub-advisor. The Board considered the extent to which the sub-advisor earned a profit with respect to the services provided to the Fund.

Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the profitability levels of the Manager were reasonable in light of the services performed by the Manager and the profitability levels of the sub-advisor were reasonable in light of the services performed by the sub-advisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to the Fund’s fee rates is set forth below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the Fund.”

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints for the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund. The Board also considered that the current assets of the Fund did not exceed the threshold necessary to reach the first sub-advisory fee rate breakpoint.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to the Fund. In this regard, the Board considered that the Fund’s current assets did not exceed the threshold necessary to reach the first management fee breakpoint. Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the Manager and sub-advisor fee rate schedules for the Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the Fund.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s responses to inquiries regarding “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the sub-advisor as a result of the advisory relationships with the Fund. For example, the Board considered that the Manager may invest the Fund’s cash balances and cash collateral provided by the borrowers of the Fund’s securities in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, which the Manager manages directly, and for which the Manager receives a fee. Similarly, the Board considered the Manager’s representation that its relationship with the Fund provides cross-selling opportunities for products sponsored by the sub-advisor for which the Fund’s distributor provides distribution services. Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the sub-advisor by virtue of their relationships with the Fund appear to be fair and reasonable.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the Fund

The performance comparisons below were made for the Fund’s R5 Class shares relative to the Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe and Morningstar Category. With respect to the Broadridge Performance Universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top 20 percent of the universe based on performance, and the 5th Quintile represents the bottom 20 percent of the universe based on performance. References to the Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe are to the respective universe of mutual funds with comparable investment classifications and objectives as determined by Broadridge.

 

 

43


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

In reviewing the performance, the Board viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle, typically five years or longer, as the most important consideration because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events and not necessarily reflective of sub-advisor skill.

The expense comparisons below were made for the Fund’s R5 Class shares relative to the Fund’s Broadridge Expense Universe and Broadridge Expense Group, and Y Class shares relative to the Fund’s Morningstar Fee Level universe. The 1st Quintile represents the lowest 20 percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense, and the 5th Quintile represents the highest 20 percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References to the Fund’s Expense Group and Expense Universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds as determined by Broadridge. Broadridge Expense Groups consist of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge Expense Universe includes all funds with comparable investment classifications/objectives and similar operating structures to that of the share class under review for the Fund, including funds in the Broadridge Expense Group. The Broadridge expense comparisons are based on the most recent audited financial information publicly available for the Fund as of December 31, 2022. References to the Fund’s Morningstar Fee Level ranking are to the institutional share class of comparable mutual funds as determined by Morningstar.

The Board considered the Fund’s Morningstar fee level category with the 1st Quintile representing the lowest 20 percent of the category constituents and the 5th Quintile representing the highest 20 percent of the category in terms of total expense.

In considering the renewal of the Agreements for the Fund, the Board considered the following additional factors:

 

Broadridge Total Expense Analysis Excluding 12b-1 Fees and Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group      5th Quintile
Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe      5th Quintile
Morningstar Fee Level Ranking      5th Quintile

 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended December 31, 2022)

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe      5th Quintile
Compared to Morningstar Category      5th Quintile

The Board also considered: (1) the challenges associated with identifying a peer group for evaluating the Fund’s expenses and performance, as few of the funds (if any) in the Fund’s Broadridge Expense Group, Expense Universe or Performance Universe, or its Morningstar category, pursue a comparable investment strategy; (2) that the Fund’s strategy has a higher volatility profile due to the Fund’s thematic focus on innovation-based companies and the small number of holdings in the Fund’s portfolio; (3) that AmBeacon or its affiliated entities have other material business relationships with the sub-advisor or its affiliated entities; (4) information provided by the sub-advisor indicating that it had earned a profit with respect to the services that it provides to the Fund; and (5) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Board: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the sub-advisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s continued management of the Fund.

 

 

44


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

The Trustees and officers of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) are listed below, together with their principal occupations during the past five years. The address of each person listed below is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee oversees twenty-seven funds in the fund complex that includes the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust. The Trust’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge by calling 1-800-658-5811.

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Eugene J. Duffy (68)**    Trustee since 2008    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 Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
  

Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or

retirement*

  
Gilbert G. Alvarado (53)    Trustee since 2015    Chief Financial Officer (2022-Present), The Conrad Prebys Foundation; President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-2022); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-2022); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-2022); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Joseph B. Armes (61)    Trustee since 2015    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. (2014-2017) (investment company); 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 Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Gerard J. Arpey (64)    Trustee since 2012    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. (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).

 

 

45


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Brenda A. Cline (62)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   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 and Open-End Funds (2017-2021);Chair, (2019-Present), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2004-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chair (2019-Present), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2017-Present), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Chair (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Chair (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Claudia A. Holz (65)    Trustee since 2018    Independent Director, Blue Owl Capital, Inc. (2021-Present); Partner, KPMG LLP (1990 – 2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Douglas A. Lindgren (61)    Trustee since 2018    Director, JLL Income Property Trust (2022-Present); 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 Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (60)    Trustee since 2012    President/Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present, President since 2009); Member, External Diversity Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (2021-Present); Member, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston CEO Roundtable (2021-Present); Board Advisor, United States Tennis Association (2021-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).

 

 

46


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (48)   

President since 2022

Vice President

(2010-2022)

   Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-2022), 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 (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present); Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2022), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; President (2022-Present), Senior Vice President (2017-2022), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Executive Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); 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 (2014-Present), President (2022-Present), Vice President (2014-2022), American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director (2018-Present), President (2022-Present), (Vice President (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; President (2022-Present); Vice President (2010-2022), Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.; (2023-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); American Beacon Select Funds; President (2022-Present), Vice President (2017-2022), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

47


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (64)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal

Officer since 2006

   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, L.L.C. (2008-Present); Secretary and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (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); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Gregory J. Stumm (41)    VP since 2022    Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2022-Present); Director and Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2022-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2022-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2022-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (54)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017–Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Erica Duncan (52)    VP since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

48


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (62)    VP 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); Senior Vice President (2021-Present); Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director (2014-Present), Vice President (2022-Present) and Treasurer (2014-2022), American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director and Vice President (2022-Present), and Treasurer(2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present) Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2010-2021); American Beacon Funds; Vice President (2021-Present), Principal Accounting Officer (2017-2021) and Treasurer (2010-2021), American Beacon Select Funds; Vice President (2021–Present), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2017-2021), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Vice President (2021), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Vice President (2021), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Terri L. McKinney (59)    VP since 2010    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 (2018-2022); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-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 (60)    VP since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

49


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Christina E. Sears (51)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

   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 (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (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), Vice President (2018-2022), Continuous Capital, LLC; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds (1999-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); 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).
Sonia L. Bates (66)    Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2021    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Vice President, Fund and Tax Reporting (2023-Present), Director, Fund and Tax Reporting (2011-2023), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Treasurer (2022-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Funds (2011-2021); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2011-2021), American Beacon Select Funds; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2017-2021), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.
Shelley L. Dyson (53)    Assistant Treasurer since 2021    Fund Tax Manager (2020-Present), Manager, Tax (2014-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2021-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2021-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).

 

 

50


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Shelley D. Abrahams (48)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Corporate Governance Manager (2023-Present), Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-2023), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Rebecca L. Harris (56)    Vice President since 2022    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-Present), Resolute Investment Services; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President (2018-Present), Director (2022) Continuous Capital, LLC; Director, National Investment Services of American, LLC (2022-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC (2022-Present); Director Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2022-Present); Director, SSI Investment Management LLC (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds (2010-2022); Vice President (2022-Present), Assistant Secretary (2010-2022), American Beacon Select Funds; Vice President (2022-Present), Assistant Secretary (2017-2022), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Teresa A. Oxford (64)   

Assistant Secretary

since 2015

   Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Assistant Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2020-2022); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-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 (38)   

Assistant Secretary

since 2021

   Assistant Secretary (2022-Present), Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2022-Present), Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2022–Present) and 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 Select Funds (2021-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2021-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).

* As of 11/12/2014, the Board adopted a retirement plan that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.

** Mr. Duffy is being 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.

 

 

51


American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation FundSM

Privacy Policy

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The American Beacon Funds recognize and respect the privacy of our shareholders. We are providing this notice to you so you will understand how shareholder information may be collected and used.

We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from one or more of the following sources:

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

information about your transactions with us or our service providers; and

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law.

We restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to those employees or service providers who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. To ensure the confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information, we maintain safeguards that comply with federal standards.

 

 

52


LOGO

 

 

 

Delivery of Documents

Shareholder reports are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. Please be advised that reports are no longer sent by mail. Instead, the reports are made available online, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted online. You will be provided with a website link to access the report. You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can request to continue receiving paper copies by calling 1-866-345-5954, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary. Detailed instructions are also included in your report notifications.

If you invest in the Fund through a financial institution, you may be able to receive the Fund’s regulatory mailings, such as the Prospectus, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report, by e-mail. If you are interested in this option, please go to www.icsdelivery.com and search for your financial institution’s name or contact your financial institution directly.

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO   LOGO
 
By E-mail:   On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com   Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
   
     
 

LOGO

By Telephone:

Call (800) 658-5811

 

LOGO

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-2736. Information regarding the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800)-SEC-0330. A complete schedule of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately twenty days after the end of each month.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and

Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

SS&C GIDS, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment

Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

This report is prepared for shareholders of the American Beacon Funds and may be distributed to others only if preceded or accompanied by a current Prospectus or Summary Prospectus.

 

American Beacon Funds, and American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 06/23


LOGO


 

About American Beacon Advisors

 

Since 1986, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. has offered a variety of products and investment advisory services to numerous institutional and retail clients, including a variety of mutual funds, corporate cash management, and separate account management.

Our clients include defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial planners, and other institutional investors. With American Beacon Advisors, you can put the experience of a multi-billion dollar asset management firm to work for your company.

SHAPIRO EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Investing in value stocks may limit downside risk over time; however, the Fund may produce more modest gains than riskier stock funds as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. Investing in small- or medium-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The Fund participates in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

SHAPIRO SMID CAP EQUITY FUND

Investing in value stocks may limit downside risk over time; however, the Fund may produce more modest gains than riskier stock funds as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. Investing in small- or medium-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The Fund participates in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

Any opinions herein, including forecasts, reflect our judgment as of the end of the reporting period and are subject to change. Each advisor’s strategies and each Fund’s portfolio composition will change depending on economic and market conditions. This report is not a complete analysis of market conditions, and, therefore, should not be relied upon as investment advice. Although economic and market information has been compiled from reliable sources, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the statements contained herein.

 

American Beacon Funds

June 30, 2023


 

Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    7  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    9  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

    10  

American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

    12  

Financial Statements

    15  

Notes to Financial Statements

    18  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

    39  

American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

    44  

Federal Tax Information

    50  

Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    51  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    56  

Privacy Policy

    63  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

“Don’t rock the boat.” How many times have we heard that phrase, applied to almost every facet of our daily lives?

 

For many of us, that proverbial boat is almost certain to rock despite our best efforts to keep it steady. Forces we cannot control will move it forward, backward and sideways – pushing us off our desired trajectory during stormy seas and preventing us from reaching the safety of the harbor.

 

However, by carefully planning, fine-tuning and adjusting our courses over time, we can help steady the boat and increase our chances of safely reaching our destination. The same can also be said about our investment portfolios. If we make prudent adjustments as we seek to preserve and grow our savings – especially during periods of geopolitical and economic

uncertainty – we’ll be better able to withstand the tempests we encounter along the way.

To help your investment portfolio weather storms over the long term, we encourage you to work with financial professionals to develop your personal savings plan, conduct annual plan reviews, and make thoughtful, purposeful plan adjustments to better manage your evolving financial needs and goals. By investing across different investment styles and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks in your portfolio. By allocating your portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to withstand short-term crises. Through careful planning, you will be better positioned to achieve enduring financial success.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for long-term financial rewards.

Thank you for entrusting your financial success with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products or to access your account information, please visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

Best Regards,

 

LOGO

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl

President

American Beacon Funds

 

 

1


Global Equity Market Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

For the 12-month period ended June 30, 2023, global equity markets were up significantly despite several wide-ranging global events. The last six months of 2022 saw rapid turnover in the British prime minister’s office, the death of Queen Elizabeth II and civil rights protests in Iran. These events were followed in the first six months of 2023 by China terminating its zero-COVID-19 policy, Croatia adopting the euro and joining the Schengen zone to become a full-fledged member of the European Union, Ukraine launching a substantial counteroffensive against Russian invaders, the World Health Organization declaring an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency, additional rate increases by central banks, a miniature bank run in the United States, and smoke from Canadian wildfires hampering air quality in New York City. Regardless, the MSCI® All Country World Index returned 16.53% for the period due to market increases in developed and emerging markets.

In the U.S., the S&P 500® Index was up 19.59% and only two sectors produced negative returns – Utilities (down 6.64%) and Real Estate (down 7.47%). Of the positive sectors, Information Technology (up 38.82%) led the way, followed by Industrials (up 22.98%). From a style perspective, Growth outperformed Value as the Russell 3000® Growth Index returned 26.60% compared to the Russell 3000 Value Index return of 11.22%. In terms of market capitalization, large-cap stocks again outperformed their smaller-capitalization peers, evidenced by the Russell 1000® Index returning 19.36% compared to the Russell 2000® Index return of 12.31%.

International developed markets also ended the period higher as the MSCI EAFE Index was up 18.77%. In Europe, the top-performing countries were Ireland and Italy, represented by the MSCI Ireland Index (up 45.35%) and the MSCI Italy Index (up 43.40%), and the lagging countries were Norway and Finland, represented by the MSCI Norway Index (down 8.99%) and the MSCI Finland Index (down 1.15%). In Japan, equity returns were generally in line with other broad markets as the MSCI Japan Index returned 18.14%.

Emerging markets performed worse than developed markets as the MSCI Emerging Market Index returned 1.75%. The worst-performing countries were China (down 16.82%), represented by the MSCI China Index, followed by Qatar and the MSCI Qatar Index (down 15.38%). In contrast, Greece and Turkey were two of the best-performing markets as the MSCI Greece Index returned 71.27% and the MSCI Turkey Index returned 53.27%.

 

 

2


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) returned 5.81% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2023. The Fund underperformed the Russell 3000® Value Index (the “Index”) return of 11.22% for the period.

Comparison of Changes in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period 9/12/2017 through 6/30/2023

 

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2023

 

    
      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Year

    

5 Year

  

Since Inception
09/12/2017

  

Value of $10,000
09/12/2017-

06/30/2023

R5 Class (1,4)

     SHXIX          6.16 %          16.62 %          7.57 %        8.77 %      $ 16,283

Y Class (1,4)

     SHXYX          5.95 %          16.48 %          7.45 %        8.68 %      $ 16,207

Investor Class (1,4)

     SHXPX          5.81 %          16.30 %          7.20 %        8.40 %      $ 15,968

A Class without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHXAX          5.69 %          16.25 %          7.18 %        8.38 %      $ 15,949

A Class with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHXAX          -0.42 %          13.98 %          5.91 %        7.28 %      $ 15,032

C Class without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHXCX          5.01 %          15.80 %          6.93 %        8.16 %      $ 15,762

C Class with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHXCX          4.01 %          15.80 %          6.93 %        8.16 %      $ 15,762
                                   

Russell 3000® Value Index (3)

              11.22 %          14.38 %          7.79 %        7.75 %      $ 15,414

Russell 3000® Index (3)

              18.95 %          13.89 %          11.39 %        11.78 %      $ 19,080

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end-of-day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please call 1-800-967-9009 or visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception.

 

 

3


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and since inception periods represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 9/12/2017 up to the 10/28/2021 inception date of the A and C Classes and returns of the A and C Classes since 10/28/2021. Expenses of the A and C Classes are higher than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A and C Classes been in existence since 9/12/2017.

 

3.

The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the U.S. equity market. The Russell 3000® Value Index measures the performance of the broad value segment of the US equity market. It includes those Russell 3000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 3000® Value Index and the Russell 3000® Value Index (each an “Index”) are trademarks of Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) and have been licensed for use by American Beacon Funds. The American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund is not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Russell or the London Stock Exchange Group companies (“LSEG”) (together the “Licensor Parties”) and none of the Licensor Parties make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of the Index (upon which a fund is based), (ii) the figure at which the Index is said to stand at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put in connection with a Fund. None of the Licensor Parties have provided or will provide any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to the Index to any fund or to its clients. The Index is calculated by Russell or its agent. None of the Licensor Parties shall be (a) liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Index or (b) under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

4.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares were 0.83%, 0.93%, 1.21%, 3.36%, and 4.11%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund underperformed the Index due to security selection.

From a security selection perspective, most of the Fund’s underperformance was attributed to holdings in the Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services sectors. The Fund’s relative underperformance was slightly offset by security selection in the Materials sector.

Sector allocation was a positive contributor to the Fund’s performance relative to the Index. An overweight allocation to the Consumer Discretionary sector and an underweight to the Health Care sector contributed to relative performance. Conversely, an underweight to the Energy sector detracted from relative performance.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to employ a team-based investment process that is driven by deep fundamental research in a concentrated, value-oriented approach.

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B           5.4  
Elanco Animal Health, Inc.           5.3  
Carter’s, Inc.           5.2  
Alphabet, Inc., Class C           5.2  
General Motors Co.           5.1  
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class B           5.0  
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC           5.0  
Corning, Inc.           4.9  
Avantor, Inc.           4.8  
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.           4.8  
Total Fund Holdings      24       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Consumer Discretionary           18.4  
Materials           15.5  
Communication Services           15.2  
Financials           14.2  
Information Technology           11.6  
Health Care           10.5  
Industrials           10.1  
Consumer Staples           3.1  
Energy           1.4  

 

 

4


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 16.72% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2023. The Fund outperformed the Russell 2500® Value Index (the “Index”) return of 10.37% for the same period.

Comparison of Changes in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period 9/12/2017 through 6/30/2023

 

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2023

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Year

    

5 Year

  

Since Inception
09/12/2017

  

Value of $10,000
09/12/2017-

06/30/2023

R5 Class (1,5)

     SHDIX          17.17 %          22.14 %          7.37 %        8.74 %      $ 16,255

Y Class (1,5)

     SHDYX          17.08 %          22.01 %          7.25 %        8.63 %      $ 16,163

Investor Class (1,5)

     SHDPX          16.72 %          21.77 %          7.00 %        8.36 %      $ 15,932

A Class without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     SHEAX          16.73 %          21.70 %          6.96 %        8.33 %      $ 15,904

A Class with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     SHEAX          10.00 %          19.32 %          5.71 %        7.23 %      $ 14,990

C Class without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     SHDCX          15.85 %          21.19 %          6.69 %        8.09 %      $ 15,705

C Class with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     SHDCX          14.85 %          21.19 %          6.69 %        8.09 %      $ 15,705

R6 Class (1,3,5)

     SHDRX          17.08 %          22.11 %          7.35 %        8.72 %      $ 16,241
                                   

Russell 2500® Value Index (4)

              10.37 %          16.07 %          5.32 %        6.48 %      $ 14,394

Russell 2500® Index (4)

              13.58 %          12.29 %          6.55 %        8.13 %      $ 15,734

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end-of-day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future.

 

 

5


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and since inception periods represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 9/12/2017 up to the 10/28/2021 inception date of the A and C Classes and returns of the A and C Classes since 10/28/2021. Expenses of the A and C Classes are higher than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A and C Classes been in existence since 9/12/2017.

 

3.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and since inception periods represents the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 9/12/2017 up to the 10/28/2021 inception date of the R6 Class and returns of the R6 Class since 10/28/2021. Expenses of the R6 Class are lower than those of the R5 Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 9/12/2017.

 

4.

The Russell 2500® Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 2,500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market capitalization and current index membership. The Russell 2500® Value Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies that are considered more value oriented relative to the overall market as defined by Russell’s style methodology. The Russell 2500® Value Index and the Russell 2500® Value Index (each an “Index”) are trademarks of Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) and have been licensed for use by American Beacon Funds. The American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund is not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Russell or the London Stock Exchange Group companies (“LSEG”) (together the “Licensor Parties”) and none of the Licensor Parties make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of the Index (upon which a fund is based), (ii) the figure at which the Index is said to stand at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put in connection with a Fund. None of the Licensor Parties have provided or will provide any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to the Index to any fund or to its clients. The Index is calculated by Russell or its agent. None of the Licensor Parties shall be (a) liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Index or (b) under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

5.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Class shares were 1.92%, 2.00%, 2.31%, 4.75%, 5.51%, and 4.49%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund outperformed the Index primarily due to security selection. Most of the Fund’s performance related to security selection was attributed to holdings in the Communication Services and Materials sectors. Conversely, security selection in the Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from performance.

From a sector allocation perspective, underweighting the Financials sector and overweighting the Materials sector contributed to relative returns. Partially offsetting relative outperformance was an underweight allocation to the Industrials sector.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to employ a team-oriented investment process that is driven by deep fundamental research in a concentrated, value-oriented approach.

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Elanco Animal Health, Inc.           5.8  
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class B           5.2  
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.           5.0  
Carter’s, Inc.           5.0  
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC           4.9  
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.           4.9  
BWX Technologies, Inc.           4.9  
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.           4.8  
Ecovyst, Inc.           4.8  
Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Braves, Class C           4.7  
Total Fund Holdings      24       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Materials           20.9  
Communication Services           15.2  
Consumer Discretionary           14.9  
Health Care           10.7  
Industrials           10.1  
Information Technology           9.7  
Financials           7.2  
Consumer Staples           6.3  
Exchange-Traded Instruments           3.7  
Energy           1.3  

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Expense Example

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees, if applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and R5 Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The “Hypothetical” lines of the tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and R5 Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs charged by the Funds, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption fees, as applicable. Similarly, the expense examples for other funds do not reflect any transaction costs charged by those funds, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the “Hypothetical” lines of the tables are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If you were subject to any transaction costs during the period, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

7


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2023
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2023
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2023-6/30/2023*
R5 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,064.10       $4.04
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.88       $3.96
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,063.50       $4.55
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.38       $4.46
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,063.20       $5.42
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.54       $5.31
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,061.90       $5.73
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.24       $5.61
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,059.40       $9.55
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.52       $9.35

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.79%, 0.89%, 1.06%, 1.12%, and 1.87% for the R5, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2023
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2023
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2023-6/30/2023*
R5 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,086.90       $4.61
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.38       $4.46
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,086.60       $4.97
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.03       $4.81
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,085.10       $6.05
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.99       $5.86
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,085.30       $6.51
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.55       $6.31
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,081.20       $10.37
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.83       $10.04
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,087.00       $4.66
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.33       $4.51

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.89%, 0.96%, 1.17%, 1.26%, 2.01%, and 0.90% for the R5, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

8


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Funds and Shareholders of American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds, hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of June 30, 2023, the related statements of operations for the year ended June 30, 2023, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of June 30, 2023, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2023 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June 30, 2023 by correspondence with the custodians and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

August 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the American Beacon family of funds since 2016.

 

 

9


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 96.41%            
Communication Services - 14.61%            
Entertainment - 9.40%            
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class AA       24,200         $ 213,686
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class BA       1,163,500           9,715,225
Walt Disney Co.A       91,550           8,173,584
           

 

 

 
              18,102,495
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 5.21%            
Alphabet, Inc., Class CA       82,865           10,024,179
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              28,126,674
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 17.75%            
Automobiles - 5.12%            
General Motors Co.       255,600           9,855,936
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 4.35%            
Mohawk Industries, Inc.A       81,220           8,378,655
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 3.05%            
Urban Outfitters, Inc.A       177,631           5,884,915
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 5.23%            
Carter’s, Inc.       138,700           10,069,620
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              34,189,126
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 2.97%            
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail - 2.97%            
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.       200,800           5,720,792
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 1.39%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.39%            
Devon Energy Corp.       55,320           2,674,169
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 13.64%            
Banks - 8.29%            
Bank of America Corp.       319,500           9,166,455
Regions Financial Corp.       381,300           6,794,766
           

 

 

 
              15,961,221
           

 

 

 
           
Financial Services - 5.35%            
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class BA       30,220           10,305,020
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              26,266,241
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 10.15%            
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 4.83%            
Avantor, Inc.A       453,000           9,304,620
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 5.32%            
Elanco Animal Health, Inc.A       1,018,900           10,250,134
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              19,554,754
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 9.73%            
Electrical Equipment - 4.99%            
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC       213,500           9,605,365
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 96.41% (continued)            
Industrials - 9.73% (continued)            
Professional Services - 4.74%            
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.       150,700         $ 9,132,420
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              18,737,785
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 11.22%            
Communications Equipment - 1.70%            
Infinera Corp.A B       676,134           3,265,727
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 4.94%            
Corning, Inc.       271,800           9,523,872
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 4.58%            
Micron Technology, Inc.       139,875           8,827,511
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              21,617,110
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 14.95%            
Chemicals - 10.31%            
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.A       283,100           9,288,511
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.       93,167           6,655,851
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.       49,141           3,911,132
           

 

 

 
              19,855,494
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 4.64%            
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.       371,500           8,927,145
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              28,782,639
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $184,691,211)

              185,669,290
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.54% (Cost $6,829,058)            
Investment Companies - 3.54%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%C D       6,829,058           6,829,058
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.95% (Cost $191,520,269)

              192,498,348

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.05%

              88,150
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 192,586,498
           

 

 

 
             

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

                 

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at June 30, 2023 (Note 8).

C The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

D 7-day yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2023, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 185,669,290       $ -       $ -       $ 185,669,290  

Short-Term Investments

    6,829,058         -         -         6,829,058  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 192,498,348       $ -       $ -       $ 192,498,348  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 93.18%            
Communication Services - 14.71%            
Entertainment - 14.71%            
Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Braves, Class CA B       74,251         $ 2,941,825
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class BB       389,826           3,255,047
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.       16,443           3,092,106
           

 

 

 
              9,288,978
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              9,288,978
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 14.46%            
Household Durables - 4.47%            
Mohawk Industries, Inc.B       27,377           2,824,211
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Products - 1.99%            
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.B       63,200           1,254,520
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 3.03%            
Urban Outfitters, Inc.B       57,727           1,912,496
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 4.97%            
Carter’s, Inc.       43,200           3,136,320
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              9,127,547
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 6.06%            
Food Products - 6.06%            
Ingredion, Inc.       21,813           2,311,087
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.B       30,050           1,513,919
           

 

 

 
              3,825,006
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              3,825,006
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 1.22%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.22%            
Devon Energy Corp.       15,943           770,685
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 6.98%            
Banks - 6.98%            
Cadence Bank       128,937           2,532,322
Regions Financial Corp.       105,212           1,874,878
           

 

 

 
              4,407,200
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              4,407,200
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 10.39%            
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 4.59%            
Varex Imaging Corp.B       123,074           2,900,854
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 5.80%            
Elanco Animal Health, Inc.B       363,882           3,660,653
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              6,561,507
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 9.80%            
Aerospace & Defense - 4.85%            
BWX Technologies, Inc.       42,842           3,066,202
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 93.18% (continued)            
Industrials - 9.80% (continued)            
Electrical Equipment - 4.95%            
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC       69,438         $ 3,124,016
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              6,190,218
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 9.34%            
Communications Equipment - 4.31%            
Infinera Corp.B C       563,323           2,720,850
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 5.03%            
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.B       82,590           3,176,411
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              5,897,261
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 20.22%            
Chemicals - 12.70%            
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.B       92,655           3,040,011
Ecovyst, Inc.B       264,574           3,032,018
Livent Corp.B C       71,000           1,947,530
           

 

 

 
              8,019,559
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 4.32%            
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.       113,636           2,730,673
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 3.20%            
Compass Minerals International, Inc.       59,367           2,018,478
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              12,768,710
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $52,041,339)

              58,837,112
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - 3.56% (Cost $2,151,392)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - 3.56%            
SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF TrustC       4,700           2,250,877
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.03% (Cost $1,912,344)            
Investment Companies - 3.03%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%D E       1,912,344           1,912,344
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 3.51% (Cost $2,218,416)            
Investment Companies - 3.51%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%D E       2,218,416           2,218,416
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 103.28% (Cost $58,323,491)

              65,218,749

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (3.28%)

              (2,073,976 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 63,144,773
           

 

 

 
             
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Tracking Stock - A form of common stock that is issued by a parent company and tracks the performance of a specific division of that parent company. It allows investors the chance to invest in an individual sector of a company while the parent company maintains overall control.

B Non-income producing security.

C All or a portion of this security is on loan, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at June 30, 2023 (Note 8).

D The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

E 7-day yield.

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt.

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2023, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 58,837,112       $ -       $ -       $ 58,837,112  

Exchange-Traded Instruments

    2,250,877         -         -         2,250,877  

Short-Term Investments

    1,912,344         -         -         1,912,344  

Securities Lending Collateral

    2,218,416         -         -         2,218,416  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 65,218,749       $ -       $ -       $ 65,218,749  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shapiro Equity
Opportunities Fund
          Shapiro SMID Cap
Equity Fund
 

Assets:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value§ 

  $ 185,669,290       $ 61,087,989  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    6,829,058         4,130,760  

Dividends and interest receivable

    169,932         92,684  

Receivable for investments sold

            121,197  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    79,300         131,448  

Receivable for tax reclaims

            3,289  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    13,752         32,436  

Prepaid expenses

    18,219         9,441  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    192,779,551         65,609,244  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Payable for investments purchased

            103,819  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    2,467         18,077  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    107,030         41,271  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    707         5,982  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    12,054         6,637  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 8)§

            2,218,416  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    6,844         6,287  

Professional fees payable

    53,076         51,540  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    405         161  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    8,038         2,252  

Other liabilities

    2,432         10,029  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    193,053         2,464,471  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 192,586,498       $ 63,144,773  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

     

Paid-in-capital

  $ 208,192,163       $ 53,245,112  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    (15,605,665       9,899,661  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 192,586,498       $ 63,144,773  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Shares outstanding at no par value (unlimited shares authorized):

     

R5 Class

    4,790,986         1,990,029  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    10,365,036         1,372,948  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    146,173         1,617,351  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    6,656         211,536  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    6,647         75,783  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    N/A         103,432  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

R5 Class

  $ 60,402,983       $ 23,634,955  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 130,201,209       $ 16,196,711  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 1,818,356       $ 18,767,020  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 82,228       $ 2,450,065  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 81,722       $ 867,865  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ N/A       $ 1,228,157  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

     

R5 Class

  $ 12.61       $ 11.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 12.56       $ 11.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 12.44       $ 11.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 12.35       $ 11.58  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 13.10       $ 12.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 12.30       $ 11.45  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ N/A       $ 11.87  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 184,691,211       $ 54,192,731  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 6,829,058       $ 4,130,760  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 1,591,693       $ 6,030,693  
A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shapiro Equity
Opportunities Fund
          Shapiro SMID Cap
Equity Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities

  $ 3,359,096       $ 685,861  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

    133,832         60,082  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 8)

    11,383         6,676  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    3,504,311         752,619  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,388,718         423,298  

Transfer agent fees:

     

R5 Class (Note 2)

    3,773         3,369  

Y Class (Note 2)

    138,033         11,237  

Investor Class

    1,387          

A Class

    3          

C Class

    3          

Custody and fund accounting fees

    46,446         54,144  

Professional fees

    105,960         101,332  

Registration fees and expenses

    88,472         91,506  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    10,584         61,698  

A Class

            1,878  

C Class

            857  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    210         4,680  

C Class

    838         6,710  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    29,174         17,422  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    18,935         6,912  

Loan expense (Note 9)

    5,412         3,452  

Other expenses

    28,896         36,081  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,866,844         824,576  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net fees waived and expenses (reimbursed) (Note 2)

    (154,812       (250,940
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    1,712,032         573,636  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,792,279         178,983  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (15,377,422       3,431,361  

Commission recapture (Note 1)

    36,720         28,222  

Change in net unrealized appreciation of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    24,407,474         3,534,703 C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    9,066,772         6,994,286  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 10,859,051       $ 7,173,269  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A The Fund did not recognize net realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments in affiliated securities.

 

B The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have a change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

C Change in net unrealized appreciation of investments in unaffiliated securities does not include net unrealized appreciation of investments of $5,252,424 of the Target Fund in connection with the Reorganization (Note 1).

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund           Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
          Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment income

  $ 1,792,279       $ 2,284,183       $ 178,983       $ 280,820  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, and commission recapture

    (15,340,702       21,459,905         3,459,583         1,644,525  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securities

    24,407,474         (69,117,884       3,534,703         (4,233,451
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    10,859,051         (45,373,796       7,173,269         (2,308,106
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

             

R5 Class

    (4,417,286       (4,648,925       (564,962       (881,943

Y Class

    (9,551,750       (12,046,630       (374,842       (693,255

Investor Class

    (226,205       (410,062       (581,874       (427,699

A ClassA

    (6,708       (6,688       (59,671       (11,749

C ClassA

    (6,166       (6,554       (18,677       (11,729

R6 ClassA

                    (25,839       (11,559
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (14,208,115       (17,118,859       (1,625,865       (2,037,934
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    38,174,078         63,305,846         10,716,210         3,080,197  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    13,748,820         16,869,756         1,619,875         1,522,942  

Issued in reorganization

                    76,360,869          

Cost of shares redeemed

    (56,951,056       (81,778,436       (43,451,177       (7,957,203
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (5,028,158       (1,602,834       45,245,777         (3,354,064
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (8,377,222       (64,095,489       50,793,181         (7,700,104
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

             

Beginning of year

    200,963,720         265,059,209         12,351,592         20,051,696  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 192,586,498       $ 200,963,720       $ 63,144,773       $ 12,351,592  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A The A Class, C Class and R6 Class became effective on October 28, 2021 and commenced operations on October 29, 2021.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as open-end management investment companies. The American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund is non diversified, and the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund is diversified, as defined by the Act. As of June 30, 2023, the Trust consists of twenty-five active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining twenty-three active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). 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.

On July 11, 2023, (i) RIH, RIM and certain of their affiliates, and (ii) the current owners of approximately 93% of RIH (the “Current Ownership Group”) entered into a transaction agreement with certain creditors of RIM (the “Lender Group”) pursuant to which (i) all equity interests in RIH would be cancelled, (ii) new RIH equity interests would be issued to members of the Lender Group, and (iii) the existing credit agreements between RIM and the Lender Group would be terminated and a new credit agreement would be executed (“Transaction”). The Lender Group consists of various institutional investment funds (“New Ownership Group”) that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. The address of the New Ownership Group will be 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

Upon the closing of the Transaction, the Manager will be wholly-owned indirectly by the New Ownership Group, rather than the Current Ownership Group. The Transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. The Transaction will result in a change of control of the Manager and the termination of the Fund’s management and investment advisory agreements. The Board has approved a new management agreement with the Manager and a new investment advisory agreement between the Manager and the sub-advisors that would become effective upon the closing of the Transaction. A meeting of the shareholders of the Funds in the American Beacon Funds Complex that were operational as of July 31, 2023, will be called to consider the new management agreement and such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. In advance of the meeting, proxy materials will be sent to those shareholders regarding the new management agreement and any other matters proposed for shareholder approval. There are no anticipated changes in the services provided by the Manager or sub-advisors or in the fee rates charged by the Manager to the Fund.

Fund Reorganizations

On June 8, 2022, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) approved a Plan of Reorganization and Termination (the “Reorganization Plan”) that provided for the reorganization of the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund (the “Target Fund”), a series of the Trust, into the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”), also a series of the Trust (the “Reorganization”).

The Acquiring Fund and Target Fund had identical investment objectives and similar principal investment strategies. The Manager served as each Fund’s investment advisor and administrator. Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, Pzena Investment Management, LLC, and WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P each served as a

 

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

sub-advisor to the Target Fund. Shapiro Capital Management LLC serves as the sole sub-advisor to the Acquiring Fund, and continued to serve as the sole sub-advisor to the Acquiring Fund after the Reorganization.

The Reorganization Plan, which set forth the terms of the Reorganization, provided for the Target Fund to transfer all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for shares of the Acquiring Fund having an aggregate net asset value equal to the Target Fund’s net assets, and the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of all of the Target Fund’s liabilities. The Target Fund’s shareholders became shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, receiving shares of the Acquiring Fund equal in value to the shares of the Target Fund that they held prior to the Reorganization. Shareholders who owned A Class, C Class, Y Class, R6 Class, R5 Class, or Investor Class shares of the Target Fund, received shares of the corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund. As the Acquiring Fund does not offer Advisor Class shares, shareholders of the Target Fund who owned Advisor Class shares of the Target Fund received A Class shares of the Acquiring Fund.

A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Target Fund was held on October 12, 2022, at which the shareholders approved the Reorganization Plan, which provided for the reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund. On October 28, 2022, pursuant to the Plan, the Target Fund transferred all of its property and assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for voting shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption all of the Target Fund’s liabilities. The Target Fund’s shareholders received a pro rata portion of the Acquiring Fund’s shares on a class-by class basis in exchange for their shares therein and in complete liquidation and termination of the Target Fund. No sales loads, commissions or other transactional fees were imposed on shareholders in connection with the exchange of their shares. Class shares outstanding, net assets applicable to each class and NAV per share outstanding immediately before the Reorganization were as follows:

 

Target Fund
Class
Prior to
Reorganization
  Target Fund
Shares
Outstanding
Prior to
Reorganization
    Target Fund
Net Assets
Prior to
Reorganization
    Target Fund
NAV Per Share
Prior to
Reorganization
    Acquiring Fund
Class
Prior to
Reorganization
  Acquiring Fund
Shares
Outstanding
Prior to
Reorganization
    Acquiring Fund
Net Assets
Prior to
Reorganization
    Acquiring Fund
NAV Per Share
Prior to
Reorganization
    Exchange
Ratio1
 

R5

    2,104,299     $ 24,951,727     $ 11.86     R5     818,301     $ 9,080,566     $ 11.10       1.0685  

Y

    1,712,239       20,003,917       11.68     Y     220,871       2,435,913       11.03       1.0593  

Investor

    2,152,857       26,190,156       12.17     Investor     396,811       4,311,997       10.87       1.1195  

Advisor

    37,231       429,181       11.53     A                       1.0623  

A

    210,238       2,412,373       11.47     A     7,493       81,308       10.85       1.0575  

C

    103,586       1,124,519       10.86     C     7,491       80,677       10.77       1.0079  

R6

    105,011       1,248,995       11.89     R6     7,374       81,798       11.09       1.0722  

 

1

Calculated by dividing the NAV per share of the Target Fund by the NAV per share of the Acquiring Fund on Reorganization date.

The Reorganization was structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Target Fund’s shareholders recognized no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund distributed all of its net investment income and capital gains to shareholders of record on July 25, 2022. Such a distribution may be taxable to the Target Fund’s shareholders for federal income tax purposes. For accounting and performance reporting purposes, the Acquiring Fund is the survivor. As such, the accounting and performance history of the Target Fund prior to the reorganization became the financial and performance history of the Acquiring Fund and is reflected in the Acquiring Fund’s financial statements and financial highlights.

Class shares outstanding, net assets applicable to each class and NAV per share outstanding immediately after the Reorganization were as follows:

 

Acquiring Fund Class – After Reorganization

  Shares Outstanding     Net Assets     NAV Per Share  

R5

    3,066,898     $ 34,033,028     $ 11.10  

Y

    2,034,690       22,439,973       11.03  

Investor

    2,807,337       30,506,220       10.87  

A

    269,361       2,922,861       10.85  

C

    111,899       1,205,194       10.77  

R6

    119,948       1,330,788       11.09  

 

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

The cost, fair value and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the investments of the Target Fund immediately before the date of Reorganization, were as follows:

 

Target Fund – Prior to Reorganization

 

Cost of investments

  $ 66,044,871  

Fair value of investments

    71,297,295  

Net unrealized appreciation of investments

    5,252,424  

For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Acquiring Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from the Target Fund were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Acquiring Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with the amount distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

Assuming the Reorganization had been completed on July 1, 2022, the beginning of the Acquiring Fund’s current fiscal period, the pro forma results of operations for the current fiscal period would have been as follows:

 

Acquiring Fund – Pro Forma Results from Operations

 

Net investment income

  $ 1,795,578  

Net realized and unrealized gains

    40,652,781  

Change in net assets resulting in operations

    42,448,359  

Because the combined investment portfolios for the Reorganization have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the Reorganization was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of the Target Fund that have been included in the Statements of Operations for the Acquiring Fund since the Reorganization was consummated.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848); Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. The guidance is applicable to contracts referencing London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The ASU is effective as of March 12, 2020 and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 which updates and clarifies ASU No. 2020-04. The amendments in this ASU defer the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Management expects these ASUs will not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820); Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, which provides clarifying guidance that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management expects the ASU will not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

Class Disclosure

Each Fund has multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors; however, not all of the Funds offer all classes. The following table sets forth the differences amongst the classes:

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
R5 Class    Large institutional investors - sold directly through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  
Y Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  
Investor Class    All investors using intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors.    $ 2,500  

 

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class   

Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a

broker or through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges which may include CDSC.

   $ 1,000  
R6 Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold through retirement plan.      None  

Each class offered by the Trust has equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Income and non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class based on the relative net assets. Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of each class are allocated daily based on the relative net assets of each class of the respective Fund. Class specific expenses, where applicable, currently include service, distribution, transfer agent fees, and sub-transfer agent fees that vary amongst the classes as described more fully in Note 2.

Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies, consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of the financial statements. The Funds are considered investment companies and accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded as of the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may be settled beyond a standard settlement period for the security after the trade date.

Dividend income, net of foreign taxes, is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except certain dividends from foreign securities which are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Funds. Interest income, net of foreign taxes, is earned from settlement date, recorded on the accrual basis, and adjusted, if necessary, for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Realized gains (losses) from securities sold are determined based on specific lot identification.

Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values are converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean of the bid and ask prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as last quoted by a recognized dealer. Income, expenses, and purchases and sales of investments are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of the exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments is separately identified from the fluctuations arising from changes in market values of securities held and is reported with all other foreign currency gains and losses on the Funds’ Statements of Operations.

Distributions to Shareholders

The Funds distribute most or all of their net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate and do not guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

 

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Commission Recapture

The Funds have established brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If the Funds’ investment advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Funds. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Funds. This amount is reported with the net realized gain (loss) in the Funds’ Statements of Operations, if applicable.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments of the Funds are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Funds. Expenses directly charged or attributable to a Fund will be paid from the assets of a Fund. Generally, expenses of the Trust will be allocated among and charged to the assets of the Funds on a basis that the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) deems fair and equitable, which may be based on the relative net assets of the Funds or nature of the services performed and relative applicability to the Funds.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimated.

Other

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide indemnification to the other party or parties against potential costs or liabilities. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made in the future and, therefore, cannot be estimated. The Trust has had no prior claims or losses pursuant to any such agreement.

2.  Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Funds with investment advisory and administrative services. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of each 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

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Manager have entered into Investment Advisory Agreement with Shapiro Capital Management LLC (“Shapiro”), an affiliate of the Manager pursuant to which each Fund has agreed to pay Shapiro an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily based on each Funds’ average daily net assets according to the following schedule:

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

First $250 million

     0.35

Next $250 million

     0.30

Over $500 million

     0.25

 

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

First $250 million

     0.40

Next $250 million

     0.35

Over $500 million

     0.30

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 694,990  

Sub-Advisory Fees

    0.35       693,728  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.70     $ 1,388,718  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 195,420  

Sub-Advisory Fees

    0.40       227,878  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.75     $ 423,298  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Funds, 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, a fee of 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. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and sub-advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager received securities lending fees of $1,290 and $817 for the securities lending activities of Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, respectively.

Distribution Plans

Separate Distribution Plans (the “Distribution Plans”) have been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act for the A and C Classes of the Funds. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Classes, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

The Manager and the Trust entered into Service Plans that obligate the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Investor, A, and C Classes of the Funds. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the R5 and Y Classes of the Funds and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Funds. Certain services would have been provided by the Funds’ transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to Board approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the R5 and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   $ 133,718  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

     14,606  

As of June 30, 2023, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   $ 10,304  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

     1,657  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Funds in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Funds listed below held the following shares with a June 30, 2023 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

  Type of
Transaction
        Fund         June 30, 2023
Shares/Principal
          Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
          Realized
Gain
(Loss)
          Dividend
Income
          June 30, 2023
Shares/Fair Value
 
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Direct     Shapiro Equity
Opportunities
    $ 6,829,058       $ -       $ -       $ 133,832       $ 6,829,058  
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Direct     Shapiro SMID
Cap Equity
      1,912,344         -         -         60,082         1,912,344  
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Securities
Lending
    Shapiro SMID
Cap Equity
      2,218,416         -         -         N/A         2,218,416  

The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
     Securities Lending
Collateral
Investments in USG
Select Fund
     Total  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   $ 4,006      $ 49      $ 4,055  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

     1,392        409        1,801  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

participate in a credit facility whereby each fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the funds because it provides added liquidity and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund borrowed on average $2,383,206 for 12 days at an average interest rate of 4.68% with interest charges of $3,539 and the Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund borrowed on average $1,004,751 for 10 days at an average interest rate of 5.18% with interest charges of $1,436. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statements of Operations.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the classes of the Funds, through October 31, 2023, for the Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund, and through the later of October 31, 2024 or two years following the closing date of the reorganization of the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund into the Fund, for the Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) exceed the Funds’ expense cap. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                     

Fund

   Class    7/1/2022 -
10/31/2022
    11/1/2022 -
06/30/2023
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
    Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   R5      0.79     0.79   $ 46,933      $       2025 - 2026  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   Y      0.89     0.89     101,434              2025 - 2026  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   Investor      1.06     1.06     6,431              2025 - 2026  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   A      1.12     1.12     7        (9 )*      2025 - 2026  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   C      1.87     1.87     7        (9 )*      2025 - 2026  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

   R5      0.89     0.89     95,546        (8,506 )*      2025 - 2026  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

   Y      0.96     0.96     53,877              2025 - 2026  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

   Investor      1.17     1.17     87,607              2025 - 2026  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

   A      1.26     1.26     7,481        (113 )*      2025 - 2026  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

   C      2.01     2.01     2,874        (49     2025 - 2026  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

   R6      0.90     0.90     3,604              2025 - 2026  

 

  *

These amounts represents Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and are reflected in Total Expenses on the Statements of Operations

Of the above amounts, $13,752 and $32,436 were disclosed as a Receivable for expense reimbursement on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2023 for the Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, respectively.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such contractual or voluntary fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions 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 Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2025 and 2026. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

current assessment that reimbursements are uncertain. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

   Recouped
Expenses
     Excess Expense
Carryover
     Expired Expense
Carryover
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

   $ -      $ -      $ 158,760        2022 - 2023  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

     -        93,703        -        2023 - 2024  

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

     18        103,065        -        2024 - 2025  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

     8,506        -        136,496        2022 - 2023  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

     -        163,331        -        2023 - 2024  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

     113        178,329        -        2024 - 2025  

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a significant ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of June 30, 2023, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, three accounts have been identified as representing an unaffiliated significant ownership of approximately 35% for the Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and one shareholder has been identified as representing an affiliated significant ownership of approximately 9% for the Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund.

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of Class A sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended June 30, 2023, RID collected $260 for Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund from the sale of A Class Shares. There were no Class A sales charges collected for Shapiro Equity Opportunity Fund.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no CDSC fees collected for the Class A Shares of the Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund or the Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no CDSC fees collected for the Class C Shares of the Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund or the Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

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 and Compliance 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 video conference 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

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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 only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit and Compliance 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.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

The NAV 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” or “Exchange”), which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. ET, 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, including shares of closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), are valued at the last sale price or official closing price taken from the primary exchange in which each security trades. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share on the day of valuation. Debt securities are valued at bid quotes from broker/dealers or evaluated bid prices from pricing services, who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as prices of comparable securities, yield curves, spreads, credit ratings, coupon rates, maturity, default rates, and underlying collateral. Futures are valued based on their daily settlement prices. Exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued at the last sale price. Options with no last sale for the day are priced at mid quote. Swaps are valued at evaluated mid prices from pricing services.

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. ET.

Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act (the “Valuation Rule”) 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. Among other things, the Valuation Rule permits the Board to designate the Manager as “valuation designee” to perform the Fund’s fair value determinations subject to board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Manager’s fair value determinations. Effective September 8, 2022, the Board has designated the Manager as valuation designee to perform fair value functions in accordance with the requirements of the Valuation Rule. Prior to September 8, 2022, fair value determinations were made pursuant to methodologies approved by the Board.

Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to the Manager’s procedures approved by the Board, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing will be used for fixed-income securities and 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

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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, 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 as described below. In addition, the Funds may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.

A Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before a Fund’s pricing time of 4:00 p.m. ET. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. If the Manager determines that the last quoted prices of non-U.S. securities will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all of the Funds’ portfolio securities, the Manager can adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the Exchange. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the Manager reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. These securities are fair valued using a pricing service, using methods approved by the Manager, that considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and futures contracts. The Manager’s Valuation Committee may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but a Fund is open. A Fund uses outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets and adjusted prices.

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 a Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust Manager’s fair valuation procedures for the Funds.

Valuation Inputs

Various inputs may be used to determine the fair value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

Level 1   -   Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2   -   Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and others.
Level 3   -   Prices determined using other significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect a Fund’s own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment.

Level 1 and Level 2 trading assets and trading liabilities, at fair value

Common stocks and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred securities and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are generally categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in registered open-end investment management companies will be valued based upon the NAVs of such investments and are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

4.  Securities and Other Investments

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 OTC. OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies (“BDCs”), ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Funds may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager or the Sub-Advisor. As a result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ 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 Funds in their Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

The Funds 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 Funds could invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If the Funds invest in money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Funds invest, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager.

5.  Principal Risks

Investing in the Funds may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.

Dividend Risk

A Fund’s focus on 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

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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.

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Funds’ investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional 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. Preferred stocks and convertible securities 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. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. 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, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

Focused Holdings Risk

Because the Funds may have a focused portfolio of fewer companies, the increase or decrease of the value of a single investment may have a greater impact on the Funds’ NAV and total return when compared to other diversified funds. Although a focused portfolio has the potential to generate attractive returns over time, it also may increase the Funds’ volatility.

Market Risk

The Funds are 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. 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. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, 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.

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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, including the U.S. presidential election, 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.

Non-Diversification Risk

When a Fund is non-diversified, it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. When a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, it may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified portfolio might be. Some of those issuers also may present substantial credit or other risks. When a Fund is non-diversified, its NAV and total return may also fluctuate more or be subject to declines in weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes a Fund to greater market risk, price volatility and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

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 invest 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.

Recent Market Events Risk

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. 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 various variants of COVID-19, and efforts to contain their spread, have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, travel restrictions and closed borders, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy.

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Any resurgence of COVID-19 or a variant could negatively impact the Funds and adversely impact 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.

Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, recently, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates as part of its efforts to address rising inflation. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve will continue to increase interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such increases. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve to change its approach in the future and the Federal Reserve’s actions may result in an economic slowdown. Unexpected increases in interest rates could lead to market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market.

Slowing global economic growth; risks associated with 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, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine or in eastern Asia; political or economic dysfunction within some nations, including major producers of oil; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine beginning in February 2022, the responses and sanctions by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and the prices of various commodities.

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.

Securities Lending Risk

A Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions in to seek 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 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.”

Securities Selection Risk

Securities selected by the sub-advisor or the Manager for the Funds may not perform to expectations. The portfolio managers’ judgments about the attractiveness, value and anticipated price movements of a particular

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

asset class or individual security may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that individual securities will perform as anticipated. The value of an individual security can be more or less volatile than the market as a whole or a relative value approach may fail to produce the intended results. The portfolio managers’ assessment of relative value may be wrong or even if the assessment of relative value is correct, it may take a long period of time before the price and intrinsic value converge. It may not be possible to predict, or to hedge against, a widening in the yield spread of the securities selected by a sub-advisor. This could result in the Funds’ underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Funds are parties to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Funds employ multiple money managers and counterparties and have elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below, if applicable. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of the report date, June 30, 2023.

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2023
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 2,218,416       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 2,218,416  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 2,218,416       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 2,218,416  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 2,218,416  
                 

 

 

 

6.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), by complying with all applicable provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is treated as a single entity for the purpose of determining such qualification.

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended June 30, 2023 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Funds recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on returns of income earned or gains realized or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized capital gains and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

Dividends are categorized in accordance with income tax regulations which may treat certain transactions differently than U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund           Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
          Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Distributions paid from:

             

Ordinary income*

             

R5 Class

  $ 1,173,992       $ 2,051,955       $ 262,294       $ 441,730  

Y Class

    2,482,473         5,253,940         174,028         347,224  

Investor Class

    54,883         168,762         270,146         214,218  

A Class**

    1,783         2,921         27,432         5,885  

C Class**

    1,247         2,787         7,881         5,865  

R6 Class**

                    11,996         5,789  

Long-term capital gains

             

R5 Class

    3,243,294         2,596,970         302,668         440,213  

Y Class

    7,069,277         6,792,690         200,814         346,031  

Investor Class

    171,322         241,300         311,728         213,481  

A Class**

    4,925         3,767         32,239         5,864  

C Class**

    4,919         3,767         10,796         5,864  

R6 Class**

                    13,843         5,770  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 14,208,115       $ 17,118,859       $ 1,625,865       $ 2,037,934  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

  *

For tax purposes, short-term capital gains are considered ordinary income distributions.

  **

Class launched on October 28, 2021 and commenced operations on October 29, 2021.

As of June 30, 2023, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

  $ 195,105,586       $ 14,420,947       $ (17,028,185     $ (2,607,238

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

    58,662,442         8,664,780         (2,108,473       6,556,307  

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
          Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
          Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
          Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
          Other Temporary
Differences
          Distributable
Earnings
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

  $ (2,607,238     $ 1,790,958       $       $ (14,787,565     $ (1,820     $ (15,605,665

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

    6,556,307         2,962,169         383,292                 (2,107       9,899,661  

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, unused capital losses and organizational expenses.

Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses, and realized gains (losses) under U.S. GAAP and federal income tax regulations, permanent differences between book and tax reporting have been identified and appropriately reclassified on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from target wash sale adjustments as of June 30, 2023:

 

Fund

  Paid-In-Capital           Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 
Shapiro Equity Opportunities   $ -       $ -  
Shapiro SMID Cap Equities     130,401         (130,401

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“RIC MOD”), net capital losses recognized by the Funds in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 are carried forward indefinitely and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term losses.

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

As of June 30, 2023, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

   Short-Term Capital  Loss
Carryforwards
    

 

     Long-Term Capital  Loss
Carryforwards
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

     $                        2,475,176         $ 12,312,389  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

                

7.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Purchases
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
     Sales
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
 
Shapiro Equity Opportunities    $ 63,962,077      $ 85,670,723  
Shapiro SMID Cap Equity      20,039,698        49,182,938  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        June 30,
2022
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           June 30,
2023
Shares/Fair
Value
 
Shapiro Equity Opportunities   Direct     $ 3,539,421       $ 68,283,559       $ 64,993,922       $ 6,829,058  
Shapiro Equity Opportunities   Securities Lending       -         1,161,718         1,161,718         -  
Shapiro SMID Cap Equity   Direct       111,312         33,976,067         32,175,035         1,912,344  
Shapiro SMID Cap Equity   Securities Lending       -         14,418,246         12,199,830         2,218,416  

8.  Securities Lending

The Funds may lend their securities to qualified financial institutions, such as certain broker-dealers, to earn additional income. The borrowers are required to secure their loans continuously with collateral in an amount at least equal to the fair value of the securities loaned, initially in an amount at least equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of the fair value of international securities loaned. Collateral is monitored and marked-to-market daily. Daily mark-to-market amounts are required to be paid to the borrower or received from the borrower by the end of the following business day. This one day settlement for mark-to-market amounts may result in the collateral being temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan or temporarily more than the required minimum collateral.

To the extent that a loan is collateralized by cash, such cash collateral shall be invested by the securities lending agent (the “Agent”) in money market mutual funds and other short-term investments, provided the investments meet certain quality and diversification requirements. Securities purchased with cash collateral proceeds are listed in the Funds’ Schedule of Investments and the collateral is shown on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable.

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. The Funds, the Agent, and the Manager retained 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of the income generated from securities lending.

While securities are on loan, the Funds continue to receive certain income associated with that security and any gain or loss in the market price that may occur during the term of the loan. In the case of domestic equities,

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

the value of any dividend is received in the form of a substitute payment approximately equal to the dividend. In the case of foreign securities, a negotiated amount is received that is less than the actual dividend, but higher than the dividend amount minus the foreign tax that the Funds would be subject to on the dividend.

Securities lending transactions pose certain risks to the Funds, including that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral required to be returned to the borrower, that non-cash collateral may be subject to legal constraints in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, and that the cash collateral investments could become illiquid and unable to be used to return collateral to the borrower. The Funds could also experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Funds bear the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower and any action which impairs its ability to liquidate non-cash collateral to satisfy a borrower default.

As of June 30, 2023, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral were as follows:

 

Fund

  Fair Value of
Securities on
Loan
          Cash
Collateral
Received
          Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
          Total
Collateral
Received
 
Shapiro Equity Opportunities   $ 1,591,693       $ -       $ 1,565,329       $ 1,565,329  
Shapiro SMID Cap Equity     6,030,693         2,218,416         3,811,481         6,029,897  

Cash collateral is listed on the Funds’ Schedules of Investments and is shown on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Income earned on these investments is included in “Income derived from securities lending” on the Statements of Operations.

Non-cash collateral received by the Funds may not be sold or re-pledged except to satisfy a borrower default. Therefore, non-cash collateral is not included on the Funds’ Schedules of Investments or Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 11, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $100 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 9, 2023, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also renewed an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”) agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $100 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) OBFR daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 9, 2023, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Loan expense” on the Statements of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Funds did not utilize these facilities.

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

10.  Capital Share Transactions

The tables below summarize the activity in capital shares for each Class of the Funds:

 

    R5 Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     38,399       $ 468,653         55,912       $ 896,677  
Reinvestment of dividends     377,223         4,417,285         302,271         4,648,925  
Shares redeemed     (27,131       (336,695       (215,446       (2,903,919
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     388,491       $ 4,549,243         142,737       $ 2,641,683  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             
    Y Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     2,923,320       $ 37,589,534         3,791,295       $ 59,208,468  
Reinvestment of dividends     780,234         9,105,330         769,070         11,797,527  
Shares redeemed     (4,278,790       (54,949,364       (4,062,635       (61,275,877
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (575,236     $ (8,254,500       497,730       $ 9,730,118  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     9,044       $ 115,891         187,145       $ 3,000,701  
Reinvestment of dividends     19,551         226,205         26,942         410,062  
Shares redeemed     (135,696       (1,664,997       (1,110,006       (17,598,640
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (107,101     $ (1,322,901       (895,919     $ (14,187,877
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             
    A Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          October 28,2021A to
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -       $ -         6,215       $ 100,000 B 
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         441         6,688  
Shares redeemed     -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         6,656       $ 106,688  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             
    C Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          October 28,2021A to
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -       $ -         6,215       $ 100,000 B 
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         432         6,554  
Shares redeemed     -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         6,647       $ 106,554  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             
    R5 Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     532,452       $ 5,887,471         21,094       $ 278,974  
Reinvestment of dividends     52,237         564,680         36,389         436,306  
Issued in Reorganization     2,248,531         24,951,727         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (1,434,593       (16,355,091       (29,379       (387,190
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,398,627       $ 15,048,787         28,104       $ 328,090  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     192,399       $ 2,217,808         18,639       $ 249,802  
Reinvestment of dividends     34,450         369,993         56,720         676,099  
Issued in Reorganization     1,813,806         20,003,917         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (880,657       (9,827,911       (504,594       (6,212,546
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     1,159,998       $ 12,763,807         (429,235     $ (5,286,645
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     191,492       $ 2,150,643         183,697       $ 2,251,421  
Reinvestment of dividends     54,992         581,820         34,880         410,537  
Issued in Reorganization     2,410,152         26,190,156         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (1,414,853       (15,467,732       (109,023       (1,357,467
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,241,783       $ 13,454,887         109,554       $ 1,304,491  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          October 28,2021A to
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     23,038       $ 258,854         7,491       $ 100,000 C 
Reinvestment of dividends     5,605         59,189         -         -  
Issued in Reorganization     261,868         2,841,555         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (86,466       (965,149       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     204,045       $ 2,194,449         7,491       $ 100,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          October 28,2021A to
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     685         7,560         7,491       $ 100,000 C 
Reinvestment of dividends     1,750         18,354         -         -  
Issued in Reorganization     104,408       $ 1,124,519         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (38,551       (426,829       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     68,292       $ 723,604         7,491       $ 100,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          October 28,2021A to
June 30, 2022
 

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     16,993       $ 193,874         7,369       $ 100,000 C 
Reinvestment of dividends     2,390         25,839         -         -  
Issued in Reorganization     112,576         1,248,995         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (35,896       (408,465       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     96,063       $ 1,060,243         7,369       $ 100,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class launched on October 28, 2021 and commenced operations on October 29, 2021.

B Seed capital was received on October 28, 2021 in the amount of $100,000 for the A Class and $100,000 for the C Class. As a result, shares were issued in the amount of 6,215 for the A Class and 6,251 for the C Class.

C Seed capital was received on October 28, 2021 in the amount of $100,000 for the A Class, $100,000 for the C Class, $100,000 for the R6 Class. As a result, shares were issued in the amount of 7,491 for the A Class, 7,491 for the C Class, and 7,369 for the R6 Class.

11.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements through this date.

 

 

38


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.90       $ 16.77       $ 9.44       $ 11.28       $ 11.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.12         0.16         0.12         0.14         0.11  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.60         (2.95       7.49         (1.36       0.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.72         (2.79       7.61         (1.22       0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.08       (0.16       (0.05       (0.11       (0.07

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.93       (0.92       (0.23       (0.51       (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.01       (1.08       (0.28       (0.62       (0.28
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.61       $ 12.90       $ 16.77       $ 9.44       $ 11.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    6.16       (17.65 )%        81.43       (11.84 )%        2.97
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 60,402,983       $ 56,812,654       $ 71,421,117       $ 40,207,550       $ 52,917,588  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.87       0.83       0.86       0.97       0.98

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.79       0.79       0.79       0.79       0.79

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.88       0.96       0.82       1.11       0.80

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.96       1.00       0.89       1.29       0.99

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       47       31       59       54

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.87       $ 16.72       $ 9.43       $ 11.28       $ 11.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.12         0.14         0.06         0.12         0.10  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.57         (2.92       7.51         (1.35       0.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.69         (2.78       7.57         (1.23       0.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.07       (0.15       (0.05       (0.11       (0.07

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.93       (0.92       (0.23       (0.51       (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.00       (1.07       (0.28       (0.62       (0.28
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.56       $ 12.87       $ 16.72       $ 9.43       $ 11.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    5.95       (17.63 )%        81.09       (11.92 )%        2.88
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 130,201,209       $ 140,753,789       $ 174,605,529       $ 30,239,629       $ 35,505,884  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.97       0.93       0.95       1.09       1.06

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.89       0.89       0.89       0.89       0.89

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.80       0.85       0.77       0.99       0.77

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.88       0.89       0.83       1.19       0.94

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       47       31       59       54

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.75       $ 16.56       $ 9.35       $ 11.20       $ 11.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.21         0.21         0.08         0.08         0.07  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.46         (2.99       7.41         (1.34       0.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.67         (2.78       7.49         (1.26       0.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.05       (0.11       (0.05       (0.08       (0.07

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.93       (0.92       (0.23       (0.51       (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.98       (1.03       (0.28       (0.59       (0.28
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.44       $ 12.75       $ 16.56       $ 9.35       $ 11.20  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    5.81       (17.80 )%        80.85       (12.20 )%        2.62
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,818,356       $ 3,228,564       $ 19,032,563       $ 320,828       $ 736,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.29       1.21       1.26       2.20       2.57

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.06       1.06       1.06       1.17       1.17

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.49       0.51       0.57       (0.11 )%        (0.74 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.72       0.66       0.77       0.92       0.66

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       47       31       59       54

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year
Ended
June 30,
2023
         

October 29,
2021A to

June 30,
2022

 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.71       $ 16.09  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

     

Net investment income

    0.08         0.08  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.57         (2.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.65         (2.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.08       (0.15

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.93       (0.92
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.01       (1.07
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.35       $ 12.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    5.69       (15.40 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 82,228       $ 84,569  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.13       3.36 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.12       1.12 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.63       (1.53 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.64       0.71 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       47

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year
Ended
June 30,
2023
          October 29,
2021A to
June 30,
2022
 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.66       $ 16.09  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

     

Net investment (loss)

    (0.01       (0.00 )B C 

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.58         (2.38
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.57         (2.38
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.13

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.93       (0.92
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.93       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.30       $ 12.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    5.01       (15.85 )%E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 81,722       $ 84,144  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.88       4.11 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.87       1.87 %F 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (0.12 )%        (2.28 )%F 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.11 )%        (0.04 )%F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    33       47

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

C 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.35       $ 13.69       $ 7.62       $ 9.72       $ 11.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.02         0.21 B        0.07 C        0.04         0.05  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.73         (1.98       6.13         (1.46       (0.97
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.75         (1.77       6.20         (1.42       (0.92
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.02       (0.26       (0.00 )D        (0.05       (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.20       (1.31       (0.13       (0.63       (0.71
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (1.57       (0.13       (0.68       (0.75
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.88       $ 10.35       $ 13.69       $ 7.62       $ 9.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    17.17       (14.51 )%        81.91       (16.09 )%        (6.67 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 23,634,955       $ 6,121,930       $ 7,711,085       $ 4,276,389       $ 5,293,291  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.36       1.92       2.24       3.22       2.84

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.89       0.89       0.89       0.90       0.89

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.01       0.63 %B        (0.71 )%C        (1.84 )%        (1.47 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.48       1.66 %B        0.64 %C        0.48       0.48

Portfolio turnover rate

    36       34       64       48       56

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payments from Cadence Bank and Ecovyst, Inc. amounting to $0.1767.

C 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from PQ Group Holdings, Inc. amounting to $0.0223.

D 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

E 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.29       $ 13.63       $ 7.60       $ 9.71       $ 11.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.05 C        0.29 A        0.04 B C        0.05         0.04  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.68         (2.06       6.12         (1.48       (0.97
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.73         (1.77       6.16         (1.43       (0.93
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.02       (0.26       (0.00 )D        (0.05       (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.20       (1.31       (0.13       (0.63       (0.71
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (1.57       (0.13       (0.68       (0.75
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.80       $ 10.29       $ 13.63       $ 7.60       $ 9.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total return

    17.08       (14.57 )%E        81.60       (16.21 )%        (6.76 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 16,196,711       $ 2,191,298       $ 8,753,769       $ 104,553       $ 398,161  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.40       2.00       2.21       3.33       2.87

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.96       0.97 %F        0.99       1.00       0.99

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (0.03 )%        1.16 %A        (0.94 )%B        (1.91 )%        (1.47 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.41       2.19 %A        0.28 %B        0.42       0.41

Portfolio turnover rate

    36       34       64       48       56

 

A 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payments from Cadence Bank and Ecovyst, Inc. amounting to $0.2671.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from PQ Group Holdings, Inc. amounting to $0.0412.

C 

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

D 

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

E 

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.

F 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on October 31, 2021.

 

See accompanying notes

 

45


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.15       $ 13.48       $ 7.53       $ 9.65       $ 11.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.05         0.20 A        0.05 B        0.01         0.04  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.62         (1.96       6.03         (1.45       (1.00
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.67         (1.76       6.08         (1.44       (0.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.02       (0.26       (0.00 )C        (0.05       (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.20       (1.31       (0.13       (0.63       (0.71
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (1.57       (0.13       (0.68       (0.75
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.60       $ 10.15       $ 13.48       $ 7.53       $ 9.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    16.72       (14.67 )%        81.29       (16.43 )%        (7.06 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 18,767,020       $ 3,810,635       $ 3,586,842       $ 913,709       $ 1,119,472  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.62       2.31       2.59       3.86       3.87

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.17       1.17       1.20       1.28       1.27

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (0.31 )%        0.11 %A        (1.14 )%B        (2.49 )%        (2.44 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.14       1.25 %A        0.25 %B        0.09       0.16

Portfolio turnover rate

    36       34       64       48       56

 

A 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payments from Cadence Bank and Ecovyst, Inc. amounting to $0.1558.

B 

Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from PQ Group Holdings, Inc. amounting to $0.0339.

C 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year
Ended
June 30,
2023
          October 29,
2021A to
June 30,
2022
 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.13       $ 13.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

     

Net investment income (loss)

    0.25         (0.00 )B 

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.42         (1.65
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.67         (1.65
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.02       (0.26

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.20       (1.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (1.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.58       $ 10.13  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    16.73       (14.00 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,450,065       $ 75,917  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.66       4.75 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.26       1.26 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (0.32 )%        (3.53 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.08       (0.04 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    36       34

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year
Ended
June 30,
2023
         

October 29,

2021A to
June 30,
2022

 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.08       $ 13.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

     

Net investment (loss)

    (0.07 )B        (0.06

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.65         (1.64
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.58         (1.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.01       (0.26

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.20       (1.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.21       (1.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.45       $ 10.08  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    15.85       (14.43 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 867,865       $ 75,541  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.43       5.51 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.01       2.01 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    (1.08 )%        (4.29 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.66 )%        (0.79 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    36       34

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year
Ended
June 30,
2023
          October 29,
2021A to
June 30,
2022
 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.35       $ 13.57  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

     

Net investment income

    0.25         0.03  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    1.49         (1.68
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.74         (1.65
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.02       (0.26

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.20       (1.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (1.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.87       $ 10.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    17.08       (13.75 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,228,157       $ 76,271  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.30       4.49 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.90       0.90 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.05       (3.27 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.45       0.32 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    36       34

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds are required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended June 30, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

    100.00

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

    52.44

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

    100.00

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

    53.90

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

  $ 10,493,737  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

  $ 872,088  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Shapiro Equity Opportunities

  $ 2,661,779  

Shapiro SMID Cap Equity

  $ 589,580  

Shareholders will receive notification in January 2024 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2023 income tax returns.

 

 

50


Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Renewal and Approval of Management Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement

At meetings held on May 16, 2023 and June 6-7, 2023 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 7, 2023 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (“Trust”) on behalf of the American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund (“Equity Opportunities Fund”) and the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund (“SMID Cap Fund”) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (the “sub-advisor”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Funds. The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement are referred to herein individually as an “Agreement” and collectively as the “Agreements.”

In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the sub-advisor, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and the sub-advisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the sub-advisor. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided in connection with the renewal process, as well as information furnished to the Board throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees. In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. This information is described below in the section summarizing the factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements, as well as the section describing additional Board considerations with respect to each Fund.

The Board noted that the Manager provides management and administrative services to the Funds pursuant to the Management Agreement. The Board considered that many mutual funds have separate contracts governing each type of service and observed that, with respect to such mutual funds, the actual management fee rates provided by Broadridge for peer group funds reflect the combined advisory and administrative fees, reduced by any fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

The Manager or the sub-advisor may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its decision to approve the renewal of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of whether to approve the renewal of each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal of investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements, and related regulatory guidelines. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the renewal of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

 

 

51


Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Considerations With Respect to the Renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement

In determining whether to approve the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered each Fund’s investment management and sub-advisory relationships separately. In each instance, the Board considered, among other things, the following factors: (1) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided; (2) the investment performance of the Funds and the sub-advisor for the Funds; (3) the profits, if any, earned by the Manager and the sub-advisor, an affiliate of the Manager, in rendering services to the Funds; (4) comparisons of services and fee rates with contracts entered into by the Manager or the sub-advisor or their affiliates with other clients (such as pension funds and other institutional clients); (5) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting each fee rate schedule; (6) whether fee rate levels reflect economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of Fund investors; and (7) any other benefits derived or anticipated to be derived by the Manager or the sub-advisor from its relationship with a Fund.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. With respect to the renewal of the Management Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: each Fund’s long-term performance; the length of service of key investment personnel at the Manager; the cost structure of the Funds; the financial condition of the Manager, including its parent company; the Manager’s culture of compliance and support that reduce risks to the Funds; the Manager’s quality of services; the Manager’s active role in monitoring and, as appropriate, recommending additional or replacement sub-advisors; and the Manager’s representations regarding its efforts to retain key employees and maintain staffing levels.

With respect to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: the representations made by the sub-advisor regarding the sub-advisor’s level of staffing; the sub-advisor’s assets under management; the financial stability of the sub-advisor; and its compliance program. Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and the sub-advisor were appropriate for the Funds.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its Broadridge Performance Universe, Morningstar Category, and/or benchmark index(es), as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent methodology for selecting each Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe. The Board also considered that the Performance Universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for a Fund due to the Fund’s unique or distinctive investment strategies. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at meetings of the Board and its committees throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by the sub-advisor regarding the performance of each Fund relative to the performance of each Fund’s current and previous benchmark index and a composite of comparable investment accounts managed by the sub-advisor. In addition, the Board considered the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

Costs of the Services Provided to the Funds and the Profits Realized by the Manager from its Relationship with the Funds. In analyzing the costs of services and profitability of the Manager, the Board considered the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by the Manager, before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager. The profits or losses were noted at both an aggregate level for all funds within the group of mutual funds sponsored by the Manager (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual level, with the Manager earning a profit before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses with respect to the Equity Opportunities Fund, and sustaining a loss before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager with respect to the SMID Cap Fund. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the

 

 

52


Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the Funds, the Manager represented that the difference is attributable to, among other factors, the fact that the Manager does not perform administrative services for non-investment company clients and reflects the greater level of responsibility and regulatory requirements associated with managing the Funds. The Board also noted that, for each Fund and its share classes, the Manager is waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses.

The Board further considered that, with respect to each Fund, the Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive a management fee comprised of an annualized fee that is retained by the Manager. In addition, the Board considered that the Manager receives fees for administering and overseeing the securities lending program on behalf of the Funds. The Board also noted that certain share classes of the Funds maintain higher expense ratios in order to compensate third-party financial intermediaries.

In analyzing the fee rates charged by the sub-advisor in connection with its investment advisory services to a Fund, the Board considered representations made by the sub-advisor that the sub-advisory fee rate schedule generally was favorable compared to other comparable client accounts with respect to each Fund. The Board also considered the extent to which the sub-advisor, which is an affiliate of the Manager, earned a profit with respect to the services provided to each Fund.

Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the profitability levels of the Manager and the sub-advisor were reasonable in light of the services performed by the Manager and the sub-advisor, respectively. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s fee rates is set forth below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as each Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints for the sub-advisory fee rates. In this connection, the Board received information reflecting that the current assets of each Fund did not exceed the threshold necessary to reach the first sub-advisory fee rate breakpoint.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to each Fund. In this regard, the Board considered that each Fund’s current assets did not exceed the threshold necessary to reach the first management fee breakpoint. Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the Manager and sub-advisor fee rate schedules for each Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with each Fund.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Funds. The Board considered the Manager’s and sub-advisors’ responses to inquiries regarding “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the sub-advisor as a result of the advisory relationships with the Funds. For example, the Board considered that the Manager may invest the Funds’ cash balances and cash collateral provided by the borrowers of the Funds’ securities in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, which the Manager manages directly, and for which the Manager receives a fee. Similarly, the Board considered that the sub-advisor benefits from soft dollar arrangements for third-party research. Based on the foregoing and other information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the sub-advisor by virtue of their relationships with the Funds appear to be fair and reasonable.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund

The performance comparisons below were made for each Fund’s R5 Class shares relative to the Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe and Morningstar Category. With respect to the Broadridge Performance Universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top 20 percent of the universe based on performance, and the 5th Quintile represents the bottom 20 percent of the universe based on performance. References to each Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe are to the respective universe of mutual funds with comparable investment classifications and objectives as determined by Broadridge.

 

 

53


Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

In reviewing the performance, the Board viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle, typically five years or longer, as the most important consideration because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events and not necessarily reflective of sub-advisor skill.

The expense comparisons below were made for each Fund’s R5 Class shares relative to the Fund’s Broadridge Expense Universe and Broadridge Expense Group, and Y Class shares relative to the Fund’s Morningstar Fee Level universe. The 1st Quintile represents the lowest 20 percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense, and the 5th Quintile represents the highest 20 percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References to each Fund’s Expense Group and Expense Universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds as determined by Broadridge. Broadridge Expense Groups consist of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge Expense Universe includes all funds with comparable investment classifications/objectives and similar operating structures to that of the share class under review for each Fund, including funds in the Broadridge Expense Group. The Broadridge expense comparisons are based on the most recent audited financial information publicly available for a Fund as of December 31, 2022. References to each Fund’s Morningstar Fee Level ranking are to the institutional share class of comparable mutual funds as determined by Morningstar.

For each Fund, the Board considered a Fund’s Morningstar fee level category with the 1st Quintile representing the lowest 20 percent of the category constituents and the 5th Quintile representing the highest 20 percent of the category in terms of total expense.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund

In considering the renewal of the Agreements for the Equity Opportunities Fund, the Board considered the following additional factors:

Broadridge Total Expense Analysis Excluding 12b-1 Fees and Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

    2 nd Quintile 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

    4 th Quintile 

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

    5 th Quintile 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended December 31, 2022)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

    2 nd Quintile 

Compared to Morningstar Category

    3 rd Quintile 

The Board also considered: (1) that the sub-advisor is an affiliate of the Manager; (2) information provided by the sub-advisor indicating that it had earned a profit with respect to the services that it provides to the Fund; and (3) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Board: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the sub-advisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Equity Opportunities Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s continued management of the Equity Opportunities Fund.

 

 

54


Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund

In considering the renewal of the Agreements for the SMID Cap Fund, the Board considered the following additional factors:

Broadridge Total Expense Analysis Excluding 12b-1 Fees and Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

    1 st Quintile 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

    3 rd Quintile 

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

    3 rd Quintile 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended December 31, 2022)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

    1 st Quintile 

Compared to Morningstar Category

    1 st Quintile 

The Board also considered: (1) that the sub-advisor is an affiliate of the Manager; (2) the Fund acquired the assets of another American Beacon Fund on October 28, 2022; (3) information provided by the sub-advisor indicating that it had earned a profit with respect to the services that it provides to the SMID Cap Fund; and (4) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Board: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the sub-advisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the SMID Cap Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s continued management of the SMID Cap Fund.

 

 

55


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

The Trustees and officers of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) are listed below, together with their principal occupations during the past five years. The address of each person listed below is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee oversees twenty-seven funds in the fund complex that includes the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust. The Trust’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge by calling 1-800-658-5811.

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Eugene J. Duffy (68)**    Trustee since 2008    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 Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (53)    Trustee since 2015    Chief Financial Officer (2022-Present), The Conrad Prebys Foundation; President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-2022); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-2022); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-2022); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Joseph B. Armes (61)    Trustee since 2015    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. (2014-2017) (investment company); 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 Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Gerard J. Arpey (64)    Trustee since 2012    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. (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).

 

 

56


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Brenda A. Cline (62)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   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 and Open-End Funds (2017-2021);Chair, (2019-Present), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2004-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chair (2019-Present), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2017-Present), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Chair (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Chair (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Claudia A. Holz (65)    Trustee since 2018    Independent Director, Blue Owl Capital, Inc. (2021-Present); Partner, KPMG LLP (1990 – 2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Douglas A. Lindgren (61)    Trustee since 2018    Director, JLL Income Property Trust (2022-Present); 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 Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (60)    Trustee since 2012    President/Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present, President since 2009); Member, External Diversity Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (2021-Present); Member, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston CEO Roundtable (2021-Present); Board Advisor, United States Tennis Association (2021-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).

 

 

57


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (48)   

President since 2022

Vice President (2010-2022)

   Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-2022), 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 (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present); Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2022), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; President (2022-Present), Senior Vice President (2017-2022), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Executive Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); 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 (2014-Present), President (2022-Present), Vice President (2014-2022), American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director (2018-Present), President (2022-Present), (Vice President (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; President (2022-Present); Vice President (2010-2022), Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.; (2023-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); American Beacon Select Funds; President (2022-Present), Vice President (2017-2022), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

58


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (64)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal

Officer since 2006

   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, L.L.C. (2008-Present); Secretary and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (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); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Gregory J. Stumm (41)    VP since 2022    Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2022-Present); Director and Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2022-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2022-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2022-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (54)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017–Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Erica Duncan (52)    VP since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

59


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (62)    VP 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); Senior Vice President (2021-Present); Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director (2014-Present), Vice President (2022-Present) and Treasurer (2014-2022), American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director and Vice President (2022-Present), and Treasurer(2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present) Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2010-2021); American Beacon Funds; Vice President (2021-Present), Principal Accounting Officer (2017-2021) and Treasurer (2010-2021), American Beacon Select Funds; Vice President (2021–Present), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2017-2021), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Vice President (2021), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Vice President (2021), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Terri L. McKinney (59)    VP since 2010    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 (2018-2022); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-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 (60)    VP since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

60


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Christina E. Sears (51)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

   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 (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (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), Vice President (2018-2022), Continuous Capital, LLC; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds (1999-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); 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).
Sonia L. Bates (66)    Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2021    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Vice President, Fund and Tax Reporting (2023-Present), Director, Fund and Tax Reporting (2011-2023), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Treasurer (2022-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Funds (2011-2021); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2011-2021), American Beacon Select Funds; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2017-2021), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.
Shelley L. Dyson (53)    Assistant Treasurer since 2021    Fund Tax Manager (2020-Present), Manager, Tax (2014-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2021-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2021-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).

 

 

61


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Shelley D. Abrahams (48)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Corporate Governance Manager (2023-Present), Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-2023), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Rebecca L. Harris (56)    Vice President since 2022    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-Present), Resolute Investment Services; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President (2018-Present), Director (2022) Continuous Capital, LLC; Director, National Investment Services of American, LLC (2022-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC (2022-Present); Director Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2022-Present); Director, SSI Investment Management LLC (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds (2010-2022); Vice President (2022-Present), Assistant Secretary (2010-2022), American Beacon Select Funds; Vice President (2022-Present), Assistant Secretary (2017-2022), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Teresa A. Oxford (64)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Assistant Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2020-2022); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-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 (38)    Assistant Secretary since 2021    Assistant Secretary (2022-Present), Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2022-Present), Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2022–Present) and 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 Select Funds (2021-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2021-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).

* As of 11/12/2014, the Board adopted a retirement plan that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.

** Mr. Duffy is being 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.

 

 

62


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The American Beacon Funds recognize and respect the privacy of our shareholders. We are providing this notice to you so you will understand how shareholder information may be collected and used.

We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from one or more of the following sources:

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

information about your transactions with us or our service providers; and

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law.

We restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to those employees or service providers who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. To ensure the confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information, we maintain safeguards that comply with federal standards.

 

 

63


  

 

 

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

 

 

64


LOGO

 

 

 

Delivery of Documents

Shareholder reports are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. Please be advised that reports are no longer sent by mail. Instead, the reports are made available online, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted online. You will be provided with a website link to access the report. You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can request to continue receiving paper copies by calling 1-866-345-5954, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary. Detailed instructions are also included in your report notifications.

If you invest in the Fund through a financial institution, you may be able to receive the Fund’s regulatory mailings, such as the Prospectus, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report, by e-mail. If you are interested in this option, please go to www.icsdelivery.com and search for your financial institution’s name or contact your financial institution directly.

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO   LOGO
 
By E-mail:   On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com   Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
   
     
 

LOGO

By Telephone:

Call (800) 658-5811

 

LOGO

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-2736. Information regarding the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800)-SEC-0330. A complete schedule of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

SS&C GIDS, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

This report is prepared for shareholders of the American Beacon Funds and may be distributed to others only if preceded or accompanied by a current Prospectus or Summary Prospectus.

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 06/23


LOGO


About American Beacon Advisors

 

Since 1986, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. has offered a variety of products and investment advisory services to numerous institutional and retail clients, including a variety of mutual funds, corporate cash management, and separate account management.

Our clients include defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial planners, and other institutional investors. With American Beacon Advisors, you can put the experience of a multi-billion dollar asset management firm to work for your company.

SSI ALTERNATIVE INCOME FUND

The use of fixed-income securities, including convertible securities, entails interest rate and credit risks. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities will decrease in value with increases in market interest rates. In addition, the value of a convertible security could fluctuate based on the value of the underlying stock. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a bond will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal; the decline in an issuer’s credit rating can cause the price of its bonds to go down. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. Investments in high-yield securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”), including restricted securities and floating-rate securities, are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. Short sales involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument; the Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short sale. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in small- and medium-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be sensitive to factors affecting those sectors. Financial sector companies are heavily regulated and particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

TWENTYFOUR STRATEGIC INCOME FUND

The use of fixed-income securities entails interest rate and credit risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities will decrease in value with increases in market interest rates. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a bond will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal; the decline in an issuer’s credit rating can cause the price of its bonds to go down. Investments in high-yield securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”), including loans, CLOs, restricted securities and floating-rate securities, are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be sensitive to factors affecting those sectors. Financial sector companies are heavily regulated and particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in a particular country or geographic region, its performance will be sensitive to factors affecting that country or region. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Geopolitical and other events have led to market disruptions causing adverse changes in the value of investments broadly. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. The Fund’s incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) considerations in its investment strategy may cause it to underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

TWENTYFOUR SUSTAINABLE SHORT TERM BOND FUND

The use of fixed-income securities entails interest rate and credit risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities will decrease in value with increases in market interest rates. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a bond will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal; the decline in an issuer’s credit rating can cause the price of its bonds to go down. Investments in high-yield securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”), including loans, CLOs, restricted securities and floating-rate securities, are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be sensitive to factors affecting those sectors. Financial sector companies are heavily regulated and particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in a particular country or geographic region, its performance will be sensitive to factors affecting that country or region. Geopolitical and other events have led to market disruptions causing adverse changes in the value of investments broadly. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. The Fund’s incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) considerations in its investment strategy may cause it to underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

Any opinions herein, including forecasts, reflect our judgment as of the end of the reporting period and are subject to change. Each advisor’s strategies and each Fund’s portfolio composition will change depending on economic and market conditions. This report is not a complete analysis of market conditions, and, therefore, should not be relied upon as investment advice. Although economic and market information has been compiled from reliable sources, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the statements contained herein.

 

American Beacon Funds

June 30, 2023


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    13  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    15  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund

    16  

American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

    25  

American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

    32  

Financial Statements

    37  

Notes to Financial Statements

    42  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund

    80  

American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

    83  

American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

    88  

Federal Tax Information

    92  

Disclosure Regarding Approvals of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    93  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    99  

Privacy Policy

    106  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

“Don’t rock the boat.” How many times have we heard that phrase, applied to almost every facet of our daily lives?

 

For many of us, that proverbial boat is almost certain to rock despite our best efforts to keep it steady. Forces we cannot control will move it forward, backward and sideways – pushing us off our desired trajectory during stormy seas and preventing us from reaching the safety of the harbor.

 

However, by carefully planning, fine-tuning and adjusting our courses over time, we can help steady the boat and increase our chances of safely reaching our destination. The same can also be said about our investment

portfolios. If we make prudent adjustments as we seek to preserve and grow our savings – especially during periods of geopolitical and economic uncertainty – we’ll be better able to withstand the tempests we encounter along the way.

To help your investment portfolio weather storms over the long term, we encourage you to work with financial professionals to develop your personal savings plan, conduct annual plan reviews, and make thoughtful, purposeful plan adjustments to better manage your evolving financial needs and goals. By investing across different investment styles and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks in your portfolio. By allocating your portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to withstand short-term crises. Through careful planning, you will be better positioned to achieve enduring financial success.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for long-term financial rewards.

Thank you for entrusting your financial success with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products or to access your account information, please visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

Best Regards,

 

LOGO

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl

President

American Beacon Funds

 

 

1


Global Bond Market Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The 12-month period ended June 30, 2023, began with global equity markets in the midst of steep declines as elevated inflation led to higher interest rates and aggressive central bank tightening. However, inflation rates gradually rolled over and several policymakers, including the Federal Reserve, slowed their pace of rate hikes. Investors viewed the moderating inflation with scepticism, which grew into fears of recession and caused risk markets to weaken. Nevertheless, by period end, relatively stable economic data led to a favorable backdrop for equity and credit markets.

In early 2023, one of the casualties of aggressively rising interest rates was the U.S. regional banking system. Higher market yields caused depositors to flee their bank accounts and invest in Treasury bills and other short-term alternatives. The speed and extent to which capital fled the system caused the demise of two large U.S. regional banks and contributed to the downfall of Credit Suisse, which was acquired by UBS. Markets and politicians reacted quickly to the disruption and stabilized the banking sector in relatively short order.

Among other events during the period, the war in Ukraine continued and trade tensions with China escalated; the markets appeared to grow accustomed to volatility from these regions.

Overall, the credit markets performed relatively well as investors avoided rising government bond yields and sought alternatives in the corporate bond market while they grew comfortable with the outlook for credit risk. As central bankers moderated their pace of interest rate hikes, optimism for a soft landing increased, and the potential for a disruptive economic slowdown was pushed further out.

Among the primary credit indexes, the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index posted the highest returns at 9.1% for the period and the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Bond Index (investment grade) returned 1.6%. The Bloomberg Euro-Aggregate Corporate Index (investment grade, hedged to U.S. dollar) returned 4.5%. Overall, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned -0.9% for the period and the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index returned -1.3%, reflecting rising interest rates. The Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Index produced some of the lowest results with a return of -2.1% during the period as the yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note rose from 2.89% to 3.84%.

At period end, inflation remained top of mind for investors, although they were beginning to anticipate the end of the historic rate-hiking cycles.

 

 

2


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund (the “Fund”) returned 5.24% for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2023, outperforming the ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index return of 3.59% for the same period.

Comparison of Changes in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period 6/30/2013 through 6/30/2023

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2023

 

         
      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Year

  

5 Year

  

10 Year

  

Value of  $10,000
06/30/2013-
06/30/2023

R5 Class (1,2,4)

     SSIJX          5.65 %        4.04 %        3.70 %        2.68 %      $ 13,026

Y Class (1,4)

     PSCIX          5.55 %        3.97 %        3.64 %        2.65 %      $ 12,994

Investor Class (1,4)

     PSCAX          5.24 %        3.71 %        3.39 %        2.39 %      $ 12,665
                               

ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (3)

              3.59 %        1.27 %        1.55 %        0.98 %      $ 11,030

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end-of-day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please call 1-800-967-9009 or visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund was waived from Fund inception to 2014, recovered in 2015, and waived in 2016 and 2019 through 2023. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for periods when waivers were in effect. A portion of fees charged to the Y Class of the Fund was waived from Fund inception to 2014, recovered in 2015, and waived in 2016 and 2019 through 2023. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for periods when waivers were in effect.

 

2.

Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represents the total returns achieved by the Y Class from 6/30/2013 up to 5/17/2019, the inception date of the R5 Class. Expenses of the R5 Class are lower than those of the Y Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R5 Class been in existence since 6/30/2013. A portion of fees charged to the R5 Class of the Fund was waived from R5 Class inception (May 17, 2019) to 2021 and in 2023. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.

 

 

3


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

3.

ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is an index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in less than 3 months that assumes reinvestment of all income and is intended to track the daily performance of 3-month U.S. Treasury bills. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

4.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y and Investor Class shares were 1.67%, 1.77% and 2.16%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The period began with global equity markets in steep decline as elevated inflation led to higher interest rates and aggressive central-bank tightening. During the period though, inflation started to roll over, and the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank slowed its pace of rate hikes as skeptical investors viewed the moderating inflation as a precursor of recession. By mid-period, risk markets began to weaken again, although a series of stable economic reports in subsequent quarters offered hope that a soft landing was possible. With a supportive economic backdrop, improving credit markets and positive sentiment toward convertible bonds, the Fund’s performance improved. Investors sought to avoid rising government bond yields with alternatives in the corporate bond market while they grew comfortable with the outlook for credit risk.

The Fund demonstrated attractive risk-adjusted performance during the period as its hedged convertible bond strategy participated in spread tightening in the credit markets while its short duration buffered the rise in interest rates. Income was a significant source of return for the Fund, and its holdings were diversified across sectors and industries with no individual position having an extraordinary impact on performance. Financials, Information Technology and Health Care were the largest exposures in a target universe that includes fundamentally attractive companies with strong credit profiles and favorable valuations.

The Fund seeks to offer positive absolute returns regardless of the market environment by purchasing convertible bonds and convertible preferred stocks and hedging the underlying equity exposure. The sources of return include coupon income from the long convertible positions, interest income from the short positions, capital gains from convertibles moving toward fair value, and net capital gains from hedge ratio trading profits created by stock price volatility. This team-based process has remained consistent since the strategy’s inception.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

MFA Financial, Inc., 6.250%, Due 6/15/2024           2.5  
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc., 5.375%, Due 10/15/2023           2.3  
PennyMac Corp., 5.500%, Due 11/1/2024           2.0  
American Airlines Group, Inc., 6.500%, Due 7/1/2025           1.6  
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., 0.500%, Due 6/30/2051           1.6  
SoFi Technologies, Inc., 0.010%, Due 10/15/2026           1.5  
Two Harbors Investment Corp., 6.250%, Due 1/15/2026           1.5  
LendingTree, Inc., 0.500%, Due 7/15/2025           1.4  
Liberty Media Corp., 3.750%, Due 3/15/2028           1.4  
Redwood Trust, Inc., 5.625%, Due 7/15/2024           1.4  
Total Fund Holdings      103       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

 

       45.9  
Financial Services           12.5  
Diversified REITs           9.7  
Construction & Engineering           9.7  
Chemicals           8.5  
Software           8.3  
Exchange-Traded Instruments           5.4  

 

 

4


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Industry Allocation (% Fixed-Income)        
REITS

 

       17.9  
Software           12.1  
Internet           12.0  
Diversified Financial Services           8.6  
Pharmaceuticals           5.2  
Airlines           4.1  
Biotechnology           3.8  
Health Care - Products           3.3  
Leisure Time           3.3  
Commercial Services           3.0  
Energy - Alternate Sources           2.9  
Media           2.9  
Transportation           2.6  
Retail           2.3  
Electric           2.0  
Computers           1.8  
Entertainment           1.8  
Trucking & Leasing           1.6  
Cosmetics/Personal Care           1.4  
Investment Companies           1.4  
Health Care - Services           1.3  
Machinery - Construction & Mining           1.3  
Oil & Gas           0.9  
Aerospace/Defense           0.8  
Holding Companies - Diversified           0.7  
Lodging           0.5  
Electronics           0.5  

 

 

5


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund (the “Fund”) returned 4.11% for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2023, outperforming the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index (Hedged to USD) (the “Index”) return of 0.52%.

Comparison of Changes in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period 4/03/2017 through 6/30/2023

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2023

 

    

Ticker

  

1 Year

 

3 Year

 

5 Year

 

Since Inception
04/03/2017

 

Value of $10,000
04/03/2017-

06/30/2023

R5 Class (1,5)

   TFGIX        4.54 %       0.13 %       2.26 %       2.78 %     $ 11,868

Y Class (1,5)

   TFGYX        4.57 %       0.07 %       2.20 %       2.72 %     $ 11,825

Investor Class (1,5)

   TFGPX        4.11 %       (0.28 )%       1.88 %       2.40 %     $ 11,594

A Class without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

   TFSAX        4.32 %       (0.16 )%       1.96 %       2.55 %     $ 11,699

A Class with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

   TFSAX        0.43 %       (1.44 )%       1.19 %       1.92 %     $ 11,260

C Class without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

   TFGCX        3.40 %       (0.97 )%       1.22 %       1.95 %     $ 11,278

C Class with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

   TFGCX        2.40 %       (0.97 )%       1.22 %       1.95 %     $ 11,278
                       

ICE BofA US Dollar 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index (4)

          3.58 %       1.28 %       1.71 %       1.66 %       11,080

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index (Hedged to USD) (4)

          0.52 %       (2.88 )%       0.93 %       1.17 %       10,751

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end-of-day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.

 

 

6


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the R5 Class from 4/3/2017 up to 10/29/2018, the inception date of the A Class. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 4/3/2017. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 3.75%.

 

3.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the R5 Class from 4/03/2017 up to 10/29/2018, the inception date of the C Class. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 4/03/2017. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

4.

The ICE BofA US Dollar 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index tracks the performance of a synthetic asset paying LIBOR to a stated maturity. The index is based on the assumed purchase at par of a synthetic instrument having exactly its stated maturity and with a coupon equal to that day’s fixing rate. That issue is assumed to be sold the following business day (at a yield equal to the current day fixing rate) and rolled into a new instrument. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index tracks the performance of global investment-grade debt, including treasury, government- related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds, denominated in local currencies from developed and emerging markets issuers and hedged back to U.S. Dollars (USD). Securities must have at least one year until final maturity, or average life as applicable, and must meet minimum issue size criteria. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

5.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares were 0.88%, 0.93%, 1.22%, 1.14%, and 1.90%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

One of the primary contributors to the Fund’s outperformance was its short duration as interest rates rose across the yield curve in response to elevated and persistent inflation. The Fund ended the period with a duration of 3.9 years, as compared to 6.8 years for the Index, and was consistently short throughout the period.

The Fund also benefitted from the outperformance of the high-yield segment of the corporate bond market as lower quality significantly outperformed higher quality during the period. The ICE BofA US High Yield Index returned 8.9%, whereas the ICE BofA US Corporate Index (investment grade) returned 1.4%. By comparison, the ICE BofA US Treasury Index posted a return of negative 2.5%. The Fund held approximately 47% of its assets in high-yield investments at period end, as compared to none in the Index, and held higher percentages earlier in the period.

The Fund was adversely affected by the volatility in the Alternative Tier-1 (AT1) capital market in early-2023 when Swiss regulators approved UBS’ takeover of Credit Suisse and subsequent write down of Credit Suisse’s AT1 securities to zero. The Fund held less than 2% of assets in such holdings, but it held over 20% in AT1 securities overall, diversified across many issuers. Fortunately, the Swiss treatment of AT1s was isolated, regulators in other countries insisted they would not follow such precedence, and the non-Swiss AT1 market gradually recovered.

Lastly, the Fund’s exposure to the securitized market, in the form of Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs), also outperformed as nearly all assets in credit markets posted strong results during the period. The Fund held approximately 15% of its assets in CLOs at period end, as compared to none in the Index. Additionally, CLOs are primarily floating-rate securities, which benefitted as the US Federal Reserve Bank raised interest rates.

The sub-advisor’s investment process incorporates top-down asset allocation and duration management with rigorous bottom-up credit analysis in a highly flexible approach that seeks to take advantage of prevailing market conditions. This team-based process has remained consistent since the Fund’s inception.

 

 

 

7


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.500%, Due 2/15/2033           11.6  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.125%, Due 11/15/2032           6.2  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.875%, Due 5/15/2032           3.4  
Nationwide Building Society, 10.250%, Due 12/31/2049, Series CCDS           2.2  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.875%, Due 10/31/2023           1.9  
Towd Point Mortgage Funding PLC, 5.779%, Due 10/20/2051, 2019 GR4A ER, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 1.400%)           1.8  
Coventry Building Society, 6.875%, Due 9/18/2024, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 6.111%)           1.7  
Voya Euro CLO IV DAC, 9.337%, Due 10/15/2034, 4A ER, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.160%)           1.6  
Banco de Sabadell SA, 5.750%, Due 3/15/2026, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.198%)           1.5  
Phoenix Group Holdings PLC, 5.750%, Due 12/31/2049, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 4.170%)           1.5  
Total Fund Holdings      146       
       
Industry Allocation (% Fixed-Income)        
U.S. Treasury Obligations

 

       26.6  
Banks           23.3  
Asset-Backed Obligations           15.1  
Insurance           9.8  
Diversified Financial Services           4.3  
Savings & Loans           4.1  
Telecommunications           2.5  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations           1.9  
Pipelines           1.8  
Commercial Services           1.3  
Auto Manufacturers           0.9  
Transportation           0.9  
Auto Parts & Equipment           0.8  
Electric           0.8  
Home Builders           0.6  
Oil & Gas           0.6  
Pharmaceuticals           0.6  
Water           0.5  
Packaging & Containers           0.4  
Building Materials           0.3  
Chemicals           0.3  
Food           0.3  
Health Care - Products           0.3  
Machinery - Construction & Mining           0.3  
Real Estate           0.3  
Retail           0.3  
Software           0.3  
Advertising           0.2  
Airlines           0.2  
Household Products/Wares           0.2  
Agriculture           0.1  
Leisure Time           0.1  

 

 

8


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Country Allocation (% Investments)        
United States

 

       32.2  
United Kingdom           24.5  
Ireland           13.2  
Spain           5.7  
Netherlands           4.2  
France           4.0  
Germany           3.5  
Italy           2.9  
Mexico           2.0  
Cayman Islands           1.6  
Austria           1.1  
Sweden           1.0  
Australia           0.9  
Switzerland           0.8  
China/Hong Kong           0.6  
Chile           0.5  
Brazil           0.3  
Canada           0.3  
India           0.3  
Republic of Mauritius           0.3  
Ukraine           0.1  

 

 

9


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Y Class of the American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund (the “Fund”) returned 2.95% for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2023, while the ICE BofA 1-3 Yr. US Corporate Index (the “Index”) returned 1.66% for the same period.

Comparison of Changes in Value of a $100,000 Investment for the period 2/18/2020 through 6/30/2023

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2023

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Year

  

Since Inception
02/18/2020

  

Value of $100,000
02/18/2020-

06/30/2023

Y Class (1,5)

     TFBYX          2.95 %        0.57 %        0.42 %      $ 101,418.34

A Class without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     TFBAX          2.48 %        0.23 %        0.09 %      $ 100,315.54

A Class with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     TFBAX          (0.12 )%        (0.60 )%        (0.67 )%      $ 97,773.43

C Class without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     TFBCX          1.68 %        (0.51 )%        (0.69 )%      $ 97,713.12

C Class with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     TFBCX          0.68 %        (0.51 )%        (0.69 )%      $ 97,713.12

R6 Class (1,5)

     TFBRX          2.89 %        0.63 %        0.50 %      $ 101,705.24
                          

ICE BofA 1-3 Yr US Corporate Index (4)

              1.66 %        -0.37 %        0.25 %      $ 100,858

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end-of-day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.

 

2.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 2.50%.

 

3.

The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

 

10


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

4.

The ICE BofA 1-3 Year US Corporate Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of the U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade public debt issued in the U.S. domestic bond market. Qualifying bonds must have at least one year but less than three years remaining term to maturity, a fixed coupon schedule and a minimum amount outstanding of $150 million. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

5.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Y, A, C, and R6 Class shares were 2.24%, 3.13%, 3.78%, and 2.38%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

One of the primary contributors to the Fund’s outperformance was its strong results from the high-yield segment of the corporate bond market as lower quality significantly outperformed higher quality during the period. The ICE BofA 1-3 Year US Cash Pay High Yield Index returned 9.1%, whereas the Fund’s Index is investment grade. By comparison, the ICE BofA 1-3 Year US Treasury Index posted a return of 0.1%. The Fund held over 10% of its assets in high-yield investments during the period, as compared to none in the Index.

The Fund also benefitted from its short duration as the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank, and other major central banks, raised interest rates aggressively in response to elevated and persistent inflation. The upper limit on the Federal Funds Target Range began the period at 1.75% and ended at 5.25%. The Fund ended with a duration of 1.3 years, as compared to 1.9 years for the Index, and was consistently short throughout the period.

Lastly, while the Fund’s largest exposure was to the Financial sector of the corporate bond market, at approximately 45% of assets at period end, it was not exposed to U.S. regional banks. Rather, it primarily held the large, systemically important banks across the U.S., Europe and the United Kingdom. Additionally, the Fund had little exposure to the contingent convertible market that engulfed Credit Suisse in early-2023. Specifically, the Fund did not hold Credit Suisse Alternative Tier-1 (AT1) bonds. Fortunately, the regional bank and AT1 volatility proved to be short lived, and the markets had substantially recovered by period end.

The sub-advisor’s investment process incorporates top-down asset allocation and duration management with rigorous bottom-up credit analysis in a highly flexible approach that seeks to take advantage of prevailing market conditions. This team-based process has remained consistent since the Fund’s inception.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
U.S. Treasury Bills, 4.927%, Due 8/10/2023           5.0  
U.K. Gilts, 0.625%, Due 6/7/2025           4.9  
U.S. Treasury Bills, 4.889%, Due 8/1/2023           3.1  
Pension Insurance Corp. PLC, 6.500%, Due 7/3/2024           1.9  
Citigroup, Inc., 2.750%, Due 1/24/2024           1.8  
Tower Bridge Funding PLC, 6.649%, Due 7/21/2064, 2021 1 D, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 2.150%)           1.7  
E.ON International Finance BV, 5.625%, Due 12/6/2023           1.6  
National Grid Electricity Distribution PLC, 3.625%, Due 11/6/2023           1.6  
Haleon U.S. Capital LLC, 3.024%, Due 3/24/2024           1.5  
Legal & General Group PLC, 5.375%, Due 10/27/2045, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 4.580%)           1.5  
Total Fund Holdings      80       
       
Sector Allocation (% Fixed-Income)        
Financial           45.2  
Utilities           12.5  
U.S. Treasury Obligations           8.9  
Communications           8.2  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations           6.5  
Consumer, Non-Cyclical           5.3  
Foreign Sovereign Obligations           5.3  
Industrial           3.7  
Technology           2.8  
Consumer, Cyclical           1.6  
       

 

 

11


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Industry Allocation (% Fixed-Income)        
Banks           21.8  
Insurance           16.0  
Electric           9.0  
U.S. Treasury Obligations           8.9  
Telecommunications           7.4  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations           6.5  
Foreign Sovereign Obligations           5.3  
Savings & Loans           4.8  
Software           2.8  
Gas           1.9  
Household Products/Wares           1.7  
Miscellaneous Manufacturing           1.6  
Transportation           1.6  
Water           1.6  
Food           1.2  
Distribution/Wholesale           1.1  
Diversified Financial Services           1.1  
Commercial Services           1.0  
Health Care - Services           0.9  
Media           0.8  
Real Estate           0.8  
REITS           0.8  
Entertainment           0.5  
Trucking & Leasing           0.5  
Pharmaceuticals           0.4  
       
Country Allocation (% Investments)        
United Kingdom           52.1  
United States           25.0  
France           8.5  
Netherlands           4.1  
Germany           3.3  
Spain           2.7  
Belgium           1.5  
Denmark           1.4  
Australia           1.4  

 

 

12


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Expense Example

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees, if applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and R5 Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The “Hypothetical” lines of the tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and R5 Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs charged by the Funds, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption fees, as applicable. Similarly, the expense examples for other funds do not reflect any transaction costs charged by those funds, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the “Hypothetical” lines of the tables are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If you were subject to any transaction costs during the period, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

13


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2023
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2023
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2023-6/30/2023*
R5 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,036.50       $6.26
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.65       $6.21
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,035.40       $6.61
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.30       $6.56
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,034.20       $7.62
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.31       $7.55

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.24%, 1.31%, and 1.51% for the R5, Y, and Investor Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2023
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2023
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2023-6/30/2023*
R5 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,032.40       $3.63
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.22       $3.61
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,032.60       $4.03
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.83       $4.01
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,029.90       $5.49
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.39       $5.46
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,031.50       $5.04
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.84       $5.01
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,027.00       $9.00
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.92       $8.95

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.72%, 0.80%, 1.09%, 1.00%, and 1.79% for the R5, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2023
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2023
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2023-6/30/2023*
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,019.60       $2.85
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.97       $2.86
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,017.20       $4.35
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.48       $4.36
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,012.50       $8.08
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,016.76       $8.10
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,019.40       $2.35
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,022.46       $2.36

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.57%, 0.87%, 1.62%, and 0.47% for the Y, A, C, and R6 Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

14


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Funds and Shareholders of American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund (three of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds, hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of June 30, 2023, the related statements of operations for the year ended June 30, 2023, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of June 30, 2023, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2023 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund (1)

American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund (2)

American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund (3)

 

  (1)

Financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended June 30, 2023, and for the periods ended June 30, 2019 indicated therein

  (2)

Financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein

  (3)

Financial highlights for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2023 and for the period February 18, 2020 (commencement of operations) to June 30, 2020

The financial statements of American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund as of and for the year ended March 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the periods ended on or prior to March 31, 2019 (not presented herein, other than the financial highlights) were audited by other auditors whose report dated May 24, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June 30, 2023 by correspondence with the custodians and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

August 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the American Beacon family of funds since 2016.

 

 

15


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 101.01%            
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS - 4.84%            
Financials - 1.24%            
Financial Services - 1.24%            
Ready Capital Corp., 7.000%, Due 08/15/2023       51,093         $ 1,274,770
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 0.96%            
Construction & Engineering - 0.96%            
Fluor Corp., 6.500%A B       710           988,554
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 0.83%            
Software - 0.83%            
NCR Corp., Series A, 5.500%, PIK (In-kind rate 5.500%)B       767           848,839
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.85%            
Chemicals - 0.85%            
Lyondellbasell Advanced Polymers, Inc., 6.000%B       1,026           866,970
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 0.96%            
Diversified REITs - 0.96%            
New York Community Capital Trust V, 6.000%, Due 11/1/2051       24,471           988,905
           

 

 

 
           

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks (Cost $5,291,856)

              4,968,038
           

 

 

 
           
PREFERRED STOCKS - 4.56%            
Financials - 4.56%            
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 4.56%            
AGNC Investment Corp.,            

Series E, 6.500%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 4.697%)B C

      3,313           74,874

Series F, 6.125%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 4.993%)B C

      25,036           525,506
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., Series F, 6.250%, (Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 5.440%)B C       39,240           815,015
Chimera Investment Corp., Series B, 8.000%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 5.791%)B C       28,077           586,809
Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc., Series A, 7.000%, (Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 5.830%)B C       29,489           504,262
MFA Financial, Inc., Series C, 6.500%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 5.345%)B C       39,518           779,690
New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.,            

Series E, 7.875%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 6.429%)B C

      1,078           23,393

Series F, 6.875%, (Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 6.130%)B C

      23,244           418,857
Redwood Trust, Inc., 10.000%, (5 yr. CMT + 6.278%)B C       7,315           162,173
Rithm Capital Corp.,            

Series B, 7.125%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 5.640%)B C

      2,395           54,534

Series C, 6.375%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 4.969%)B C

      36,984           733,023
           

 

 

 
              4,678,136
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              4,678,136
           

 

 

 
           

Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $5,674,883)

              4,678,136
           

 

 

 
           
    Principal Amount        
             
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 83.82%            
Communications - 11.61%            
Internet - 9.17%            
Airbnb, Inc., Due 3/15/2026A D     $ 791,000           689,752
Lyft, Inc., 1.500%, Due 5/15/2025           1,432,000           1,282,356
Magnite, Inc., 0.250%, Due 3/15/2026A       1,389,000           1,168,149
Perficient, Inc., 0.125%, Due 11/15/2026A       1,482,000           1,215,370
Q2 Holdings, Inc., 0.750%, Due 6/1/2026       954,000           824,197
Snap, Inc., Due 5/1/2027A D       1,358,000           1,004,920

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 101.01% (continued)            
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 83.82% (continued)            
Communications - 11.61% (continued)            
Internet - 9.17% (continued)            
Upwork, Inc., 0.250%, Due 8/15/2026A     $ 1,640,000         $ 1,328,214
Wayfair, Inc., 1.000%, Due 8/15/2026A       1,015,000           834,902
Ziff Davis, Inc., 1.750%, Due 11/1/2026A E           1,136,000           1,059,320
           

 

 

 
              9,407,180
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 2.44%            
Cable One, Inc., 1.125%, Due 3/15/2028A       1,432,000           1,077,580
Liberty Media Corp., 3.750%, Due 3/15/2028E       1,314,000           1,432,260
           

 

 

 
              2,509,840
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communications

              11,917,020
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 10.28%            
Airlines - 3.48%            
American Airlines Group, Inc., 6.500%, Due 7/1/2025       1,268,000           1,624,308
JetBlue Airways Corp., 0.500%, Due 4/1/2026A       1,096,000           900,095
Spirit Airlines, Inc., 1.000%, Due 5/15/2026A       1,292,000           1,043,936
           

 

 

 
              3,568,339
           

 

 

 
           
Entertainment - 1.52%            
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 3.125%, Due 1/15/2029A E       1,048,000           1,154,896
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp., 3.250%, Due 12/15/2027A E       424,000           401,316
           

 

 

 
              1,556,212
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Time - 2.85%            
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., 0.500%, Due 6/30/2051A E F       2,075,000           1,617,462
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., 6.000%, Due 8/15/2025A E       597,000           1,312,206
           

 

 

 
              2,929,668
           

 

 

 
           
Lodging - 0.45%            
Marcus Corp., 5.000%, Due 9/15/2025A E       309,000           461,337
           

 

 

 
           
Retail - 1.98%            
Cheesecake Factory, Inc., 0.375%, Due 6/15/2026A       1,498,000           1,256,448
Patrick Industries, Inc., 1.750%, Due 12/1/2028A       803,000           779,713
           

 

 

 
              2,036,161
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Cyclical

              10,551,717
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 15.33%            
Biotechnology - 3.21%            
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., 0.250%, Due 3/1/2027A       1,372,000           1,139,537
Illumina, Inc., Due 8/15/2023D       870,000           863,901
Insmed, Inc., 0.750%, Due 6/1/2028A       1,536,000           1,288,320
           

 

 

 
              3,291,758
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services - 2.58%            
Affirm Holdings, Inc., Due 11/15/2026D       568,000           419,241
Chegg, Inc., 0.125%, Due 3/15/2025A       1,208,000           1,064,248
Repay Holdings Corp., Due 2/1/2026D E       628,000           510,627
Sabre Global, Inc., 4.000%, Due 4/15/2025       831,000           648,902
           

 

 

 
              2,643,018
           

 

 

 
           
Cosmetics/Personal Care - 1.16%            
Beauty Health Co., 1.250%, Due 10/1/2026A E       1,520,000           1,192,250
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 101.01% (continued)            
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 83.82% (continued)            
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 15.33% (continued)            
Health Care - Products - 2.82%            
CONMED Corp., 2.250%, Due 6/15/2027A     $ 934,000         $ 1,042,344
Haemonetics Corp., Due 3/1/2026A D           1,307,000           1,112,123
Integer Holdings Corp., 2.125%, Due 2/15/2028A E       629,000           740,962
           

 

 

 
              2,895,429
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - Services - 1.13%            
Oak Street Health, Inc., Due 3/15/2026D       1,171,000           1,162,803
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 4.43%            
Coherus Biosciences, Inc., 1.500%, Due 4/15/2026A       583,000           357,088
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., 2.875%, Due 2/15/2029E       1,154,000           988,561
Herbalife Ltd., 2.625%, Due 3/15/2024       1,197,000           1,159,294
Jazz Investments I Ltd., 1.500%, Due 8/15/2024A       907,000           862,453
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4.000%, Due 5/1/2029A E       1,047,000           1,174,210
           

 

 

 
              4,541,606
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

              15,726,864
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified - 0.61%            
Holding Companies - Diversified - 0.61%            
RWT Holdings, Inc., 5.750%, Due 10/1/2025       719,000           621,916
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 3.27%            
Energy - Alternate Sources - 2.51%            
Array Technologies, Inc., 1.000%, Due 12/1/2028A       1,069,000           1,222,936
Sunnova Energy International, Inc.,            

0.250%, Due 12/1/2026A

      880,000           689,480

2.625%, Due 2/15/2028E

      819,000           666,373
           

 

 

 
              2,578,789
           

 

 

 
           
Oil & Gas - 0.76%            
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., 6.750%, Due 2/15/2026A       588,000           776,748
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              3,355,537
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 23.29%            
Diversified Financial Services - 6.82%            
EZCORP, Inc., 3.750%, Due 12/15/2029A E       1,050,000           1,032,992
Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc., Due 8/15/2023D       962,000           952,378
LendingTree, Inc., 0.500%, Due 7/15/2025A       1,805,000           1,389,850
SoFi Technologies, Inc., Due 10/15/2026A D E       1,943,000           1,499,996
Upstart Holdings, Inc., 0.250%, Due 8/15/2026       1,511,000           1,031,257
WisdomTree, Inc., 5.750%, Due 8/15/2028A E       1,049,000           1,085,715
           

 

 

 
              6,992,188
           

 

 

 
           
Investment Companies - 1.18%            
New Mountain Finance Corp., 5.750%, Due 8/15/2023F       1,219,000           1,209,918
           

 

 

 
           
REITS - 15.29%            
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc., 5.375%, Due 10/15/2023       2,338,000           2,316,081
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., 7.500%, Due 8/1/2025E       1,016,000           1,006,856
Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc., 6.375%, Due 10/1/2023       1,370,000           1,322,144
MFA Financial, Inc., 6.250%, Due 6/15/2024       2,594,000           2,558,337
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, 1.750%, Due 12/15/2026A       1,475,000           1,245,083
PennyMac Corp.,            

5.500%, Due 11/1/2024

      2,181,000           2,050,140

5.500%, Due 3/15/2026

      827,000           733,963
Redwood Trust, Inc.,            

4.750%, Due 8/15/2023

      316,000           312,456

5.625%, Due 7/15/2024

      1,499,000           1,422,238

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 101.01% (continued)            
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 83.82% (continued)            
Financial - 23.29% (continued)            
REITS - 15.29% (continued)            
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., 1.500%, Due 2/15/2026A     $ 1,431,000         $ 1,215,543
Two Harbors Investment Corp., 6.250%, Due 1/15/2026       1,712,000           1,506,560
           

 

 

 
              15,689,401
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financial

              23,891,507
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 5.81%            
Aerospace/Defense - 0.68%            
Kaman Corp., 3.250%, Due 5/1/2024A       719,000           692,397
           

 

 

 
           
Electronics - 0.43%            
Mesa Laboratories, Inc., 1.375%, Due 8/15/2025A       497,000           443,523
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - Construction & Mining - 1.10%            
Bloom Energy Corp., 3.000%, Due 6/1/2028A E       997,000           1,133,008
           

 

 

 
           
Transportation - 2.26%            
Air Transport Services Group, Inc., 1.125%, Due 10/15/2024A       1,353,000           1,278,044
CryoPort, Inc., 0.750%, Due 12/1/2026A E       1,298,000           1,035,209
           

 

 

 
              2,313,253
           

 

 

 
           
Trucking & Leasing - 1.34%            
Greenbrier Cos., Inc., 2.875%, Due 4/15/2028A       1,399,000           1,377,315
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrial

              5,959,496
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 11.87%            
Computers - 1.57%            
Lumentum Holdings, Inc., 0.500%, Due 12/15/2026A       1,136,000           1,002,379
Mitek Systems, Inc., 0.750%, Due 2/1/2026A       700,000           607,169
           

 

 

 
              1,609,548
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 10.30%            
8x8, Inc., 0.500%, Due 2/1/2024       1,132,000           1,075,332
Bentley Systems, Inc., 0.375%, Due 7/1/2027A       1,165,000           1,051,995
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc., 0.250%, Due 3/15/2026A       761,000           669,528
Envestnet, Inc.,            

0.750%, Due 8/15/2025A

      543,000           498,203

2.625%, Due 12/1/2027E

      593,000           622,057
Five9, Inc., 0.500%, Due 6/1/2025A       348,000           335,472
i3 Verticals LLC, 1.000%, Due 2/15/2025A       1,044,000           954,608
Jamf Holding Corp., 0.125%, Due 9/1/2026A       653,000           559,592
NextGen Healthcare, Inc., 3.750%, Due 11/15/2027A E       1,048,000           1,016,036
Progress Software Corp., 1.000%, Due 4/15/2026A       499,000           546,405
RingCentral, Inc., 0.010%, Due 3/1/2025A D       1,319,000           1,212,820
Splunk, Inc., 0.500%, Due 9/15/2023       1,041,000           1,029,028
Verint Systems, Inc., 0.250%, Due 4/15/2026A           1,130,000           995,813
           

 

 

 
              10,566,889
           

 

 

 
           

Total Technology

              12,176,437
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 1.75%            
Electric - 1.75%            
Duke Energy Corp., 4.125%, Due 4/15/2026A E       974,000           951,111
NRG Energy, Inc., 2.750%, Due 6/1/2048A F       799,000           843,344
           

 

 

 
              1,794,455
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              1,794,455
           

 

 

 
           

Total Convertible Obligations (Cost $89,659,359)

              85,994,949
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 101.01% (continued)            
FOREIGN CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 1.59%            
Communications - 1.07%            
Internet - 1.07%            
PDD Holdings, Inc., 0.010%, Due 12/1/2025D     $ 1,133,000         $ 1,100,085
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 0.52%            
Financial Services - 0.52%            
Encore Capital Europe Finance Ltd., 4.500%, Due 9/1/2023A       480,000           531,600
           

 

 

 
           

Total Foreign Convertible Obligations (Cost $1,571,047)

              1,631,685
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
             
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - 0.54% (Cost $518,037)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - 0.54%            
ProShares Short 20+ Year Treasury       25,457           552,162
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 5.66% (Cost $5,813,495)            
Investment Companies - 5.66%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%G H           5,813,495           5,813,495
           

 

 

 
           

Total Securities Held Long (Cost $108,528,677)

              103,638,465
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (19.35%)            
COMMON STOCKS - (19.35%)            
Communication Services - (2.29%)            
Entertainment - (0.99%)            
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.I       (6,913 )           (629,843 )
Marcus Corp.       (25,462 )           (377,602 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,007,445 )
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - (0.43%)            
Snap, Inc., Class AI       (1,553 )           (18,388 )
TripAdvisor, Inc.I       (2,951 )           (48,662 )
Ziff Davis, Inc.I       (5,354 )           (375,101 )
           

 

 

 
              (442,151 )
           

 

 

 
           
Media - (0.87%)            
Cable One, Inc.       (123 )           (80,821 )
Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM, Class AI       (23,880 )           (783,503 )
Magnite, Inc.I       (2,192 )           (29,920 )
           

 

 

 
              (894,244 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              (2,343,840 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - (2.45%)            
Automobile Components - (0.43%)            
Patrick Industries, Inc.       (5,513 )           (441,040 )
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - (1.83%)            
Airbnb, Inc., Class AI       (554 )           (71,001 )
Cheesecake Factory, Inc.       (6,799 )           (235,109 )
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.       (1,160 )           (142,355 )
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.I       (11,265 )           (1,168,631 )
Sabre Corp.I       (81,305 )           (259,363 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,876,459 )
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (19.35%) (continued)            
COMMON STOCKS - (19.35%) (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - (2.45%) (continued)            
Specialty Retail - (0.19%)            
Wayfair, Inc., Class AI       (2,990 )         $ (194,380 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              (2,511,879 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - (0.09%)            
Personal Products - (0.09%)            
Beauty Health Co.I       (10,769 )           (90,137 )
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - (0.39%)            
Energy Equipment & Services - (0.39%)            
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.I       (54,801 )           (404,431 )
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - (1.86%)            
Banks - (0.04%)            
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.       (3,543 )           (39,823 )
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - (0.41%)            
WisdomTree, Inc.       (61,175 )           (419,661 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - (1.24%)            
Encore Capital Group, Inc.I       (8,261 )           (401,650 )
EZCORP, Inc., Class AI       (72,744 )           (609,595 )
SoFi Technologies, Inc.I       (31,749 )           (264,786 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,276,031 )
           

 

 

 
           
Financial Services - (0.17%)            
I3 Verticals, Inc., Class AI       (7,391 )           (168,958 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              (1,904,473 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - (3.75%)            
Biotechnology - (1.59%)            
Coherus Biosciences, Inc.I       (9,095 )           (38,836 )
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.I       (7,135 )           (257,359 )
Insmed, Inc.I       (32,640 )           (688,704 )
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.I       (25,170 )           (651,148 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,636,047 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - (1.25%)            
CONMED Corp.       (4,531 )           (615,718 )
Haemonetics Corp.I       (2,036 )           (173,345 )
Integer Holdings Corp.I       (5,599 )           (496,127 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,285,190 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - (0.36%)            
NextGen Healthcare, Inc.I               (22,950           (372,249 )
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - (0.07%)            
CryoPort, Inc.I       (1,298 )           (22,390 )
Mesa Laboratories, Inc.       (365 )           (46,903 )
           

 

 

 
              (69,293 )
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - (0.48%)            
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.I       (20,462 )           (439,728 )
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLCI       (400 )           (49,588 )
           

 

 

 
              (489,316 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              (3,852,095 )
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (19.35%) (continued)            
COMMON STOCKS - (19.35%) (continued)            
Industrials - (4.25%)            
Air Freight & Logistics - (0.17%)            
Air Transport Services Group, Inc.I       (9,198 )         $ (173,566 )
           

 

 

 
           
Construction & Engineering - (0.83%)            
Fluor Corp.I               (28,732           (850,467 )
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - (1.41%)            
Array Technologies, Inc.I       (36,074 )           (815,272 )
Bloom Energy Corp., Class AI       (38,613 )           (631,323 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,446,595 )
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - (0.63%)            
Greenbrier Cos., Inc.       (15,110 )           (651,241 )
           

 

 

 
           
Passenger Airlines - (1.06%)            
American Airlines Group, Inc.I       (46,952 )           (842,319 )
JetBlue Airways Corp.I       (9,900 )           (87,714 )
Spirit Airlines, Inc.       (9,208 )           (158,009 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,088,042 )
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - (0.15%)            
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.I       (1,927 )           (129,051 )
Upwork, Inc.I       (2,501 )           (23,360 )
           

 

 

 
              (152,411 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              (4,362,322 )
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - (2.55%)            
Communications Equipment - (0.24%)            
Lumentum Holdings, Inc.I       (4,279 )           (242,748 )
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - (0.19%)            
Perficient, Inc.I       (2,372 )           (197,659 )
           

 

 

 
           
Software - (2.12%)            
Bentley Systems, Inc., Class B       (7,794 )           (422,669 )
Envestnet, Inc.I       (6,881 )           (408,387 )
Five9, Inc.I       (981 )           (80,883 )
Jamf Holding Corp.I       (4,590 )           (89,597 )
Mitek Systems, Inc.I       (13,440 )           (145,689 )
NCR Corp.I       (14,053 )           (354,136 )
Progress Software Corp.       (6,281 )           (364,926 )
Q2 Holdings, Inc.I       (2,671 )           (82,534 )
Verint Systems, Inc.I       (6,463 )           (226,593 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,175,414 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              (2,615,821 )
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - (0.62%)            
Hotel & Resort REITs - (0.62%)            
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust       (25,732 )           (358,704 )
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.       (42,066 )           (273,850 )
           

 

 

 
              (632,554 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              (632,554 )
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (19.35%) (continued)            
COMMON STOCKS - (19.35%) (continued)            
Utilities - (1.10%)            
Electric Utilities - (0.57%)            
Duke Energy Corp.       (2,150 )         $ (192,941 )
NRG Energy, Inc.               (10,649           (398,166 )
           

 

 

 
              (591,107 )
           

 

 

 
           
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers - (0.53%)            
Sunnova Energy International, Inc.I       (29,571 )           (541,446 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              (1,132,553 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Proceeds $(19,400,511))

              (19,850,105 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Securities Sold Short (Proceeds $(19,400,511))

              (19,850,105 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (EXCLUDES SECURITIES SOLD SHORT) - 101.01% (Cost $108,528,677)

              103,638,465

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (19.35%) (Proceeds $(19,400,511))

              (19,850,105 )

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 18.34%

              18,809,810
           

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 102,598,170
           

 

 

 
             
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A This security or a piece thereof is held as segregated collateral. At period end, the value of these securities amounted to $56,161,619 or 54.74% of net assets.

B A type of Preferred Stock that has no maturity date.

C Variable, floating, or adjustable rate securities with an interest rate that changes periodically. Rates are periodically reset with rates that are based on a predetermined benchmark such as a widely followed interest rate such as T-bills, LIBOR or PRIME plus a fixed spread. The interest rate disclosed reflects the rate in effect on June 30, 2023.

D Zero coupon bond.

E Security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. At the period end, the value of these securities amounted to $22,094,760 or 21.54% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

F Callable security.

G The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

H 7-day yield.

I Non-income producing security.

CMT – Constant Maturity Treasury.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

LLC - Limited Liability Company.

PIK - Payment in Kind.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

PRIME - A rate, charged by banks, based on the U.S. Federal Funds rate.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2023, the investments were classified as described below:

 

SSI Alternative Income Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Convertible Preferred Stocks

  $ -       $ 4,968,038       $ -       $ 4,968,038  

Preferred Stocks

    2,777,829         1,900,307         -         4,678,136  

Convertible Obligations

    -         85,994,949         -         85,994,949  

Foreign Convertible Obligations

    -         1,631,685         -         1,631,685  

Exchange-Traded Instruments

    552,162         -         -         552,162  

Short-Term Investments

    5,813,495         -         -         5,813,495  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 9,143,486       $ 94,494,979       $ -       $ 103,638,465  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Common Stocks (Sold Short)

  $ (19,850,105     $ -       $ -       $ (19,850,105
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Liabilities

    (19,850,105       -         -         (19,850,105
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

  $ (10,706,619     $ 94,494,979       $ -       $ 83,788,360  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 5.46%            
Communications - 0.45%            
Telecommunications - 0.45%            
Consolidated Communications, Inc., 5.000%, Due 10/1/2028A     $ 185,000         $ 138,750
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 10.500%, Due 5/15/2030A       349,000           354,130
           

 

 

 
              492,880
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communications

              492,880
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.76%            
Auto Parts & Equipment - 0.76%            
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., 5.000%, Due 10/1/2029       610,000           508,505
Titan International, Inc., 7.000%, Due 4/30/2028       345,000           322,556
           

 

 

 
              831,061
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Cyclical

              831,061
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 0.94%            
Commercial Services - 0.16%            
NESCO Holdings II, Inc., 5.500%, Due 4/15/2029A                200,000           179,000
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - Products - 0.24%            
Teleflex, Inc., 4.625%, Due 11/15/2027       285,000           268,609
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products/Wares - 0.22%            
Edgewell Personal Care Co., 5.500%, Due 6/1/2028A       250,000           236,300
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 0.32%            
Prestige Brands, Inc.,            

5.125%, Due 1/15/2028A

      280,000           265,815

3.750%, Due 4/1/2031A

      100,000           82,784
           

 

 

 
              348,599
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

              1,032,508
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 1.71%            
Pipelines - 1.71%            
Antero Midstream Partners LP/Antero Midstream Finance Corp.,            

7.875%, Due 5/15/2026A

      300,000           304,031

5.750%, Due 3/1/2027A

      250,000           240,848
EnLink Midstream LLC, 5.625%, Due 1/15/2028A       424,000           410,411
Hess Midstream Operations LP, 5.625%, Due 2/15/2026A       650,000           639,438
Tallgrass Energy Partners LP/Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp., 6.000%, Due 3/1/2027A       300,000           281,523
           

 

 

 
              1,876,251
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              1,876,251
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 0.65%            
Diversified Financial Services - 0.65%            
Burford Capital Global Finance LLC, 6.250%, Due 4/15/2028A       410,000           377,200
Encore Capital Group, Inc., 5.375%, Due 2/15/2026A     GBP 300,000           332,803
           

 

 

 
              710,003
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financial

              710,003
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 0.40%            
Packaging & Containers - 0.40%            
Berry Global, Inc., 5.625%, Due 7/15/2027A       250,000           244,688
Sealed Air Corp./Sealed Air Corp. U.S., 6.125%, Due 2/1/2028A       200,000           198,515
           

 

 

 
              443,203
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrial

              443,203
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 5.46% (continued)            
Technology - 0.32%            
Software - 0.32%            
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 1.500%, Due 5/21/2027     EUR 350,000         $ 346,583
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 0.23%            
Water - 0.23%            
Solaris Midstream Holdings LLC, 7.625%, Due 4/1/2026A     $ 265,000           256,458
           

 

 

 
           

Total Corporate Obligations (Cost $6,366,625)

              5,988,947
           

 

 

 
           
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 48.50%            
Basic Materials - 0.32%            
Chemicals - 0.32%            
UPL Corp. Ltd., 5.250%, Due 2/27/2025, (5 Yr. CMT + 3.865%)B C D                430,000           352,557
           

 

 

 
           
Communications - 2.08%            
Advertising - 0.16%            
Summer BC Holdco A SARL, 9.250%, Due 10/31/2027D     EUR 90,105           80,379
Summer BC Holdco B SARL, 5.750%, Due 10/31/2026D     EUR 100,000           96,980
           

 

 

 
              177,359
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunications - 1.92%            
Altice France SA, 5.500%, Due 1/15/2028A       200,000           151,056
America Movil SAB de CV, 5.000%, Due 10/27/2026     GBP 330,000           400,315
Network i2i Ltd., 3.975%, Due 3/3/2026, (5 yr. CMT + 3.390%)A B C       300,000           267,750
Sable International Finance Ltd., 5.750%, Due 9/7/2027A       586,000           547,877
TalkTalk Telecom Group Ltd., 3.875%, Due 2/20/2025D     GBP 116,000           118,732
Telefonica Europe BV, 3.875%, Due 6/22/2026, (8 yr. EUR Swap + 2.967%)B C D     EUR 200,000           201,479
Telesat Canada/Telesat LLC, 6.500%, Due 10/15/2027A       716,000           287,857
Vodafone International Financing DAC, 3.250%, Due 3/2/2029D     EUR 120,000           126,965
           

 

 

 
              2,102,031
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communications

              2,279,390
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 2.02%            
Airlines - 0.17%            
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, 3.750%, Due 3/25/2029D     EUR 200,000           190,141
           

 

 

 
           
Auto Manufacturers - 0.89%            
Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC, 4.500%, Due 7/15/2028A     EUR 300,000           285,622
Volkswagen International Finance NV, 4.625%, Due 6/27/2028, (10 yr. EUR Swap + 3.982%)B C D     EUR 700,000           687,456
           

 

 

 
              973,078
           

 

 

 
           
Home Builders - 0.53%            
Maison Finco PLC, 6.000%, Due 10/31/2027A     GBP 600,000           587,502
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Time - 0.13%            
Deuce Finco PLC, 5.500%, Due 6/15/2027D     GBP 130,000           139,922
           

 

 

 
           
Retail - 0.30%            
Punch Finance PLC,            

6.125%, Due 6/30/2026D

    GBP 200,000           216,598

6.125%, Due 6/30/2026A

    GBP 100,000           108,299
           

 

 

 
              324,897
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Cyclical

              2,215,540
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

26


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 48.50% (continued)            
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 1.79%            
Agriculture - 0.12%            
MHP SE, 7.750%, Due 5/10/2024D     $ 200,000         $ 136,000
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services - 1.07%            
AA Bond Co. Ltd., 6.500%, Due 1/31/2026A     GBP 470,000           513,847
La Financiere Atalian SASU,            

4.000%, Due 5/15/2024D

    EUR 100,000           80,476

5.125%, Due 5/15/2025D

    EUR 100,000           74,872
RAC Bond Co. PLC, 5.250%, Due 11/4/2046A     GBP 500,000           504,810
           

 

 

 
              1,174,005
           

 

 

 
           
Food - 0.33%            
Bellis Acquisition Co. PLC, 4.500%, Due 2/16/2026A     GBP 200,000           217,221
Bellis Finco PLC, 4.000%, Due 2/16/2027D     GBP 150,000           140,985
           

 

 

 
              358,206
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 0.27%            
Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH, 5.500%, Due 1/15/2028A       325,000           294,125
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

              1,962,336
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 0.62%            
Oil & Gas - 0.62%            
Guara Norte Sarl, 5.198%, Due 6/15/2034A       353,704           309,668
Petroleos Mexicanos,            

6.840%, Due 1/23/2030

      100,000           79,530

6.625%, Due 6/15/2035

      222,000           154,849

6.625%, Due 6/15/2038

      200,000           133,521
           

 

 

 
              677,568
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              677,568
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 39.25%            
Banks - 22.22%            
Abanca Corp. Bancaria SA, 6.000%, Due 1/20/2026, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.570%)B C D     EUR 1,000,000           936,796
AIB Group PLC, 6.250%, Due 6/23/2025, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.629%)B C D     EUR 1,000,000           1,028,338
Banco de Sabadell SA, 5.750%, Due 3/15/2026, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.198%)B C D     EUR 1,800,000           1,648,811
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA,            

6.750%, Due 9/27/2024, (5 Yr. CMT + 4.967%)B C D

      200,000           191,655

8.375%, Due 10/14/2030, (10 Yr. CMT + 7.760%)B C D

      300,000           279,960
Banco Santander SA,            

4.375%, Due 1/14/2026, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 4.534%)B C D

    EUR       1,000,000           911,480

4.750%, Due 11/12/2026, (5 yr. CMT + 3.753%)B C

      800,000           612,183

4.125%, Due 11/12/2027, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 4.311%)B C

    EUR 400,000           326,138
Bank of Ireland Group PLC, 6.750%, Due 3/1/2033, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 4.150%)B D     EUR 240,000           265,596
Barclays PLC,            

5.875%, Due 9/15/2024, (5 yr. GBP SONIA Linked ICE Swap + 5.187)B C D

    GBP 201,000           227,665

6.375%, Due 12/15/2025, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 6.016%)B C D

    GBP 1,240,000           1,356,056

4.375%, Due 3/15/2028, (5 yr. CMT + 3.410%)B C

      530,000           360,082
BAWAG Group AG,            

5.000%, Due 5/14/2025, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 4.415%)B C D

    EUR 400,000           344,950

5.125%, Due 10/1/2025, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 5.546%)B C D

    EUR 1,000,000           764,386
BBVA Bancomer SA,            

5.125%, Due 1/18/2033, (5 Yr. CMT + 2.650%)B D

      200,000           173,548

5.875%, Due 9/13/2034, (5 Yr. CMT + 4.308%)B D

      400,000           356,080
BNP Paribas SA, 6.875%, Due 12/6/2029, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 4.645%)B C D     EUR 800,000           835,692
CaixaBank SA,            

6.750%, Due 6/13/2024, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 6.498%)B C D

    EUR 400,000           422,273

6.250%, Due 2/23/2033, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 3.550%)B D

    EUR 300,000           328,744

 

See accompanying notes

 

27


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 48.50% (continued)            
Financial - 39.25% (continued)            
Banks - 22.22% (continued)            
Commerzbank AG, 6.500%, Due 12/6/2032, (5 yr. EURIBOR ICE Swap + 4.300%)B D     EUR 500,000         $ 540,576
Credit Agricole SA, 7.500%, Due 6/23/2026, (5 yr. GBP SONIA Linked ICE Swap + 4.812%)A B C     GBP 800,000           955,040
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG,            

8.474%, Due 4/28/2028, Series 3529, (5 yr. EURIBOR ICE Swap + 5.383%)B C D

    EUR 400,000           297,199

4.600%, Due 2/22/2027D

    EUR 400,000           340,236
HSBC Holdings PLC, 5.875%, Due 9/28/2026, (5 yr. GBP Swap + 4.276%)B C     GBP 1,319,000           1,457,697
ING Groep NV, 3.875%, Due 5/16/2027, (5 yr. CMT + 2.862%)B C     $       1,300,000           925,323
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA,            

8.505%, Due 9/20/2032D

    GBP 591,000           719,696

5.875%, Due 12/31/2099, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.086%)B D

    EUR 600,000           519,193
Investec PLC,            

6.750%, Due 12/5/2024, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 5.749%)B C D

    GBP 299,000           322,770

9.125%, Due 3/6/2033, (5 Yr. U.K. Government Bond + 5.905%)B D

    GBP 500,000           617,102
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 8.500%, Due 3/27/2028, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 5.143%)B C     GBP 700,000           823,199
NatWest Group PLC, 4.500%, Due 3/31/2028, (5 Yr. UK Government Bond + 3.992%)B C     GBP 800,000           762,451
Paragon Banking Group PLC, 4.375%, Due 9/25/2031, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 3.956%)B D     GBP 600,000           636,715
Societe Generale SA,            

9.375%, Due 11/22/2027, (5 Yr. CMT + 5.385%)B C D

      600,000           586,500

5.375%, Due 11/18/2030, (5 yr. CMT + 4.514%)A B C

      530,000           393,249
Standard Chartered PLC,            

0.991%, Due 1/12/2025, (1 Yr. CMT + 0.780%)B D

      261,000           252,979

3.971%, Due 3/30/2026, (1 Yr. CMT + 1.650%)B D

      200,000           191,123
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, 4.625%, Due 8/23/2032, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 2.800%)B D     GBP 600,000           676,144
Unicaja Banco SA, 3.125%, Due 7/19/2032, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 3.050%)B D     EUR 700,000           623,485
UniCredit SpA, 3.875%, Due 6/3/2027, (5 yr. EURIBOR ICE Swap + 4.081%)B C D     EUR 1,000,000           820,220
Virgin Money U.K. PLC, 8.250%, Due 6/17/2027, (5 yr. UK Government Bond + 6.357%)B C D     GBP 502,000           533,922
           

 

 

 
              24,365,252
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Financial Services - 3.46%            
Bracken MidCo1 PLC, 6.750%, Due 11/1/2027, Cash (6.750%) or PIK (in-kind rate 7.500%)A     GBP 500,000           491,490
Garfunkelux Holdco 3 SA,            

6.750%, Due 11/1/2025D

    EUR 260,000           207,110

7.750%, Due 11/1/2025D

    GBP 100,000           90,678
Jerrold Finco PLC,            

4.875%, Due 1/15/2026A

    GBP 250,000           277,863

5.250%, Due 1/15/2027D

    GBP 250,000           264,795
Julius Baer Group Ltd., 3.625%, Due 3/23/2028, (5 Yr. CMT + 2.539%)B C D       1,340,000           878,343
OSB Group PLC, 6.000%, Due 10/7/2026, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 5.393%)B C D     GBP 1,049,000           1,025,270
Sherwood Financing PLC, 6.000%, Due 11/15/2026A     GBP 500,000           529,078
Unifin Financiera SAB de CV,            

8.375%, Due 1/27/2028A E

      200,000           6,000

9.875%, Due 1/28/2029A E

      700,000           21,000
           

 

 

 
              3,791,627
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 9.37%            
Allianz SE, 3.500%, Due 12/31/2099, (5 yr. CMT + 2.970%)B D       1,400,000           1,155,665
ASR Nederland NV, 4.625%, Due 10/19/2027, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 3.789%)B C D     EUR 750,000           675,180
Athora Netherlands NV, 7.000%, Due 6/19/2025, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.463%)B C D     EUR 900,000           924,089
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC, 4.750%, Due 12/7/2027, (5 yr. GBP SONIA Linked ICE Swap + 3.394%)B C D     GBP 1,160,000           976,890
Galaxy Bidco Ltd., 6.500%, Due 7/31/2026D     GBP 240,000           276,545
La Mondiale SAM, 4.375%, Due 4/24/2029, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 4.411%)B C D     EUR 700,000           645,521
Mutuelle Assurance Des Commercants et Industriels de France et Des Cadres et Sal, 3.500%, Due 12/21/2028, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 3.592%)B C D     EUR 600,000           467,824
Pension Insurance Corp. PLC,            

7.375%, Due 7/25/2029, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 6.658%)B C

    GBP 764,000           819,781

4.625%, Due 5/7/2031D

    GBP 750,000           767,035
Phoenix Group Holdings PLC, 5.750%, Due 12/31/2049, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 4.170%)B D     GBP 1,700,000           1,678,622
QBE Insurance Group Ltd., 5.250%, Due 5/16/2025, (5 Yr. CMT + 3.047%)B C D       1,000,000           917,952

 

See accompanying notes

 

28


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 48.50% (continued)            
Financial - 39.25% (continued)            
Insurance - 9.37% (continued)            
UnipolSai Assicurazioni SpA, 6.375%, Due 4/27/2030, (5 Yr. EUR Swap + 6.744%)B C D     EUR 1,040,000         $ 976,623
           

 

 

 
              10,281,727
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 0.32%            
Heimstaden AB, 4.250%, Due 3/9/2026D     EUR 600,000           351,874
           

 

 

 
           
Savings & Loans - 3.88%            
Coventry Building Society, 6.875%, Due 9/18/2024, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 6.111%)B C D     GBP 1,600,000           1,874,803
Nationwide Building Society, 10.250%, Due 12/31/2049, Series CCDSC D F     GBP       1,636,700           2,380,526
           

 

 

 
              4,255,329
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financial

              43,045,809
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 1.43%            
Building Materials - 0.24%            
Cemex SAB de CV, 5.125%, Due 6/8/2026, (5 Yr. CMT + 4.534%)B C D     $ 300,000           266,983
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - Construction & Mining - 0.29%            
Siemens Energy Finance BV, 4.000%, Due 4/5/2026D     EUR 300,000           319,630
           

 

 

 
           
Transportation - 0.90%            
Mobico Group PLC, 4.250%, Due 11/26/2025, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 4.135%)B C D     GBP 455,000           503,452
Zenith Finco PLC, 6.500%, Due 6/30/2027A     GBP 500,000           481,393
           

 

 

 
              984,845
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrial

              1,571,458
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 0.99%            
Electric - 0.76%            
ContourGlobal Power Holdings SA, 3.125%, Due 1/1/2028A     EUR 200,000           173,501
National Grid Electricity Distribution PLC, 3.625%, Due 11/6/2023D     GBP 300,000           377,525
SSE PLC, 8.375%, Due 11/20/2028D     GBP 200,000           276,784
           

 

 

 
              827,810
           

 

 

 
           
Water - 0.23%            
Severn Trent Utilities Finance PLC, 6.250%, Due 6/7/2029D     GBP 200,000           250,708
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              1,078,518
           

 

 

 
           

Total Foreign Corporate Obligations (Cost $65,454,442)

              53,183,176
           

 

 

 
           
ASSET-BACKED OBLIGATIONS - 14.35%            
Armada Euro CLO IV DAC, 12.277%, Due 7/15/2033, 4X F, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 9.100%)B D     EUR 700,000           680,964
Carlyle Euro CLO DAC, 8.687%, Due 8/28/2031, 2018 2A D, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 5.230%)A B     EUR 500,000           447,332
Carlyle Global Market Strategies Euro CLO DAC, 8.128%, Due 5/17/2031, 2016 1A DR, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 4.770%)A B     EUR 500,000           459,192
CVC Cordatus Loan Fund X DAC, 9.338%, Due 1/27/2031, 10A F, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.050%)A B     EUR 1,000,000           868,235
Dryden 56 Euro CLO DAC, 9.627%, Due 1/15/2032, 2017 56A F, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.450%)A B     EUR 1,100,000           950,043
Dryden 62 Euro CLO DAC, 8.027%, Due 7/15/2031, 2017 62X E, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 4.850%)B D     EUR 1,000,000           936,801
Harvest CLO XVI DAC, 8.747%, Due 10/15/2031, 16A ER, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 5.570%)A B     EUR 1,550,000           1,507,836
Penta CLO 9 DAC,            

9.301%, Due 7/25/2036, 2021 9A E, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.040%)A B

    EUR 1,000,000           965,386

12.001%, Due 7/25/2036, 2021 9A F, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 8.740%)A B

    EUR 1,000,000           954,356
Providus CLO II DAC, 8.427%, Due 7/15/2031, 2X E, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 5.250%)B D     EUR 545,000           523,654
Rockfield Park CLO DAC, 9.127%, Due 7/16/2034, 1A D, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 5.950%)A B     EUR 1,500,000           1,467,169
RRE 5 Loan Management DAC, 9.527%, Due 1/15/2037, 5A DR, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.350%)A B     EUR 1,000,000           983,077
Segovia European CLO DAC, 8.305%, Due 10/18/2031, 2018 5A E, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 5.130%)A B     EUR 1,190,000           1,150,775

 

See accompanying notes

 

29


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
ASSET-BACKED OBLIGATIONS - 14.35% (continued)            
Voya Euro CLO I DAC, 9.587%, Due 10/15/2030, 1X F, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.410%)B D     EUR 1,100,000         $ 971,064
Voya Euro CLO III DAC, 11.077%, Due 4/15/2033, 3X F, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 7.900%)B D     EUR 1,300,000           1,170,429
Voya Euro CLO IV DAC, 9.337%, Due 10/15/2034, 4A ER, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 6.160%)A B     EUR 1,750,000           1,699,932
           

 

 

 
           

Total Asset-Backed Obligations (Cost $19,247,374)

              15,736,245
           

 

 

 
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS - 1.82% (Cost $1,952,352)            
Towd Point Mortgage Funding PLC, 5.779%, Due 10/20/2051, 2019 GR4A ER, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 1.400%)A B     GBP 1,600,000           1,992,440
           

 

 

 
           
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS - 25.22%            
U.S. Treasury Notes,            

2.875%, Due 10/31/2023

    $ 2,150,000           2,132,615

1.875%, Due 2/15/2032

      1,907,900           1,633,341

2.875%, Due 5/15/2032

      3,980,000           3,688,341

4.125%, Due 11/15/2032

      6,632,500           6,773,440

3.500%, Due 2/15/2033

          13,015,000           12,671,323

3.375%, Due 5/15/2033

      790,000           761,486
           

 

 

 
           

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations (Cost $28,161,836)

              27,660,546
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.08% (Cost $3,383,500)            
Investment Companies - 3.08%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 4.97%G H       3,383,500           3,383,500
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 98.43% (Cost $124,566,129)

              107,944,854

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 1.57%

              1,719,538
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 109,664,392
           

 

 

 
             

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

*In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.

                 

A Security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. At the period end, the value of these securities amounted to $25,392,715 or 23.15% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

B Variable, floating, or adjustable rate securities with an interest rate that changes periodically. Rates are periodically reset with rates that are based on a predetermined benchmark such as a widely followed interest rate such as T-bills, LIBOR or PRIME plus a fixed spread. The interest rate disclosed reflects the rate in effect on June 30, 2023.

C Perpetual maturity. The date shown, if any, is the next call date.

D Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

E Default Security. At period end, the amount of securities in default was $27,000 or 0.02% of net assets.

F Coupon rate may change based on changes of the underlying collateral or prepayments of principal. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

G The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

H 7-day yield.

CLO - Collateralized Loan Obligation.

CMT - Constant Maturity Treasury.

DAC - Designated Activity Company.

EURIBOR - Euro Interbank Offered Rate.

ICE - Intercontinental Exchange.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

LLC - Limited Liability Company.

LP - Limited Partnership.

 

See accompanying notes

 

30


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

PIK - Payment in Kind.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

PRIME - A rate, charged by banks, based on the U.S. Federal Funds rate.

SONIA - Sterling Overnight Index Average.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on June 30, 2023:

 

Currency Purchased*        Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
GBP      227,278        USD        225,963        7/12/2023        SSB      $ 1,315      $ -      $ 1,315  
GBP      232,166        USD        234,017        7/12/2023        SSB        -        (1,851      (1,851
EUR      2,234,302        USD        2,231,643        7/12/2023        SSB        2,659        -        2,659  
GBP      2,540,101        USD        2,544,274        7/12/2023        SSB        -        (4,173      (4,173
USD      35,965,892        EUR        36,474,106        7/12/2023        SSB        -        (508,214      (508,214
USD      29,602,130        GBP        30,091,869        7/12/2023        SSB        -        (489,739      (489,739
USD      1,140,083        GBP        1,136,744        7/12/2023        SSB        3,339        -        3,339  
USD      198,791        EUR        198,483        7/12/2023        SSB        308        -        308  
USD      37,933        GBP        38,102        7/12/2023        SSB        -        (169      (169
                     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,621      $ (1,004,146    $ (996,525
                     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

Glossary:     
    
Counterparty Abbreviations:
SSB      State Street Bank & Trust Co.
    
Currency Abbreviations:
EUR      Euro
GBP      Pound Sterling
USD      United States Dollar

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2023, the investments were classified as described below:

 

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Corporate Obligations

  $ -       $ 5,988,947       $ -       $ 5,988,947  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

    -         53,183,176         -         53,183,176  

Asset-Backed Obligations

    -         15,736,245         -         15,736,245  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    -         1,992,440         -         1,992,440  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -         27,660,546         -         27,660,546  

Short-Term Investments

    3,383,500         -         -         3,383,500  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 3,383,500       $ 104,561,354       $ -       $ 107,944,854  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ -       $ 7,621       $ -       $ 7,621  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ -       $ 7,621       $ -       $ 7,621  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ -       $ (1,004,146     $ -       $ (1,004,146
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ -       $ (1,004,146     $ -       $ (1,004,146
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

31


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 14.93%            
Communications - 3.47%            
Media - 0.76%            
Discovery Communications LLC, 2.500%, Due 9/20/2024     GBP 100,000         $ 120,670
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunications - 2.71%            
AT&T, Inc., 2.400%, Due 3/15/2024     EUR 150,000           161,736
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 3.500%, Due 4/15/2025     $ 148,000           142,264
Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.073%, Due 6/18/2024     GBP 100,000           124,715
           

 

 

 
              428,715
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communications

              549,385
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.44%            
Entertainment - 0.44%            
Warnermedia Holdings, Inc., 3.428%, Due 3/15/2024       71,000           69,706
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 2.78%            
Health Care - Services - 0.86%            
HCA, Inc., 5.250%, Due 6/15/2026       138,000           136,454
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products/Wares - 1.55%            
Haleon U.S. Capital LLC, 3.024%, Due 3/24/2024       250,000           244,566
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 0.37%            
Becton Dickinson & Co., 3.363%, Due 6/6/2024       60,000           58,706
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

              439,726
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 5.66%            
Banks - 3.71%            
Bank of America Corp., 2.300%, Due 7/25/2025A     GBP 100,000           116,514
Citigroup, Inc., 2.750%, Due 1/24/2024     GBP 225,000           280,338
Wells Fargo Bank NA, 5.250%, Due 8/1/2023A     GBP 150,000           190,264
           

 

 

 
              587,116
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 1.18%            
New York Life Global Funding, 1.625%, Due 12/15/2023A     GBP 150,000           186,612
           

 

 

 
           
REITS - 0.77%            
Digital Stout Holding LLC, 4.250%, Due 1/17/2025A     GBP 100,000           121,985
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financial

              895,713
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 2.58%            
Software - 2.58%            
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 1.100%, Due 7/15/2024     EUR 150,000           158,149
Fiserv, Inc., 2.250%, Due 7/1/2025     GBP     130,000           151,386
VMware, Inc., 1.000%, Due 8/15/2024       105,000           99,403
           

 

 

 
              408,938
           

 

 

 
           

Total Technology

              408,938
           

 

 

 
           

Total Corporate Obligations (Cost $2,384,676)

              2,363,468
           

 

 

 
           
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 58.30%            
Communications - 4.13%            
Telecommunications - 4.13%            
Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 1.250%, Due 10/6/2023A     GBP 130,000           163,174

 

See accompanying notes

 

32


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 58.30% (continued)            
Communications - 4.13% (continued)            
Telecommunications - 4.13% (continued)            
Orange SA, 5.000%, Due 10/1/2026, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 3.990%)A B C     EUR 200,000         $ 216,887
Telefonica Emisiones SA, 5.375%, Due 2/2/2026A     GBP 50,000           61,545
Telefonica Europe BV, 4.375%, Due 12/14/2024, (6 yr. EUR Swap + 4.107%)A B C     EUR 200,000           212,784
           

 

 

 
              654,390
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communications

              654,390
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 1.03%            
Distribution/Wholesale - 1.03%            
Bunzl Finance PLC, 2.250%, Due 6/11/2025A     GBP 140,000           163,532
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 2.08%            
Commercial Services - 0.95%            
Experian Finance PLC, 2.125%, Due 9/27/2024A     GBP 125,000           150,920
           

 

 

 
           
Food - 1.13%            
Tesco Corporate Treasury Services PLC, 2.500%, Due 5/2/2025A     GBP     150,000           178,041
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

              328,961
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 36.07%            
Banks - 16.38%            
Argenta Spaarbank NV, 1.000%, Due 2/6/2024A     EUR 200,000           213,930
Banco Santander SA, 2.750%, Due 9/12/2023A     GBP 100,000           126,136
Barclays PLC, 3.750%, Due 11/22/2030, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 3.750%)A C     GBP 200,000           227,105
BNP Paribas SA,            

1.125%, Due 11/22/2023A

    EUR 100,000           107,974

2.000%, Due 5/24/2031, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 1.650%)A C

    GBP 200,000           213,221
BPCE SA, 1.375%, Due 12/23/2026A     GBP 100,000           106,935
Credit Agricole SA, 7.375%, Due 12/18/2023     GBP 150,000           190,575
HSBC Holdings PLC, 2.256%, Due 11/13/2026, (1 yr. GBP SONIA Linked ICE Swap + 1.317%)A C     GBP 100,000           113,175
ING Groep NV, 5.000%, Due 8/30/2026, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 1.510%)A C     GBP 100,000           121,565
Lloyds Bank PLC, 7.625%, Due 4/22/2025A     GBP 120,000           153,744
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 1.985%, Due 12/15/2031, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 1.600%)C     GBP 120,000           125,868
NatWest Group PLC, 3.622%, Due 8/14/2030, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 3.550%)A C     GBP 200,000           233,710
Paragon Banking Group PLC, 4.375%, Due 9/25/2031, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 3.956%)A C     GBP 100,000           106,119
Santander U.K. Group Holdings PLC, 3.625%, Due 1/14/2026A     GBP 100,000           115,976
Standard Chartered PLC, 2.500%, Due 9/9/2030, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 2.800%)A C     EUR 165,000           167,002
Virgin Money UK PLC,            

7.875%, Due 12/14/2028, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 7.128%)A C

    GBP 125,000           157,402

5.125%, Due 12/11/2030, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 5.250%)A C

    GBP 100,000           113,993
           

 

 

 
              2,594,430
           

 

 

 
           
Financial Services - 0.97%            
Close Brothers Group PLC, 2.000%, Due 9/11/2031, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 1.700%)A C     GBP 150,000           153,070
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 13.58%            
Admiral Group PLC, 5.500%, Due 7/25/2024A     GBP 100,000           125,260
ASR Nederland NV, 5.125%, Due 9/29/2045, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 5.200%)A C     EUR 100,000           107,302
Aviva PLC, 6.125%, Due 11/14/2036, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 2.850%)A C     GBP 100,000           121,945
AXA SA, 5.453%, Due 3/4/2026, (12 yr. GBP SONIA Linked ICE Swap + 4.000%)A B C     GBP 150,000           184,583
BUPA Finance PLC, 5.000%, Due 12/8/2026A     GBP 100,000           117,579
Caisse Nationale de Reassurance Mutuelle Agricole Groupama, 6.375%, Due 5/28/2024, (3 mo. EUR EURIBOR + 5.770%)A B C     EUR 100,000           109,135
CNP Assurances, 4.250%, Due 6/5/2045, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 3.600%)A C     EUR 100,000           106,288
Legal & General Group PLC, 5.375%, Due 10/27/2045, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 4.580%)A C     GBP 200,000           240,836
Pension Insurance Corp. PLC, 6.500%, Due 7/3/2024A     GBP 240,000           301,157
Phoenix Group Holdings PLC, 6.625%, Due 12/18/2025A     GBP 150,000           185,805

 

See accompanying notes

 

33


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 58.30% (continued)            
Financial - 36.07% (continued)            
Insurance - 13.58% (continued)            
QBE Insurance Group Ltd., 6.750%, Due 12/2/2044, (10 yr. USD Swap + 4.300%)A C     $ 200,000         $ 197,451
Rothesay Life PLC,            

8.000%, Due 10/30/2025A

    GBP     190,000           240,333

3.375%, Due 7/12/2026A

    GBP 100,000           112,634
           

 

 

 
              2,150,308
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 0.69%            
Telereal Securitisation PLC, 1.963%, Due 12/10/2033, Series B2, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 4.440%)A C     GBP 98,870           109,010
           

 

 

 
           
Savings & Loans - 4.45%            
Coventry Building Society, 6.875%, Due 9/18/2024, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 6.111%)A B C     GBP 200,000           234,350
Nationwide Building Society,            

5.875%, Due 12/20/2024, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 5.390%)A B C

    GBP 200,000           236,474

6.178%, Due 12/7/2027, (1 yr. GBP SONIA Linked ICE Swap + 2.213%)A C

    GBP 100,000           122,897
Skipton Building Society, 2.000%, Due 10/2/2026, (1 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 2.150%)A C     GBP 100,000           111,901
           

 

 

 
              705,622
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financial

              5,712,440
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 3.46%            
Miscellaneous Manufacturing - 1.48%            
Siemens Financieringsmaatschappij NV, 1.000%, Due 2/20/2025A     GBP 200,000           234,534
           

 

 

 
           
Transportation - 1.49%            
Mobico Group PLC,            

2.500%, Due 11/11/2023A

    GBP 100,000           125,222

4.250%, Due 11/26/2025, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 4.135%)A B C

    GBP 100,000           110,649
           

 

 

 
              235,871
           

 

 

 
           
Trucking & Leasing - 0.49%            
Porterbrook Rail Finance Ltd., 7.125%, Due 10/20/2026     GBP 60,000           77,459
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrial

              547,864
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 11.53%            
Electric - 8.29%            
E.ON International Finance BV, 5.625%, Due 12/6/2023A     GBP 200,000           253,294
National Grid Electricity Distribution PLC, 3.625%, Due 11/6/2023A     GBP 200,000           251,683
NGG Finance PLC, 5.625%, Due 6/18/2073, Series GBP, (12 yr. GBP Swap + 3.480%)A C     GBP 100,000           120,650
NIE Finance PLC, 6.375%, Due 6/2/2026A     GBP 100,000           126,085
Orsted AS, 2.250%, Due 11/24/3017, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 1.899%)A C     EUR 200,000           208,399
SSE PLC, 3.740%, Due 1/14/2026, (5 yr. U.K. Government Bond + 3.756%)A B C     GBP 120,000           137,427
TenneT Holding BV, 2.995%, Due 3/1/2024, (5 yr. EUR Swap + 2.533%)A B C     EUR 200,000           214,558
           

 

 

 
              1,312,096
           

 

 

 
           
Gas - 1.75%            
Cadent Finance PLC, 0.625%, Due 9/22/2024A     EUR 150,000           156,919
Centrica PLC, 5.250%, Due 4/10/2075, (5 yr. GBP Swap + 3.611%)A C     GBP 100,000           119,644
           

 

 

 
              276,563
           

 

 

 
           
Water - 1.49%            
Severn Trent Utilities Finance PLC, 3.625%, Due 1/16/2026A     GBP 200,000           236,324
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              1,824,983
           

 

 

 
           

Total Foreign Corporate Obligations (Cost $9,783,204)

              9,232,170
           

 

 

 
           
FOREIGN SOVEREIGN OBLIGATIONS - 4.92% (Cost $771,754)            
U.K. Gilts, 0.625%, Due 6/7/2025A     GBP 670,000           779,254
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

34


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS - 6.01%            
Castell PLC, 5.735%, Due 11/25/2053, 2021 1 A, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 0.850%)A C     GBP     166,554         $ 210,569
Together Asset-Backed Securitisation PLC, 5.124%, Due 7/12/2063, 2021 1ST1 A, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 0.700%)A C     GBP 88,561           111,696
Tower Bridge Funding PLC,            

6.547%, Due 11/20/2063, 2021 2 D, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 1.800%)A C

    GBP 169,000           205,925

6.649%, Due 7/21/2064, 2021 1 D, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 2.150%)A C

    GBP 212,000           266,366
Twin Bridges PLC, 6.965%, Due 3/12/2055, 2021 1 D, (Sterling Overnight Index Average + 2.100%)A C     GBP 130,000           157,858
           

 

 

 
           

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $1,041,925)

              952,414
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 8.17%            
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS - 8.17%            
U.S. Treasury Bills,            

4.889%, Due 8/1/2023

    $ 500,000           497,962

4.927%, Due 8/10/2023

      800,000           795,668
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $1,293,727)

              1,293,630
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 92.33% (Cost $15,275,286)

              14,620,936

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 7.67%

              1,214,773
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 15,835,709
           

 

 

 
             
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
*In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.
                 

A Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

B Perpetual maturity. The date shown, if any, is the next call date.

C Variable, floating, or adjustable rate securities with an interest rate that changes periodically. Rates are periodically reset with rates that are based on a predetermined benchmark such as a widely followed interest rate such as T-bills, LIBOR or PRIME plus a fixed spread. The interest rate disclosed reflects the rate in effect on June 30, 2023.

EURIBOR - Euro Interbank Offered Rate.

GILT - Bank of England Bonds.

ICE - Intercontinental Exchange.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

LLC - Limited Liability Company.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

PRIME - A rate, charged by banks, based on the U.S. Federal Funds rate.

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.

SONIA - Sterling Overnight Index Average.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on June 30, 2023:

 

Currency Purchased*        Currency Sold*        Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
GBP        39,582        USD        39,623        7/12/2023        SSB        $ -      $ (41   $ (41
GBP        66,812        USD        67,322        7/12/2023        SSB          -        (510     (510
USD        10,544,989        GBP        10,631,283        7/12/2023        SSB          -        (86,294     (86,294
USD        2,097,677        EUR        2,121,710        7/12/2023        SSB          -        (24,033     (24,033
USD        208,611        EUR        210,444        7/12/2023        SSB          -        (1,833     (1,833
                             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $ -      $ (112,711   $ (112,711
                             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2023

 

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
SSB    State Street Bank & Trust Co.
Currency Abbreviations:
EUR    Euro
GBP    Pound Sterling
USD    United States Dollar

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2023, the investments were classified as described below:

 

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Corporate Obligations

  $ -       $ 2,363,468       $ -       $ 2,363,468  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

    -         9,232,170         -         9,232,170  

Foreign Sovereign Obligations

    -         779,254         -         779,254  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    -         952,414         -         952,414  

Short-Term Investments

    -         1,293,630         -         1,293,630  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ -       $ 14,620,936       $ -       $ 14,620,936  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

             

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ -       $ (112,711     $ -       $ (112,711
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ -       $ (112,711     $ -       $ (112,711
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2023

 

 

    SSI Alternative
Income Fund
          TwentyFour
Strategic Income
Fund
          TwentyFour
Sustainable Short
Term Bond Fund
 

Assets:

         

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 97,824,970       $ 104,561,354       $ 14,620,936  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    5,813,495         3,383,500         -  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    -         217,525         243,391  

Cash

    -         -         919,032  

Cash with brokers

    20,235,087         115         -  

Dividends and interest receivable

    602,642         1,417,355         209,323  

Receivable for investments sold

    702,389         82,093         -  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    -         1,255,255         9,000  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    -         16,291         279  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    14,413         -         7,654  

Unrealized appreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    -         7,621         -  

Prepaid expenses

    113,667         42,212         27,401  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    125,306,663         110,983,321         16,037,016  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

         

Payable for investments purchased

    2,409,616         98,194         -  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    243,631         9,420         -  

Payable for expense recoupment (Note 2)

    -         6,254         -  

Securities sold short, at fair value±

    19,850,105         -         -  

Dividends and interest expense payable

    1,132         -         -  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    69,693         60,028         7,032  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    364         8,927         472  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    35,617         8,090         1,466  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    9,954         16,642         8,612  

Professional fees payable

    69,534         84,715         67,133  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    235         218         31  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    8,479         17,964         2,598  

Unrealized depreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    -         1,004,146         112,711  

Other liabilities

    10,133         4,331         1,252  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    22,708,493         1,318,929         201,307  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 102,598,170       $ 109,664,392       $ 15,835,709  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

         

Paid-in-capital

  $ 112,466,013       $ 171,053,490       $ 18,117,556  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    (9,867,843       (61,389,098       (2,281,847
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 102,598,170       $ 109,664,392       $ 15,835,709  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2023

 

 

    SSI Alternative
Income Fund
          TwentyFour
Strategic Income
Fund
          TwentyFour
Sustainable Short
Term Bond Fund
 

Shares outstanding at no par value (unlimited shares authorized):

         

R5 Class

    23,156         970,509         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    10,411,162         10,219,980         821,720  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    188,205         1,290,115         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    N/A         649,190         15,007  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    N/A         655,073         63,592  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    N/A         N/A         971,501  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

         

R5 Class

  $ 223,692       $ 7,782,080         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 100,552,992       $ 81,509,591       $ 6,923,318  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 1,821,486       $ 10,133,625         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    N/A       $ 5,107,605       $ 125,866  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    N/A       $ 5,131,491       $ 519,021  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    N/A         N/A       $ 8,267,504  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

         

R5 Class

  $ 9.66       $ 8.02         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 9.66       $ 7.98       $ 8.43  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 9.68       $ 7.85         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    N/A       $ 7.87       $ 8.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

    N/A       $ 8.18       $ 8.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    N/A       $ 7.83       $ 8.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    N/A         N/A       $ 8.51  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 102,715,182       $ 121,182,629       $ 15,275,286  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 5,813,495       $ 3,383,500       $ -  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ -       $ 216,040       $ 243,498  

± Proceeds of securities sold short

  $ 19,400,511       $ -       $ -  
A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the year ended June 30, 2023

 

 

    SSI Alternative
Income Fund
          TwentyFour
Strategic Income
Fund
          TwentyFour
Sustainable Short
Term Bond Fund
 

Investment income:

         

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities

  $ 770,213       $ -       $ -  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

    283,299         99,726         -  

Interest income (net of foreign taxes)

    3,712,848         7,232,530         471,259  

Interest income from short securities held at broker

    886,431         -         -  

Other income

    -         870         25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    5,652,791         7,333,126         471,284  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

         

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,446,057         823,894         83,209  

Transfer agent fees:

         

R5 Class (Note 2)

    -         2,685         -  

Y Class (Note 2)

    85,541         94,030         6,441  

Investor Class

    1,268         1,836         -  

A Class

    -         252         -  

C Class

    -         241         -  

R6 Class

    -         -         346  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    51,161         53,823         41,366  

Professional fees

    91,094         119,468         61,448  

Registration fees and expenses

    48,318         87,717         62,396  

Service fees (Note 2):

         

Investor Class

    3,421         46,613         -  

A Class

    -         5,291         329  

C Class

    -         3,304         56  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

         

A Class

    -         12,871         293  

C Class

    -         53,417         2,090  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    25,019         45,560         -  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    10,932         11,807         1,446  

Prime broker fees

    204,016         -         -  

Dividends and interest on securities sold short

    215,366         -         -  

Loan expense (Note 9)

    995         11,020         84  

Other expenses

    16,322         31,159         10,956  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    2,199,510         1,404,988         270,460  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net fees waived and expenses (reimbursed) (Note 2)

    (115,232       (325,416       (190,316

Net sub-advisory fees waived (Note 2)

    (245,263       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    1,839,015         1,079,572         80,144  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3,813,776         6,253,554         391,140  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

         

Net realized gain (loss) from:

         

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (4,474,073       (28,965,900       (535,423

Purchased options contracts

    (1,640,354       -         -  

Foreign currency transactions

    -         3,789,793         145,958  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    -         819,252         (191,587

Swap agreements

    -         (298       -  

Written options contracts

    1,114,222         -         -  

Short sales

    4,146,062         -         -  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

         

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    10,018,200         26,685,106         993,202  

Purchased options contracts

    (158,893       -         -  

Foreign currency transactions

    -         402,521         17,294  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    -         (4,581,649       (380,583

Written options contracts

    55,179         -         -  

Short sales

    (6,756,384       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) from investments

    2,303,959         (1,851,175       48,861  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 6,117,735       $ 4,402,379       $ 440,001  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 1,747       $ (502     $ -  

A The Fund did not recognize net realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments in affiliated securities.

 

B The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have a change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    SSI Alternative Income Fund           TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund  
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
          Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment income

  $ 3,813,776       $ 1,754,887       $ 6,253,554       $ 8,342,278  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, swap agreements, written options contracts, and short sales

    (854,143       (1,011,103       (24,357,153       12,180,234  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, written options contracts, and short sales

    3,158,102         (9,957,148       22,505,978         (51,849,672
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    6,117,735         (9,213,364       4,402,379         (31,327,160
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

             

Total retained earnings:

             

R5 Class

    (4,496       (12,714       (786,113       (365,658

Y Class

    (1,800,007       (14,337,581       (15,125,690       (7,255,633

Investor Class

    (6,033       (172,653       (1,961,048       (869,035

A Class

    -         -         (867,982       (266,001

C Class

    -         -         (851,694       (231,582

R6 Class

    -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (1,810,536       (14,522,948       (19,592,527       (8,987,909
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    19,921,902         62,702,235         65,483,292         99,427,210  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    1,485,788         11,894,946         19,259,367         8,938,781  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (53,150,018       (51,560,977       (133,069,665       (130,016,616
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (31,742,328       23,036,204         (48,327,006       (21,650,625
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (27,435,129       (700,108       (63,517,154       (61,965,694
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

             

Beginning of year

    130,033,299         130,733,407         173,181,546         235,147,240  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 102,598,170       $ 130,033,299       $ 109,664,392       $ 173,181,546  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    TwentyFour Sustainable
Short Term Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

     

Operations:

     

Net investment income

  $ 391,140       $ 200,021  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, swap agreements, written options contracts, and short sales

    (581,052       1,246,505  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, written options contracts, and short sales

    629,913         (2,187,327
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    440,001         (740,801
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

     

Total retained earnings:

     

R5 Class

    -         -  

Y Class

    (765,187       (59,030

Investor Class

    -         -  

A Class

    (12,601       (3,936

C Class

    (15,336       (2,760

R6 Class

    (1,029,403       (214,410
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (1,822,527       (280,136
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

     

Proceeds from sales of shares

    3,335,351         5,934,254  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    771,486         59,898  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (1,470,420       (840,656
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    2,636,417         5,153,496  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,253,891         4,132,559  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Beginning of year

    14,581,818         10,449,259  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 15,835,709       $ 14,581,818  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as open-end management investment companies. Effective March 15, 2023, the American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund changed from non-diversified to diversified within the meaning of the Act. The American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund and the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund are diversified, as defined by the Act. As of June 30, 2023, the Trust consists of twenty-five active series, three of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining twenty-two active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). 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.

On July 11, 2023, (i) RIH, RIM and certain of their affiliates, and (ii) the current owners of approximately 93% of RIH (the “Current Ownership Group”) entered into a transaction agreement with certain creditors of RIM (the “Lender Group”) pursuant to which (i) all equity interests in RIH would be cancelled, (ii) new RIH equity interests would be issued to members of the Lender Group, and (iii) the existing credit agreements between RIM and the Lender Group would be terminated and a new credit agreement would be executed (“Transaction”). The Lender Group consists of various institutional investment funds (“New Ownership Group”) that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. The address of the New Ownership Group will be 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

Upon the closing of the Transaction, the Manager will be wholly-owned indirectly by the New Ownership Group, rather than the Current Ownership Group. The Transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. The Transaction will result in a change of control of the Manager and the termination of the Fund’s management and investment advisory agreements. The Board has approved a new management agreement with the Manager and a new investment advisory agreement between the Manager and the sub-advisors that would become effective upon the closing of the Transaction. A meeting of the shareholders of the Funds in the American Beacon Funds Complex that were operational as of July 31, 2023, will be called to consider the new management agreement and such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. In advance of the meeting, proxy materials will be sent to those shareholders regarding the new management agreement and any other matters proposed for shareholder approval. There are no anticipated changes in the services provided by the Manager or sub-advisors or in the fee rates charged by the Manager to the Fund.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848); Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. The guidance is applicable to contracts referencing London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The ASU is effective as of March 12, 2020 and generally can be applied

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 which updates and clarifies ASU No. 2020-04. The amendments in this ASU defer the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Management expects these ASUs will not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820); Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, which provides clarifying guidance that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management expects the ASU will not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

Class Disclosure

Each Fund has multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors; however, not all of the Funds offer all classes. The following table sets forth the differences amongst the classes:

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
R5 Class    Large institutional investors - sold directly through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  
Y Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  
Investor Class    All investors using intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors.    $ 2,500  
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third-party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class    Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  
R6 Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold through retirement plan sponsors.      None  

Each class offered by the Trust has equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Income and non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class based on the relative net assets. Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of each class are allocated daily based on the relative net assets of each class of the respective Fund. Class specific expenses, where applicable, currently include service, distribution, transfer agent fees, and sub-transfer agent fees that vary amongst the classes as described more fully in Note 2.

Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies, consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of the financial statements. The Funds are considered investment companies and accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded as of the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may be settled beyond a standard settlement period for the security after the trade date.

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Dividend income, net of foreign taxes, is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except certain dividends from foreign securities which are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Funds. Interest income, net of foreign taxes, is earned from settlement date, recorded on the accrual basis, and adjusted, if necessary, for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Realized gains (losses) from securities sold are determined based on specific lot identification.

Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values are converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean of the bid and ask prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as last quoted by a recognized dealer. Income, expenses, and purchases and sales of investments are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of the exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments is separately identified from the fluctuations arising from changes in market values of securities held and is reported with all other foreign currency gains and losses on the Funds’ Statements of Operations.

Distributions to Shareholders

The SSI Alternative Income 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 on a semi-annual basis and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund distribute most or all of their net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income on a monthly basis and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate and do not guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Investment income and realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments of the Funds are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Funds. Expenses directly charged or attributable to a Fund will be paid from the assets of a Fund. Generally, expenses of the Trust will be allocated among and charged to the assets of the Funds on a basis that the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) deems fair and equitable, which may be based on the relative net assets of the Funds or nature of the services performed and relative applicability to the Funds.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimated.

Other

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide indemnification to the other party or parties against potential costs or liabilities. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made in the future and, therefore, cannot be estimated. The Trust has had no prior claims or losses pursuant to any such agreement.

 

 

44


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

2.  Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Funds with investment advisory and administrative services. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of each 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

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Manager have entered into Investment Advisory Agreements with SSI Investment Management LLC and TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP (the “Sub-Advisors”) pursuant to which the Funds have agreed to pay annualized sub-advisory fees that are calculated and accrued daily based on each Fund’s average daily net assets according to the following schedule:

SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

First $300 million

     0.95

Over $300 million

     0.85

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

First $1 billion

     0.32

Over $1 billion

     0.27

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

First $200 million

     0.20

Next $200 million

     0.185

Next $700 million

     0.175

Over $1.1 billion

     0.17

Effective December 20, 2022, the Sub-Advisor to the SSI Alternative Income Fund has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its sub-advisory fee equal to 0.44% of the SSI Alternative Income Fund’s average daily net assets managed by the Sub-Advisor through October 31, 2024. The contractual fee waiver by the Sub-Advisor can be modified only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Board. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the Sub-Advisor waived $245,263 of its sub-advisory fees.

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by each Fund for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 389,323  

Sub-Advisory Fees

    0.95       1,056,734  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    1.30     $ 1,446,057  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 430,392  

Sub-Advisory Fees

    0.32       393,502  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.67     $ 823,894  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

45


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 52,951  

Sub-Advisory Fees

    0.20       30,258  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.55     $ 83,209  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distribution Plans

Separate Distribution Plans (the “Distribution Plans”) have been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act for the A and C Classes of the TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and the TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

The Manager and the Trust entered into Service Plans that obligate the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Investor, A and C Classes of the Funds. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the R5 and Y Classes of the Funds and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Funds. Certain services would have been provided by the Funds’ transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to Board approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the R5 and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

SSI Alternative Income

   $ 85,541  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

     93,790  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

     6,171  

As of June 30, 2023, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

SSI Alternative Income

   $ 6,023  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

     6,823  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

     556  

 

 

46


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). The Funds listed below held the following shares with a June 30, 2023 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

  Type of
Transaction
        Fund         June 30,
2023
Shares/Principal
          Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
          Realized
Gain
(Loss)
          Dividend
Income
          June 30,
2023
Fair Value
 
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Direct     SSI Alternative
Income
    $ 5,813,495       $ -       $ -       $ 283,299       $ 5,813,495  
U.S. Government Money Market Select   Direct     TwentyFour
Strategic Income
      3,383,500         -         -         99,726         3,383,500  

The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
 

SSI Alternative Income

   $ 7,459  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

     2,506  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in a credit facility whereby each fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the funds because it provides added liquidity and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the SSI Alternative Income Fund borrowed on average $1,058,327 for 2 days at an average interest rate of 3.14% with interest charges of $182 and the TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund borrowed on average $2,894,258 for 21 days at an average interest rate of 4.30% with interest charges of $6,493. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund did not utilize the credit facility.

 

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the classes of the Funds, through October 31, 2024, to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) exceed the Funds’ expense cap. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                  Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class    7/1/2022 –
10/31/2022
    11/1/2022 –
12/21/2022
    12/22/2022 –
06/30/2023
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

SSI Alternative Income

   R5      1.49     N/A       0.92   $ 208      $ (1 )*      2025-2026  

SSI Alternative Income

   Y      1.56     1.56     0.99     111,272        -       2025-2026  

SSI Alternative Income

   Investor      1.81     1.81     1.24     3,752        -       2025-2026  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

   R5      0.72     0.72     0.72     14,659        -       2025-2026  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

   Y      0.80     0.80     0.80     249,442        (8,264 )*      2025-2026  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

   Investor      1.09     1.09     1.09     32,868        (1,258 )*      2025-2026  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

   A      1.00     1.00     1.00     16,084        -       2025-2026  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

   C      1.81     1.79     1.79     12,363        (389 )*      2025-2026  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

   Y      0.57     0.57     0.57     77,614        -       2025-2026  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

   A      0.87     0.87     0.87     1,623        -       2025-2026  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

   C      1.62     1.62     1.62     2,351        -       2025-2026  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

   R6      0.47     0.47     0.47     108,728        -       2025-2026  

* These amounts represent Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and are reflected in Other expenses on the Statements of Operations.

Of the above amounts, $14,413 and $7,654 were disclosed as a Receivable for expense reimbursement on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2023 for the SSI Alternative Income Fund and TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund, respectively. Of the above amounts, $6,254 was disclosed as a Payable for expense recoupment on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2023 for the TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of contractual or voluntary fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions 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 Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2025 and 2026. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are uncertain. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

   Recouped
Expenses
     Excess Expense
Carryover
     Expired Expense
Carryover
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

SSI Alternative Income

   $ 1      $ -      $ 93,358        2022-2023  

SSI Alternative Income

     -        62,663        -        2023-2024  

SSI Alternative Income

     -        16,937        -        2024-2025  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

     9,707        -        237,268        2022-2023  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

     204        265,776        -        2023-2024  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

     -        307,340        -        2024-2025  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

     -        -        168,883        2022-2023  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

     -        323,848        -        2023-2024  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

     -        234,153        -        2024-2025  

 

 

48


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a significant ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of June 30, 2023, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, one account has been identified as representing an unaffiliated significant ownership of approximately 54% for the SSI Alternative Income Fund and one shareholder has been identified as representing an affiliated significant ownership of approximately 53% for the TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund.

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of A Class sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended June 30, 2023, RID collected $3,534 for the TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund from the sale of A Class Shares. During the year ended June 30, 2023 there were not A Class Shares sales charges collected from TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to A Class Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the A Class Shares redeemed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, there were no CDSC fees collected for the A Class Shares of TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund or TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to C Class Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the C Class Shares redeemed. During the year ended June 30, 2023, CDSC fees of $11,480 were collected for the C Class Shares of TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund. There were no CDSC Fees collected for the C Class Shares of TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

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 and Compliance 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 video conference 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 only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit and Compliance 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.

 

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

The NAV 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” or “Exchange”), which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. ET, 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, including shares of closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), are valued at the last sale price or official closing price taken from the primary exchange in which each security trades. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share on the day of valuation. Debt securities are valued at bid quotes from broker/dealers or evaluated bid prices from pricing services, who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as prices of comparable securities, yield curves, spreads, credit ratings, coupon rates, maturity, default rates, and underlying collateral. Futures are valued based on their daily settlement prices. Exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued at the last sale price. Options with no last sale for the day are priced at mid quote. Swaps are valued at evaluated mid prices from pricing services.

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. ET.

Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act (the “Valuation Rule”) establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including related oversight and reporting requirements. The Valuation Rule also defines when market quotations are “readily available,” which is the threshold for determining whether a Fund must fair value a security. Among other things, the Valuation Rule permits the Board to designate the Manager as “valuation designee” to perform the Fund’s fair value determinations subject to board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Manager’s fair value determinations. Effective September 8, 2022, the Board has designated the Manager as valuation designee to perform fair value functions in accordance with the requirements of the Valuation Rule. Prior to September 8, 2022, fair value determinations were made pursuant to methodologies approved by the Board.

Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to the Manager’s procedures approved by the Board, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing will be used for fixed-income securities and 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, 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

 

 

50


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Funds may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which a Fund invests as described below. In addition, the Funds may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.

A Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before a Fund’s pricing time of 4:00 p.m. ET. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. If the Manager determines that the last quoted prices of non-U.S. securities will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all a Fund’s portfolio securities, the Manager can adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the Exchange. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the Manager reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. These securities are fair valued using a pricing service, using methods approved by the Manager, that considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and futures contracts. The Manager’s Valuation Committee may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but a Fund is open. A Fund uses outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets and adjusted prices.

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 a Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust Manager’s fair valuation procedures for a Fund.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual fund on the day of valuation.

Securities for which the market prices are not readily available or are not reflective of the fair value of the security, as determined by the Manager, will be priced at fair value following procedures approved by the Board.

Other investments for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value, are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the Manager’s Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

Valuation Inputs

Various inputs may be used to determine the fair value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

Level 1   -   Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2   -   Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and others.
Level 3   -   Prices determined using other significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect a Fund’s own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment.

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

Level 1 and Level 2 trading assets and trading liabilities, at fair value

Fixed-income securities including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes, U.S. government agencies, U.S. Treasury obligations, sovereign issues, bank loans, convertible preferred securities, and non-U.S. bonds are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker dealer quotations, reported trades or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The service providers’ internal models use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates, and quoted prices for similar assets. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fixed-income securities purchased on a delayed-delivery basis are marked-to-market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date and are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows, and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporates deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage-related and ABS that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Common stocks, ETFs, preferred securities and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or options that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred securities and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are generally categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain securities that are solely traded on a foreign exchange to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign market and the close of the Exchange. These securities are valued using pricing service providers that consider the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments. Securities using these valuation adjustments are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

With respect to a Fund’s investments that do not have readily available market quotations, the Board has designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair valuations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act (the “Valuation Designee”). If market prices are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, the Valuation Designee will use the fair value of the security or other instrument as determined in good faith under policies and procedures established by and under the supervision of the Board (“Valuation Procedures”). Market prices are considered not readily available where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the NYSE Close, that materially affect the values of a Fund’s portfolio holdings or assets. In addition, market prices are considered not readily available when, due to extraordinary circumstances, the exchanges or markets on which the securities or other instruments trade do not open for trading for the entire day and no other market prices are available. Fair value pricing is subjective in nature and the use of fair value pricing by the Valuation Designee may cause the NAV of a Fund’s shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would have been calculated using market prices at the close of the exchange on which a portfolio holding is primarily traded. There can be no assurance that a Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if a Fund were to sell the investment at approximately the time at which a Fund determines its NAV.

Investments in registered open-end investment management companies will be valued based upon the NAVs of such investments and are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

OTC financial derivative instruments, such as forward foreign currency contracts derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates, and other inputs or a combination of these factors. These

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

contracts are normally valued on the basis of broker dealer quotations or pricing service providers. Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the fair value of the financial derivative contracts can be estimated by a pricing service provider using a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, curves, dividends, and exchange rates. Financial derivatives that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities

ABS 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-advisor 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, 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. These securities may include mortgage instruments issued by U.S. government agencies (“agency mortgages”) or those issued by private entities (“non-agency mortgages”). Specific types of instruments may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage-backed securities and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by a payable from, mortgage loans on real property.

The TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund may invest in ABS and mortgage-related securities, including CMOs and mortgage-related securities issued by private organizations which 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 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. Mortgage-related securities are pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offering 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.

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

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

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 OTC. OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, 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. 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.

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 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. 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 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 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.

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 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

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

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.

Floating Rate Securities

The coupons on certain fixed income securities in which the Funds may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. 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. 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 floating rate securities typically should decrease. Alternatively, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupons of 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 floating rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.

Foreign Debt Securities

The TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund may each invest a significant portion of its assets in a particular geographic region or country. The TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund may invest significantly in emerging markets and 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. Sovereign debt securities are typically issued or guaranteed by national governments in order to finance the issuing country’s growth and/or budget. Investing in foreign sovereign debt securities will expose the Funds to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the debt securities. Quasi-sovereign debt securities are debt securities either explicitly guaranteed by a foreign government or their agencies or whose majority shareholder is a foreign government. 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 payments of interest and principal. Obligations of a supranational entity may be denominated in foreign currencies.

High-Yield Bonds

High-yield, non-investment-grade bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) are low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds that generally offer a high level of current income. These bonds are considered speculative by rating organizations. For example, Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings (“S&P Global”) and Fitch, Inc. rate them below Baa and BBB, respectively. High-yield bonds are often issued as a result of corporate restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, or other similar events. They may also be issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged firms, which are generally less able to make scheduled payments of interest and principal than more financially stable firms. Because of their low credit quality, high-yield bonds must pay higher interest to compensate investors for the substantial credit risk they assume.

Lower-rated securities are subject to certain risks that may not be present with investments in higher-grade securities. Investors should consider carefully their ability to assume the risks associated with lower-rated securities before investing in a Fund. The lower rating of certain high yielding corporate income securities reflects a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer or adverse changes in general economic conditions

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

may impair the ability of the issuer to pay income and principal. Changes by rating agencies in their ratings of a fixed income security also may affect the value of these investments. However, allocating investments in a Fund among securities of different issuers should reduce the risks of owning any such securities separately. The prices of these high yielding securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During economic downturns or periods of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that adversely affects their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals or to obtain additional financing, and the markets for their securities may be more volatile. If an issuer defaults, a Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Additionally, accruals of interest income for a Fund may have to be adjusted in the event of default. In the event of an issuer’s default, a Fund may write off prior income accruals for that issuer, resulting in a reduction in a Fund’s current dividend payment. Frequently, the higher yields of high-yielding securities may not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities may expect, but rather the risk that such securities may lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of their issuer’s financial restructuring or default. Additionally, an economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the high-yield securities market and on the market value of the high-yield securities held by a Fund, as well as on the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and interest on their borrowings.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that the Funds reasonably expect 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, as determined pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act or as otherwise permitted or required by SEC rules and interpretations. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. These securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment. However, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale of such investments to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of their liquidity.

Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and 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. In addition, a Fund may get only limited information about an issuer, so it may be less able to predict a 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.

In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the SEC adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by 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 become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of a Fund’s illiquidity. The Manager or the Sub-Advisor, as applicable, may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as a Fund, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

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 (“Section 4(a)(2) 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. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. 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. The Manager and the sub-advisor will carefully monitor a Fund’s investments in Section 4(a)(2) securities offered and sold under Rule 144A, focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity, and availability of information. Investments in Section 4(a)(2) securities could have the effect of reducing a Fund’s liquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these restricted securities.

Restricted securities outstanding during the year ended June 30, 2023 are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies (“BDCs”), ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager or the Sub-Advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Funds become a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ 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 Funds in their Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

Payment-In-Kind Securities

The Funds may invest in payment-in-kind securities (“PIKs”). PIKs give the issuer the option at each interest payment date of making interest payments in either cash or additional debt securities. Those additional debt securities usually have the same terms, including maturity dates and interest rates, and associated risks as the original bonds. The daily market quotations of the original bonds may include the accrued interest (referred to as a dirty price) and require a pro-rata adjustment from the “Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments” to “Dividend and interest receivable” in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

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 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.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“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

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

(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.

Short Sales

The SSI Alternative Income Fund may enter into short sale transactions. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the security. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the dividends and interest payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability. The Fund is obligated to deliver the security at the market price at the time the short position is closed. The risk of loss on a short sale transaction is theoretically unlimited, because there is no limit to the cost of replacing the security sold short, whereas losses from purchase transactions cannot exceed the total amount invested. As of June 30, 2023, short positions were held by the Fund and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments. For the same period herein, securities pledged as collateral for short sales are disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments, and cash collateral for short sales are reflected as “Cash with brokers” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

Variable 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.

5.  Financial Derivative Instruments

The Funds may utilize derivative instruments to enhance return, hedge risk, gain efficient exposure to an asset class or to manage liquidity. When considering the Funds’ use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Funds do not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Options Contracts

An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price, in the case of a call option, or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency, in the case of a put option. An option on a futures contract provides the holder with the right to enter into a ‘‘long’’ position in the underlying futures contract, in the case of a call option, or a

 

 

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June 30, 2023

 

 

‘‘short’’ position in the underlying futures contract in the case of a put option, at a fixed exercise price to a stated expiration date. Upon exercise of the option by the holder, the contract market clearing house establishes a corresponding short position for the writer of the option, in the case of a call option, or a corresponding long position, in the case of a put option.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, the SSI Alternative Income Fund purchased/sold options primarily for hedging.

 

Average Option Notional Amounts Outstanding
Period Ended June 30, 2023

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts           Written Contracts  

SSI Alternative Income

  $ 165,950       $ 165,950  

Straddle Options

The Funds may enter into differing forms of straddle options. A straddle is an investment strategy that uses combinations of options that allow a Fund to profit based on the future price movements of the underlying security, regardless of the direction of those movements. A written straddle involves simultaneously writing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The written straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has little volatility before the expiration date. A purchased straddle involves simultaneously purchasing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The purchased straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has high volatility, regardless of direction, before the expiration date.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

The Funds may have exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies and by purchasing securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect a Fund’s investments 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 a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. 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 securities, or the cash value of the securities or the 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. Non-Deliverable Forward (“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.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, the TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund entered into forward foreign currency contracts primarily for hedging.

The Funds’ forward foreign currency contract notional dollar values outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of forward foreign currency contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by the amounts bought and sold in USD at each quarter end.

 

Average Forward Foreign Currency Notional Amounts Outstanding
Year Ended June 30, 2023

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts           Sold Contracts  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

  $ 5,393,801       $ 66,661,498  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

    106,198         11,604,869  

 

 

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American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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.

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. 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. 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.

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. A Fund may be required to pledge collateral to secure its obligations under a swap.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest with respect to the notional amount of principal.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, the TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund entered into interest rate swaps primarily for return enhancement, hedging and adjusting portfolio duration.

 

 

60


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

The following is a summary of the fair valuations of the Funds’ derivative instruments categorized by risk exposure(1):

SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Realized gain (loss) from derivatives
recognized as a result of operations

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts             Total      
Purchased options contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (1,640,354 )         $ (1,640,354 )
Written options contracts       -           -           -           -           1,114,222           1,114,222

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of derivatives
recognized as a result from operations:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Purchased options contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (158,893 )         $ (158,893 )
Written options contracts       -           -           -           -           55,179           55,179

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Assets:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts             Total      
Unrealized appreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 7,621         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 7,621

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (1,004,146 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (1,004,146 )

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Realized gain (loss) from derivatives
recognized as a result of operations

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts             Total      
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 819,252         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 819,252
Swap agreements       -           -           -           (298 )           -           (298 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of derivatives
recognized as a result from operations:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (4,581,649 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (4,581,649 )

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts             Total      
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (112,711 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (112,711 )

 

 

61


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Realized gain (loss) from derivatives
recognized as a result of operations

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts             Total      
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (191,587 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (191,587 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of derivatives
recognized as a result from operations:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (380,583 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (380,583 )

(1) See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

Master Agreements

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”) with counterparties govern transactions in OTC derivative and foreign exchange contracts entered into by the Funds and those counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreement. Any election to terminate early could be material to the financial statements. Since different types of forward and OTC financial derivative transactions have different mechanics and are sometimes traded out of different legal entities of a particular counterparty organization, each type of transaction may be covered by a different Master Agreement, resulting in the need for multiple agreements with a single counterparty.

As the ISDA Master Agreements are specific to unique operations of different asset types, they allow a Fund to net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between a Fund and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Funds are parties to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Funds employ multiple money managers and counterparties and have elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below, if applicable. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of the report date, June 30, 2023.

 

 

62


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts   $ 7,621       $ 1,004,146  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 7,621       $ 1,004,146  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ (7,621     $ (1,004,146
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of June 30, 2023:

 

                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
             

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
          Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Net Amount  
State Street Bank & Trust Co.   $ 7,621       $ (7,621     $ -       $ -       $ -  
                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
             

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
          Cash Collateral
Received
          Net Amount  
State Street Bank & Trust Co.   $ 1,004,146       $ (7,621     $ -       $ -       $ 996,525  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2023:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts   $ -       $ 112,711  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ -       $ 112,711  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ -       $ (112,711
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of June 30, 2023:

 

                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
             

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
          Cash
Collateral
Received
          Net Amount  
State Street Bank & Trust Co.   $ 112,711       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 112,711  

6.  Principal Risks

Investing in the Funds may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.

Asset-Backed and Mortgage Related Securities Risk

Investments in asset-backed and mortgage related securities are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities which include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk, prepayment risk and extension risk. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) and ABS 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 MBS and ABS do not increase as much as other fixed-income

 

 

63


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

securities when interest rates fall. When interest rates rise, borrowers are less likely to prepay their mortgage and other loans. A decreased rate of prepayments lengthens the expected maturity of MBS and ABS. Therefore, the prices of MBS and ABS 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 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 asset-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.

Callable Securities Risk

The SSI Alternative Income 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.

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 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 and a convertible security is subject to the 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. Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than 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 and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities. 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 the Fund could lose its entire investment. In addition, because companies that issue convertible securities may be small- or mid-cap companies, to the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.

Counterparty Risk

The Funds are 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 Funds. As a result, a Fund may obtain no recovery of 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.

Some of the markets in which the Funds 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

 

 

64


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

the same extent as are members of “exchange-based” markets. This exposes the Funds 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 and the recent turbulence in the financial markets highlights the importance of being aware of counterparty risk resulting from OTC derivative transactions. The Funds are 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 Funds. As a result, the Funds may obtain no recovery of 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 Funds to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

Credit Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, including a derivatives contract or a loan, may fail, or become less able, to make timely payments of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. The strategies utilized by the sub-advisor require accurate and detailed credit analysis of issuers and there can be no assurance that its analysis will be accurate or complete. The Funds 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 and are not a guarantee of future credit performance of such securities. 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. Ratings represent a rating agency’s opinion regarding the quality of the security and are not a guarantee of quality. 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. Credit risk is typically greater for securities with ratings that are below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”). Since a Fund can invest significantly in high yield investments that are considered speculative in nature, this risk maybe substantial. 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.

Currency Risk

The Funds 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 Funds’ 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 the Funds’ 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.

 

 

65


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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 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. 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 maybe 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. 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. 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.

 

 

66


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk

A Fund’s incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”) considerations, including criteria as determined by the sub-advisor, in its investment strategy may cause it 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 ESG investment considerations used by a Fund will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in a Fund. A Fund’s ESG investment considerations may also affect a Fund’s exposure to certain sectors or types of investments, which may impact a Fund’s relative investment performance depending on the performance of issuers in those sectors relative to issuers in the broader market. A Fund 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 Fund’s sub-advisor is dependent on available information to assist in the use of ESG investment considerations, 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. The limited availability of such information, as well as errors in or omissions from such information could result in incorrect evaluations of potential investments. There is no guarantee that a Fund’s efforts to select investments that meet a Fund’s ESG investing considerations will be successful.

Foreign Investing and Emerging Markets 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 price volatility, (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. To the extent the Funds invest 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. In addition, 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. 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 or depository or their agents goes bankrupt. 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, 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 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 delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures. In addition, there may be less information available to make investment decisions and more volatile rates of return.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

Portfolio turnover is a measure of a Fund’s trading activity over a one-year 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 could increase a Fund’s transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. These costs are not reflected in the Funds’ annual operating expenses or in the expense example, but they can have a negative impact on performance. Frequent trading by the Funds could also result in increased realized net capital gains, distributions of which are taxable to the Funds’ shareholders (including net short-term capital gain distributions, which are taxable to them as ordinary income).

 

 

67


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

High-Yield Bond Risk

Exposure to high-yield securities (commonly referred to as ‘’junk bonds’’) generally involves significantly greater risks of loss of your money than an investment in investment-grade securities. Compared with issuers of investment grade securities, issuers of high yield securities are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially affected by these difficulties. High yield debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price when the economy is weak or expected to become weak. These securities also may be difficult to sell at the time and price a Fund desires. High yield securities are considered to be speculative with respect to an issuer’s ability to pay interest and principal and carry a greater risk that issuers of lower-rated securities will default on the timely payment of principal or interest. Rising interest rates may compound these difficulties and reduce an issuer’s ability to repay principal and interest obligations. Issuers of lower-rated securities also have a greater risk of default or bankruptcy. Issuers of securities that are in default or have defaulted may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case a Fund may lose its entire investment. Below-investment-grade securities may experience greater price volatility and less liquidity than investment-grade securities. Lower-rated securities are subject to certain risks that may not be present with investments in higher-grade securities. Investors should consider carefully their ability to assume the risks associated with lower-rated securities before investing in a Fund. The lower rating of certain high yielding corporate income securities reflects a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer or adverse changes in general economic conditions may impair the ability of the issuer to pay income and principal. Changes by credit rating agencies in their ratings of a fixed income security also may affect the value of these investments. However, allocating investments among securities of different issuers could reduce the risks of owning any such securities separately. The prices of these high yield securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment-grade investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During economic downturns or periods of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that adversely affects their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals or to obtain additional financing, and the markets for their securities may be more volatile. If an issuer defaults, a Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Additionally, accruals of interest income for a Fund may have to be adjusted in the event of default. In the event of an issuer’s default, a Fund may write off prior income accruals for that issuer, resulting in a reduction in a Fund’s current dividend payment. Frequently, the higher yields of high-yielding securities may not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities may expect, but rather the risk that such securities may lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of their issuer’s financial restructuring or default.

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 rates may rise, perhaps significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to the Fund. Interest rate changes may have a more pronounced effect on the market value of fixed-rate instruments than on floating-rate instruments. The value of floating rate and variable securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. 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. Rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments with longer durations and terms to maturity to decline, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund. 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. 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.

 

 

68


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

LIBOR Risk

Certain of the instruments identified in the Fund’s principal investment strategies have coupon rates or may provide exposure to underlying investments with coupon rates, that are based on the ICE LIBOR (“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.

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 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 and U.S. law requires that contracts without a practicable LIBOR alternative default to SOFR plus a set spread beginning in mid-2023. 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

When there is little or no active trading market for a specific type of security it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. During such periods, certain investments held by a Fund may be difficult to sell or other investments may be difficult to purchase at favorable times or prices. As a result, the Funds 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. Redemptions by a few large investors in the Funds at such times may have a significant adverse effect on a Fund’s NAV per share and remaining Fund shareholders. In addition, the market-making capacity of dealers in certain types of securities has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural and regulatory changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks and increased regulatory capital requirements for broker-dealers. Further, many broker-dealers have reduced their inventory of certain debt securities. 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.

Market Risk

The Funds are 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 assets 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

 

 

69


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, 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, including the U.S. presidential election, 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.

Market Timing Risk

Funds that invest in high-yield, and, or have exposure to foreign securities through the derivatives it holds, are particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Funds, including (i) the dilution of the Funds’ NAV, (ii) an increase in the Funds’ expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of specific securities in which the Funds may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders. Some examples of these types of securities are high-yield and foreign securities. The limited trading activity of some high-yield securities may result in market prices that do not reflect the true market value of these securities. If a Fund trades foreign securities, it generally prices foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, typically prior to the Funds’ calculation of its NAV. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Funds price its shares. In such instances, the Funds may fair value high yield and foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Funds to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Funds’ shares. While the Manager monitors trading in the Funds, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

Non-Diversification Risk

The TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund is non-diversified, which means the Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. When a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, it may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence

 

 

70


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

than a more diversified portfolio might be. Some of those issuers also may present substantial credit or other risks. When a Fund is non-diversified, its NAV and total return may also fluctuate more or be subject to declines in weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes a Fund to greater market risk, price volatility and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

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.

Pay-In-Kind Securities Risk

Pay-in-kind securities are debt securities that do not make regular cash interest payments. Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the issuance of additional securities. Because these securities do not pay current cash income, their prices can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. If an issuer of pay-in-kind securities defaults, the Fund may lose its entire investment. 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” (“RIC”) 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, potentially during periods of adverse market prices.

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 ABS, more quickly than expected, causing the issuer of the security to repay the principal prior to the security’s expected maturity date. 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. 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, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in its price.

Recent Market Events Risk

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. 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

 

 

71


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

transmission of various variants of COVID-19, and efforts to contain their spread, have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, travel restrictions and closed borders, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. Any resurgence of COVID-19 or a variant could negatively impact the Funds and adversely impact 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.

Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, recently, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates as part of its efforts to address rising inflation. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve will continue to increase interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such increases. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve to change its approach in the future and the Federal Reserve’s actions may result in an economic slowdown. Unexpected increases in interest rates could lead to market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market.

Slowing global economic growth; risks associated with 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, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine or in eastern Asia; political or economic dysfunction within some nations, including major producers of oil; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine beginning in February 2022, the responses and sanctions by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and the prices of various commodities.

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.

Short Position Risk

The SSI Alternative Income Fund’s short positions are speculative and are subject to special risks. A short position involves the sale by a Fund of a security that it does not own. A Fund then intends to purchase the same security at a later date at a lower price. A Fund may enter into a short position through a forward commitment, a futures contract, an option, or a swap agreement. If the price of the security or derivative has increased during the time a Fund holds the short position, then a Fund will incur a loss equal to the increase in price from the time that the short position was entered into plus any premiums and interest paid to the third party. Therefore, short positions involve the risk that losses may be exaggerated, and that the Fund may lose more money than the actual cost of the investment. A Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short position because the price appreciation of the security that a Fund is required to purchase is unlimited. There can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover the short position will be available for purchase by a Fund. In addition, purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the relevant securities to rise further, thereby increasing any loss incurred by a Fund. Furthermore, a Fund may be forced to close out a short position prematurely if a counterparty from which a Fund borrowed securities demands their return, resulting in a loss on what might otherwise have been a profitable position. Short positions also include greater reliance on a sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument. A Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, and therefore, be subject to the effect of leverage, in that short selling amplifies changes in a Fund’s NAV since it increases the exposure of a Fund to the market and may increase losses and the volatility of returns. If such instruments are traded over-the-counter, there is the risk that the counterparty may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to a Fund.

 

 

72


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Sovereign and Quasi Sovereign Debt Risk

An investment in sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not present in corporate debt obligations. Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities are issued or guaranteed by a sovereign government or entity affiliated with or backed by a sovereign government. The issuer of the sovereign or quasi-sovereign debt that controls the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. In addition, these investments are subject to risk of payment delays or defaults due to (1) country cash flow problems, (2) insufficient foreign currency reserves, (3) political considerations, (4) large debt positions relative to the country’s economy, (5) policies toward foreign lenders or investors, (6) the failure to implement economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies, or (7) an inability or unwillingness to repay debts. It may be particularly difficult to enforce the rights of debt holders in frontier and emerging markets. A governmental entity that defaults on an obligation may request additional time in which to pay or receive further loans or may seek to restructure its obligations to reduce interest rates or outstanding principal. There is no legal process for collecting sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt that a government does not pay nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected. Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging and frontier markets issuers, which are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis, which has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness.

Sustainable Investing Risk

The TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund’s incorporation of sustainable investing considerations, including criteria as determined by the sub-advisor, in its investment strategy may cause it 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 sustainable investment considerations used by the Fund will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund 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. The sub-advisor uses sustainability research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis and considering sustainability risks. As 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 consideration used for other funds.

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 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 the Government National Mortgage Association (‘‘Ginnie Mae’’); (ii) supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Farm Credit Banks; (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 the Funds hold securities of such issuers, it might not be able to recover its investment from the U.S. Government. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored entities

 

 

73


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

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.

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, such as 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 conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules an applicable accounting protocols may require a Fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. 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.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk

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 floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate such as a money-market index, SOFR, LIBOR or a Treasury bill rate. Such 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 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. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Variable and floating rate securities are less effective at locking in a particular yield and are subject to credit risk. Certain types of floating rate instruments may also be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.

7.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a RIC, by complying with all applicable provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is treated as a single entity for the purpose of determining such qualification.

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended June 30, 2023 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Funds recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on returns of income earned or gains realized or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized capital gains and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

Dividends are categorized in accordance with income tax regulations which may treat certain transactions differently than U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

 

 

74


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    SSI Alternative Income Fund           TwentyFour Strategic
Income Fund
          TwentyFour Sustainable
Short Term Bond Fund
 
    Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
          Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
          Year Ended
June 30, 2023
          Year Ended
June 30, 2022
 

Distributions paid from:

                     

Ordinary income*

                     

R5 Class

  $ 4,496       $ 7,044       $ 786,113       $ 365,658       $ -       $ -  

Y Class

    1,800,007         7,909,859         15,125,690         7,255,633         765,187         59,030  

Investor Class

    6,033         91,433         1,961,048         869,035         -         -  

A Class

    -         -         867,982         266,001         12,601         3,936  

C Class

    -         -         851,694         231,582         15,336         2,760  

R6 Class

    -         -         -         -         1,029,403         214,410  

Long-term capital gains

                     

R5 Class

    -         5,670         -         -         -         -  

Y Class

    -         6,427,722         -         -         -         -  

Investor Class

    -         81,220         -         -         -         -  

A Class

    -         -         -         -         -         -  

C Class

    -         -         -         -         -         -  

R6 Class

    -         -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 1,810,536       $ 14,522,948       $ 19,592,527       $ 8,987,909       $ 1,822,527       $ 280,136  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

* For tax purposes, short-term capital gains are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of June 30, 2023, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost    

 

    Unrealized
Appreciation
   

 

    Unrealized
(Depreciation)
   

 

    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

SSI Alternative Income

  $ 110,410,323       $ 4,070,599       $ (11,292,050     $ (7,221,451

TwentyFour Strategic Income

    125,021,227         308,027         (17,375,110       (17,067,083

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

    15,354,205         129,207         (857,326       (728,119

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

 

    Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
   

 

    Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
   

 

    Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
   

 

    Other Temporary
Differences
   

 

    Distributable
Earnings
 

SSI Alternative Income

  $ (7,221,451     $ 4,036,487       $ -       $ (6,682,878     $ (1     $ (9,867,843

TwentyFour Strategic Income

    (17,067,083       -         -         (44,322,017       2         (61,389,098

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

    (728,119       -         -         (1,553,728       -         (2,281,847

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, income realized for tax purposes from contingent payment debt instruments, the tax deferral of losses from straddles, deemed distributions from convertible obligations, unused capital losses and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.

Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses, and realized gains (losses) under U.S. GAAP and federal income tax regulations, permanent differences between book and tax reporting have been identified and appropriately reclassified on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

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American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from organization costs as of June 30, 2023:

 

Fund

   Paid-In-Capital             Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 
SSI Alternative Income    $ 4,619         $ (4,619
TwentyFour Strategic Income      -           -  
TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond      -           -  

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“RIC MOD”), net capital losses recognized by the Funds in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 are carried forward indefinitely and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term losses.

As of June 30, 2023, the Funds had the following post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

   Short-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
            Long-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 
SSI Alternative Income    $ -         $ 6,682,878  
TwentyFour Strategic Income      9,980,823           28,940,371  
TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond      164,251           308,449  

The Funds are permitted for tax purposes to defer into the next fiscal year qualified late year losses. Qualified late year capital losses are net losses incurred after October 31 through the Fund’s fiscal year end, June 30, 2023. Qualified late year ordinary losses are specified losses generally incurred after October 31 through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year end, June 30, 2023. For the period ending June 30, 2023, TwentyFour Strategic Income deferred $5,400,823 ordinary loss and TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond deferred $1,081,028 ordinary loss to July 1, 2023.

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
   

 

    Purchases of U.S.
Government
Securities
   

 

    Sales
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
   

 

    Sales of U.S.
Government
Securities
 

SSI Alternative Income

  $ 73,974,727       $ -       $ 94,189,190       $ -  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

    23,515,102         49,427,467         91,003,110         43,392,549  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond

    7,025,768         1,195,484         5,666,575         1,911,080  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
   

 

    June 30,
2022
Shares/Fair
Value
   

 

    Purchases    

 

    Sales    

 

    June 30,
2023
Shares/Fair
Value
 

SSI Alternative Income

    Direct       $ 8,405,280       $ 77,815,677       $ 80,407,462       $ 5,813,495  

TwentyFour Strategic Income

    Direct         3,413,816         85,189,569         85,219,885         3,383,500  

 

 

76


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 11, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $100 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 9, 2023, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also renewed an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”) agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $100 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) OBFR daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 9, 2023, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Loan expense” on the Statements of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Funds did not utilize these facilities.

10.  Capital Share Transactions

The tables below summarize the activity in capital shares for each Class of the Funds:

 

    R5 Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     239       $ 2,263         20,466       $ 199,701  
Reinvestment of dividends     329         3,040         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (7,704       (73,163       (7       (70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (7,136     $ (67,860       20,459       $ 199,631  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,976,301       $ 18,650,934         6,147,854       $ 61,807,965  
Reinvestment of dividends     159,662         1,476,715         1,169,291         11,722,293  
Shares redeemed     (5,630,750       (53,001,372       (5,008,484       (50,076,087
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (3,494,787     $ (32,873,723       2,308,661       $ 23,454,171  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

SSI Alternative Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     133,983       $ 1,268,705         63,448       $ 694,569  
Reinvestment of dividends     650         6,033         17,242         172,653  
Shares redeemed     (8,012       (75,483       (146,050       (1,484,820
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     126,621       $ 1,199,255         (65,360     $ (617,598
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

77


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

    R5 Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     476,603       $ 3,823,593         392,522       $ 4,264,384  
Reinvestment of dividends     96,450         786,113         34,237         365,658  
Shares redeemed     (59,965       (510,436       (1,039,780       (11,007,071
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     513,088       $ 4,099,270         (613,021     $ (6,377,029
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     6,584,648       $ 54,381,609         7,276,157       $ 77,123,306  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,812,913         14,800,716         684,680         7,208,244  
Shares redeemed     (13,454,362       (114,984,674       (9,404,432       (96,458,051
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (5,056,801     $ (45,802,349       (1,443,595     $ (12,126,501
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     365,674       $ 3,010,708         1,352,964       $ 14,414,491  
Reinvestment of dividends     243,979         1,961,048         83,526         869,035  
Shares redeemed     (1,337,187       (11,668,678       (1,604,628       (16,726,955
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (727,534     $ (6,696,922       (168,138     $ (1,443,429
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     197,775       $ 1,601,221         206,444       $ 2,175,935  
Reinvestment of dividends     107,064         859,812         25,358         264,262  
Shares redeemed     (267,480       (2,213,431       (264,706       (2,688,689
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     37,359       $ 247,602         (32,904     $ (248,492
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     331,336       $ 2,666,161         140,493       $ 1,449,094  
Reinvestment of dividends     106,651         851,678         22,292         231,582  
Shares redeemed     (448,529       (3,692,446       (308,497       (3,135,850
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (10,542     $ (174,607       (145,712     $ (1,455,174
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     304,592       $ 2,699,095         597,651       $ 5,824,254  
Reinvestment of dividends     90,102         765,187         5,927         57,064  
Shares redeemed     (148,135       (1,294,237       (63,748       (611,934
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     246,559       $ 2,170,045         539,830       $ 5,269,384  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     21,663       $ 197,785         11,628       $ 110,000  
Reinvestment of dividends     171         1,477         215         2,103  
Shares redeemed     (18,459       (169,654       (20,509       (194,708
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     3,375       $ 29,608         (8,666     $ (82,605
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

78


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2023

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     53,258       $ 438,471         -     $         -  
Reinvestment of dividends     587         4,822         76         731  
Shares redeemed     (795       (6,529       (3,637       (34,014
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     53,050       $ 436,764         (3,561     $ (33,283
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -     $         -         -       $ -  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         -         -  
Shares redeemed     -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         -       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

11.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements through this date.

 

 

79


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,           May 20, 2019B
to
June 30,
2019#
 
    2023           2022           2021           2020        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.29       $ 11.15       $ 10.15       $ 10.27       $ 10.17  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.31         0.38         0.16         0.19         0.03  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.21         (0.95       1.18         0.06         0.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.52         (0.57       1.34         0.25         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.15       (0.21       (0.26       (0.37       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (1.08       (0.08       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.15       (1.29       (0.34       (0.37       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.66       $ 9.29       $ 11.15       $ 10.15       $ 10.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.65       (5.85 )%        13.33       2.49       0.98 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 223,692       $ 281,521       $ 109,650       $ 99,760       $ 100,976  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.90       1.64       1.93       4.90       2.76 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.60 %F G        1.64 %F        1.89 %F        2.19 %F        1.83 %E F 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.18       1.47       1.43       (0.81 )%        1.41 %E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.48       1.47       1.47       1.90       2.34 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    97       113       326       242       20 %D 

 

# 

Fiscal year end changed from March 31 to June 30.

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees, dividends and interest expense from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.22%, 1.49%, 1.49%, 1.49% and 1.49% for the year ended June 30, 2023, year ended June 30, 2022, year ended June 30, 2021, year ended June 30, 2020 and period ended June 30, 2019, respectively.

G 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on December 22, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes

 

80


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,          

April 1, 2019
to
June 30,

2019#

          Year Ended
March 31,
2019
 
    2023           2022           2021           2020              
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.29       $ 11.14       $ 10.14       $ 10.27       $ 10.12       $ 10.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.26         0.19         0.08         0.19         0.08         0.20 B 

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.25         (0.76       1.26         0.05         0.07         0.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.51         (0.57       1.34         0.24         0.15         0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.14       (0.20       (0.26       (0.37       -         (0.19

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (1.08       (0.08       -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.14       (1.28       (0.34       (0.37       -         (0.19
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.66       $ 9.29       $ 11.14       $ 10.14       $ 10.27       $ 10.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total return

    5.55 %C        (5.85 )%C        13.33 %C        2.35 %C        1.48 %C D        2.71 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,552,992       $ 129,179,345       $ 129,211,872       $ 139,609,314       $ 227,279,618       $ 279,429,760  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.97       1.74       2.00       2.32       2.14 %G        1.79 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.65 %H I        1.73 %H        1.96 %H        2.27 %H        1.71 %G H        1.79 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.11       1.26       1.24       1.81       1.81 %G        1.99

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.43       1.27       1.28       1.86       2.24 %G        1.99

Portfolio turnover rate

    97       113       326       242       20 %D        76

 

# 

Fiscal year end changed from March 31 to June 30.

A 

On May 17, 2019, Class I was re-designated as Y 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.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Total returns would have been lower/higher had expenses not been waived/recovered by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

F 

If interest expense, dividends on securities sold short and shareholder servicing fees had been excluded, the expense ratios would have been lowered by 0.30% and 0.27% for the periods ended March 31, respectively.

G 

Annualized.

H 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees, dividends and interest expense from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.28%, 1.56%, 1.56%, 1.56% and 1.54% for the year ended June 30, 2023, year ended June 30, 2022, year ended June 30, 2021, year ended June 30, 2020 and period ended June 30, 2019, respectively.

I 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on December 22, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes

 

81


American Beacon SSI Alternative Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,           April 1, 2019
to
June 30,
2019#
          Year Ended
March 31,
2019
 
    2023           2022           2021           2020              
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.30       $ 11.12       $ 10.13       $ 10.27       $ 10.13       $ 10.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.44         0.10 B        0.08         0.17         0.03         0.17 B 

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.04         (0.69       1.23         0.04         0.11         0.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.48         (0.59       1.31         0.21         0.14         0.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.10       (0.15       (0.24       (0.35       -         (0.15

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (1.08       (0.08       -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.10       (1.23       (0.32       (0.35       -         (0.15
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.68       $ 9.30       $ 11.12       $ 10.13       $ 10.27       $ 10.13  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total return

    5.24 %C        (6.03 )%C        13.03 %C        2.07 %C        1.38 %C D        2.47 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,821,486       $ 572,433       $ 1,411,885       $ 862,020       $ 946,784       $ 856,300  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.35       2.13       2.32       2.97       2.39 %G        2.04 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.72 %H I        1.99 %H        2.20 %H        2.52 %H        1.98 %G H        2.04 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.05       0.81       0.84       1.13       1.62 %G        1.74

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.68       0.95       0.96       1.58       2.04 %G        1.74

Portfolio turnover rate

    97       113       326       242       20 %D        76

 

# 

Fiscal year end changed from March 31 to June 30.

A 

On May 17, 2019, Class A was re-designated as Investor 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.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Total returns would have been lower/higher had expenses not been waived/recovered by the Advisor. Returns shown do not include payment of sales load of 5.75% of offering price which is reduced on sales of $50,000 or more. These returns include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

F 

If interest expense, dividends on securities sold short and shareholder servicing fees had been excluded, the expense ratios would have been lowered by 0.30% and 0.27% for the periods ended March 31, respectively.

G 

Annualized.

H 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees, dividends and interest expense from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.40%, 1.81%, 1.81%, 1.81% and 1.81% for the year ended June 30, 2023, year ended June 30, 2022, year ended June 30, 2021, year ended June 30, 2020 and period ended June 30, 2019, respectively.

I 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on December 22, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes

 

82


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.15       $ 11.02       $ 10.27       $ 10.24       $ 10.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    1.61         0.38 B        0.41         0.35         0.43 B 

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (1.22       (1.85       0.71         0.03         0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.39         (1.47       1.12         0.38         0.70  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.52       (0.40       (0.37       (0.35       (0.52

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.52       (0.40       (0.37       (0.35       (0.53
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.02       $ 9.15       $ 11.02       $ 10.27       $ 10.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    4.77       (13.73 )%        11.06       3.81       7.27
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 7,782,080       $ 4,186,949       $ 11,799,339       $ 9,824,323       $ 8,968,940  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.01       0.88       0.91       1.01       1.22

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.72       0.72       0.72       0.72       0.72

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    5.05       3.43       3.05       2.69       3.81

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    5.34       3.59       3.24       2.98       4.31

Portfolio turnover rate

    63       48       79       185       198

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

83


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.12       $ 10.99       $ 10.25       $ 10.22       $ 10.06  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.48         0.37         0.39         0.37         0.42  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (0.10       (1.84       0.72         0.01         0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.38         (1.47       1.11         0.38         0.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.52       (0.40       (0.37       (0.35       (0.52

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.52       (0.40       (0.37       (0.35       (0.53
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.98       $ 9.12       $ 10.99       $ 10.25       $ 10.22  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    4.68       (13.76 )%        11.00       3.82       7.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 81,509,591       $ 139,290,122       $ 183,749,947       $ 89,459,856       $ 38,664,428  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.06       0.93       0.96       1.09       1.42

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.80       0.80       0.81       0.82       0.82

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    4.90       3.48       3.02       2.58       3.60

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    5.16       3.61       3.17       2.85       4.20

Portfolio turnover rate

    63       48       79       185       198

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

84


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended June 30,  
    2023           2022           2021           2020           2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.02       $ 10.88       $ 10.16       $ 10.15       $ 10.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.40         0.34         0.33         0.44         0.38  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (0.06       (1.82       0.74         (0.08       0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.34         (1.48       1.07         0.36         0.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.51       (0.38       (0.35       (0.35       (0.51

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.51       (0.38       (0.35       (0.35       (0.52
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.85       $ 9.02       $ 10.88       $ 10.16       $ 10.15  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    4.23       (14.03 )%        10.67       3.58       6.84
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 10,133,625       $ 18,192,880       $ 23,773,539       $ 14,710,345       $ 1,422,906  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.35       1.22       1.24       1.42       1.69

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.09       1.09       1.09       1.09       1.09

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    4.59       3.20       2.73       2.23       3.30

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    4.85       3.33       2.88       2.56       3.90

Portfolio turnover rate

    63       48       79       185       198

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

85


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended June 30,           October 29,
2018A
to
June 30,
2019
 
    2023           2022           2021           2020        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.03       $ 10.89       $ 10.16       $ 10.16       $ 9.95  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.59         0.34         0.35         0.23         0.33  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (0.23       (1.81       0.72         0.11         0.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.36         (1.47       1.07         0.34         0.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.52       (0.39       (0.34       (0.34       (0.37

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.52       (0.39       (0.34       (0.34       (0.38
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.87       $ 9.03       $ 10.89       $ 10.16       $ 10.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    4.44       (13.94 )%        10.73       3.44       6.18 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 5,107,605       $ 5,523,840       $ 7,020,746       $ 5,216,325       $ 6,270,835  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.31       1.14       1.16       1.34       1.78 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.00       1.00       1.04       1.12       1.12 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    4.70       3.28       2.81       2.35       3.30 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    5.01       3.42       2.93       2.57       3.96 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    63       48       79       185       198 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

86


American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended June 30,          

October 29,
2018A
to
June 30,

2019

 
    2023           2022           2021           2020        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.00       $ 10.85       $ 10.13       $ 10.14       $ 9.95  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.49         0.25         0.27         0.30         0.24  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (0.21       (1.80       0.72         (0.03       0.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.28         (1.55       0.99         0.27         0.54  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.45       (0.30       (0.27       (0.28       (0.34

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.45       (0.30       (0.27       (0.28       (0.35
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.83       $ 9.00       $ 10.85       $ 10.13       $ 10.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    3.51       (14.61 )%        9.87       2.72       5.63 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 5,131,491       $ 5,987,755       $ 8,803,669       $ 4,735,447       $ 1,659,229  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.03       1.90       1.95       2.14       2.58 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.80 %F        1.82 %E        1.85       1.87       1.87 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    3.98       2.50       2.02       1.57       2.50 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    4.21       2.58       2.12       1.84       3.20 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    63       48       79       185       198 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on November 1, 2021.

F 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on November 1, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes

 

87


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended June 30,           February 18,
2020A
to
June 30,
2020
 
    2023           2022           2021        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.26       $ 10.02       $ 9.92       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.35         0.32         0.21         0.05  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (0.10       (0.83       0.18         (0.06
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.25         (0.51       0.39         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.08       (0.25       (0.29       (0.07
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.43       $ 9.26       $ 10.02       $ 9.92  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    2.95       (5.20 )%        4.00       (0.09 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 6,923,318       $ 5,328,507       $ 354,076       $ 149,445  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.83       2.24       4.65 %E        11.60 %D E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.57       0.57       0.57       0.57 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.31       (0.06 )%        (2.71 )%E        (9.96 )%D E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.57       1.61       1.37       1.07 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       43       54       7 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-recurring organization and offering costs.

 

See accompanying notes

 

88


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended June 30,          

February 18,
2020A
to
June 30,

2020

 
    2023           2022           2021        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.23       $ 9.98       $ 9.91       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.50         0.12 B        0.11         0.05  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (0.29       (0.65       0.25         (0.07
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.21         (0.53       0.36         (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.05       (0.22       (0.29       (0.07
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.39       $ 9.23       $ 9.98       $ 9.91  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    2.48       (5.43 )%        3.70       (0.19 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 125,866       $ 107,415       $ 202,627       $ 206,227  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.26       3.13       5.33 %F        10.25 %E F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.87       0.87       0.87       0.87 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.81       (1.06 )%        (3.36 )%F        (8.59 )%E F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.20       1.20       1.10       0.79 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       43       54       7 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-recurring organization and offering costs.

 

See accompanying notes

 

89


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended June 30,          

February 18,
2020A
to
June 30,

2020

 
    2023           2022           2021        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.07       $ 9.87       $ 9.87       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    1.53         0.04 B        0.03 B        0.02  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    (1.39       (0.64       0.26         (0.08
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.14         (0.60       0.29         (0.06
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.05       (0.20       (0.29       (0.07
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.16       $ 9.07       $ 9.87       $ 9.87  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    1.68       (6.15 )%        3.00       (0.59 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 519,021       $ 95,605       $ 139,238       $ 254,319  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.74       3.78       6.04 %E        10.34 %E F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.62       1.62       1.62       1.62 %F 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.58       (1.71 )%        (4.08 )%E        (8.62 )%E F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.70       0.45       0.34       0.10 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       43       54       7 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-recurring organization and offering costs.

 

See accompanying notes

 

90


American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended June 30,           February 18,
2020A
to
June 30,
2020
 
    2023           2022           2021        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.32       $ 10.04       $ 9.92       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.23         0.16         0.15         0.04  

Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.02         (0.66       0.26         (0.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.25         (0.50       0.41         (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (1.06       (0.22       (0.29       (0.07
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.51       $ 9.32       $ 10.04       $ 9.92  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    2.89       (5.06 )%        4.21       (0.09 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 8,267,504       $ 9,050,291       $ 9,753,318       $ 9,638,229  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.73       2.38       4.44 %E        6.83 %D E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    0.47       0.47       0.47       0.47 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments

    1.36       (0.30 )%        (2.47 )%E        (5.20 )%D E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments

    2.62       1.61       1.50       1.16 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       43       54       7 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-recurring organization and offering costs.

 

See accompanying notes

 

91


American Beacon FundSM

Federal Tax Information

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds are required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended June 30, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

SSI Alternative Income Fund

    21.25

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

    N/A  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

    N/A  

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

SSI Alternative Income Fund

    23.96

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

    N/A  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

    N/A  

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

SSI Alternative Income Fund

  $ 0  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

    0  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

    0  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

SSI Alternative Income Fund

  $ 0  

TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

    0  

TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

    0  

Shareholders will receive notification in January 2024 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2023 income tax returns.

 

 

92


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Renewal and Approval of Management Agreements and Investment Advisory Agreements

At meetings held on May 16, 2023 and June 6-7, 2023 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 7, 2023 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (“Trust”) on behalf of the American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund (“SSI Fund”), the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund (“Strategic Income Fund”) and the American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund (“Short Term Bond Fund”) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”);

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, SSI Investment Management LLC (“SSI”), and the Trust, on behalf of the SSI Fund; and

(3) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, TwentyFour Asset Management (US), LP (“TwentyFour” and together with SSI, the “sub-advisors”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Strategic Income Fund and Short Term Bond Fund

The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements are referred to herein individually as an “Agreement” and collectively as the “Agreements.”

In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the sub-advisors, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and each sub-advisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the sub-advisors. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided in connection with the renewal process, as well as information furnished to the Board throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees. In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. This information is described below in the section summarizing the factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements, as well as the section describing additional Board considerations with respect to each Fund.

The Board noted that the Manager provides management and administrative services to the Funds pursuant to the Management Agreement. The Board considered that many mutual funds have separate contracts governing each type of service and observed that, with respect to such mutual funds, the actual management fee rates provided by Broadridge for peer group funds reflect the combined advisory and administrative fees, reduced by any fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

The Manager or a sub-advisor may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its decision to approve the renewal of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of whether to approve the renewal of each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal of investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements, and related regulatory guidelines. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the renewal of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

 

 

93


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Considerations With Respect to the Renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement

In determining whether to approve the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered each Fund’s investment management and sub-advisory relationships separately. In each instance, the Board considered, among other things, the following factors: (1) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided; (2) the investment performance of the Funds and the sub-advisor for each Fund; (3) the profits, if any, earned by the Manager and, with respect to the SSI Fund, SSI, an affiliate of the Manager, in rendering services to the Funds; (4) comparisons of services and fee rates with contracts entered into by the Manager or a sub-advisor or their affiliates with other clients (such as pension funds and other institutional clients); (5) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting each fee rate schedule; (6) whether fee rate levels reflect economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of Fund investors; and (7) any other benefits derived or anticipated to be derived by the Manager or a sub-advisor from its relationship with a Fund.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. With respect to the renewal of the Management Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: the SSI Fund’s and Strategic Income Fund’s long-term performance and the Short Term Bond Fund’s performance since its inception on January 19, 2020; the length of service of key investment personnel at the Manager; the cost structure of the Funds; the financial condition of the Manager, including its parent company; the Manager’s culture of compliance and support that reduce risks to the Funds; the Manager’s quality of services; the Manager’s active role in monitoring and, as appropriate, recommending additional or replacement sub-advisors; and the Manager’s representations regarding its efforts to retain key employees and maintain staffing levels.

With respect to the renewal of each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: the representations made by the sub-advisor regarding the sub-advisor’s level of staffing; the sub-advisor’s assets under management; the financial stability of the sub-advisor; and its compliance program. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and each sub-advisor were appropriate for each Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its Broadridge Performance Universe, Morningstar Category, and/or benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent methodology for selecting each Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe. The Board also considered that the Performance Universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for a Fund due to its unique or distinctive investment strategies. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at meetings of the Board and its committees throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by each sub-advisor regarding the performance of each Fund relative to the performance of a composite of comparable investment accounts managed by the sub-advisor and an appropriate peer group for the Fund or the Fund’s benchmark index. In addition, the Board considered the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain each sub-advisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

Costs of the Services Provided to the Funds and the Profits Realized by the Manager from its Relationship with the Funds. In analyzing the costs of services and profitability of the Manager, the Board considered the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by the Manager, before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager. The profits or losses were noted at both an aggregate level for all funds within the group of mutual funds sponsored by the Manager (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual Fund level, with the Manager earning a profit with respect to the SSI Fund and sustaining a loss with respect to the Strategic Income Fund and the Short Term Bond Fund before the payment of distribution-related expenses and the Manager sustaining a loss after the payment of distribution-related expenses with respect to each Fund. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the

 

 

94


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the Funds, the Manager represented that the difference is attributable to, among other factors, the fact that the Manager does not perform administrative services for non-investment company clients and reflects the greater level of responsibility and regulatory requirements associated with managing the Funds. The Board also noted that, for each Fund and its share classes, the Manager is waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses.

The Board further considered that, with respect to each Fund, the Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive a management fee comprised of an annualized fee that is retained by the Manager. The Board also noted that certain share classes of the Funds maintain higher expense ratios in order to compensate third-party financial intermediaries.

In analyzing the fee rates charged by each sub-advisor in connection with its investment advisory services to a Fund, the Board considered representations made by the sub-advisors that each Fund’s sub-advisory fee rate schedule generally was favorable compared to other comparable client accounts, and that SSI is waiving a portion of its subadvisory fee with respect to the SSI Fund. The Board also considered the extent to which SSI, which is an affiliate of the Manager, earned a profit with respect to the services provided to the SSI Fund. The Board did not request profitability data from TwentyFour, because the Board did not view this data as imperative to its deliberations given the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and TwentyFour with respect to the negotiation of sub-advisory fee rates. In addition, the Board noted that TwentyFour may not account for its profits on an account-by-account basis and that different firms likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the profitability levels of the Manager and SSI were reasonable in light of the services performed by the Manager and SSI. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s fee rates is set forth below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as each Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints for the sub-advisory fee rates. The Board also considered that no Fund’s current assets exceeded the threshold necessary to reach the first sub-advisory fee rate breakpoint.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to each Fund. In this regard, the Board considered that no Fund’s current assets exceeded the threshold necessary to reach the first management fee breakpoint. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the Manager and sub-advisor fee rate schedules for each Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with each Fund.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Funds. The Board considered the Manager’s and sub-advisors’ responses to inquiries regarding “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the sub-advisors as a result of the advisory relationships with the Funds. For example, the Board considered that the Manager may invest the cash balances of each Fund, other than the Short Term Bond Fund, in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, which the Manager manages directly, and for which the Manager receives a fee. Similarly, the Board considered that SSI benefits from soft dollar arrangements for proprietary and/or third-party research. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the sub-advisors by virtue of their relationships with the Funds appear to be fair and reasonable.

 

 

95


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund

The performance comparisons below were made for the SSI Fund’s and Strategic Income Fund’s R5 Class shares relative to the Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe and Morningstar Category. The Short-Term Bond Fund does not offer R5 Class shares. Therefore, that Fund’s performance comparisons were made to the Fund’s Y Class shares. With respect to the Broadridge Performance Universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top 20 percent of the universe based on performance, and the 5th Quintile represents the bottom 20 percent of the universe based on performance. References to each Fund’s Broadridge Performance Universe are to the respective universe of mutual funds with comparable investment classifications and objectives as determined by Broadridge.

In reviewing the performance, the Board viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle, typically five years or longer, if applicable, as the most important consideration because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events and not necessarily reflective of sub-advisor skill. The Board noted that, while the SSI Fund and Strategic Income Fund had more than five years of performance, the Short Term Bond fund had a shorter-term performance record, and evaluated the information provided.

The expense comparisons below were made for the SSI Fund’s and Strategic Income Fund’s R5 Class shares relative to the Fund’s Broadridge Expense Universe and Broadridge Expense Group. For the Short Term Bond Fund, which does not offer R5 Class shares, the Fund’s Y Class shares were used for purposes of expense comparisons to the Broadridge Expense Universe and Broadridge Expense Group. The 1st Quintile represents the lowest 20 percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense, and the 5th Quintile represents the highest 20 percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References to each Fund’s Expense Group and Expense Universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds as determined by Broadridge. Broadridge Expense Groups consist of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge Expense Universe includes all funds with comparable investment classifications/objectives and similar operating structures to that of the share class under review for each Fund, including funds in the Broadridge Expense Group. The Broadridge expense comparisons are based on the most recent audited financial information publicly available for a Fund as of December 31, 2022. References to each Fund’s Morningstar Fee Level ranking are to the institutional share class of comparable mutual funds as determined by Morningstar.

For each Fund, the Board considered the Fund’s Morningstar fee level category with the 1st Quintile representing the lowest 20 percent of the category constituents and the 5th Quintile representing the highest 20 percent of the category in terms of total expense.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund

In considering the renewal of the Agreements for the SSI Fund, the Board considered the following additional factors:

Broadridge Total Expenses Excluding 12b-1 Fees and Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

    5 th Quintile 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

    5 th Quintile 

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

    1 st Quintile 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended December 31, 2022)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

    1 st Quintile 

Compared to Morningstar Category

    3 rd Quintile 

 

 

96


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

The Board also considered: (1) that the sub-advisor is an affiliate of the Manager; (2) that the SSI Fund employs a limited-capacity strategy as the sub-advisor invests primarily in convertible bonds; (3) the challenges associated with identifying a peer group for evaluating the SSI Fund’s expenses and performance, as few (if any) of the funds in the SSI Fund’s Broadridge Expense Group, Expense Universe or Performance Universe, or its Morningstar category, pursue a comparable investment strategy; (4) information provided by SSI indicating that it had earned a profit with respect to the services it provides to the SSI Fund; (5) that SSI has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its sub-advisory fees through October 31, 2024; (6) that the SSI Fund acquired all of the assets of the Palmer Square SSI Alternative Income Fund (“Acquired Fund”), on May 17, 2019, and that the SSI Fund’s performance prior to that date is that of the Acquired Fund; and (7) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Board: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and sub-advisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the SSI Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s continued management of the SSI Fund.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund

In considering the renewal of the Agreements for the Strategic Income Fund, the Board considered the following additional factors:

Broadridge Total Expense Analysis Excluding 12b-1 Fees and Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

    4 th Quintile 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

    5 th Quintile 

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

    4 th Quintile 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended December 31, 2022)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

    1 st Quintile 

Compared to Morningstar Category

    2 nd Quintile 

The Board also considered: (1) the Manager’s representations regarding the higher expenses associated with the complexity of the sub-advisor’s investment strategy as compared to funds in the Fund’s Broadridge Expense Group and Expense Universe and its Morningstar category; and (2) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Board: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the sub-advisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Strategic Income Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s continued management of the Strategic Income Fund.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund

In considering the renewal of the Agreements for the Short Term Bond Fund, the Board considered the following additional factors:

Broadridge Total Expense Analysis Excluding 12b-1 Fees and Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

    5 th Quintile 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

    5 th Quintile 

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

    5 th Quintile 

 

 

97


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

 

 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended December 31, 2022)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

    2 nd Quintile 

Compared to Morningstar Category

    2 nd Quintile 

The Board also considered: (1) the Manager’s representations regarding the higher expenses associated with the complexity of the sub-advisor’s investment strategy as compared to funds in the Short Term Bond Fund’s Broadridge Expense Group and Expense Universe and its Morningstar category; and (2) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the sub-advisor based upon, among other factors, the relatively brief period that the Short Term Bond Fund has been in operation.

Based on these and other considerations, the Board: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the sub-advisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Short Term Bond Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and sub-advisor’s continued management of the Short Term Bond Fund.

 

 

98


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

The Trustees and officers of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) are listed below, together with their principal occupations during the past five years. The address of each person listed below is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee oversees twenty-seven funds in the fund complex that includes the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust. The Trust’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge by calling 1-800-658-5811.

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
  

Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or

retirement*

  
Eugene J. Duffy (68)**    Trustee since 2008    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 Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
  

Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or

retirement*

  
Gilbert G. Alvarado (53)    Trustee since 2015    Chief Financial Officer (2022-Present), The Conrad Prebys Foundation; President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-2022); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-2022); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-2022); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Joseph B. Armes (61)    Trustee since 2015    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. (2014-2017) (investment company); 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 Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Gerard J. Arpey (64)    Trustee since 2012    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. (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).

 

 

99


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
  

Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or

retirement*

  
Brenda A. Cline (62)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   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 and Open-End Funds (2017-2021); Chair, (2019-Present), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2004-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chair (2019-Present), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2017-Present), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Chair (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Chair (2019-2021), Vice Chair (2018), Trustee (2018-2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Claudia A. Holz (65)    Trustee since 2018    Independent Director, Blue Owl Capital, Inc. (2021-Present); Partner, KPMG LLP (1990 – 2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Douglas A. Lindgren (61)    Trustee since 2018    Director, JLL Income Property Trust (2022-Present); 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 Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (60)    Trustee since 2012    President/Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present, President since 2009); Member, External Diversity Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (2021-Present); Member, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston CEO Roundtable (2021-Present); Board Advisor, United States Tennis Association (2021-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–2021); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–2021).

 

 

100


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (48)   

President since 2022

Vice President

(2010-2022)

   Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-2022), 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 (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present); Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2022), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2022-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; President (2022-Present), Senior Vice President (2017-2022), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Executive Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); 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 (2014-Present), President (2022-Present), Vice President (2014-2022), American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director (2018-Present), President (2022-Present), (Vice President (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; President (2022-Present); Vice President (2010-2022), Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.; (2023-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); American Beacon Select Funds; President (2022-Present), Vice President (2017-2022), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

101


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (64)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal Officer

since 2006

   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, L.L.C. (2008-Present); Secretary and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (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); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Gregory J. Stumm (41)    VP since 2022    Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2022-Present); Director and Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2022-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2022-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2022-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (54)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017–Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Erica Duncan (52)    VP since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

102


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (62)    VP 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); Senior Vice President (2021-Present); Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-2022); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director (2014-Present), Vice President (2022-Present) and Treasurer (2014-2022), American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director and Vice President (2022-Present), and Treasurer (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present) Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2010-2021); American Beacon Funds; Vice President (2021-Present), Principal Accounting Officer (2017-2021) and Treasurer (2010-2021), American Beacon Select Funds; Vice President (2021–Present), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2017-2021), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Vice President (2021), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Vice President (2021), Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Terri L. McKinney (59)    VP since 2010    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 (2018-2022); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-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 (60)    VP since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

103


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Christina E. Sears (51)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

   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 (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (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), Vice President (2018-2022), Continuous Capital, LLC; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds (1999-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); 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).
Sonia L. Bates (66)    Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer
since 2021
   Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Vice President, Fund and Tax Reporting (2023-Present), Director, Fund and Tax Reporting (2011-2023), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Treasurer (2022-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2022), American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Funds (2011-2021); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2011-2021), American Beacon Select Funds; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021-Present), Assistant Treasurer (2017-2021), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund; Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2021), Assistant Treasurer (2018-2021), American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.
Shelley L. Dyson (53)    Assistant Treasurer since 2021    Fund Tax Manager (2020-Present), Manager, Tax (2014-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2021-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2021-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).

 

 

104


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Shelley D. Abrahams (48)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Corporate Governance Manager (2023-Present), Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-2023), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd. (2023-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Rebecca L. Harris (56)   

Vice President

since 2022

   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-Present), Resolute Investment Services; Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President (2018-Present), Director (2022) Continuous Capital, LLC; Director, National Investment Services of American, LLC (2022-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC (2022-Present); Director Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2022-Present); Director, SSI Investment Management LLC (2022-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Funds (2010-2022); Vice President (2022-Present), Assistant Secretary (2010-2022), American Beacon Select Funds; Vice President (2022-Present), Assistant Secretary (2017-2022), American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust; Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-2021).
Teresa A. Oxford (64)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-2021); Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Assistant Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2020-2022); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-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 (38)    Assistant Secretary since 2021    Assistant Secretary (2022-Present), Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2022-Present), Associate General Counsel (2021-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (2022–Present) and 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 Select Funds (2021-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2021-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2021); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2021).

* As of 11/12/2014, the Board adopted a retirement plan that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.

** Mr. Duffy is being 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.

 

 

105


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

The American Beacon Funds recognize and respect the privacy of our shareholders. We are providing this notice to you so you will understand how shareholder information may be collected and used.

We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from one or more of the following sources:

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

information about your transactions with us or our service providers; and

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law.

We restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to those employees or service providers who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. To ensure the confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information, we maintain safeguards that comply with federal standards.

 

 

 

106


  

 

 

 

 

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108


LOGO

 

 

 

Delivery of Documents

Shareholder reports are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. Please be advised that reports are no longer sent by mail. Instead, the reports are made available online, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted online. You will be provided with a website link to access the report. You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can request to continue receiving paper copies by calling 1-866-345-5954, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary. Detailed instructions are also included in your report notifications.

If you invest in the Fund through a financial institution, you may be able to receive the Fund’s regulatory mailings, such as the Prospectus, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report, by e-mail. If you are interested in this option, please go to www.icsdelivery.com and search for your financial institution’s name or contact your financial institution directly.

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO   LOGO
 
By E-mail:   On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com   Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
   
     
 

LOGO

By Telephone:

Call (800) 658-5811

 

LOGO

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-2736. Information regarding the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800)-SEC-0330. A complete schedule of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

SS&C GIDS, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

This report is prepared for shareholders of the American Beacon Funds and may be distributed to others only if preceded or accompanied by a current Prospectus or Summary Prospectus.

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 06/23


ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS.

The registrant adopted a code of ethics (the “Code”) that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant amended its code July 6, 2021 to remove two terminated investment companies and update the Principal Financial Officer. The registrant has not granted any waivers from the provisions of the Code during the period covered by the shareholder reports presented in Item 1. The Code is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.CODE ETH.

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees of the Trust has determined that Claudia Holz, a member of the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee, is the “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Form N-CSR. Ms. Claudia is considered “independent” as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. “Other services” refer to all other fees category would consist of service related to internal control reviews, strategy, and other consulting, financial information systems design and implementation, consulting on other information systems, and other tax services unrelated to the registrant. The following table details the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees, and all other fees by the principal accountant.

(a)

 

Audit Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$292,468

     6/30/2022  

$278,000

     6/30/2023  

(b)

 

Audit Related Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$0

     6/30/2022  

$0

     6/30/2023  

(c)

 

Tax Fees (1)

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$99,150

     6/30/2022  

$56,485

     6/30/2023  


(d)

 

All Other Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$0

     6/30/2022  

$0

     6/30/2023  

 

(1) 

“Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, tax planning, filing assistance for EU reclaims and PFIC tax services. These fees include international, federal, state, and excise tax reviews.

(e)(1) Pursuant to its charter, the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee shall have the following duties and powers pertaining to pre-approval of audit and non-audit services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant:

- to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of auditors to annually audit and provide their opinion on the Trusts’ financial statements, and, in connection therewith, reviewing and evaluating matters potentially affecting the independence and capabilities of the auditors;

- to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of the auditors to provide non-audit services to the Trusts, an investment adviser to any series of the Trusts or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser (“adviser affiliate”) that provides ongoing services to the Trusts, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trusts;

- to consider whether the non-audit services provided by a Trust’s auditor to an investment adviser or any adviser affiliate that provides ongoing services to a series of the Trusts, which services were not pre-approved by the Committee, are compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence;

- to review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; and

- to review and approving the fees proposed to be charged to the Trusts by the auditors for each audit and non-audit service.

The Audit and Compliance Committee may delegate any portion of its authority, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, to a subcommittee of one or more members. Any decisions of the subcommittee to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the full audit committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

(e)(2) None of the fees disclosed in paragraphs (b) through (d) above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) Not applicable.


(g) Aggregate Non-Audit Fees for Services Rendered to the:

 

Registrant

   Adviser      Adviser’s Affiliates Providing
Ongoing Services to Registrant
     Fiscal Year Ended  

$99,150

   $ 0        N/A        6/30/2022  

$56,485

   $ 0        N/A        6/30/2023  

 

(h)

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

 

(a)

The schedules of investments for each series of the Trust are included in the shareholder reports presented in Item 1.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

The registrant has made no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Trust’s Board of Trustees.


ITEM 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have reviewed the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon their review, such officers have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made know to them by others within the registrant and by the registrant’s service provider.

(b) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12

DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 13.

EXHIBITS.

 

(a)(1)   Filed herewith as EX-99.CODE ETH.
(a)(2)   A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.
(a)(3)   Not applicable.
(a)(4)   Not applicable.
(b)   The certifications of each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b)) are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): American Beacon Funds

 

By  

/s/ Jeffrey K. Ringdahl

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
President
American Beacon Funds
Date: September 1, 2023

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By  

/s/ Jeffrey K. Ringdahl

Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
President
American Beacon Funds
Date: September 1, 2023

 

By  

/s/ Sonia L. Bates

Sonia L. Bates
Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
American Beacon Funds
Date: September 1, 2023