485APOS 1 h10055706485apos.htm 485APOS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2018

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


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

FORM N-1A

 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
 
Post-Effective Amendment No. 317
     
 
and/or
     
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
 
Amendment No. 318
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200
Irving, Texas 75039
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (817) 391-6100

Gene L. Needles, Jr., President
220 East Las Colinas  Boulevard
Suite 1200
Irving, Texas 75039
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With copies to:
Kathy K. Ingber, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-1600

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




American Beacon

PROSPECTUS

MMM DD, 201X

 

Share Class

Y

Institutional

Investor

American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund

XXXXX

XXXXX

XXXXX

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

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

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


 

Table of Contents


 

 

American Beacon
Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value FundSM



Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. More information is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page XX of the Prospectus.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Share Class

Y

Institutional

Investor

Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

None

None

Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds)

None

None

None

 

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

Share Class

Y

Institutional

Investor

Management Fees

0.88

%

0.88

%

0.88

%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00

%

0.00

%

0.00

%

Other Expenses ‌1

1.60

%

1.50

%

1.88

%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses ‌1

0.01

%

0.01

%

0.01

%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

2.49

%

2.39

%

2.77

%

Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement ‌2

(1.23

%)

(1.23

%)

(1.23

%)

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or recoupment

1.26

%

1.16

%

1.54

%

 

1 Other Expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated expenses for the current fiscal year.

2 American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager") has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund's Y Class, Institutional Class and Investor Class shares through May 31, 2020 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.25% for the Y Class, 1.15% for the Institutional Class and 1.53% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.

 

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, except that this Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for each share class through May 31, 2020. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

Share Class

1 Year

3 Years

Y

$ 128

$ 592

Institutional

$ 118

$ 561

Investor

$ 157

$ 677

Portfolio Turnover

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

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in securities of companies economically tied to emerging market countries at the time of investment. A company is generally regarded as being economically tied to an emerging market country if it:

is primarily listed on the trading market of an emerging market country;

is headquartered in an emerging market country;

is domiciled in an emerging market country; or

derives 50% or more of its revenue from, or has 50% or more of its assets in, an emerging market country.

An emerging market country is one that:

has an emerging stock market as defined by the International Finance Corporation;

has a low- to middle-income economy according to the World Bank;

 

Prospectus – Fund Summary

1


 

Table of Contents

is included in the IFC Investable Index or the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index; or

has a per-capita gross national product of $10,000 or less.

The Fund's investment sub-advisor, Continuous Capital, LLC (sub-advisor), seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by applying a fundamental research philosophy and approach to identify companies that trade at attractive valuations and are of high quality. When selecting stocks for the Fund, the sub-advisor considers quantifiable characteristics, such as:

• price-to-earnings ratio – share price relative to earnings-per-share,
• enterprise value-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) ratio – a company's enterprise value relative to its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization,
• dividend yield – ratio of dividends-per-share to the stock price,
• dividend growth – the year over year change in dividends per share,
• return on invested capital – ratio of a company's earnings to its equity and debt, and
• return on equity – ratio of a company's earnings to its equity.

The sub-advisor seeks to diversify investments across industries and countries. The portfolio manager also evaluates the identified companies based on a combination of qualitative factors and additional fundamental research considerations to select securities for the Fund.

Although the Fund seeks diversification across sectors and industries, from time to time, the Fund may have significant positions in particular sectors, including the Information Technology and Financial sectors. However, as the sector composition of the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to the Information Technology and Financial sectors may be lower at a future date, and the Fund's exposure to other market sectors may be higher.

The Fund's equity investments may include common stocks, depositary receipts including both American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). The Fund may invest in companies of all market capitalizations. The Fund may invest in A-shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on Chinese exchanges. The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").

The Fund may also invest cash balances in other investment companies, including money market funds.

In pursuing its investment strategies, the Fund typically engages in active trading strategies that result in high portfolio turnover.

The Fund may lend its securities to broker-dealers and other institutions to earn additional income.

Principal Risks

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

Currency Risk
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline, in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund's investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
The Fund and its service providers, and shareholders' ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents.  Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality.  It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business.  Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.

Emerging Markets Risk
When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities discussed below are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political 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. 

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

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

Depositary Receipts. Investments in depositary receipts are subject to certain risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock investment, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

REITs. 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. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free "pass-through" of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Internal Revenue Code"), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("Investment Company Act"). REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund's investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs' operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise.

 

2

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Table of Contents

Foreign Investing Risk
Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets.

Growth Companies Risk
Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, the prices of these stocks may go down, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Growth company stocks also may lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock price declines in market downturns.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk
Portfolio turnover is a measure of the Fund's trading activity over a one-year period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover could increase the Fund's transaction costs, have a negative impact on performance, and generate higher capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a lower portfolio turnover rate.

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

Large Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.

Liquidity Risk
The Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability or be subject to restrictions on sale, and may be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Fund. The Fund may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the Fund. For example, the Fund may be forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.

Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably based on overall economic conditions and other factors. The value of a security may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investment sentiment generally. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.  A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

Market Timing Risk
Because the Fund invests in foreign securities, it is particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund's net asset value ("NAV"), (ii) an increase in the Fund's expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager's ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of specific types of securities in which the Fund may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders.

Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and money market funds. To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. For example, money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. To the extent the Fund invests in ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund would be subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the ETF or the index fluctuations to which the ETF is subject. Because ETFs are listed on an exchange, they may be subject to trading halts, may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV and may not be liquid. ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV. An ETF that tracks an index may not precisely replicate the returns of its benchmark index.

Quantitative Strategy Risk
The success of the Fund's investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of the sub-advisor's quantitative tools for screening securities. These strategies may incorporate factors that are not predictive of a security's value. Additionally, a previously successful strategy may become outdated or inaccurate, possibly resulting in losses.

Risks of Investments in China A-shares through Stock Connect Programs
A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program and Shenzen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program (the "Stock Connect Programs"). The Chinese investment and banking systems are materially different in nature from many developed markets, which exposes investors to risks that are different from those in the U.S. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund's ability to invest in China A-shares through the Stock Connect Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. If either one or both markets involved in a particular Stock Connect Program are closed on a U.S. trading day, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A-shares in a timely manner under such Stock Connect Program, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs.

 

Prospectus – Fund Summary

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The Stock Connect Programs are in their early stages and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown. Further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the Stock Connect Programs.

Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors.

Financial Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations.

Information Technology Sector Risk. The market prices of information technology-related securities tend to exhibit a greater degree of market risk and sharp price fluctuations than other types of securities. These securities may fall in and out of favor with investors rapidly, which may cause sudden selling and dramatically lower market prices.

Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks:  i) borrowers of the Fund's securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, ii) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers, iii) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions,  and iv) there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.

Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected by the sub-advisor or the Manager for the Fund may not perform to expectations.  This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

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

Valuation Risk
The Fund may value certain assets at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that are illiquid or may become illiquid.

Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices may decline. The Fund's investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, however, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund's investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.

Fund Performance

Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. Performance information will be available in the Prospectus after the Fund has been in operation for one full calendar year.

Management

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

Sub-Advisor

The Fund's investment sub-advisor is Continuous Capital, LLC.

Portfolio Managers

 

Continuous Capital, LLC

Morley D. Campbell
Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
Since Fund Inception (2018)

 

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a direct mutual fund account, through a retirement account, through an investment professional or another financial intermediary.  As a direct mutual fund account shareholder, you may buy or sell shares in various ways:

Internet

www.americanbeaconfunds.com

Phone

To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1

Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)

Mail

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

Overnight Delivery:

American Beacon Funds

c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

330 West 9th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge.

New Account

Existing Account

Share Class

Minimum

Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange

Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire

Investor

$2,500

$50

$250

Y

$100,000

$50

None

Institutional

$250,000

$50

None

Tax Information

Dividends and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an IRA or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account).

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

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

 

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Additional Information About the Fund

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

Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

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

80% Investment Policy

The Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of companies economically tied to emerging market countries at the time of investment.

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

Temporary Defensive Policy

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

Additional Information About the Management of the Fund

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

develops overall investment strategies for the Fund, 

selects and changes sub-advisors,

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

monitors the sub-advisor's compliance with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions,

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

directs the investment of the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisor determines should be allocated to short-term investments.

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

Although the Manager has no current intention to do so, the Fund's assets may be allocated among one or more additional sub-advisors in the future by the Manager. The Fund operates in a manager-of-managers structure. The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that permits the Fund, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of shareholders. The Fund and the Manager may seek to receive a further exemptive order from the SEC in the future that, if granted, would permit the Fund to hire and replace sub-advisors that are affiliated and unaffiliated with the Manager without shareholder approval, subject to certain conditions. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The order also exempts the Fund from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Fund to individual sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. Instead, the fees payable to unaffiliated sub-advisors are aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. Disclosure of the separate fees paid to an affiliated sub-advisor would be required. Whenever a sub-advisor change is proposed in reliance on the order, in order for the change to be implemented, the Board, including a majority of its "non-interested" trustees, must approve the change. In addition, the Fund is required to provide shareholders with certain information regarding any new sub-advisor within 90 days of the hiring of any new sub-advisor.

Additional Information About Investments

This section provides more detailed information regarding certain of the Fund's principal investment strategies as well as information regarding the Fund's strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.

Cash Management Investments

The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), including money market funds that are advised by the Manager. If the Fund invests in money market funds, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Fund invests, such as advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with money market funds and the portfolio investments of such money market funds, including the risk that a money market fund's yield will be lower than the return that the Fund would have derived from other investments that provide liquidity.

Currencies

The Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, and may engage in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time. The Fund may engage in these transactions in order to hedge or protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities.

 

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Equity Investments

The Fund's equity investments may include:

Common Stock. Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Common stock may be traded via an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADRs and GDRs. 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. 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. Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund's possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security.

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 (known as "hybrid REITs"). REITs are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, such as declines in property values, increase in property taxes, operating expenses, rising interest rates or overbuilding, zoning changes, and losses from casualty or condemnation. REITs typically are subject to management fees and other expenses that are separate from those of the Fund.

Other Investment Company Securities

The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including money market funds and ETFs. 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 shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer's portfolio securities.

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

Although a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund's investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund's yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.

The Fund may purchase shares of ETFs and sell ETF shares short. ETFs trade like a common stock, and passive ETFs usually represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. Typically, the Fund would purchase passive ETF shares to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market and sell ETF shares short to hedge exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. As a shareholder of an ETF, the Fund would be subject to its ratable share of the ETF's expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses.

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

Additional Information About Risks

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

Currency Risk

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by investing in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, and thereby affect the Fund's investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. As a result, the Fund's investments in foreign currency denominated securities may reduce the returns of the Fund.

Cybersecurity and Operational Risk

The Fund, its service providers, and third-party fund distribution platforms, and shareholders' ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its

 

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service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems ("denial of services"), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs.

The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders.  The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems.  While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager, Fund service providers, or third-party fund distribution platforms to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.  Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund's investments in U.S. and foreign equity securities may include common stocks, depositary receipts and real estate investment trusts (‘‘REITs''). Such investments may expose the Fund to additional risks.

Common Stocks. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company's products or services. A stock's value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company's stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company's common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock.

Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADRs, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. These securities are generally subject to many of the same risks of investing in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.

REITs. REITs or other real estate-related securities are subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, overbuilding, changes in interest rates, and liabilities resulting from environmental problems. Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and net capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Equity REITs are further categorized according to the types of real estate they own, e.g., apartment properties, retail shopping centers, office and industrial properties, hotels, health-care facilities, manufactured housing and mixed-property types. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs.  All REITs are dependent on management skills, are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally are not diversified. Equity REITs are affected by the changes in the value of the properties owned by the trust. Mortgage REITs are affected by the quality of the credit extended. Equity, mortgage, and hybrid REITs may not be diversified with regard to the types of tenants, may not be diversified with regard to the geographic locations of the properties, and are subject to cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers, and any REIT could fail to qualify for tax-free "pass-through" of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act. REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund's investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs' operating expenses, in addition to indirectly paying Fund expenses.  The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise.

Foreign Investing & Emerging Markets Risk

Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility of foreign investments, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) less government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, (6) increased price volatility, 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. 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.

Growth Companies Risk

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

 

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High Portfolio Turnover Risk

Portfolio turnover is a measure of the Fund's trading activity over a one-year period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover could increase the Fund's transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. These costs are not reflected in the Fund's annual operating expenses or in the expense example, but they can have a negative impact on performance. Frequent trading by the Fund could also result in increased realized net capital gains, distributions of which are taxable to the Fund's shareholders (including net short-term capital gain distributions, which are taxable to them as ordinary income).

Investment Risk

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program.  The share price of the Fund fluctuates, which means that when you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Large Capitalization Companies Risk

The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.  Large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.

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 the Fund may be difficult to sell or other investments may be difficult to purchase at favorable times or prices. As a result, the Fund may have to lower the price on certain securities that it is trying to sell, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. Redemptions by a few large investors in the Fund at such times may have a significant adverse effect on the Fund's NAV 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.  The 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

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. 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. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

In response to the financial crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. In some countries where economic conditions are recovering, they are nevertheless perceived as still fragile. Withdrawal of government support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding, could adversely impact the value and liquidity of certain securities. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations, including changes in tax laws. The impact of new financial regulation legislation on the markets and the practical implications for market participants may not be fully known for some time. Regulatory changes are causing some financial services companies to exit long-standing lines of business, resulting in dislocations for other market participants. In addition, political and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad, such as the U.S. government's inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government's debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The U.S. government has recently reduced federal corporate income tax rates, and future legislative, regulatory, and policy changes may result in more restrictions on international trade, less stringent prudential regulation of certain players in the financial markets, and significant new investments in infrastructure and national defense. Markets may react strongly to expectations about the changes in these policies, which could increase volatility, especially if the market's expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out.

Changes in market conditions will not have the same impact on all types of securities. Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact of a significant rate increase on various markets. For example, because investors may buy securities or other investments with borrowed money, a significant increase in interest rates may cause a decline in the markets for those investments. Regulators have expressed concern that rate increases may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. In addition, there is a risk that the prices of goods and services in the U.S. and many foreign economies may decline over time, known as deflation (the opposite of inflation). Deflation may have an adverse effect on stock prices and creditworthiness and may make defaults on debt more likely. If a country's economy slips into a deflationary pattern, it could last for a prolonged period and may be difficult to reverse. The precise details and the resulting impact of the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union (the "EU"), commonly referred to as "Brexit," are not yet known. The effect on the United Kingdom's economy will likely depend on the nature of trade relations with the EU and other major economies following its exit, which are matters to be negotiated. The outcomes may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time, which could significantly adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Market Timing Risk

A fund that invests in foreign securities is particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in that Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund's NAV, (ii) an increase in the Fund's expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager's ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of the securities in which the Fund may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders. For example, if the Fund trades foreign securities it generally prices these foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, which typically is prior to the Fund's calculation of its NAV. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, the Fund may fair value such securities. However, some investors may

 

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engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Fund's shares. While the Manager monitors trading in the Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and money market funds. To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. The Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objective, the value of the Fund's investment will decline, adversely affecting the Fund's performance. Money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade at a discount or premium to its NAV; (2) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (3) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. An ETF that tracks an index may not precisely replicate the returns of its benchmark index. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject.

Quantitative Strategy Risk

The success of the Fund's investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor's quantitative tools for screening securities. Securities selected using quantitative analysis can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis, which could adversely affect their value. The sub-advisor's quantitative tools may use factors that may not be predictive of a security's value, and any changes over time in the factors that affect a security's value may not be reflected in the quantitative model. The sub-advisor's stock selection can be adversely affected if it relies on insufficient, erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems.

Risks of Investments in China A-shares through Stock Connect Programs

A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including through "Stock Connect Programs" or local stock exchanges in China, such as the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program ("Shanghai Connect Program") and Shenzen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program ("Shenzen Connect Program"). There are significant risks inherent in investing in China A-shares through Stock Connect Programs. The Chinese investment and banking systems are materially different in nature from many developed markets, which exposes investors to risks that are different from those in the U.S. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund's ability to invest in China A-shares through the Stock Connect Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. A Stock Connect Program can operate only when both markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. As such, if one or both markets in a particular Stock Connect Program are closed on a U.S. trading day, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A-shares in a timely manner under such Stock Connect Program, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. The Stock Connect Programs are in their early stages and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown. In addition, there is no assurance that the necessary systems required to operate the Stock Connect Programs will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through the Stock Connect Programs could be disrupted. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges and further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the Stock Connect Programs, if the authorities believe it is necessary to assure orderly markets or for other reasons. The relevant regulations are relatively new and are subject to change, and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied. Investments in China A-shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the depository of the Chinese exchange becomes insolvent. Because all trades on the Stock Connect Programs in respect of eligible China A-shares must be settled in Renminbi ("RMB"), the Chinese currency, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.

Effective from November 2014, the mainland Chinese tax authorities temporarily exempted foreign investors from income tax on capital gains derived from the trading of A-shares under the Shanghai Connect Program. In November 2016, the Chinese government also granted a similar exemption for the Shenzhen Connect Program. It is uncertain how long these temporary exemptions will last.

In August 2016, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong announced the immediate abolition of the former aggregate quota limitations within the scope of the Shanghai Connect Program. In December 2016, the Shenzhen Connect Program formally commenced trading. The rules and regulations for the Shanghai Connect Program and the Shenzhen Connect Program are broadly similar. The future impact of this next stage of integration of Chinese and foreign markets is unclear.

Sector Risk

Sector risk is the risk associated with the Fund holding a significant amount of investments in similar businesses, which would be similarly affected by particular economic or market events, which may, in certain circumstances, cause the value of the equity and debt securities of companies in a particular sector of the market to change. To the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks to the Fund associated with that sector increase.

Financial Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could

 

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adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

Information Technology Sector Risk.  The market prices of information technology-related securities tend to exhibit a greater degree of market risk and sharp price fluctuations than other types of securities. These securities may fall in and out of favor with investors rapidly, which may cause sudden selling and dramatically lower market prices. Technology securities also may be affected adversely by changes in technology, consumer and business purchasing patterns, government regulation and/or obsolete products or services. In addition, a rising interest rate environment tends to negatively affect information technology companies. These companies having high market valuations may appear less attractive to investors, which may cause sharp decreases in their market prices. Further, those information technology companies seeking to finance expansion would have increased borrowing costs, which may negatively impact earnings.

Securities Lending Risk

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities; however, the Fund's securities lending agent may indemnify the Fund against that risk. There is a risk that the assets of the Fund's securities lending agent may be insufficient to satisfy any contractual indemnification requirements to the Fund.  Borrowers of the Fund's securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities.  The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated money market fund. The Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions and there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to the Fund before an ex-dividend date, the payment in lieu of the dividend that the Fund receives from the securities' borrower would not be treated as a dividend for federal income tax purposes and thus would not qualify for treatment as "qualified dividend income" (as described under "Distributions and Taxes – Taxes" below).

Securities Selection Risk

Securities selected by the sub-advisor or the Manager for the Fund may decline substantially in value or may not perform to expectations. The portfolio managers' judgments about the attractiveness, value, and anticipated price movements of a particular 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 volatile than the market as a whole or our intrinsic value approach may fail to produce the intended results. The portfolio managers' estimate of intrinsic value may be wrong or even if its estimate of intrinsic value is correct, it may take a long period of time before the price and intrinsic value converge. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Small- and Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk

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

Valuation Risk

This is the risk that the Fund has valued a security at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that may be illiquid or which may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. 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. The Fund's ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third-party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.

Value Stocks Risk

Investments in value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices may go down. This may result in the value stocks' prices remaining undervalued for extended periods of time. While the Fund's investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund's performance also may be affected adversely if value stocks become unpopular with or lose favor among investors. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's value style could cause it to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.

Additional Information About Performance Benchmarks

The Fund's annual total return will be compared to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-cap securities in 24 Emerging Markets. With more than 830 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

Fund Management

The Manager

AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC. (the "Manager") serves as the Manager and administrator of the Fund(s). The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, which is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P.

The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, and administrative services. The Manager is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). The Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice claiming the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") Regulation 4.5 exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") under the Commodity Exchange Act, and the Manager is exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.

 

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The Fund's Management Agreement with the Manager provides for the Fund to pay the Manager 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 Manager also may receive up to 10% of the net monthly income generated from the Fund's securities lending activities as compensation for oversight of the Fund's securities lending program, including the securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the Fund to invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in shares of one or more private or registered investment companies managed by the Manager. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund intends to engage in securities lending activities.

A discussion of the Board's consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the sub-advisor and the Manager will be available in the Fund's Annual Report for the period ended January 31, 2019.

The Manager has contractually agreed from time to time to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for the Fund. The Board has approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.

The Sub-Advisor

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

Continuous Capital, LLC ("Continuous Capital"), is located at 220 East Last Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039, United States. Continuous Capital is an investment advisory firm that was formed in January 2018. Continuous Capital is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, which is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P. As of XXXX XX, 2018, Continuous Capital had $XX million in assets under management.

Morley D. Campbell is founder, President and Chief Investment Officer of Continuous Capital and has held such title since April 30, 2018. Mr. Campbell develops and manages equity portfolios and strategies and oversees all aspects of Continuous Capital's investment process. He has 15 years of investment experience. Prior to founding Continuous Capital, Mr. Campbell was a Senior Investment Analyst from 2007 to 2008, Portfolio Manager from 2008 to 2018 and Managing Director from 2013 to 2018 for Allianz NFJ where he managed or co-managed approximately $4.2 billion prior to his departure. Before joining Allianz NFJ in 2007, Mr. Campbell was an investment-banking analyst for Lazard Frères and Merrill Lynch. He has a B.B.A. from the University of Texas and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mr. Campbell is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Manager and Continuous Capital provides for the Fund to pay Continuous Capital an annualized investment advisory fee based on a percentage of each Fund's average daily assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule.

First $500 million

0.525%

Next $500 million

0.500%

Assets above $1 billion

0.475%

Prior Performance of Comparable Fund Managed by the Portfolio Manager

The performance shown below is that of a registered investment company ("Comparable Fund") managed by Morley D. Campbell, the Fund's portfolio manager, before he joined Continuous Capital in January 2018. The performance of the Comparable Fund does not represent the historical performance of the Fund and should not be considered indicative of future performance of the Fund.

For the performance periods shown, the investment objective, policies and strategies of the Comparable Fund were substantially similar in all material respects to those of the Fund. The portfolio manager will use the same analytical methods for identifying potential investments for the Fund as he used for the Comparable Fund. The first full calendar year for which the current portfolio manager managed the Comparable Fund is 2013. Until he joined Continuous Capital in January 2018, Mr. Campbell was the lead portfolio manager of and exercised final decision-making authority over all material aspects concerning the investment objective, policies, strategies, and security selection decisions of the Comparable Fund, and he exercises the same level of authority and discretion in managing the Fund.

As of the date of the prospectus, the Fund had not yet commenced operations, and thus the Fund does not have performance history. The performance of the Fund may be greater or less than the performance of the Comparable Fund due to, among other things, the number of holdings in and composition of the Fund's portfolio, as well as the asset size and cash flow differences between the Fund and the Comparable Fund.

The performance information for the Comparable Fund, which has been calculated based upon the Comparable Fund's published net asset values, shows the historical performance of the Comparable Fund as measured against a broad-based index. The performance shown below for Comparable Fund for the one-, three- and five-year periods has been calculated net of actual fees and expenses in accordance with the SEC's standardized methodology, which will be used to calculate the Fund's performance. The Comparable Fund's returns would be lower if it reflected the fees and expenses of the Fund.

 

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Continuous Capital: Comparable Fund Historical Performance

 

Average Annual Returns
As of December 31, 2017

1-year

3-year

5-year

Comparable Fund (net of fees)

37.87

%

12.15

%

7.23

%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

37.91

%

9.56

%

4.73

%

 

Calendar Year Returns
Years Ended December 31

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Comparable Fund (net of fees)

2.95

%

(2.39

%)

(9.52

%)

13.09

%

37.87

%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

(2.26

%)

(1.96

%)

(14.61

%)

11.75

%

37.91

%

Valuation of Shares

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

The NAV of each class of the Fund's shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of the Fund's investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. The Fund's NAV per share is determined each business day as of the regular close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE‘'), which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Fund's NAV per share typically would still be determined as of the regular close of trading on the NYSE. The Fund does not price its shares on days that the NYSE is closed. Foreign exchanges may permit trading in foreign securities on days when the Fund is not open for business, which may result in the value of the Fund's portfolio investments being affected at a time when you are unable to buy or sell shares.

Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued based on market value. Certain derivative instruments (other than short-term securities) usually are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service. The price of debt securities generally is determined using pricing services or quotes obtained from broker/dealers who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as comparable characteristics, yield curve, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, underlying collateral and estimated cash flow. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual funds on the day of valuation. Equity securities, including shares of closed-end funds and ETFs, are valued at the last sale price or official closing price.

The valuation of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When the Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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

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

About Your Investment

Choosing Your Share Class

The Fund offers various classes of shares. Each share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities for the Fund, but each class has its own expense structure and combination of purchase restrictions and ongoing fees, allowing you to choose the class that best fits your situation.

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

How long you expect to own the shares;

How much you intend to invest;

Total expenses associated with owning shares of each class;

Whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future; and

Availability of share classes.

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

Purchase and Redemption of Shares

Eligibility

The Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class shares offered in this Prospectus are available to eligible investors who meet the minimum initial investment. American Beacon Funds do not accept accounts registered to foreign individuals or entities, including foreign correspondent accounts. The Fund does not conduct operations and is not offered for purchase outside of the United States.

 

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Subject to your eligibility, you may invest in the Fund directly or through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators, and retirement plans.

If you invest directly with the Fund, the fees and policies with respect to the Fund's shares that are outlined in this Prospectus are set by the Fund. The Manager and the Fund are not responsible for determining the suitability of the Fund or a share class for any investor.

If you invest through a financial intermediary, most of the information you will need for managing your investment will come from your financial intermediary. This includes information on how to buy, sell and exchange shares of the Fund. If you establish an account through a financial intermediary, the investment minimums described in this section may not apply. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary also may charge fees that are in addition to those described in this Prospectus. Please contact your intermediary for information regarding investment minimums, how to purchase and redeem shares and applicable fees.

Minimum Initial Investment by Share Class

 

New Account

Existing Account

Share Class

Minimum Initial Investment Amount

Purchase/Redemption Minimum by check/ACH/Exchange

Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire

Investor

$2,500

$50

$250

Y

$100,000

$50

None

Institutional

$250,000

$50

None

Investor Class shares are also available to traditional IRA or Roth IRA shareholders investing directly in the Fund. The minimum investment is $2,500. A traditional IRA or Roth IRA invested directly will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian.

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

Opening an Account

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

To open an account directly with the Fund, a completed, signed application is required. You may obtain an account application from the Fund's website www.americanbeaconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-658-5811. Institutional shareholders should call 1-800-967-9009.

Complete the application, sign it and send it:

Regular Mail to:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
(or institutional shareholders may fax to)
(816) 374-7408

For Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
(800) 658-5811

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

The Fund reserves the right to liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution is unable to verify the shareholder's identity within three days of account opening.

Purchase Policies

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

The Fund has authorized certain third party financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, third party administrators and trust companies, to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund and to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. The Fund is deemed to have received such orders when they are received by the financial intermediaries or their designees. Thus, an order to purchase or sell Fund shares will be priced at the Fund's next determined NAV after receipt by the financial intermediary or its designee. It is the responsibility of your broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit orders that will be received by the Fund in proper form and in a timely manner. The Fund is not responsible for the failure of a broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit a purchase order in proper form and in a timely manner.

Fund shares may be purchased only in U.S. States and Territories in which they can be legally sold. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether shares of the Fund are available for offer and sale in their jurisdiction. The Fund reserves the right to refuse purchases if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund has the right to reject any purchase order or cease offering any or all classes of shares at any time. Checks to purchase shares are accepted subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank. The Fund will not accept ‘‘starter'' checks, credit card checks, money orders, cashier's checks, or third party checks.

If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the Fund or the Manager has incurred. Under applicable anti-money laundering regulations and other federal regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted or canceled and the monies may be withheld.

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

 

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Redemption Policies

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

The redemption price will be the NAV next determined after a redemption request is received in good order. In order to receive the redemption price calculated on a particular business day, redemption requests must be received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first).

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

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

Although the Fund intends to redeem shares by paying out available cash, cash generated by selling portfolio holdings (including cash equivalent portfolio holdings), or funds borrowed through the Fund's interfund credit facility, in stressed market conditions and other appropriate circumstances, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by borrowing funds from external parties or distributing securities or other assets held by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund redeems its shares in this manner, the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.

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

Exchange Policies

If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary to determine if you may take advantage of the exchange policies described in this section and for its policies to effect an exchange. 

Shares of any class of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund under certain limited circumstances. Since an exchange involves a concurrent redemption and purchase, please review the sections titled ‘‘Redemption Policies'' and ‘‘Purchase Policies'' for additional limitations that apply to redemptions and purchases. If Fund shares were purchased by check, a shareholder must have owned those shares for at least ten days prior to exchanging out of the Fund and into another fund.

The eligibility and minimum investment requirement must be met for the class into which the shareholder is exchanging. Fund shares may be acquired through exchange only in U.S. states and Territories in which they can be legally sold. The Fund reserves the right to charge a fee and to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time. The Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange requests if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. Please refer to the section titled "Frequent Trading and Market Timing" for information on the Fund's policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges. 

Shares of any class of the Fund may be converted to shares of another class of the Fund under certain limited circumstances. For federal income tax purposes, the conversion of shares of one share class of the Fund to shares of a different share class of the Fund will not result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. However, as noted above, an exchange of shares of the Fund for shares of a different American Beacon Fund generally is considered a redemption and a concurrent purchase, respectively, and thus may result in the realization of capital gain or loss for those purposes.

How to Purchase, Redeem or Exchange Shares

If your account is through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, please contact them directly to purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Fund. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary can help you open a new account, review your financial needs and formulate long-term investment goals and objectives. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary will transmit your request to the Fund and may charge you a fee for this service. Dealers, other financial intermediaries or fiduciaries purchasing shares for their customers are responsible for determining the suitability of a particular share class for an investor. You should include the following information with any order:

• Your name/account registration

• Your account number

• Type of transaction requested

• Fund name(s) and fund numbers

• Dollar amount or number of shares

Transactions for direct shareholders are conducted through:

Internet

www.americanbeaconfunds.com

Phone

To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1

Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only)

Mail

American Beacon Funds

PO Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

Overnight Delivery:

American Beacon Funds

c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

330 West 9th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

Purchases by Wire:

Send a bank wire to State Street Bank and Trust Co. with these instructions:

 

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

Attn: American Beacon Funds

the fund name and fund number, and

shareholder account number and registration.

New Account

Existing Account

Share Class

Minimum Initial Investment Amount

Purchase/Redemption Minimum by check/ACH/Exchange

Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire

Investor

$2,500

$50

$250

Y

$100,000

$50

None

Institutional

$250,000

$50

None

Redemption Proceeds will be mailed to the account of record or transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.

Supporting documents may be required for redemptions by estates, trusts, guardianships, custodians, corporations, and welfare, pension and profit sharing plans. Redemption requests must also include authorized signature(s) of all persons required to sign for the account. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions.

To protect the Fund(s) and your account from fraud, a STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantee is required for redemption orders:

with a request to send the proceeds to an address or commercial bank account other than the address or commercial bank account designated on the account application,

for an account whose address has changed within the last 30 days if proceeds are sent by check, or

The Fund(s) only accepts STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantees, which may be obtained at participating banks, broker-dealers and credit unions. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions and further assistance.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

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

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

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

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

General Policies

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

Share Class

Account Balance

Investor

$ 2,500

Y

$25,000

Institutional

$75,000

 

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If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, the Fund reserves the right to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. The Fund reserves the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.

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

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

The Fund, its officers, trustees, employees, or agents are not responsible for the authenticity of instructions provided by telephone, nor for any loss, liability, cost or expense incurred for acting on them.

The Fund employs procedures reasonably designed to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.

Due to the volume of calls or other unusual circumstances, telephone redemptions may be difficult to implement during certain time periods.

The Fund reserves the right to:

liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution are unable to verify the shareholder's identity within three business days of account opening,

seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if payment for the purchase of Fund shares by check does not clear the shareholder's bank, and

reject a purchase order and seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if funds are not received by the applicable wire deadline.

Escheatment

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

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

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

Speak to a Customer Service Representative on the phone after you go through a security verification process. For residents of certain states, contact cannot be made by phone but must be in writing or through the Fund's secure web application,

Access your account through the Fund's secure web application,

Cashing checks that are received and are made payable to the owner of the account.

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

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

Contact information:

American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
1-800-658-5811 
www.americanbeaconfunds.com 

Frequent Trading and Market Timing

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

The Fund's Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures intended to discourage frequent trading and market timing.

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

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

shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions;

systematic purchases and redemptions;

shares redeemed to return excess IRA contributions; or

 

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certain transactions made within a retirement or employee benefit plan, such as payroll contributions, minimum required distributions, loans, and hardship withdrawals, or other transactions that are initiated by a party other than the plan participant.

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

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

Wrap programs offered by certain intermediaries may be designated ‘‘Qualified Wrap Programs'' by the Fund based on specific criteria established by the Fund and a certification by the intermediary that the criteria have been met. A Qualified Wrap Program is a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary: (i) certifies that it has investment discretion over $50 million or more in client assets invested in mutual funds at the time of the certification, (ii) certifies that it directs transactions in accounts participating in the wrap program(s) in concert with changes in a model portfolio; (iii) provides the Manager a description of the wrap program(s); and (iv) managed by an intermediary that agrees to provide the Manager sufficient information to identify individual accounts in the intermediary's wrap program(s). For purposes of applying the round-trip limit, transactions initiated by clients invested in a Qualified Wrap Program will not be matched to transactions initiated by the intermediary sponsoring the Qualified Wrap Program. For example, a client's purchase of the Fund followed within 90 days by the intermediary's redemption of the same Fund would not be considered a round trip. However, transactions initiated by a Qualified Wrap Program client are subject to the round-trip limit and will be matched to determine if the client has exceeded the round-trip limit. In addition, the Manager will monitor transactions initiated by Qualified Wrap Program intermediaries to determine whether any intermediary has engaged in frequent trading or market timing. If the Manager determines that an intermediary has engaged in activity that is harmful to the Fund, the Manager will revoke the intermediary's Qualified Wrap Program status. Upon termination of status as a Qualified Wrap Program, all account transactions will be matched for purposes of testing compliance with the Fund's frequent trading and market timing policies.

The Fund reserves the right to modify the frequent trading and market timing policies and procedures and grant or eliminate waivers to such policies and procedures at any time without advance notice to shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund's policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing will have the intended effect or that the Manager will be able to detect frequent trading and market timing.

Distributions and Taxes

The Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income ("dividends") and distributions of realized net capital gains ("capital gain distributions") and net gains from foreign currency transactions (sometimes referred to below collectively as "other distributions") (and dividends and other distributions are sometimes referred to below collectively as "distributions"). Different tax treatment applies to different types of distributions (as described in the table below).

The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate nor does it guarantee that it will pay any distributions in any particular period. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, but dividends on different classes of shares may be different as a result of the services and/or fees applicable to certain classes of shares.

Options for Receiving Dividends and Other Distributions

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

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

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

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

Reinvest Your Distributions in shares of another American Beacon Fund. You can reinvest all of your distributions by the Fund on a particular class of shares in shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund that is available for exchanges. You must have an existing account in the same share class of the selected fund.

If you invest directly with the Fund, any election to receive distributions payable by check will only apply to distributions totaling $10.00 or more. Any distribution by the Fund totaling less than $10.00 will be reinvested in shares of the distributing class of the Fund and will not be paid to you by check.

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

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

 

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Taxes

Fund distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement accounts and other tax-exempt investors. However, the portion of the Fund's dividends derived from its investments in U.S. Government obligations, if any, is generally exempt from state and local income taxes. Fund dividends, except those that are "qualified dividend income" (as described below), are subject to federal income tax at the reduced rates for ordinary income contained in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017 ("Act").  The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:

Type of Transaction

Federal Tax Status

Dividends from net investment income‌*

Ordinary income‌**

Distributions of the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss‌*

Ordinary income

Distributions of net gains from certain foreign currency transactions‌*

Ordinary income

Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss ("net capital gain'')‌*

Long-term capital gains

Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for more than one year

Long-term capital gains or losses

Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for one year or less

Net gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income; net losses are subject to special rules

 

*  Whether reinvested or taken by check or in cash.

** Except for dividends that are attributable to ‘‘qualified dividend income,'' if any.

To the extent distributions are attributable to net capital gain that the Fund recognizes they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an ‘‘individual'') (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding certain thresholds, which are indexed for inflation annually), regardless of how long the shareholder held his or her Fund shares.

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

A portion of the dividends the Fund pays may also be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations ("DRD") (which was reduced by the Act), subject to similar holding period and other restrictions, but the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations only.

The Fund does not expect a substantial part of its dividends to qualify as QDI or be eligible for the DRD.

A shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss when redeeming or exchanging shares. That gain or loss is treated as a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the redeemed or exchanged shares were held. Any capital gain an individual shareholder recognizes on a redemption or exchange of Fund shares that have been held for more than one year will qualify for the 15% and 20% tax rates mentioned above.

A shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method with respect to Fund shares other than the average basis method (the Fund's default method) must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The Fund, or its administrative agent, must report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for dispositions of Fund shares. See "Tax Information" in the SAI for a description of the rules regarding that election and the Fund's reporting obligation.

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

Each year, the Fund's shareholders will receive tax information regarding Fund distributions and dispositions of Fund shares to assist them in preparing their income tax returns.

The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important federal income tax considerations that may affect Fund shareholders, who should consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to the effect of federal, state and local income taxes on an investment in the Fund.

Additional Information

The Fund's Board of Trustees oversees generally the operations of the Fund. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Fund's manager, sub-advisor(s), custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.

This Prospectus provides information concerning the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or create an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to create any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived. Nothing in this Prospectus, the SAI or the Fund's reports to shareholders is intended to provide investment advice and should not be construed as investment advice.

Service Plans and Service Fees

The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan for its Investor Class shares for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. The shareholder services plan authorizes annual payment of up to up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares. In addition, the Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

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Portfolio Holdings

A complete list of the Fund's holdings is made available on the Fund's website on a quarterly basis approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter and remains available for six months thereafter. To access the holdings information, go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

A description of the Fund's policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of portfolio holdings is available in the Fund's SAI, which you may access on the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-658-5811 to request a free copy.

Delivery of Documents

If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Fund's summary prospectus and shareholder reports, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on ‘‘Resource Center'' and then ‘‘Register for E-Delivery.''

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

Financial Highlights

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

 

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Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund is found in the documents listed below. Request a free copy of these documents by calling 1-800-658-5811 or you may access them on the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

Annual Report/Semi-Annual Report

The Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports list the Fund's actual investments as of the report's date. They also include a discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance. The report of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm is included in the Annual Report.

Statement of Additional Information (‘‘SAI'')

The SAI contains more details about the Fund and its investment policies. The SAI is incorporated in this Prospectus by reference (it is legally part of this Prospectus). A current SAI is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

To obtain more information about the Fund or to request a copy of the documents listed above:

By Telephone:

Call
1-800-658-5811

By Mail:

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

By E-mail:

americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com

On the Internet:

Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Visit the SEC website at www.sec.gov

The SAI and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic mail to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. The SAI and other information about the Fund may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.



SEC File Number 811-04984


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



Statement of Additional Information
 XX XX, 201X

 

Ticker

Share Class

Y

Institutional

Investor

American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund

XXXXX

XXXXX

XXXXX

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated XX XX, 201X (the "Prospectus") for the American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund (the "Fund"), a series of American Beacon Funds, a Massachusetts business trust. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 658-5811. You also may obtain copies of the Prospectus without charge by visiting the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus. In other words, it is legally a part of the Prospectus. This SAI is not a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the current Prospectus.  Capitalized terms in this SAI have the same definition as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise defined.

The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date hereof. Accordingly, financial statements for the Fund are not available. Copies of the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders may be obtained when available, without charge, upon request by calling (800) 658-5811 or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com.


 

Table of Contents

Organization and History of the Fund

1

Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks

1

Other Investment Strategies and Risks

11

Investment Restrictions

12

Temporary Defensive and Interim Investments

13

Portfolio Turnover

13

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

13

Lending of Portfolio Securities

15

Trustees and Officers of the Trust

15

Code of Ethics

25

Proxy Voting Policies

25

Control Persons and 5% Shareholders

25

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

25

Management, Administrative and Distribution Services

26

Other Service Providers

27

Portfolio Managers

27

Portfolio Securities Transactions

28

Redemptions in Kind

29

Tax Information

29

Description of the Trust

33

Financial Statements

34

Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures for the Trust

35

Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies Investment Sub-Advisor

37

Appendix C: Ratings Definitions

39


 

ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF THE FUND

The Fund is a series of the American Beacon Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 16, 1987. The Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with a distinct investment objective and distinct purpose and strategy. The Fund is diversified as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). The Fund is comprised of multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. This SAI relates to the Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class shares of the Fund.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

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

Corporate Actions — From time to time, the Fund may voluntarily participate in corporate actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as the Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders ("Voluntary Action"). Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under the "Investment Restrictions" section or any percentage investment limitation of the Investment Company Act or rules thereunder, if the Fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Voluntary Action, and by doing so, the Fund would exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments and after announcement of the corporate action, the Fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.

Currencies Risk — The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment purposes by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies (including frontier and emerging market currencies).

Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline, in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund's investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Custody Risk — The Fund may invest in markets that are less developed than those in the U.S., which may expose the Fund to risks in the process of clearing and settling trades and the holding of securities by foreign banks, agents and depositories. Investments in frontier and emerging markets may be subject to greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets.

Cyber-Security Risk — With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-security breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund or the sub-advisor, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, impact the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value ("NAV"), cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A cyber-attack may also result in customers or service providers being unable to access electronic systems ("denial of services"), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber-security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber-security risks are also present for issues or securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such companies to lose value.

Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. For example, if a cyber-security incident results in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts and be unable to buy or sell Fund shares for an unknown period of time, and employees could be unable to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions. Cyber-security incidents could cause the Fund or Fund service provider to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures, or financial loss of a significant magnitude and could result in allegations that the Fund or Fund service provider violated privacy and other laws. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber-security incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions and other parties. Although the Fund, its Manager, and the sub-advisor endeavor to determine that service providers have established risk management systems that seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-security, and business continuity plans in the event there is a cyber-security breach, there are inherent limitations in these systems and plans, including the possibility that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, the Fund does not control the cyber-security systems and plans of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers or trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders.

Depositary Receipts — American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (NVDRs) — ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. EDRs are in bearer form and traded in European securities markets. GDRs are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets. NVDRs represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights. 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

 

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risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund's possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security. Please see "Foreign Securities" below for a description of the risks associated with investments in foreign securities.

Emerging Market Securities - The Fund may invest in emerging market securities. Investments in emerging market country securities involve special risks. The economies, markets and political structures of a number of the emerging market countries in which the Fund can invest do not compare favorably with the United States and other mature economies in terms of wealth and stability. Therefore, investments in these countries may be riskier, and will be subject to erratic and abrupt price movements. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and more vulnerable to the ebb and flow of international trade, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Similarly, many of these countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, are grappling with severe inflation or recession, high levels of national debt, currency exchange problems and government instability. Investments in countries that have recently begun moving away from central planning and state-owned industries toward free markets, such as the Eastern European, Russian or Chinese economies, should be regarded as speculative.

Certain emerging market countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of an emerging market country's debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, and, in the case of a government debtor, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject. Government debtors may default on their debt and may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Holders of government debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government debtors.

If such an event occurs, the Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor.

Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government fixed income securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.

The economies of individual emerging market countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Further, the economies of developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop.

Investing in emerging market countries may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations, and in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer's poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the investing Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud.

Investments in securities with exposure to countries with emerging capital markets involve significantly higher risks not involved in investments in securities in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities from more developed capital markets, (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments, (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit the Fund's investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property, and (vi) less diverse or immature economic structures. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors.

Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for the Fund. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets. The economies of emerging market countries may be based predominately on only a few industries or may be dependent on revenues from participating commodities or on international aid or developmental assistance, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.

 

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Also, there may be less publicly available information about emerging markets than would be available in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the U.S., may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and securities may be held by a limited number of investors. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Fund's acquisition or disposal of securities.

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

Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund may use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable.

The Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices.

Eastern European and Russian Securities. Investing in the securities of Eastern European and Russian issuers is highly speculative and involves risks not usually associated with investing in the more developed markets of Western Europe. Political and economic reforms are too recent to establish a definite trend away from centrally planned economies and state-owned industries. Investments in Eastern European countries may involve risks of nationalization, expropriation, and confiscatory taxation. Many Eastern European countries continue to move towards market economies at different paces with appropriately different characteristics. Most Eastern European markets suffer from thin trading activity, dubious investor protections, and often a dearth of reliable corporate information. Information and transaction costs, differential taxes, and sometimes political or transfer risk give a comparative advantage to the domestic investor rather than the foreign investor. In addition, these markets are particularly sensitive to social, political, economic, and currency events in Western Europe and Russia and may suffer heavy losses as a result of their trading and investment links to these economies and currencies. Additionally, Russia may attempt to assert its influence in the region through economic or even military measures, as it did with Georgia in the summer of 2008 and Ukraine beginning in 2014. The United States and the European Union (the "EU") have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, either by issuer, sector or the Russian markets as a whole impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. In such circumstances, the Fund may be forced to liquidate non-restricted assets in order to satisfy shareholder redemptions. Such liquidation of Fund assets could result in the Fund receiving substantially lower prices for its securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. As a result, the Fund's performance may be adversely affected.

In some of the countries of Eastern Europe, there is no stock exchange or formal market for securities. Such countries may also have government exchange controls, currencies with no recognizable market value relative to the established currencies of Western market economies, little or no experience in trading in securities, no accounting or financial reporting standards, a lack of banking and securities infrastructure to handle such trading and a legal tradition that does not recognize rights in private property. Credit and debt issues and other economic difficulties affecting Western Europe and its financial institutions can negatively affect Eastern European countries.

Eastern European economies may also be particularly susceptible to the international credit market due to their reliance on bank related inflows of foreign capital. The 2008 global financial crisis restricted international credit supplies and several Eastern European economies faced significant credit and economic crises. Although some Eastern European economies are expanding again, major challenges are still present as a result of their continued dependence on the Western European zone for credit and trade. Accordingly, the European crisis may present serious risks for Eastern European economies, which may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments in the region.

Compared to most national stock markets, the Russian securities market suffers from a variety of problems not encountered in more developed markets. There is little long-term historical data on the Russian securities market because it is relatively new and a substantial proportion of securities transactions in Russia are privately negotiated outside of stock exchanges. The inexperience of the Russian securities market and the limited volume of trading in securities in the market may make obtaining accurate prices on portfolio securities from independent sources more difficult than in more developed markets. Additionally, there is little solid corporate information available to investors. As a result, it may be difficult to assess the value or prospects of an investment in Russian companies.

Because of the recent formation of the Russian securities market as well as the underdeveloped state of the banking and telecommunications systems, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to significant risks not normally associated with securities transactions in the United States and other more developed markets. Prior to 2013, there was no central registration system for equity share registration in Russia and registration was carried out by either the issuers themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. Such registrars were not necessarily subject to effective state supervision nor were they licensed with any governmental entity, thereby increasing the risk that the Fund could lose ownership of its securities through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. With the implementation of the National Settlement Depository ("NSD") in Russia as a recognized central securities depository, title to Russian equities is now based on the records of the NSD and not the registrars. Although the implementation of the NSD is generally expected to decrease the risk of loss in connection with recording and transferring title to securities, issues resulting in loss still might occur. In addition, issuers and registrars are still prominent in the validation and approval of documentation requirements for corporate action processing in Russia. Because the documentation requirements and approval criteria vary between registrars and/or issuers, there

 

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remain unclear and inconsistent market standards in the Russian market with respect to the completion and submission of corporate action elections. To the extent that the Fund suffers a loss relating to title or corporate actions relating to its portfolio securities, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights or otherwise remedy the loss.

The Russian economy is heavily dependent upon the export of a range of commodities including most industrial metals, forestry products, oil, and gas. Accordingly, it is strongly affected by international commodity prices and is particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products. As the 2008 global financial crisis caused price volatility in commodities, especially oil, many sectors in the Russian economy fell into turmoil, pushing the whole economy into recession. In addition, prior to the global financial crisis, Russia's economic policy encouraged excessive foreign currency borrowing as high oil prices increased investor appetite for Russian financial assets. As a result of this credit boom, Russia reached alarming debt levels and suffered from the effects of tight credit markets. Russia continues to face significant economic challenges, including weak levels of investment and a sluggish recovery in external demand. In the near term, the fallout from the European crisis and weakened global economy may reduce demand for Russian exports such as oil and gas, which could limit Russia's economic recovery. Over the long-term, Russia faces challenges including a shrinking workforce, a high level of corruption, and difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy companies and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.

European Securities. The EU's Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") requires eurozone countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, fiscal and monetary controls, and other factors, each of which may significantly impact every European country and their economic partners. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or other regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of the EU), the threat of default or actual default by one or more EU member countries on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more EU member countries may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other EU member countries and major trading partners outside Europe.

In recent years, the European financial markets have experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns, rising government debt levels and national unemployment and the possible default of government debt in several European countries. Several countries have agreed to multi-year bailout loans from the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund, and other institutions. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have unintended consequences. A default or debt restructuring by any European country can adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries and can affect exposures to other EU countries and their financial companies as well. The manner in which the EU and EMU responded to the global recession and sovereign debt issues raised questions about their ability to react quickly to rising borrowing costs and the potential default by an EU country of its sovereign debt and revealed a lack of cohesion in dealing with the fiscal problems of member states. To address budget deficits and public debt concerns, a number of European countries have imposed strict austerity measures and comprehensive financial and labor market reforms, which could increase political or social instability. Some European countries continue to suffer from high unemployment rates. In June 2016, the United Kingdom (the "UK") voted to withdraw from the EU, commonly referred to as "Brexit." The impact of Brexit is so far uncertain. The effect on the UK's economy will likely depend on the nature of trade relations with the EU following its exit, a matter to be negotiated. The decision may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the UK and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time. Additional EU members could decide to abandon the euro and also withdraw from the EU, which could adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments.

Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain, as well as government or other responses to such movements, may also create instability and uncertainty in the region.

The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe also could impact financial markets. The impact of these events is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and materially impact the Fund.

Latin America

Inflation. Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels.

Political Instability. As an emerging market, Latin American countries generally have historically suffered from social, political, and economic instability. For investors, this has meant additional risk caused by periods of regional conflict, political corruption, totalitarianism, protectionist measures, nationalization, hyperinflation, debt crises, sudden and large currency devaluation, and intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres. However, in some Latin American countries, a move to sustainable democracy and a more mature and accountable political environment is under way. Domestic economies have been deregulated, privatization of state-owned companies is almost completed and foreign trade restrictions have been relaxed.

Nonetheless, to the extent that events such as those listed above continue in the future, they could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region. In addition, recent favorable economic performance in much of the region has led to a concern regarding government overspending in certain Latin American countries. Investors in the region continue to face a number of potential risks. Governments of many Latin American countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Latin American countries, which could affect the companies in which the Fund invests and, therefore, the value of Fund shares.

Additionally, an investment in Latin America is subject to certain risks stemming from political and economic corruption, which may negatively affect the country or the reputation of companies domiciled in a certain country.

 

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Dependence on Exports and Economic Risk. Certain Latin American countries depend heavily on exports to the U.S. and investments from a small number of countries. Accordingly, these countries may be sensitive to fluctuations in demand, protectionist trade policies, exchange rates and changes in market conditions associated with those countries. The economic growth of most Latin American countries is highly dependent on commodity exports and the economies of certain Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Venezuela, are highly dependent on oil exports. As a result, these economies are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in the price of oil and other commodities and currency fluctuations. The 2008 global financial crisis weakened the global demand for oil and other commodities and, as a result, Latin American countries faced significant economic difficulties that led certain countries into recession. If global economic conditions worsen, prices for Latin American commodities may experience increased volatility and demand may continue to decrease. Although certain of these countries have recently shown signs of recovery, such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. In addition, prolonged economic difficulties may have negative effects on the transition to a more stable democracy in some Latin American countries. In certain countries, political risk, including nationalization risk, is high.

Sovereign Debt. A number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries, and have a history of reliance on foreign debt and default. The majority of the region's economies have become dependent upon foreign credit and loans from external sources to fund government economic plans. Historically, these plans have frequently resulted in little benefit accruing to the economy. Most countries have been forced to restructure their loans or risk default on their debt obligations. In addition, interest on the debt is subject to market conditions and may reach levels that would impair economic activity and create a difficult and costly environment for borrowers. Accordingly, these governments may be forced to reschedule or freeze their debt repayment, which could negatively affect local markets. Because of their dependence on foreign credit and loans, a number of Latin American economies faced significant economic difficulties and some economies fell into recession as the 2008 global financial crisis tightened international credit supplies. While the region has recently shown signs of economic improvement, recovery from past economic downturns in Latin America has historically been slow, and any such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. The European crisis and weakened global economy may reduce demand for exports from Latin America and limit the availability of foreign credit for some countries in the region. As a result, the Fund's investments in Latin American securities could be harmed if economic recovery in the region is limited.

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

The economies of most of the Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners, principally, the U.S., Japan, China and the EU. The enactment by the U.S. or other principal trading partners of protectionist trade legislation, reduction of foreign investment in the local economies and general declines in the international securities markets could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of the Asian countries. The 2008 global financial crisis spread to the region, significantly lowering its exports and foreign investments in the region, which are driving forces of its economic growth. In addition, the economic crisis also significantly affected consumer confidence and local stock markets. Although the economies of many countries in the region have recently shown signs of recovery from the crisis, such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. Furthermore, any such recovery may be limited or hindered by the reduced demand for exports and lack of available capital for investment resulting from the European crisis and weakened global economy. The economies of certain Asian countries depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. In addition, certain developing Asian countries, such as the Philippines and India are especially large debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments.

The securities markets in Asia are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the U.S. A high proportion of the shares of many issuers may be held by a limited number of persons and financial institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by the Fund. Similarly, volume and liquidity in the bond markets in Asia are less than in the U.S. and, at times, price volatility can be greater than in the U.S. A limited number of issuers in Asian securities markets may represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of securities markets in Asia may also affect the Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so. In addition, the Asian securities markets are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks of securities.

Many stock markets are undergoing a period of growth and change which may result in trading volatility and difficulties in the settlement and recording of transactions, and in interpreting and applying the relevant law and regulations. With respect to investments in the currencies of Asian countries, changes in the value of those currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in those currencies.

Some developing Asian countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. As illustrations, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price and shareholder rights) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to the Fund's purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.

Chinese Companies. Investing in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in other more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; (b) greater social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of war); (c) dependency on exports and the corresponding

 

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importance of international trade; (d) the increasing competition from Asia's other low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets, particularly in China; (f) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (g) higher rates of inflation; (h) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on the Fund's ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (i) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy, and greater intervention in the Chinese financial markets, such as the imposition of trading restrictions; (j) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support the economic reform programs implemented since 1978 and could return to the prior, completely centrally planned, economy; (k) the fact that Chinese companies, particularly those located in China, may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized companies; (1) the difference in, or lack of auditing and financial reporting standards which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers, particularly in China; (m) the fact that statistical information regarding the Chinese economy may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the U.S. or other economies; (n) the less extensive, and still developing, regulation of the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (o) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer; (p) the willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese and Hong Kong economies and markets is uncertain; (q) the risk that it may be more difficult or impossible, to obtain and/ or enforce a judgment than in other countries; (r) the rapidity and erratic nature of growth, particularly in China, resulting in inefficiencies and dislocations; and (s) the risk that, because of the degree of interconnectivity between the economies and financial markets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, any sizable reduction in the demand for goods from China, or an economic downturn in China could negatively affect the economies and financial markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well.

Investment in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan is subject to certain political risks. China's economy has transitioned from a rigidly central-planned state-run economy to one that has been only partially reformed by more market-oriented policies. Although the Chinese government has implemented economic reform measures, reduced state ownership of companies and established better corporate governance practices, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the Chinese government. The government continues to exercise significant control over regulating industrial development and, ultimately, control over China's economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. China continues to limit direct foreign investments generally in industries deemed important to national interests. Foreign investment in domestic securities are also subject to substantial restrictions. Some believe that China's currency is undervalued. Currency fluctuations could significantly affect China and its trading partners.

China continues to exercise control over the value of its currency, rather than allowing the value of the currency to be determined by market forces. This type of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns. For decades, a state of hostility has existed between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. Beijing has long deemed Taiwan a part of the "one China" and has made a nationalist cause of recovering it. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan's economy and could negatively affect its stock market. By treaty, China has committed to preserve Hong Kong's autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, if China would exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance.

China could be affected by military events on the Korean peninsula or internal instability within North Korea. North Korea and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two countries present the risk of war. Any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy and securities market. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market and may adversely affect performance of the Chinese economy.

African Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in African countries that involve heightened risks of political instability, civil war, armed conflict, social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socio-economic unrest, authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision-making, corruption, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, genocidal warfare in certain countries, and other risks.

Many under-developed African countries have emerging capital markets that do not contain the safeguards inherent in those of developed countries. Risks of investing in such markets include heightened volatility, smaller investor base, fewer brokerage firms, heightened counterparty risk, inconsistent and rapidly changing regulation, and the risk that trading on African securities markets may be suspended altogether. Some markets of the countries in Africa in which the Fund may invest are in only the earliest stages of development with less liquidity, fewer securities brokers, fewer issuers and more capital market restrictions than developed markets. There may be less financial and other information publicly available to investors, and the information that is provided may lack integrity. Uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards may not exist, and the governments of certain countries may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Investments in certain countries may require the adoption of special procedures that may involve additional costs to the Fund.

Certain African countries may unpredictably restrict or control the extent to which foreign investors may invest in securities of issuers located in those countries, and governments may limit the repatriation of investment proceeds to foreign countries. Regulation may require governmental approval or special licenses for foreign investors and limitations could be places on investment practices regarding share-class ownership, shareholder rights and title to securities. A delay in obtaining a government approval or a license would delay investments in a particular country, and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities while approval is pending. Additionally, taxes may be placed on foreign investors, and while portions of these taxes may be recoverable, any non-recovered portions will reduce the income received from investments in such countries. Even in circumstances where adequate laws and shareholder rights exist, it may not be possible to obtain timely and equitable enforcement of the law.

Many countries in Africa are heavily dependent on international trade and are subject to trade barriers, embargoes, exchange controls, currency valuation adjustments and other protectionist measures. A primary source of revenue for these countries is the export of commodities including precious minerals and metals, agricultural products and energy products. The countries are, therefore, more vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

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Certain issuers located in countries in Africa in which the Fund may invest may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations, and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. In addition, disease epidemics are more likely to affect trade practices and international dealings with certain African countries.

Recent political instability and protests in North Africa and the Middle East have caused significant disruptions to many industries. In addition, the outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa severely challenged health care industries in those countries and adversely impacted the region's economy due to quarantines and disruptions of trade, which has further increased instability in the region. This instability has demonstrated that political and social unrest can spread quickly through the region, and that developments in one country can influence the political events in neighboring countries. Some protests have turned violent, and civil war and political reconstruction in certain countries such as Libya, Iraq and Syria pose a risk to investments in the region. Continued political and social unrest in these regions, including the ongoing warfare and terrorist activities in the Middle East and Africa, may negatively affect the value of an investment in the Fund. All of these risks, among others, could adversely affect the Fund's investments in African countries. Any particular country in Africa may be subject to the foregoing risks in greater or lesser degrees relative to other countries in Africa, and as a result, circumstances that may positively affect a country in Africa in which the Fund is not invested may not have a corresponding positive effect on other countries in Africa in which the Fund is invested.

Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund's net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund's net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund's expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund's expense ratio could be significant.

Foreign Securities — The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated equity securities of foreign issuers. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include corporations, banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. Such investments involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund's rights as an investor.

The Fund also may invest in equity, securities that are denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies. Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described in the preceding paragraph, and the additional risks of (1) adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and (2) adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which could prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). Additionally, dividends and interest payable on foreign securities (and gains realized on disposition thereof) may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from those payments.

The Fund may also invest in foreign "market access" investments, such as participatory notes, low-exercise price options or warrants, equity-linked notes, or equity swaps. These investments may provide economic exposure to an issuer without directly holding its securities. For example, market access investments may be used where regulatory or exchange restrictions make it difficult or undesirable for the Fund to invest directly in an issuer's bonds. Use of market access investments may involve risks associated with derivative investments. Market access investments can be either exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Certain market access investments can be subject to the credit risk of both the underlying issuer and a counterparty. Holders of certain market access investments might not have voting, dividend, or other rights associated with holders of the referenced securities. Holders of market access investments might not have any right to make a claim against an issuer or counterparty in the event of their bankruptcy or other restructuring. It may be more difficult or time consuming to dispose of certain market access investments than the reference security.

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

Foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custody arrangements and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions. Voting proxies for issuers located in certain jurisdictions may entail additional costs and restrictions, including a requirement to hold the shares subject to the proxy for a period of time prior to or after the shareholder meeting.

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures. In certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is not invested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

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

 

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Brexit Risk. The risk of investing in Europe may be heightened due to the 2016 referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union (EU). There is a significant degree of uncertainty about how negotiations relating to the United Kingdom's withdrawal will be conducted, as well as the potential consequences and precise timeframe for "Brexit." In March 2017, the United Kingdom formally notified the European Council that it intends to withdraw from the EU by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which triggered a two-year period of negotiation on the terms of Brexit. While it is not possible to determine the precise impact these events may have on the Fund, during this period and beyond, the impact on the United Kingdom and European economies and the broader global economy could be significant, resulting in negative impacts, such as increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth, on markets in the United Kingdom, Europe and globally, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments. In addition, if one or more other countries were to exit the EU or abandon the use of the euro as a currency, the value of investments tied to those countries or the euro could decline significantly and unpredictably.

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

Illiquid and Restricted Securities — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which it has been valued. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. These securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for repayment.  However, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale of such investments to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of their liquidity.

Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven calendar days. In addition, the Fund may get only limited information about an issuer, so it may be less able to predict a loss. The Fund also might have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the SEC adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund's illiquidity. The Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, acting under guidelines established by the Trust's Board of Trustees ("Board"), may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Fund, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met. 

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 the Fund that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(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 the 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 the Fund's liquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these restricted securities.

Interfund Lending — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the American Beacon Funds may participate in a credit facility whereby each American Beacon Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other American Beacon Funds for temporary purposes. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager's asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report on credit facility activities to the Board. The credit facility can provide a borrowing fund with savings at times when the cash position of a fund is insufficient to meet temporary cash requirements. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When the funds liquidate portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). However, redemption requests normally are satisfied the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. Although the credit facility may reduce the Fund's need to borrow from banks, the Fund remains free to establish and utilize lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.

 

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Large Capitalization Companies Risk — The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Legal and Litigation Risk — In certain frontier and emerging markets, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Securities and issuers that the Fund may invest in are exposed to these risks, which could have a negative impact on a security's value.

It may be difficult for the Fund to obtain or enforce judgments against parties located outside of the U.S. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce remedies against non-U.S. governments, their agencies, quasi-sovereign entities, other foreign issuers or counterparties.

Market Events — Turbulence in the economic, political, and financial system has historically resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the capital markets. Both domestic and foreign capital markets have been experiencing increased volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected, and it is uncertain whether or for how long these conditions could continue.

Reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets may adversely affect many issuers worldwide. This reduced liquidity may result in less money being available to purchase raw materials, goods and services from frontier and emerging markets, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in small or frontier and emerging market issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing, which may, in turn, cause a decline in their security prices. These events and possible continued market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund.

Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of micro-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since micro-capitalization companies may not have operating history, product lines, and financial resources. The securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

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

Non-Corporate and Foreign Companies — The Fund may purchase securities of entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability companies ("LLCs"), business and statutory trusts and companies organized outside the United States.

Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange Traded Products — The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies and exchange-traded products, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), exchange-traded notes ("ETNs"), and interests in unit investment trusts. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer's portfolio securities.

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

Although a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund's investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund's yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.

The Fund may purchase shares of ETFs. ETFs trade like a common stock and passive ETFs usually represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. Typically, the Fund would purchase passive ETF shares to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. As a shareholder of an ETF, the Fund would be subject to its ratable share of the ETF's expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses.

An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objective, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of the ETF's shares may trade at a discount or premium to their NAV; (2) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (3) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Fund may also invest in ETNs, which are structured debt securities. Whereas ETFs' liabilities are secured by their portfolio securities, ETNs' liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the issuer. ETFs and ETNs have expenses associated with their operation, typically including, with respect to ETFs, advisory fees.

 

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The Fund's investment in securities of other investment companies, except for money market funds, is generally limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate. However, the Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of an ETF or other investment company, subject, under certain circumstances, to a statutory exemption or to the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC obtained by the ETF or other investment company that permits an investing fund, such as the Fund, to invest in the ETF or other investment company in excess of the limits described above.

Participatory Notes — Participatory notes involve risks that are in addition to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying equity securities. The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer of the participatory note (i.e., the issuing bank or broker-dealer), which is the only responsible party under the note, may be unable or refuse to perform under the terms of the participatory note. While the holder of a participatory note is entitled to receive from the issuing bank or broker-dealer any dividends or other distributions paid on the underlying securities, the holder is not entitled to the same rights as an owner of the underlying securities, such as voting rights. Participatory notes are also not traded on exchanges, are privately issued, and may be illiquid. To the extent a participatory note is determined to be illiquid, it would be subject to the Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that the trading price or value of participatory notes will equal the value of the underlying value of the equity securities they seek to replicate.

Preferred Stock — A preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer's growth may be limited. Preferred stock generally has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks associated with other types of equity securities, as well as additional risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, potentially greater volatility and risks related to deferral, non-cumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights.

Publicly Traded Partnerships; Master Limited Partnerships — The Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as master limited partnerships ("MLPs"). MLPs issue units that are registered with the SEC and are freely tradable on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter ("OTC") market. An MLP may have one or more general partners, who conduct the business, and one or more limited partners, who contribute capital.  The general partner or partners are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. (An MLP also may be an entity similar to a limited partnership, such as an LLC, which has one or more managers or managing members and non-managing members (who are like limited partners)). The Fund invests in an MLP as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amount that the Fund has invested therein but it would not be shielded to the same extent that a shareholder of a corporation would be. In certain instances, creditors of an MLP would have the right to seek a return of capital that had been distributed to a limited partner. The right of an MLP's creditors would continue even after the Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. MLPs typically invest in real estate and oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.

Real Estate Related Investments — The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and common, preferred and convertible securities of issuers in real estate-related industries. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of the Fund's investments. Investing in securities issued by real estate and real estate-related companies may subject the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Changes in interest rates, debt leverage ratios, debt maturity schedules, and the availability of credit to real estate companies may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in real estate securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills at the operating company level, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. The real estate industry tends to be cyclical. Such cycles may adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. The Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of a REIT's ongoing operating fees and expense. In addition, tax-qualified REITs are subject to the possibility of failing to (a) qualify for tax-free pass-through of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code and (b) maintain exemption eligibility from the Investment Company Act registration requirements.

Rights and Warrants — Rights are short-term warrants issued in conjunction with new stock or bond issues. Warrants are options to purchase an issuer's securities at a stated price during a stated term. If the market price of the underlying common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indices ("index warrants"). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of the exercise. The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. There is no specific limit on the percentage of assets the Fund may invest in rights and warrants.

Securities Loan Transactions — Securities loan transactions involve the lending of securities to a broker-dealer or institutional investor for its use in connection with short sales, arbitrages or other security transactions. The purpose of a securities loan transaction is to capture any demand premium paid by the borrower and to enable the Fund to continue to own the securities loaned and at the same time earn fee income or income on the collateral held or reinvested by it. Cash collateral received through securities loan transactions may be invested only in those categories of high quality liquid securities previously authorized by the Board. Please see the "Lending of Portfolio Securities" section for additional information.

Securities loans will be made in accordance with the following conditions: (1) the Fund receives at least 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, and approved bank letters of credit; (2) the borrower increases the collateral whenever the market value of the loaned securities (determined on a daily basis) rises above the level of collateral; (3) the Fund is able to terminate the loan after notice, at any time; (4) the Fund receives reasonable interest or other return on the loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest or other distributions on the securities loaned, and any increase in market value of the loaned

 

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securities; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) voting rights on the securities loaned may pass to the borrower, provided, however, that the Fund must be entitled to terminate the loan in order to be able to vote the loaned securities on material issues.

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

The cash collateral so acquired through securities loan transactions may be invested only in those categories of high quality liquid securities previously authorized by the Board.

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

Time-Zone Arbitrage — Investing in foreign securities may involve a greater risk for excessive trading due to "time-zone arbitrage." If an event occurring after the close of a foreign market, but before the time the Fund computes its current NAV, causes a change in the price of the foreign securities and such price is not reflected in the Fund's current NAV, investors may attempt to take advantage of anticipated price movements in securities held by the Fund based on such pricing discrepancies.

U.S. Government Agency Securities — U.S. Government agency securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to certain U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, since it is not so obligated by law. U.S. Government securities include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank obligations, Federal Intermediate Credit Bank obligations, U.S. Government agency obligations and repurchase agreements secured thereby. U.S. Government agency securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.

U.S. Treasury Obligations — U.S. Treasury obligations include bills (initial maturities of one year or less), notes (initial maturities between two and ten years), and bonds (initial maturities over ten years) issued by the U.S. Treasury, Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal component parts of such obligations (known as "STRIPS") and inflation-indexed securities. The prices of these securities (like all debt securities) change between issuance and maturity in response to fluctuating market interest rates. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.

Valuation Risk — This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.

Value Companies Risk — Value companies are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices may go down. While the Fund's investments in value stocks may limit its downside risk over time, the Fund may produce more modest gains than riskier stock funds as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's investments in value stocks may underperform growth or non-value stocks that have a broader investment style.

OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the Fund may (except where otherwise indicated):

1

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

2

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

3

Loan securities to broker-dealers or other institutional investors. Securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received). For purposes of complying with the Fund's investment policies and restrictions, collateral received in connection with securities loans is deemed an asset of the Fund to the extent required by law.

 

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4

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

5

Purchase securities sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in Section 4(a)(2) securities and illiquid securities unless the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, determines, by continuous reference to the appropriate trading markets and pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees ("Board") that any Section 4(a)(2) securities held by the Fund in excess of this level are at all times liquid.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Fundamental Policies

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

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

The Fund has no current intention to convert to a master-feeder structure, as permitted by the foregoing policy.

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

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

The Fund may not:

1

Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein when consistent with the other policies and limitations described in the Prospectus.

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

The above percentage limits (except the limitation on borrowings) are based upon asset values at the time of the applicable transaction; accordingly, a subsequent change in asset values will not affect a transaction that was in compliance with the investment restrictions at the time such transaction was effected. For purposes of the Fund's policy relating to commodities set forth in (2) above, the Fund does not consider foreign currencies or forward contracts to be physical commodities.

For purposes of the Fund's policy relating to making loans set forth in (4) above, securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33 1/3 % of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received).

 

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For purposes of the Fund's policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (5) above, "senior securities" are defined as Fund obligations that have a priority over the Fund's shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The Investment Company Act prohibits the Fund from issuing any class of senior securities or selling any senior securities of which it is the issuer, except that the Fund is permitted to borrow from a bank so long as, immediately after such borrowings, there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of the Fund (not including borrowings for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage falls below this percentage, the Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) so that the asset coverage is restored to at least 300%. Consistent with guidance issued by the SEC and its staff, the requisite asset coverage may vary among different types of instruments. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.

For purposes of the Fund's industry concentration policy, the Manager may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and instrument and may assign an industry classification consistent with those characteristics. The Manager may, but need not, consider industry classifications provided by third parties, and the classifications applied to Fund investments will be informed by applicable law. A large economic or market sector shall not be construed as a single industry or group of industries. The Manager currently considers securities issued by a foreign government (but not the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) to be an "industry" subject to the 25% limitation. Thus, not more than 25% of the Fund's assets will be invested in securities issued by any one foreign government or supranational organization. The Fund might invest in certain securities issued by companies in a particular industry whose obligations are guaranteed by a foreign government. The Manager could consider such a company to be within the particular industry and, therefore, the Fund will invest in the securities of such a company only if it can do so under its policy of not being concentrated in any particular industry or group of industries.

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

1

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

2

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

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

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE AND INTERIM INVESTMENTS

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

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

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

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

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:

1

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

2

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

3

a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Fund's website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) approximately sixty days after the end of the calendar quarter; and

4

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

 

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Public disclosure of the Fund's holdings on the website and in sales materials may be delayed when an investment manager informs the Fund that such disclosure could be harmful to the Fund. In addition, individual holdings may be omitted from website and sales material disclosure, when such omission is deemed to be in the Fund's best interest. Disclosure of the Fund's ten largest holdings may exclude U.S. Treasury securities and cash equivalent assets, although such holdings will be included in the Fund's complete list of holdings.

Disclosure of Nonpublic Holdings.

Occasionally, certain interested parties — including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute shares of the Fund, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and others — may request portfolio holdings information that has not yet been publicly disclosed by the Fund. The Fund's policy is to control the disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information in an attempt to prevent parties from utilizing such information to engage in trading activity harmful to Fund shareholders. To this end, the Board has adopted a Policy and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information (the "Holdings Policy"). The purpose of the Holdings Policy is to define those interested parties who are authorized to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information on a selective basis and to set forth conditions upon which such information may be provided. In general, nonpublic portfolio holdings may be disclosed on a selective basis only when it is determined that (i) there is a legitimate business purpose for the information; (ii) recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the nonpublic information; and (iii) disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. The Holdings Policy does not restrict the Fund from disclosing that a particular security is not a holding of the Fund. The Holdings Policy is summarized below.

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

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

Service Provider

Service

Holdings Access

Manager

Investment management and administrator

Complete list on intraday basis with no lag

Sub-Advisor

Investment management

Holdings under sub-advisor's management on intraday basis with no lag

State Street Bank and Trust Co. ("State Street") and its designated foreign sub-custodians

Securities lending agent, Fund's custodian, sub-administrator and foreign custody manager, and foreign sub-custodians

Complete list on intraday basis with no lag

XX

Fund's independent registered public accounting firm

Complete list on semi-annual basis with no lag

Abel Noser Solutions, LLC

Trade cost analysis for the Manager

Partial list on daily basis with no lag

Bloomberg, L.P.

Performance and portfolio analytics reporting

Complete list on daily basis with no lag

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

Performance and portfolio analytics reporting for the Manager

Complete list on daily basis with no lag

Glass Lewis & Co., LLC

Proxy voting research provider to sub-advisor

Complete list on daily basis with no lag

SS&C/Advent

Portfolio Accounting, Management, Performance Measurement Reporting

Complete list on daily basis with no lag

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

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

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

 

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

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

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

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

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such loans, the Fund remains the beneficial owner of the loaned securities and continues to be entitled to payments in amounts approximately equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities. The Fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time. The Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, it is the Fund's policy to attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that the Fund determines are material to its interests. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan). The Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S. dollars, foreign currency, or securities issued or fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. If the collateral consists of cash, the Fund will reinvest the cash and pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" from any return earned on the investment. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the Manager to present acceptable credit risk on a fully collateralized basis. In a loan transaction, the Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. The Fund seeks to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to registered money market funds, including money market funds advised by the Manager that invest in U.S. Government and agency securities.

For all funds that engage in securities lending, the Manager receives compensation for administrative and oversight functions with respect to securities lending, including oversight of the securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company.  The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities. The Fund continues to receive payments equal to any dividends or interest, as applicable, paid on the securities loaned and simultaneously earns either interest on the investment of the cash collateral and/or fee income if the loan is otherwise collateralized. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund intends to engage in securities lending activities.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

The Board of Trustees

The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for and oversees the overall management and operations of the Trust and the Fund, which includes the general oversight and review of the Fund's investment activities, in accordance with federal law and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the stated policies of the Fund. The Board oversees the Trust's officers and service providers, including American Beacon Advisors, Inc. ("American Beacon"), which is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Fund based on policies and agreements reviewed and approved by the Board. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Board regularly interacts with and receives reports from senior personnel of service providers, including American Beacon's investment personnel and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"). The Board also is assisted by the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm (which reports directly to the Trust's Audit and Compliance Committee), independent counsel and other experts as appropriate, all of whom are selected by the Board.

Risk Oversight

Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Trust and the Fund, the Board oversees the management of risks relating to the administration and operation of the Trust and the Fund. American Beacon, as part of its responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Fund, is responsible for day-to-day risk management for the Fund. The Board, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, also separately considers potential risks that may impact the Fund. The Board performs this risk management oversight directly and, as to certain matters, through its committees (described below)

 

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and through the Board members who are not "interested persons" of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act ("Independent Trustees"). The following provides an overview of the principal, but not all, aspects of the Board's oversight of risk management for the Trust and the Fund.

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

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

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

Board Structure and Related Matters

Independent Trustees constitute at least two-thirds of the Board. Richard A. Massman, an Independent Trustee, serves as Independent Chair of the Board. The Independent Chair's responsibilities include: setting an agenda for each meeting of the Board; presiding at all meetings of the Board and Independent Trustees; and serving as a liaison with other Trustees, the Trust's officers and other management personnel, and counsel to the Fund. The Independent Chair shall perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time determine.

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

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

The Trust is part of the American Beacon Funds Complex, which is comprised of 34 series within the American Beacon Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, 1 series within the American Beacon Select Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and 1 series within the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund. The same persons who constitute the Board of the Trust also constitute the Board of Trustees of the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and the American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts' combined 38 series.

The Board holds five (5) regularly scheduled meetings each year. The Board may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone, to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also hold at least one in-person meeting each year during a portion of which management is not present and may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone.

The Trustees of the Trust are identified in the tables below, which provide information as to their principal business occupations and directorships held during the last five years and certain other information. Subject to the Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Policy described below, a Trustee serves until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The address of each Trustee listed below is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement.*

 

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Name (Age)‌*

Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds

Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust

Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund and American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund

Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

Alan D. Feld‌** (81)

Trustee of American Beacon Funds since 1996
Trustee of American Beacon Select Funds since 1999

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960- Present).

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES

Gilbert G. Alvarado (48)

Trustee since 2015

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women's Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017-Present).

Joseph B. Armes (56)

Trustee since 2015

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSWI) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation (NASDAQ: CSWC), predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present); CEO Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer NYSE: RSPP)(2013-Present).

Gerard J. Arpey (59)

Trustee since 2012

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-Present). Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD)(2015-Present).

 

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Brenda A. Cline (57)

Trustee since 2004
Vice Chair since 2018

Trustee since 2017
Vice Chair since 2018

Trustee and Vice Chair since 2018

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (software) (NYSE:TYL) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (NYSE: RRC) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present).

Eugene J. Duffy (63)

Trustee since 2008

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013).

Claudia A. Holz‌*** (60)

Trustee since 2018

Trustee since 2018

Trustee since 2018

Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017).

Douglas A. Lindgren‌**** (56)

Trustee since 2018

Trustee since 2018

Trustee since 2018

CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016).

Richard A. Massman (74)

Trustee since 2004
Chair since 2008

Trustee and Chair since 2017

Trustee and Chair since 2018

Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus (2009-Present), Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities.

Barbara J. McKenna (55)

Trustee since 2012

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present).

R. Gerald Turner (72)

Trustee since 2001

Trustee since 2017

Trustee since 2018

President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present).

 

* The Board has adopted a retirement policy that requires Trustees, other than Mr. Feld, to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.

** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. Mr. Feld's law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more sub-advisors to certain funds in the American Beacon Funds complex.

*** Ms. Holz began serving as a member of the Board on April 1, 2018.

**** Mr. Lindgren began serving as a member of the Board on January 1, 2018.

 

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

Gilbert G. Alvarado: Mr. Alvarado has extensive organizational management and financial experience as vice president and chief financial officer in public charities, and a health conversion private foundation, chief financial and information officer of the largest health foundation on the Texas/Mexico border and an accountant with a regional health system, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Joseph B. Armes: Mr. Armes has extensive financial, investment and organizational management experience as chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of an investment company listed on NASDAQ, president and chief executive officer of a private family investment vehicle, chief operating officer of a private holding company for a family office, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer and director of a special purpose acquisition company listed on the American Stock Exchange, a director and audit committee chair of an oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and as an officer of public companies and as a director and officer of private companies, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

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

Brenda A. Cline: Ms. Cline has extensive organizational management, financial and investment experience as chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer to a private foundation, service as a director and member of the audit and nominating and governance committees of various publicly held companies, service as a trustee to a private university, and several charitable boards, including acting as a member of their investment and/or audit committees, extensive experience as an audit senior manager with a large public accounting firm, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

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

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

Claudia A. Holz: Ms. Holz has extensive financial audit and organizational management experience obtained as an audit partner with a major public accounting firm for over 27 years. Prior to her retirement, she led audits of large public investment company complexes and held several management roles in the firm's New York and national offices.

Douglas A. Lindgren: Mr. Lindgren has extensive senior management experience in the asset management industry, having overseen several organizations and numerous fund structures and having served as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School.

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

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

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

Committees of the Board

The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee ("Audit Committee").  The Audit Committee consists of Ms. Cline (Chair), Ms. Holz, and Messrs. Duffy and Alvarado. Mr. Massman, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. None of the members of the committee are "interested persons" of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. As set forth in its charter, the primary duties of the Trust's Audit Committee are: (a) to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Trust and the Fund(s) and their internal controls and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal controls of certain third-party service providers; (b) to oversee the quality and integrity of the Trust's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trust's independent auditors and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Trust's independent auditors; (d) to oversee the Trust's compliance with all regulatory obligations arising under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations and oversee management's implementation and enforcement of the Trust's compliance policies and procedures ("Compliance Program"); and (e) to coordinate the Board's oversight of the Trust's CCO in connection with his or her implementation of the Trust's Compliance Program. The Audit Committee met five (5) times during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018.

The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee ("Nominating Committee") that is comprised of Messrs. Feld (Chair), Turner, Massman, and Ms. Cline. As set forth in its charter, the Nominating Committee's primary duties are: (a) to make recommendations regarding the nomination of non-interested Trustees to the Board; (b) to make recommendations regarding the appointment of an Independent Trustee as Chair of the Board; (c) to evaluate qualifications of potential "interested" members of the Board and Trust officers; (d) to review shareholder recommendations for nominations

 

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to fill vacancies on the Board; (e) to make recommendations to the Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board; (f) to consider and evaluate the structure, composition and operation of the Board; (g) to review shareholder recommendations for proposals to be submitted for consideration during a meeting of Fund shareholders; and (h) to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Trustees and of those officers as to whom the Board is charged with approving compensation. Shareholder recommendations for Trustee candidates may be mailed in writing, including a comprehensive resume and any supporting documentation, to the Nominating Committee in care of the Secretary of the Funds. The Nominating and Governance Committee met seven (7) times during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018.

The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of, Ms. McKenna (Chair), Messrs. Armes, Arpey, and Lindgren. Mr. Massman, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Investment Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. As set forth in its charter, the Investment Committee's primary duties are: (a) to review and evaluate the short- and long-term investment performance of the Manager and each of the designated sub-advisors to the Fund(s); (b) to evaluate recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to the Fund(s); (c) to review material changes recommended by the Manager to the allocation of Fund assets to a sub-advisor; (d) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the investment objective or principal investment strategies of the Fund(s); and (e) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the material provisions of the advisory agreement with a sub-advisor, including, but not limited to, changes to the provision regarding compensation. The Investment Committee met five (5) times during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018.

Trustee Ownership in the Funds

As of the calendar year ended December 31, 2017, none of the Trustees owned equity securities of the Fund.The following tables show the amount of equity securities owned in the American Beacon funds family by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2017.

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

Feld

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (35 Funds as of December 31, 2017)

Over $100,000

 

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES

Alvarado

Armes

Arpey

Cline

Duffy

Holz‌*

Lindgren‌*

Massman

McKenna

Turner

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (35 Funds as of December 31, 2017)

$10,001 - $50,000

Over $100,000

Over $100,000

Over $100,000

None

N/A

N/A

Over $100,000

Over $100,000

Over $100,000

 

* Information is not shown for Ms. Holz or Mr. Lindgren because they were not Trustees as of December 31, 2017.

 

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Trustee Compensation

Effective January 1, 2018, 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 $120,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $10,000 for attendance by Board members for each regularly scheduled Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and (c) $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time.

For his service as Board Chair, Mr. Massman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although he attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, he receives only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at those meetings.  The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. Effective January 1, 2018, for her service as Board Vice Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.

The following table shows estimated compensation (excluding reimbursements) that will be paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended January 31, 20191.

Name of Trustee

Aggregate Compensation From the Trust

Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of the Trust's Expenses

Total Compensation From the Trusts

INTERESTED TRUSTEES

Alan D. Feld

XX

2

XX

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES

Gilbert G. Alvarado

XX

XX

Joseph B. Armes

XX

XX

Gerard J. Arpey

XX

XX

Brenda A. Cline

XX

2

XX

Eugene J. Duffy

XX

XX

Claudia A. Holz

XX

XX

Douglas A. Lindgren

XX

XX

Richard A. Massman

XX

2

XX

Barbara J. McKenna

XX

XX

R. Gerald Turner

XX

2

XX

 

1 Estimated compensation for the period XX XX, 201X – January 31, 2019.

2 Upon retirement from the Board, each of these Trustees is eligible for flight benefits afforded to Trustees who served on the Boards as of June 4, 2008 as described below.

The Boards adopted a Trustee Retirement Policy and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan ("Plan"). The Plan provides that a Trustee who has served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008, and who has reached a mandatory retirement age established by the Board (currently 75) is eligible to elect Trustee Emeritus status ("Eligible Trustees"). The Eligible Trustees are Messrs. Feld, Massman and Turner and Ms. Cline.  The mandatory retirement age does not apply to Mr. Feld. Additionally, Eligible Trustees who have served on the Board of one or more Trusts for at least five years may elect to retire from the Board at an earlier age and immediately assume Trustee Emeritus status.  The Board has determined that, other than the Plan established for Eligible Trustees, no other retirement benefits will accrue for current or future Trustees.

Upon assuming Trustee Emeritus status, each eligible Trustee and his or her spouse (or designated companion) may receive annual flight benefits from the Trusts of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines (a subsidiary of the Manager's former parent company) for a maximum period of 10 years, depending upon length of service prior to September 12, 2008. Eligible Trustees may opt to receive instead an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits.  No retirement benefits are accrued for Board service after September 12, 2008.

A Trustee Emeritus must commit to provide certain ongoing services and advice to the Board members and the Trusts; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Fund(s). Currently, two individuals who retired from the Board prior to September 12, 2008, have assumed Trustee Emeritus status. One receives an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts. The other individual and his spouse receive annual flight benefits of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines.

Principal Officers of the Trust

The Officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. As of the date of this SAI, the Officers of the Trust, their ages, their business address and their principal occupations and directorships during the past five years are as set forth below. The address of each Officer is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Officer serves for a term of one year or until his or her resignation, retirement, or removal. Each Officer has and continues to hold the same position with the American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.

 

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Name (Age)

Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds

Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust

Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund and American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund

Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

Gene L. Needles, Jr. (63)

President since 2009

President since 2017

President since 2018

President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Director, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018), CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.; President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; (2009-2015); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager and President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD. (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

 

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Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43)

Vice President since 2010

Vice President since 2017

Vice President since 2018

Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Vice President (2010-2013), Senior Vice President (2013-Present), Director (2015-Present), and President (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President (2012-Present) and Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015);  Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice Present(2015-2018), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018) and President (2018-Present), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-Present), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director (2017-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

Rosemary K. Behan (59)

Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006

Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since 2017

Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since 2018

Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.(2008-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present), Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

Brian E. Brett (58)

Vice President since 2004

Vice President since 2017

Vice President since 2018

Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present); Vice President, Director of Sales, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-2012); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present).

Paul B. Cavazos (49)

Vice President since 2016

Vice President since 2017

Vice President since 2018

Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. since 2016; Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy Company (2007-2016).

Erica B. Duncan (47)

Vice President since 2011

Vice President since 2017

Vice President since 2018

Vice President, Marketing & Client Services, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present).

 

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Terri L. McKinney (54)

Vice President since 2010

Vice President since 2017

Vice President since 2018

Vice President, Enterprise Services, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2009-Present); Vice President, Enterprise Services Alpha Quant Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

Samuel J. Silver (55)

Vice President since 2011

Vice President since 2017

Vice President since 2018

Vice President, Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present); Vice President, Fixed Income Investments (2011-2016), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

Melinda G. Heika (56)

Treasurer since 2010

Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2017

Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2018

Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2010-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

Sonia L. Bates (61)

Asst. Treasurer since 2011

Asst. Treasurer since 2017

Assistant Treasurer since 2018

Director, Tax and Financial Reporting, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Asst. Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Asst. Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present).

Christina E. Sears (46)

Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Asst. Secretary since 1999

Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary since 2017

Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary since 2018

Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

Shelley D. Abrahams (43)

Asst. Secretary since 2008

Asst. Secretary since 2017

Asst. Secretary since 2018

Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2008-Present).

Rebecca L. Harris (51)

Asst. Secretary since 2011

Asst. Secretary since 2017

Asst. Secretary since 2018

Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present).

Diana N. Lai (42)

Asst. Secretary since 2012

Asst. Secretary since 2017

Asst. Secretary since 2018

Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2012-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present).

Teresa A. Oxford (59)

Asst. Secretary since 2015

Asst. Secretary since 2017

Asst. Secretary since 2018

Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present).

 

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CODE OF ETHICS

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

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

CONTROL PERSONS AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS

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

As of the date of this SAI, the Manager is the sole shareholder of the Fund.

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Fund's sub-advisor is listed below with information regarding its controlling persons or entities. According to the Investment Company Act, a person or entity with control with respect to an investment advisor has "the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company." Persons and entities affiliated with the sub-advisor may be considered affiliates of the Fund.

Continuous Capital, LLC ("Continuous Capital")

Controlling Person/Entity

Basis of Control/Status

Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business/Business History

Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC

Parent Company

Holding Company-Founded in 2015

Kelso Investment Associates VIII

Ownership in Parent Company

Investment Fund

Morley D. Campbell

Minority Owner

President & Chief Investment Officer of Continuous Capital

The sub-advisor is located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039, United States. The sub-advisor and the Manager are both controlled by Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. Accordingly, the sub-advisor is under common control with the Manager and is an "affiliated person" of the Manager within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Continuous Capital pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay Continuous Capital a subadvisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

First $500 million

0.525%

Next $500 million

0.500%

Assets above $1 billion

0.475%

The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate if assigned, and may be terminated without penalty at any time by the Manager, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on no less than thirty (30) days' nor more than sixty (60) days' written notice to the sub-advisor, or by the sub-advisor upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the Trust. The Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for an initial period of two years and thereafter from year to year provided that annually such continuance is specifically approved by a vote of the Trustees, including the affirmative votes of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering

 

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such approval, or by the vote of shareholders. Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no subadvisory fees have been paid to Continuous Capital.

MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

The Manager

The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039 is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. ("RIM"). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC ("RIH"). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P. ("Kelso"), KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Management LLC ("Estancia"), investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. or Estancia Capital Management, LLC, which are private equity firms. The address of Kelso and its investment funds is 320 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The address of Estancia and its investment fund is 20865 N 90th Place, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. The address of RIH is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

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

Controlling Person/Entity

Basis of Control/Status

Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business/ Business History

Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC

Parent Company

Holding Company - Founded in 2015

Kelso Investment Associates VIII

Ownership in Parent Company

Investment Fund

The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for providing the Fund with management and administrative services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class.

Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager provides the Trust with office space, office equipment and personnel necessary to manage and administer the Trust's operations. This includes:

complying with reporting requirements;

corresponding with shareholders;

maintaining internal bookkeeping, accounting and auditing services and records;

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

administering the Fund's interfund lending facility and lines of credit, if applicable.

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

The Fund is responsible for expenses not otherwise assumed by the Manager, including the following: audits by independent auditors; transfer agency, custodian, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder recordkeeping services; taxes, if any, and the preparation of the Fund's tax returns; interest; costs of Trustee and shareholder meetings; preparing, printing and mailing Prospectuses and reports to existing shareholders; fees for filing reports with regulatory bodies and the maintenance of the Fund's existence; legal fees; fees to federal and state authorities for the registration of shares; fees and expenses of Trustees; insurance and fidelity bond premiums; fees paid to service providers providing reports regarding adherence by sub-advisor(s) to the investment style of the Fund; fees paid for brokerage commission analysis for the purpose of monitoring best execution practices of the sub-advisor(s); and any extraordinary expenses of a nonrecurring nature.

The Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized fee based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

First $5 billion

0.35%

Next $5 billion

0.325%

Next $10 billion

0.30%

Over $20 billion

0.275%

Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no fees have been paid to the Manager.

The Investor Class has adopted a Service Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan authorizes the payment to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) of up to 0.375% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares. In addition, the Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and Institutional Class shares. The Manager or other approved entities may spend such amounts on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in or relate to the servicing of Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class shares including, but not limited to, payment of shareholder service fees and transfer agency or sub-transfer agency expenses. The fees, which are included as part of the Fund's "Other Expenses" in the Table of Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, will be payable monthly in arrears. The fees for the Y Class and Institutional Class will be paid, or reimbursed, on the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the entity for the services provided to the respective class. The primary expenses expected to be incurred are shareholder servicing, record keeping fees and servicing fees paid to financial intermediaries such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers. Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of the SAI, there were no prior service fees.

 

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

State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") will serve as securities lending agent for the Fund and, in that role, will administer the Fund's securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending agency agreement entered into between the Fund and State Street ("Securities Lending Agreement").

As securities lending agent, State Street is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Fund's securities lending program. State Street's responsibilities include: (1) lending available securities to approved borrowers; (2) determining whether a loan shall be made and negotiating the terms and conditions of the loan with the borrower, provided that such terms and conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Securities Lending Agreement; (3) receiving and holding, on the Fund's behalf, or transferring to a fund account, upon instruction by the Fund, collateral from borrowers to secure obligations of borrowers with respect to any loan of available securities; (4) marking loaned securities and collateral to their market value each business day; (5) obtaining additional collateral, as needed, to maintain the value of the collateral relative to the market value of the loaned securities at the levels required by the Securities Lending Agreement; (6) returning the collateral to the borrower, at the termination of the loan, upon the return of the loaned securities; (7) investing cash collateral in permitted investments, including the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund; and (8) establishing and maintaining records related to the Fund's securities lending activities.

State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split, as provided in the Securities Lending Agreement. Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no fees have been paid to State Street.

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

The Distributor

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. ("RID" or "Distributor") is the Fund's distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund's shares.

RID, located at 220 East Las Colinas, Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Fund's shares. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

State Street, located at 1 Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as custodian for the Fund. State Street also serves as the Fund's Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to rules adopted under the Investment Company Act, whereby it selects and monitors eligible foreign sub-custodians.

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 is the transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Trust and provides these services to Fund shareholders.

The Fund's independent registered public accounting firm is XX, which is located at XX.

K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

The portfolio manager to the Fund (the "Portfolio Manager") has responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by the Portfolio Manager's firm and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of XXXX XX, 2018.

Number of Other Accounts Managed
and Assets by Account Type

Number of Accounts and Assets for Which
Advisory Fee is Performance-Based

Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager

Registered Investment Companies

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

Other Accounts

Registered Investment Companies

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

Other Accounts

Morley D. Campbell

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

Conflicts of Interest

As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Manager manages accounts other than the Fund. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between a Portfolio Manager's management of the Fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the

 

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other hand. Set forth below is a description by sub-advisor of any foreseeable material conflicts of interest that may arise from the concurrent management of the Fund and other accounts. The information regarding potential conflicts of interest was provided by the sub-advisor.

Continuous Capital, LLC ("Continuous Capital")  expects to perform advisory services for a variety of clients in a variety of accounts and arrangements, including the management of accounts on behalf of its affiliates alongside unaffiliated clients. At times, a conflict of interest may arise among clients or accounts, such as when accounts compete for limited investment opportunities. It is Continuous Capital's policy to trade proprietary accounts alongside other client accounts and thus, accounts managed on behalf of Continuous Capital, its principals or its affiliates may be included in aggregated trades. Continuous Capital's Compliance personnel regularly monitor the allocation of investment opportunities and trades with the aim of ensuring that no client or group of clients is unfairly favored relative to others over time.

Compensation 

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

Continuous Capital

Portfolio managers are compensated with a competitive base annual salary, equity ownership, participation in Continuous Capital's profit sharing pool, and inclusion in Resolute Investment Managers' 401(k) plan and matching contributions. Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. ("Resolute") is the majority owner of Continuous Capital.

Ownership of the Fund

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

PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

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

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

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

The Fund may establish brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If the sub-advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. Neither the Manager nor the sub-advisor receives any benefits from the commission recapture program. The sub-advisor's participation in the brokerage commission recapture program is optional. The sub-advisor

 

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retains full discretion in selecting brokerage firms for securities transactions and is instructed to use the commission recapture program for a transaction only if it is consistent with the sub-advisor's obligation to seek the best execution available.

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

REDEMPTIONS IN KIND

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

TAX INFORMATION

The tax information in the Prospectus and in this section relates solely to the federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund will qualify each taxable year as a "regulated investment company" ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code (as discussed below). The tax information in this section is only a summary of certain key federal tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders and is in addition to the tax information provided in the Prospectus. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal income tax treatment of the Fund or the tax implications to its shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. The tax information is based on the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations in effect, and administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions publicly available, on the date of this SAI. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.

Taxation of the Fund

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

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

Diversify its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (1) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items, Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with those other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities (equity securities of QPTPs being considered voting securities for these purposes), and (2) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in (a) the securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their voting power) that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) the securities of one or more QPTPs ("Diversification Requirements"); and

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

By qualifying for treatment as a RIC, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the part of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to its shareholders. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for that treatment — either (1) by failing to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, even if it satisfies the Gross Income and Diversification Requirements ("Other Requirements"), or (2) by failing to satisfy any of the Other Requirements and is unable to, or determines not to, avail itself of Internal Revenue Code provisions that enable a RIC to cure a failure to satisfy any of the Other Requirements as long as the failure "is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect" and the RIC pays a deductible tax calculated in accordance with those provisions and meets certain other requirements — then for federal tax purposes, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at the regular corporate rate without any deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders, and the dividends it pays would be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly, (a) for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each an "individual"), as "qualified dividend income" (as described in the Prospectus) ("QDI"), and/or (b) in the case of corporate shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements regarding their Fund shares, as eligible for the dividends-received deduction ("DRD")) to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify for RIC treatment would therefore have a negative impact on the Fund's income and performance. Furthermore, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying for RIC treatment. It is possible that the Fund will not qualify as a RIC in any given taxable year.

The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax ("Excise Tax") to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and substantially all of its "capital gain net income" for the one-year period ending on MMM DD, YYYY of that year, plus certain other amounts.  The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions by the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the Excise Tax.

 

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Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies

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

Dividends and interest the Fund receives, and gains it realizes, on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively, "foreign taxes") that would reduce the yield and/or total return on its securities. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains realized on investments by foreign investors.  It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance, since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested in various countries is not known.

The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs"). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests for a taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive; or (2) an average of at least 50% of the value (or adjusted tax basis, if elected) of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund, to the extent that it holds stock of a PFIC, will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" it receives on the stock and of any gain on its disposition of that stock (collectively, "PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible to be treated as QDI or for the DRD.

If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF's annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain, which the Fund likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax even if the QEF did not distribute those earnings and gain to the Fund. In most instances, however, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.

Alternatively, the Fund may elect to "mark to market" any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year, in which event it likely would be required to distribute to its shareholders any resulting gains to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. "Marking-to-market," in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock over the Fund's adjusted basis therein (including any net mark-to-market gain or loss for each prior taxable year for which an election was in effect) as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net marked-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. The Fund's adjusted basis in each PFIC's stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.

Investors should be aware that determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that is based on various facts and circumstances and thus is subject to change, and the principles and methodology used therein are subject to interpretation. As a result, the Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation's stock, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC and a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires stock therein. While the Fund generally will seek to minimize its investment in PFIC stock, and to make appropriate elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will be able to do so, and the Fund reserves the right to make those investments as a matter of its investment policy.

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

If an LLC or LP in which the Fund invests is a QPTP, all its net income (regardless of source) will be qualifying other income for the Fund under the Gross Income Requirement. The Fund's investment in QPTPs, together with certain other investments, however, may not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets at the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to satisfy one of the Diversification Requirements. In addition, if the Fund holds more than 10% of a QPTP's equity securities, none of those securities will count toward its satisfying those requirements.

With respect to non-QPTPs, (1) if an LLC or LP (including a PTP) is treated for federal tax purposes as a corporation, distributions from it to the Fund might be treated as QDI and disposition of the Fund's interest therein would generate gain or loss from the disposition of a security, or (2) if such an LLC or LP is not treated for those purposes as a corporation, the Fund would be treated as having earned its proportionate share of each item of income the LLC or LP earned. In the latter case, the Fund would be able to treat its share of the entity's income as Qualifying Other Income only to the extent that income would be Qualifying Other Income if realized directly by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the LLC or LP. Certain LLCs and LPs (e.g., private funds) in which the Fund may invest may generate income and gains that are not Qualifying Other Income. The Fund will monitor its investments in LLCs and LPs to assure its compliance with the requirements for continued qualification as a RIC.

Some futures contracts, foreign currency contracts, and "non-equity" options (i.e., certain listed options, such as those on a "broad-based" securities index) - except any "securities futures contract" that is not a "dealer securities futures contract" (both as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement - in which the Fund invests may be subject to Internal Revenue Code section 1256 (collectively, "Section 1256 contracts"). Any Section 1256 contract the Fund holds at the end of its taxable year must be "marked-to-market" (that is, treated as having been sold at that time

 

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for its fair market value) for federal income tax purposes, with the result that unrealized gains or losses will be treated as though they were realized. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss realized on these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales of Section 1256 contracts, will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax. These rules may operate to increase the amount that the Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement (i.e., with respect to the portion treated as short-term capital gain), which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them, and to increase the net capital gain the Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to it.

Under Internal Revenue Code section 988, a gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2) except in certain circumstances, from options, futures, and forward contracts on foreign currencies (and on financial instruments involving foreign currencies) and from notional principal contracts (e.g., swaps, caps, floors, and collars) involving payments denominated in foreign currencies, (3) on the disposition of each foreign-currency-denominated debt security that is attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the dates of acquisition and disposition of the security, and (4) that is attributable to exchange rate fluctuations between the time the Fund accrues interest, dividends, or other receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than affecting the amount of its net capital gain. If the Fund's section 988 losses exceed its other investment company taxable income for a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year (including those made before the losses were realized) would be characterized as a non-taxable "return of capital" to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares and treating any part of such distribution exceeding that basis as gain from the disposition of those shares.

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

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

Certain aspects of the tax treatment of derivative instruments are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, administrative rules, and/or other legally binding authority that could affect the treatment of income from those instruments and the character, timing of recognition and amount of the Fund's taxable income or net realized gains and distributions. If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") were to assert successfully that income the Fund derives from those investments does not constitute Qualifying Other Income, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC (with the consequences described above under "Taxation of the Fund") or might be required to reduce its exposure to such investments.

Taxation of the Fund's Shareholders

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

If Fund shares are redeemed at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares. In addition, any loss a shareholder realizes on a redemption of Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the redemption; in that case, the basis in the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Investors also should be aware that the price of Fund shares at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming dividend or other distribution, so if they purchase Fund shares shortly before the record date for a distribution, they will pay full price for the shares and receive some part of the price back as a taxable distribution, even though it represents a partial return of invested capital.

If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, which is likely in the Fund's case, it will be eligible to, as it has in each one or more previous taxable years, file an election for that year with the IRS that would enable its shareholders to benefit from any foreign tax credit or deduction available with respect to any foreign taxes it pays. Pursuant to the election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder (1) would be required to include in gross income, and treat as paid by the shareholder, the shareholder's proportionate share of those taxes, (2) would be required to treat that share of those taxes and of any dividend the Fund paid that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources ("foreign-source income") as the shareholder's own income from those sources, and (3) could either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against the shareholder's federal income tax

 

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or, alternatively, deduct the foreign taxes deemed paid by the shareholder in computing taxable income. If the Fund makes this election for a taxable year, it will report to its shareholders shortly after that year their respective shares of the foreign taxes it paid and its foreign-source income for that year.

Individual shareholders of the Fund who, for a taxable year, have no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on IRS Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign-source income is "qualified passive income" may elect for that year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation for federal income tax purposes (about which shareholders may wish to consult their tax advisers), in which event they would be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required. A shareholder will not be entitled to credit or deduct its portion of foreign taxes the Fund paid that is allocable to Fund shares the shareholder has not held for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-distribution date for those shares. The minimum holding period will be extended if the shareholder's risk of loss with respect to those shares is reduced by reason of holding an offsetting position. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. A foreign shareholder may not deduct or claim a credit for foreign taxes in determining its federal income tax liability unless the Fund dividends paid to it are effectively connected with the shareholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

Basis Election and Reporting - The Fund shareholder who wants to use an acceptable method for basis determination with respect to Fund shares other than the average basis method (the Fund's default method) must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic.  The basis determination method the Fund shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption (including a redemption that is part of an exchange) of Fund shares after the settlement date of the redemption.

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

Backup Withholding - The Fund is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury 24% of dividends, capital gain distributions, and redemption proceeds (regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized) otherwise payable to any individual who fails to certify that the taxpayer identification number furnished to the Fund is correct or who furnishes an incorrect number (together with the withholding described in the next sentence, "backup withholding"). Withholding at that rate also is required from the Fund's dividends and capital gain distributions otherwise payable to such a shareholder who (1) is subject to backup withholding for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly or (2) fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to backup withholding or that it is a corporation or other "exempt recipient."  Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, any amounts so withheld may be credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded.

Non-U.S. Shareholders - Dividends the Fund pays to a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual or foreign entity (each a "non-U.S. shareholder") — other than (1) dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder whose ownership of the Fund's shares is "effectively connected" with a trade or business within the United States the shareholder conducts and (2) capital gain distributions paid to a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the United States for no more than 182 days during the taxable year -- generally are subject to 30% federal withholding tax (unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable treaty). However, two categories of dividends the Fund might pay, "interest-related dividends" and "short-term capital gain dividends," to non-U.S. shareholders (with certain exceptions) and reported by it in writing to its shareholders are exempt from that tax. "Short-term capital gain dividends" are dividends that are attributable to net short-term gain, computed with certain adjustments. "Interest-related dividends" are dividends that are attributable to "qualified net interest income" (i.e., "qualified interest income," which generally consists of certain OID, interest on obligations "in registered form," and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. Non-U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of that withholding tax.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA") - Under FATCA, "foreign financial institutions" ("FFIs") and "non-financial foreign entities" ("NFFEs") that are Fund shareholders may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on (1) income dividends the Fund pays and (2) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions of Fund shares it pays after December 31, 2018. As discussed more fully below, the FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided (a) by an FFI, if it reports certain information regarding direct and indirect ownership of financial accounts U.S. persons hold with the FFI, and (b) by an NFFE that certifies its status as such and, in certain circumstances, information regarding substantial U.S. owners.

The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements ("IGAs") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of the IGA instead of U.S. Treasury regulations. An FFI resident in a country that has entered into a Model I IGA with the United States must report to that country's government (pursuant to the terms of the applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI resident in a Model II IGA country generally must comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, with certain exceptions, including the treatment of recalcitrant accountholders. An FFI resident in one of those countries that complies with whichever of the foregoing applies will be exempt from FATCA withholding.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under the Internal Revenue Code. Under such an agreement, a participating FFI agrees to (1) verify and document whether it has U.S. accountholders, (2) report certain information regarding their accounts to the IRS, and (3) meet certain other specified requirements.

An NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying its status as such and, in certain circumstances, either that (1) it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or (2) it does have one or more such owners and reports the name, address,

 

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and taxpayer identification number of each such owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which may, in turn, report information to the IRS.

Those foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted, or deemed compliant categories established by U.S. Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in the Fund will need to provide it with documentation properly certifying the entity's status under FATCA to avoid FATCA withholding. The requirements imposed by FATCA are different from, and in addition to, the tax certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above. Foreign investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these requirements to their own situation and the impact thereof on their investment in the Fund.

Income From Investment in REITs and MLPs - The Fund may invest in the equity securities of corporations or other entities that invest in U.S. real property, including REITs. The sale of a U.S. real property interest by a REIT or "United States real property holding corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) in which the  Fund invests may trigger special tax consequences to the Fund's non-U.S. shareholders, who are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding those consequences.

The Fund may invest in REITs that (1) hold residual interests in "real estate mortgage investment conduits" ("REMICs") or (2) engage in mortgage securitization transactions that cause the REITs to be taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs") or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP. A part of the net income allocable to REMIC residual interest holders may be an "excess inclusion." The Internal Revenue Code authorizes the issuance of regulations dealing with the taxation and reporting of excess inclusion income of REITs and RICs that hold residual REMIC interests and of REITs, or qualified REIT subsidiaries, that are TMPs. Although those regulations have not yet been issued, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS issued a notice in 2006 ("Notice") announcing that, pending the issuance of further guidance (which has not yet been issued), the IRS would apply the principles in the following paragraphs to all excess inclusion income, whether from REMIC residual interests or TMPs.

The Notice provides that a REIT must (1) determine whether it or its qualified REIT subsidiary (or a part of either) is a TMP and, if so, calculate the TMP's excess inclusion income under a "reasonable method," (2) allocate its excess inclusion income to its shareholders generally in proportion to dividends paid, (3) inform shareholders that are not "disqualified organizations" (i.e., governmental units and tax-exempt entities that are not subject to tax on their "unrelated business taxable income" ("UBTI")) of the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated thereto, (4) pay tax (at the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations, currently 21%) on the excess inclusion income allocable to its shareholders that are disqualified organizations, and (5) apply the withholding tax provisions with respect to the excess inclusion part of dividends paid to foreign persons without regard to any treaty exception or reduction in tax rate. Excess inclusion income allocated to certain tax-exempt entities (including qualified retirement plans, IRAs, and public charities) constitutes UBTI to them.

A RIC with excess inclusion income is subject to rules identical to those in clauses (2) through (5) above (substituting "that are nominees" for "that are not 'disqualified organizations'" in clause (3) and inserting "record" after "its" in clause (4)). The Notice further provides that a RIC is not required to report the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated to its shareholders that are not nominees, except that (1) a RIC with excess inclusion income from all sources that exceeds 1% of its gross income must do so and (2) any other RIC must do so by taking into account only excess inclusion income allocated to the RIC from REITs the excess inclusion income of which exceeded 3% of its dividends. The Fund will not invest directly in REMIC residual interests and does not intend to invest in REITs that, to its knowledge, invest in those interests or are TMPs or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP.

After calendar year-end, REITs can and often do change the category (e.g., ordinary income dividend, capital gain distribution, or "return of capital") of one or more of the distributions they have made during that year, which would result at that time in the Fund that held shares in such a REIT during that year also having to re-categorize some of the distributions it made to its stockholders. These changes would be reflected in your annual Form 1099, together with other tax information. Those forms generally will be distributed to you in February of each year, although the Fund may, in one or more years, request from the IRS an extension of time to distribute those forms until mid-March to enable it to receive the latest information it can from the REITs in which it invests and thereby accurately report that information to you on a single form (rather than having to send you an amended form).

Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the Internal Revenue Code generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities a deduction for 20% of  the taxpayer's aggregate amount of (1) "qualified REIT dividends" and (2) "qualified publicly traded partnership income" (such as income from MLPs). The Internal Revenue Code does not, however, include any provision for a RIC to pass the character of such dividends or income through to its shareholders. As a result, an investor who invests directly in REITs and/or MLPs will be able to receive the benefit of the 20% deduction, while a shareholder in a Fund that invests therein will not.

Other Taxes - Statutory rules and regulations regarding state and local taxation of ordinary income dividends, QDI dividends and net capital and foreign currency gain distributions may differ from the federal income taxation rules described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder's situation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST

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

 

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The Trust was originally created to manage money for large institutional investors. The following individuals (and members of that individual's "immediate family"), are eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, or its parent company Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., (ii) employees of a sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) members of the Board, (iv) employees of Kelso/Estancia, and (v) members of the Manager's Board of Directors. The term "immediate family" refers to one's spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters-in-law, a sibling's spouse, a spouse's sibling, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by virtue of remarriage (step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included. Any shareholders that the Manager transfers to the Institutional Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000.

The Investor Class was created to give individuals and other smaller investors an opportunity to invest in the American Beacon Funds. The Institutional and Y Classes were created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

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APPENDIX A

AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC.

SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

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

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

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

AmBeacon manages portfolios for the American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the "Funds"). AmBeacon may invest a Fund in shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund solicits a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, AmBeacon's interests as manager of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, AmBeacon will vote the Fund's shares in accordance with the Select Funds' Board of Trustees' recommendations in the proxy statement.

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS TRUST
AMERICAN BEACON SOUND POINT ENHANCED INCOME FUND
AMERICAN BEACON APOLLO TOTAL RETURN FUND

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Last Amended February 28, 2018

 

Preface

Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion to secure the best long-term interests of shareholders of the American Beacon Funds ("Beacon Funds"), the American Beacon Select Funds ("Select Funds"), the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust ("Institutional Funds"), the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the "Funds"). Therefore, this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the "Policy") have been adopted by the Funds.

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

Conflicts of Interest

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

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

Each Fund can invest in the shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund issues a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, the Manager's interests regarding the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, the Manager will vote in accordance with the Select Funds' Board of Trustees' recommendations in the proxy statement.

 

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

Securities on Loan

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

Recordkeeping

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

Disclosure

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

Manager Oversight

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

Board Reporting

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

 

 

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APPENDIX B

CONTINUOUS CAPITAL LLC

PROXY VOTING POLICY
(July 2018)

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act provides that it is a fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative act, practice, or course of business for an investment adviser registered or required to be registered with the SEC to exercise voting authority with respect to client securities unless the adviser:

(a) Adopts and implements written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of the client which includes procedures that address material conflicts of interest;

(b) Discloses to clients how they may obtain information about how the proxies were voted with respect to their securities; and

(c) Describes to clients the adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnishes a copy of the policies and procedures to the requesting client.

Procedures:

Continuous is responsible for voting proxies with respect to securities held in client accounts for those clients who have explicitly delegated their proxy voting authority to Continuous under an active investment advisory agreement. For clients that elect to retain voting authority, any proxy communication received by Continuous must be forwarded to the client promptly. If Continuous receives a proxy for a client that has since terminated its investment advisory agreement, Continuous shall attempt to forward the proxy to the client.

To facilitate the proxy voting process, Continuous has retained the services of Glass Lewis & Co. to provide proxy research, vote recommendations and execution, and record keeping. Continuous has adopted the Glass Lewis emerging-market country specific proxy voting guidelines, for which certain common voting matters are summarized below. Proxies for companies in such countries will be voted based on a pre-determined policy using the vote recommendations from Glass Lewis, unless the portfolio manager determines to vote otherwise. To the extent that Glass Lewis does not have a proxy policy for a particular country, the proxy will be voted by Continuous' portfolio manager. In making a proxy voting decision, the portfolio manager will primarily consider the best interest of the client.

Glass Lewis' Proxy Voting Guidelines
Election of Directors. Glass Lewis evaluates board members based on their independence, performance, and experience, in addition to considering conflict-of-interest issues and the size of the board of directors when making voting recommendations.

Declassified Boards. Glass Lewis supports the declassification of boards and the annual election of directors.

Board Evaluation and Refreshment. Glass Lewis strongly supports routine director evaluation, including independent external reviews, and periodic board refreshment. Further, Glass Lewis believes the board should evaluate the need for changes to board composition based on an analysis of skills and experience necessary for the company, as well as the results of the director evaluations, as opposed to relying solely on age or tenure limits.

Proxy Access. Glass Lewis generally supports affording shareholders the right to nominate director candidates to management's proxy as a means to ensure that significant, long-term shareholders have an ability to nominate candidates to the board.

Majority Vote for the Election of Directors. Glass Lewis will generally support proposals calling for the election of directors by a majority vote, excepting contested director elections.

Auditor Ratification. Glass Lewis will typically support proposals to require auditor rotation when the proposal uses a reasonable period of time, particularly at companies with a history of accounting problems.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation ("Say-on-Pay"). Glass Lewis applies a highly nuanced approach to review each company's compensation on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that each company must be examined in the context of industry, size, maturity, performance, financial condition, its historic pay for performance practices, and any other relevant internal or external factors. When it is found that compensation is reasonably aligned with performance, and such practices are adequately disclosed, Glass Lewis will recommend supporting the company's approach. If, however, those specific policies and practices fail to demonstrably link compensation with performance, Glass Lewis will generally recommend voting against the say-on-pay proposal.

Equity-Based Compensation Plan Proposals. Glass Lewis believes that equity compensation awards, when not abused, are useful for retaining employees and providing an incentive for them to act in a way that will improve company performance. Glass Lewis analyzes such plans accordingly based on both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Director Compensation Plans. Glass Lewis will consider recommending supporting compensation plans that include option grants or other equity-based awards that help to align the interests of outside directors with those of shareholders.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Glass Lewis will generally support these plans given the regulatory purchase limit of $25,000 per employee per year, which we believe is reasonable.

Anti-Takeover Measures. Glass Lewis believes that poison pill plans are not generally in shareholders' best interests. Typically, we recommend that shareholders vote against these plans to protect their financial interests and ensure that they have an opportunity to consider any offer for their shares, especially those at a premium. Glass Lewis may consider supporting a limited poison pill in the event that a company seeks shareholder approval of a rights plan for the express purpose of preserving net operating losses.

 

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Reincorporation. In general, Glass Lewis believes that the board is in the best position to determine the appropriate jurisdiction of incorporation for the company. Where the financial benefits are de minimis and there is a decrease in shareholder rights, we will recommend voting against the transaction.

Exclusive Forum and Fee-Shifting Bylaw Provisions. Glass Lewis believes that charter or bylaw provisions limiting a shareholder's choice of legal venue are not in the best interests of shareholders. Similarly, some companies have adopted bylaws requiring plaintiffs who sue the company and fail to receive a judgment in their favor pay the legal expenses of the company. Glass Lewis strongly opposes the adoption of such fee-shifting bylaws and, if adopted without shareholder approval, will recommend voting against the governance committee.

Authorized Shares. Glass Lewis believes that adequate capital stock is important to a company's operation, but issuance of additional shares can dilute existing holders in limited circumstances. Accordingly, when it is found that the company has not detailed a plan for use of the proposed shares, or where the number of shares far exceeds those needed to accomplish a detailed plan, Glass Lewis typically recommends against the authorization of additional shares.

Voting Structure. Glass Lewis reviews cumulative voting proposals on a case-by-case basis, factoring in the independence of the board and the status of the company's governance structure. Glass Lewis typically recommends in favor of cumulative voting when it finds these proposals on ballots at companies where independence is lacking and where the appropriate checks and balances favoring shareholders are not in place. Where a company has adopted a true majority vote standard, Glass Lewis will recommend voting against cumulative voting proposals due to the incompatibility of the two election methods. Glass Lewis believes that supermajority vote requirements impede shareholder action on ballot items critical to shareholder interests.

Compensation, Environmental, Social and Governance Shareholder Initiatives. Glass Lewis generally believes decisions regarding day-to-day management and policy decisions, including those related to social, environmental or political issues, are best left to management and the board as they in almost all cases have more and better information about company strategy and risk. However, when there is a clear link between the subject of a shareholder proposal and value enhancement or risk mitigation, Glass Lewis will recommend in favor of a reasonable, well-crafted shareholder proposal where the company has failed to or inadequately addressed the issue.

Other Voting Matters. To the extent that the Glass Lewis voting guidelines do not address a proxy proposal, such proposal will be referred to Continuous' Management Committee. In certain circumstances where the subject matter of a vote may require further direction, the Management Committee will defer to the portfolio manager assigned to the security. Proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the issuer's board of directors and management and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders. Proxy votes generally will be cast against proposals having the opposite effect. However, Continuous will consider both sides of each proxy issue.

Declining to Vote
Continuous may decide not to vote a proxy for a company if it would restrict Continuous from the ability to sell the security or where the cost to vote is prohibitive and outweighs the benefit of voting. In addition, Continuous will be unable to vote proxies for any securities that a client has loaned.

Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise during the voting process when the best interest of a client conflicts with Continuous' interest. For example, if a proxy issuer is a client of Continuous, Continuous may have an incentive to vote in the proxy issuer's favor to the detriment of its other clients. Continuous does not currently have any public companies as clients but the CCO shall identify any such clients at account opening and monitor for potential proxy voting conflicts.

A conflict of interest may also arise if a supervised person with responsibility for voting decisions has a personal relationship with the proxy issuer or some other relationship that would conflict the proxy voting decision. Reliance on Glass Lewis for voting recommendations mitigates this potential conflict, which is further mitigated by Continuous' policy prohibiting portfolio managers from serving on the board of directors of public companies.

If Continuous determines that a material conflict of interest exists, the following procedures shall be followed:

Continuous may rely on Glass Lewis' independent recommendation.

Continuous may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to the client and seek directions from the client on how to vote.

Continuous may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests (for example, where client accounts hold different securities in a competitive merger situation).

If a client who has delegated proxy voting authority to Continuous directs that their proxy be voted in a particular manner, Continuous will accommodate the client's request by voting in accordance with the instruction but will document that the vote was made at the client's instruction. Continuous will not disclose to such client its voting decision on the matter for the other clients.

As a general policy, Continuous does not disclose how it intends to vote proxies to any inquiring party.

Oversight of Service Providers
The portfolio manager shall periodically review Glass Lewis' performance. The review shall include comparison of votes cast to the stated voting guidelines to obtain assurance that proxies were voted according to the policy. In addition, Continuous shall consider the conflict of interest procedures adopted by Glass Lewis to ensure that conflicts are properly addressed.

Disclosure to Clients
A summary of Continuous' proxy voting policy is included in Form ADV Part 2A and will be made available to clients upon request, as well as a record of proxies voted on behalf of a client. Any requests by a client for the proxy voting record and Continuous' response must be retained by Continuous.

 

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APPENDIX C

Ratings Definitions

Below are summaries of the ratings definitions used by some of the rating organizations. Those ratings represent the opinion of the rating organizations as to the credit quality of the issues that they rate. The summaries are based upon publicly available information provided by the rating organizations.

Ratings of Long-Term Obligations and Preferred Stocks — The Fund utilizes ratings provided by rating organizations in order to determine eligibility of long-term obligations. The ratings described in this section may also be used for evaluating the credit quality for preferred stocks.

Credit ratings typically evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of bonds. The rating organizations may fail to update a credit rating on a timely basis to reflect changes in economic or financial conditions that may affect the market value of the security. For these reasons, credit ratings may not be an accurate indicator of the market value of a bond.

The four highest Moody's ratings for long-term obligations (or issuers thereof) are Aaa, Aa, A and Baa. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Moody's ratings of Ba, B, Caa, Ca and C are considered below investment grade. Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. Moody's also appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.  Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.

The four highest Standard & Poor's ratings for long-term obligations are AAA, AA, A and BBB. An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Standard & Poor's ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are considered below investment grade and are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest.  While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poor's expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. An obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.  A rating of NR indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

The four highest ratings for long-term obligations by Fitch Ratings are AAA, AA, A and BBB. Obligations rated AAA are deemed to be of the highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. Obligations rated AA are deemed to be of very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. Obligations rated A are deemed to be of high credit quality. An A rating denotes expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. Obligations rated BBB are deemed to be of good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

 

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Fitch's ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. Obligations rated CCC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Obligations rated CC indicate, for issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. Obligations rated C indicate exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or (c) Fitch Ratings otherwise believes a condition of 'RD' or 'D' to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt exchange. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. "Imminent" default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Ratings of Municipal Obligations — Moody's ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2 and MIG/VMIG 3. Factors used in determination of ratings include liquidity of the borrower and short-term cyclical elements. The MIG/VMIG 1 rating denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG/VMIG 2 rating denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG/VMIG 3 rating denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG rating denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

Standard & Poor's uses SP-1, SP-2, and SP-3 to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Ratings of Short-Term Obligations — Moody's short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody's and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-2 denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The rating P-3 denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term policyholder claims and obligations.  The rating NP denotes an issuer (or supporting institutions) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Standard & Poor's short-term ratings are generally assigned to obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days — including commercial paper. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to ‘D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

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Fitch Ratings' short-term ratings have a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest credit quality. It indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good credit quality. It indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings. A rating of F3 denotes fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. A rating of D indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

 

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PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28.
Exhibits
 
(a)
(1)
 
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated March 4, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 225, filed June 30, 2015 (“PEA No. 225”)
 
(2)
 
Certificates of Designation for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Fund, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund, American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund, and American Beacon Ionic Absolute Return Fund are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 208, filed December 19, 2014 (“PEA No. 208”)
 
(3)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 231, filed October 1, 2015 (“PEA No. 231”)
 
(4)
 
Certificates of Designation for American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 239, filed December 23, 2015 (“PEA No. 239”)
 
(5)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 253, filed April 1, 2016 (“PEA No. 253”)
 
(6)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 258, filed May 19, 2016 (“PEA No. 258”)
 
(7)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 262, filed August 16, 2016 (“PEA No. 262”)
 
(8)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 266, filed November 9, 2016 (“PEA No. 266”)
 
(9)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Alpha Quant Core Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Dividend Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Quality Fund, and American Beacon Alpha Quant Value Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 283, filed March 17, 2017 (“PEA No. 283”)
 
(10)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 286, filed March 30, 2017 (“PEA No. 286”)
 

 
(11)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 291, filed May 26, 2017 (“PEA No. 291”)
 
(12)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, filed September 11, 2017 (“PEA No. 297”)
 
(13)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund – (filed herewith)
 
(14)
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund – (filed herewith)
(b)
   
Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated February 18, 2014, amended as of November 7, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 310, filed February 28, 2018 (“PEA No. 310”)
(c)
   
Rights of holders of the securities being registered are contained in Articles III, VIII, X, XI and XII of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust and Articles III, V, VI and XI of the Registrant’s Bylaws
(d)
(1)(A)
 
Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 4, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(1)(B)
 
Amendment to Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated June 23, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 269, filed December 23, 2016 (“PEA No. 269”)
 
(1)(C)
 
Eighth Amendment to Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated December 27, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 313, filed on April 25, 2018 (“PEA No. 313”)
 
(1)(D)
 
Management Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 
(1)(E)
 
Management Agreement between American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation, Corp. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 306, filed December 22, 2017 (“PEA No. 306”)
 
(1)(F)
 
Management Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
 
(2)(A)(i)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 

 
(2)(A)(ii)
 
Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated June 8, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
 
(2)(B)(i)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(B)(ii)
 
Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, dated May 11, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(B)(iii)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Balanced Fund, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(C)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(D)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Foundry Partners, LLC, dated June 20, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 262
 
(2)(E)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(F)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(G)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Pzena Investment Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(H)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(I)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Zebra Capital Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(J)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 

 
(2)(K)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Massachusetts Financial Services Company, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(L)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(M)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(N)(i)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 228, filed August 28, 2015
 
(2)(N)(ii)
 
First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated January 28, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 245, filed February 4, 2016
 
(2)(O)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(P)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Acadian Asset Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(Q)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(R)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors Inc., and Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated June 28, 2018 – (filed herewith)
 
(2)(S)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(T)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(U)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Crescent Capital Group LP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 

 
(2)(V)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(W)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(X)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Ionic Capital Management LLC, dated June 22, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 225
 
(2)(Y)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Sound Point Capital Management, L.P., dated December 9, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 237, filed December 9, 2015 (“PEA No. 237”)
 
(2)(Z)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
 
(2)(AA)
 
Lead Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., dated September 21, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(2)(BB)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Basswood Capital Management, LLC, dated September 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(2)(CC)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Impala Asset Management, dated September 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(2)(DD)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Incline Global Management, LLC, dated September 29, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(2)(EE)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Tremblant Capital Group, dated September 28, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(2)(FF)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Payden & Rygel, dated August 13, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 234, filed October 27, 2015
 
(2)(GG)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated March 29, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 

 
(2)(HH)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and GLG LLC, dated May 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
 
(2)(II)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Numeric Investors LLC, dated October 27, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 264, filed October 28, 2016 (“PEA No. 264”)
 
(2)(JJ)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 275, filed January 25, 2017 (“PEA No. 275”)
 
(2)(KK)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 283
 
(2)(LL)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, dated April 3, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 286
 
(2)(MM)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated September 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297
 
(2)(NN)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Electron Capital Partners, LLC, dated August 24, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 300, filed October 23, 2017 (“PEA No. 300”)
 
(2)(OO)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation, Corp., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
 
(2)(PP)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
 
(2)(QQ)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and BNY Asset Management North America Corporation, dated February 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(2)(RR)
 
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated June 14, 2018 - (filed herewith)
 

 
(2)(SS)
 
Form of  Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Continuous Capital, LLC – (filed herewith)
(e)
(1)
 
Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated  March 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 312, filed March 28, 2018 (“PEA No. 312”)
 
(2)
 
Amendment to the Distribution Agreement  among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated  March 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 312
(f)
   
Bonus, profit sharing or pension plans – (none)
(g)
(1)
 
Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 1, 1997, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, filed February 26, 1998 (“PEA No. 24”)
 
(2)
 
Amended and Restated Schedule D to the Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
(h)
(1)(A)
 
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated January 1, 1998, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 24
 
(1)(B)
 
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement regarding anti-money laundering procedures, dated September 24, 2002, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42, filed February 28, 2003 (“PEA No. 42”)
 
(1)(C)
 
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement to replace fee schedule, dated March 26, 2004, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64, filed March 1, 2007
 
(1)(D)
 
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 24, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 278, filed February 28, 2017 (“PEA No. 278”)
 
(1)(E)
 
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated September 11, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 298, filed September 15, 2017
 
(1)(F)
 
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 303
 
(1)(G)
 
Amendment to and Assignment of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement from State Street Bank and Trust Company to Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. dated September 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(2)(A)
 
Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
 

 
(2)(B)
 
Joinder and First Amendment to Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated June 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
 
(2)(C)
 
Second Amendment to Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated September 18, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
 
(3)
 
Administration Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 
(4)(A)
 
Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated March 1, 2005, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 97
 
(4)(B)
 
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 7, 2010, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 97
 
(4)(C)
 
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 3, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129, filed February 2, 2012
 
(4)(D)
 
Seventh Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated August 28, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 166, filed September 20, 2013
 
(4)(E)
 
Eighth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 7, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 203, filed August 20, 2014
 
(4)(F)
 
Ninth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 11, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 
(4)(G)
 
Tenth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated March 22, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 291
 
(5)
 
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Investor Class, dated March 6, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77, filed August 3, 2009 (“PEA No. 77”)
 

 
(6)
 
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Advisor Class (formerly known as the AAdvantage Funds Service Class), dated May 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.45, filed May 1, 2003 (“PEA No. 45”)
 
(7)(A)
 
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated February 16, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.84, filed March 16, 2010
 
(7)(B)
 
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated October 21, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 
(8)(A)
 
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated May 25, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90, filed June 15, 2010 (“PEA No. 90”)
 
(8)(B)
 
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated October 21, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 
(9)
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 31, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70, filed February 29, 2008
 
(10)(A)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund and American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund, dated February 28, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(10)(B)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund, American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund, American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, dated November 8, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
 
(10)(C)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, dated November 8, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
 
(10)(D)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund, dated December 22, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 307, filed December 29, 2017 (“PEA No. 307”)
 
(10)(E)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Alpha Quant Core Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Dividend Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Quality Fund, and American Beacon Alpha Quant Value Fund, dated February 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 283
 

 
(10)(F)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, dated February 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 286
 
(10)(G)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund, dated August 23, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297
 
(10)(H)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for Ultra Class Shares of American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, dated August 23, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
 
(10)(I)
 
Agreement to Reimburse Certain Tax Expenses for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, dated December 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 307
 
(10)(J)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for R6 Class Shares of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, dated February 28, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(10)(K)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for R6 Class Shares of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, dated April 25, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(10)(L)
 
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund, American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund, American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund, American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund, American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund and American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund, dated May 18, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 315, filed May 30, 2018 (“PEA No. 315”).
(i)
   
Opinion and consent of counsel – (to be filed by amendment)
(j)
   
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – (to be filed by amendment)
(k)
   
Financial statements omitted from prospectus – (none)
(l)
   
Letter of investment intent, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, filed December 18, 1997
(m)
(1)
 
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Advisor Class (formerly known as the Service Class), is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 45
 
(2)(A)
 
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88, filed May 17, 2010
 

 
(2)(B)
 
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, dated October 21, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 
(3)(A)
 
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 90
 
(3)(B)
 
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, dated October 25, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
(n)
   
Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, dated November 4, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
(p)
(1)
 
Code of Ethics of American Beacon Advisors, Inc., American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated July 2, 2018 – (filed herewith)
 
(2)
 
Code of Ethics of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated December 31, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(3)
 
Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated January 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(4)
 
Code of Ethics of Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 25, 2005, and revised December 29, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(5)
 
Code of Ethics of Foundry Partners, LLC, dated July 10, 2013, and amended December 20, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 278
 
(6)
 
Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated August 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(7)
 
Code of Ethics and Personal Investment Policy of Lazard Asset Management  LLC, dated September 1, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(8)
 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Pzena Investment Management, LLC, revised December 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(9)
 
Code of Ethics and Policy Statement on Insider Trading of Franklin Templeton, parent company of Templeton Investments Counsel, LLC, dated May 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171, filed November 19, 2013
 
(10)
 
Code of Conduct and Personal Securities Trading Policy of The Bank of New York Mellon, parent company of BNY Mellon Asset Management North America Corporation, dated June 22, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 278
 
(11)
 
Code of Ethics of Zebra Capital Management, LLC, dated August 22, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
 

 
(12)
 
Code of Ethics of Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated June 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 305, filed December 20, 2017 (“PEA No. 305”)
 
(13)
 
Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Co., dated October 31, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 278
 
(14)
 
Code of Ethics of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), dated May 2009, as revised July 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 305
 
(15)
 
Code of Ethics for Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated August 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 288, filed April 25, 2017 (“PEA No. 288”)
 
(16)
 
Code of Ethics for Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated November 9, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(17)
 
Code of Ethics for The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated March 3, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 305
 
(18)
 
Code of Ethics for Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP, dated December 6, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 291
 
(19)
 
Code of Ethics for Acadian Asset Management LLC, dated January 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 291
 
(20)
 
Code of Ethics for Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated October 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(21)
 
Code of Ethics for AHL Partners LLP, GLG LLC and Numeric Investors LLC, as amended December 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(22)
 
Code of Ethics for Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 
(23)
 
Code of Ethics for Crescent Capital Group LP, dated April 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(24)
 
Code of Ethics for Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, dated December 15, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(25)
 
Code of Ethics for Ionic Capital Management LLC, dated September 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 288
 
(26)
 
Code of Ethics for Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. (GCM Grosvenor), dated March 15, 2018 is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(27)
 
Code of Ethics for Basswood Capital Management, LLC, dated February 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(28)
 
Code of Ethics for Impala Asset Management, dated November 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 

(29)
 
Code of Ethics for Incline Global Management, LLC, dated April 2012, as amended October 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(30)
 
Code of Ethics for Tremblant Capital Group, dated April 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(31)
 
Code of Ethics for Sound Point Capital Management, L.P., as amended February 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 305
 
(32)
 
Code of Ethics for Payden & Rygel, dated August 2014, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 239
 
(33)
 
Code of Ethics for Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated December 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 253
 
(34)
 
Code of Ethics for ARK Investment Management LLC, as amended February 16, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
 
(35)
 
Code of Ethics for Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 283
 
(36)
 
Code of Ethics for TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 286
(37)
 
Code of Ethics for WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P., dated February 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(38)
 
Code of Ethics for Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated August 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297
 
(39)
 
Code of Ethics for Electron Capital Partners, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
 
(40)
 
Code of Ethics for Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated May 1, 2016 – (filed herewith)
 
(41)
 
Code of Ethics for Magnetar Asset Managers, LLC dated January 2018 – (to be filed by amendment)
 
(42)
 
Code of Ethics for Continuous Capital, LLC, dated April 30, 2018 – (filed herewith)

Other Exhibits
 
(i)
Powers of Attorney for Trustees of American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, dated February 27, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
 
(ii)
Power of Attorney for Claudia A. Holz, dated April 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
 

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

None.

Item 30.
Indemnification

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

Limitation of Liability

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

Indemnification

Section 2.

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

(i)         every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as "Covered Person") shall be indemnified by the appropriate portfolios to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;

(ii)         the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or thereafter, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.

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

(i)         who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
 

(ii)        in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office (A) by the court or other body approving the settlement; (B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial‑type inquiry); or (C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial‑type inquiry); provided, however, that any Shareholder may, by appropriate legal proceedings, challenge any such determination by the Trustees, or by independent counsel.

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

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

(i)         such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking;

(ii)         the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments; or

(iii)        either a majority of the Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to indemnification under this Section 2.

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 10 of the Management Agreement provides that:

10. Limitation of Liability of the Manager. The Manager shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Trust or any Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relate except a loss resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.  Any person, even though also an officer, partner, employee, or agent of the Manager, who may be or become an officer, Board member, employee or agent of a Trust shall be deemed, when rendering services to a Trust or acting in any business of a Trust, to be rendering such services to or acting solely for a Trust and not as an officer, partner, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of the Manager even though paid by it. The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and, therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of the Manager under such laws.  This Paragraph 10 does not in any manner preempt any separate written indemnification commitments made by the Manager with respect to any matters encompassed by this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of and to the extent of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

9.  Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.
 
Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with AHL Partners LLP provides, in relevant part, that:

9. Liability. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders, the Manager or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities or commodities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement, relating to its trading activities or information provided to the Manager regarding the Adviser, by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of the Adviser under such laws.
 

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC provides, in relevant part, that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with ARK Investment Management LLC  provides, in relevant part, that:

9. Liability of the Parties . The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person of the Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act (“Affiliated Person”), and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager (“Controlling Person”), against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such Affiliated Person or Controlling Person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust or the Funds that  may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any Affiliate Person acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, any Affiliated Person of the Adviser, and each Controlling Person of the Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Adviser or its Affiliated Persons or Controlling Person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s responsibilities to the Trust or the Funds that may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any Affiliated Person acting on behalf of the Manager of the Manager’s obligations and/or duties under its agreements with the Trust or the Funds.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 16 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Basswood Capital Management, LLC provides that:

16. Liability and Indemnification by Parties.

A.
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Manager, Lead Adviser, the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

B.
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

C.
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

D.
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
 

E.
No party will be liable to another party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with BNY Mellon Asset Management North America Corporation provides that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Continuous Capital, LLC provides that:
 
9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Crescent Capital Group LP provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. Neither the Adviser nor any director, officer or employee of the Adviser performing services for the Trust in connection with the Adviser’s discharge of its obligations hereunder shall have liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 14 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Electron Capital Partners, LLC provides that:

14. Liability and Indemnification by Parties
 
A.
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement
 

B.
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement

C.
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement

D.
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
 

No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

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

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
Numbered Paragraphs 10 and 11 of the Lead Investment Advisory Agreement with Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. provide that:

10. Liability of the Lead Adviser. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Lead Adviser, the Lead Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, the Funds or to any shareholder of the Funds or any third party for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any investment by a Fund.

11. Indemnification

A.
The Lead Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, any affiliated person of the Manager within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager or Trust, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (collectively, “Claims”), to which the Manager or Trust or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Lead Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement provided, however, that the Lead Adviser’s obligation under this Section 11A  shall be reduced to the extent that such Claim is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any material breach by the Manager of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the Manager, its affiliated person or controlling person in the performance of any of its or their duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Manager that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager or the Trust by the Lead Adviser. The indemnification in this Section 11A shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

B.
The Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (collectively, “Claims”), to which the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement provided, however, that the Manager’s obligation under this Section 11B  shall be reduced to the extent that such Claim is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any material breach by the Lead Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misfeasance, bad faith,  gross negligence  or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser, its affiliated person or controlling person in the performance of any of its or their duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Lead Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was  made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser by the Manager.  The indemnification in this Section 11B shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

C.
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.

D.
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

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

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 14 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Impala Asset Management provides that:

14. Liability and Indemnification by Parties.

A.
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

B.
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

C.
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

D.
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.

E.
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 14 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Incline Global Management, LLC provides that:

14. Liability and Indemnification by Parties.
 

A.
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein (and not superseded by revisions provided to Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust prior to the publication of the relevant document or communication). The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

B.
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

C.
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

D.
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.

E.
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

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

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Manager, the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard or material breach of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.

The Manager shall have no liability to the Adviser or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s responsibilities to the Adviser which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard or material breach of, the Manager’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager.
 

The indemnifications in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

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

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with Numeric Investors LLC provides that:

9. Liability. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders, the Manager or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement, relating to its trading activities or information provided to the Manager regarding the Adviser, by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of the Adviser under such laws.

Neither the Manager nor the Trust shall have any liability to the Adviser or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Manager and the Trust agree to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Adviser may become subject under the securities or commodities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s or the Trust’s responsibilities to the Adviser which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Manager’s or the Trust’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by either of the Manager or the Trust or by any of their directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of either.

The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Payden & Rygel provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

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

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

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Sound Point Capital Management, L.P. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbered Paragraph 15 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Tremblant Capital LP provides that:

15. Liability and Indemnification by Parties.

A.
The Underlying Adviser, and its officers, members, partners and employees, shall have no liability to the Manager, the Lead Adviser, the Fund, Fund shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, except that  the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, or any controlling person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of the Fund, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Fund, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise,  arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus and/or proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Allocated Portion  or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact that was known, or should have been known, to the Underlying Adviser which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Fund by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

B.
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, or any controlling person  within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), incurred by the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, and/or proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 

C.
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, or any controlling person, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, of the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), incurred by the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person arising out of (i) the Manager’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Manager’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, and/or proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by Manager or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Manager for use therein.  The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

D.
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any claim for indemnification (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.

E.
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP provides that:

9. Liability. The Adviser, including its officers, directors, employees and agents shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, its officers, directors, employees and agents (each such person, a “Manager Indemnified Persons”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and related expenses) (“Losses”), to which a Manager Indemnified Persons may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser, provided, however that the Manager’s obligation under this paragraph 9 shall be reduced to the extent that the Losses experienced by a Manager Indemnified Person are caused by or are otherwise directly related to a Manager Indemnified Person’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
 

The Manager, including its officers, directors, employees and agents shall have no liability to the Adviser, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, its officers, directors, employees and agents (each such person, an “Adviser Indemnified Persons”) against any and all Losses, to which an Adviser Indemnified Persons may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s responsibilities to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party, provided, however that the Manager’s obligation under this paragraph 9 shall be reduced to the extent that the Losses experienced by an Adviser Indemnified Person are caused by or are otherwise directly related to an Adviser Indemnified Person’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Adviser nor the Manager will be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damage.

The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P. provides that:

9. Liability of Adviser. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser’s responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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

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

Section 4.2 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:

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

  (i)
any material action (or omission to act) of Resolute or its agents taken in connection with this Agreement; provided, that such action (or omission to act) is taken in good faith and without willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by Resolute, or its affiliates, of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;

  (ii)
any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Client in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or exhibits to the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Resolute;

(iii)
any material breach of the Clients’ agreements, representations, warranties, and covenants in Sections 2.9 and 5.2 of this Agreement; or

(iv)
the reliance on or use by Resolute or its agents or subcontractors of information, records, documents or services which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Client or any agent of the Client, including but not limited to any Predecessor Records provided pursuant to Section 2.9(b).

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

(i)
any material action (or omission to act) of Resolute or its agents taken in connection with this Agreement, provided that such action (or omission to act) is taken in good faith and without willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by Resolute, or its affiliates, of its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
 

(ii)
any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Client in writing in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Resolute; or

(iii)
any material breach of Resolute’s agreements, representations, warranties and covenants set forth in Section 2.4 and 5.1 hereof.

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

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

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

Section 4.3 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:

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

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

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

(c)        No affiliate, director, officer, employee, manager, shareholder, partner, agent, counsel or consultant of either Party shall be liable at law or in equity for the obligations of such Party under this Agreement or for any damages suffered by the other Party related to this Agreement;

(d)        There are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement;

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

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

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

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

ABA shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, in his or her individual capacity, from and against any cost, asserted claim, liability or expense, including reasonable legal fees (collectively, “Liability”) based upon or arising out of (i) any duty of ABA under the Management Agreement (including ABA’s failure or omission to perform such duty), and (ii) any liability or claim against Indemnitee arising pursuant to Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rule 10b-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any similar or related federal, state or common law statutes, rules or interpretations. ABA’s indemnification obligations under this Letter Agreement shall be limited to civil and administrative claims or proceedings.

Item 31.

  I.
Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager

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

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

Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Sonia L. Bates; Asst. Treasurer, Dir. Tax & Financial Reporting
Asst. Treasurer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Asst. Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.
Rosemary K. Behan; Secretary
Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC
Christopher L. Collins; Director
 
Manager; APEM, L.L.C.; Director; ABA, Inc.; President and Director; Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; President and Director; Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President and Director; Resolute Topco, Inc.; Vice President and Director; Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.
Stephen C. Dutton; Director
 
Manager; APEM, L.L.C.; Vice President & Treasurer and Director; Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., Vice President & Treasurer and Director; Resolute Acquisition, Inc., Vice President & Treasurer and Director; Resolute Topco, Inc., Vice President and Director; Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.
Melinda G. Heika; Treasurer
Treasurer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC
 

Takashi B. Moriuchi; Director
Manager; APEM, L.L.C.; Director; Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., Director; Resolute Acquisition, Inc., Director; Resolute Topco, Inc., Director; Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.
Gene L. Needles, Jr.; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Director, President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, Resolute Topco, Inc., President & CEO, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, ARK Investment Management LLC; Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC; Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl; Chief Operating Officer
Senior Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Vice President, American Private Equity Management; Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, Resolute Topco, Inc., Chief Operating Officer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC; Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Continuous Capital, LLC

The principal address of the Manager, the American Beacon Funds, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C., and Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, and Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. is 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039.

II.
Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

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

American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039.

Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (“Aberdeen”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund. The principal address of Aberdeen is 10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, AB10 1XL. Information as to the officers and directors of Aberdeen is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 162309), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Acadian Asset Management LLC (“Acadian”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund.  The principal address of Acadian is 260 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110.

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

Name; Current Position with Acadian
Other Substantial Business and Connections
John Chisholm; Executive Vice President, co-CEO, co-CIO
Director, Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd, Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd, Acadian Asset Management (Japan), Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Ross Dowd; Executive Vice President,  co-CIO
Director, Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd; Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd.; Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Acadian Asset Management (Japan)
Mark Minichiello; Executive Vice President, COO, Treasurer, Secretary
Director, Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd; Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd, Acadian Asset Management (Japan), Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Jennifer Souza, Member of Board of Managers
Senior Vice President, Director of Affiliate Management – BSIG Inc. (a holding company); Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor); Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC (an investment adviser)
Christopher Hadley; Member of Board of Managers
Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer – BrightSphere Investment Group, plc (“BSIG”- a public company traded on the NYSE); Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer – BSIG Inc. (a holding company); Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor)
 

Aidan Riordan; Member of Board of Managers
Executive Vice President, Head of Affiliate Management - BrightSphere Investment Group, plc (“BSIG”-  a public company traded on the NYSE); Director, Executive Vice President, Head of Affiliate Management - BSIG Inc. (a holding company);  Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor); Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (an investment advisor); The Campbell Group, Inc. (a holding company for Campbell Global LLC); Copper Rock Capital Partners LLC (an investment advisor); Landmark Partners LLC (an investment adviser); BSIG International Ltd. (an investment adviser); Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (an investment adviser)
Stephen Belgard; Member of Board of Managers
Chief Executive Officer – BrightSphere Investment Group, plc (“BSIG” – a public company traded on the NYSE); BSIG, Inc. (a holding company) Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment adviser); Landmark Partners LLC (an investment adviser); BSIG International Ltd. (an investment advisor)

AHL Partners LLP (“AHL”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.  The principal address of AHL is 2 Swan Lane, London, United Kingdom EC4R 3AD.  Information as to the officers and directors of AHL is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 167882), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (‘‘Alpha Quant’’), formerly known as Crest Investment Partners, LLC, is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the  American Beacon Alpha Quant Core Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Dividend Fund, Alpha Quant Quality Fund and Alpha Quant Value Fund.   The principal address of Alpha Quant is 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039.  On October 14, 2016 Alpha Quant became an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, which is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P.  Prior to October 14, 2016, it was founded in September 2011 as a subsidiary of Cypress Capital Group and affiliated of Cypress Trust Co. Information as to the Officers and Directors of Alpha Quant is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 285855), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ARK Investment Management LLC (“ARK”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund.  The principal address for ARK is 155 West 19th Street, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10011.  ARK was formed in June 2013, and registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2014. Information as to the Officers and Directors of ARK is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 169525), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. (“Bahl & Gaynor”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund.  The principal address of Bahl & Gaynor is 255 East Third Street, Suite 2700 Cincinnati, OH 45202.  Information as to the officers and directors of Bahl & Gaynor is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 106139), and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

Name; Current Position with Barrow
Other Substantial Business and Connections
James P. Barrow; President, Founding Director
None
J. Ray Nixon; Executive Director, Member Board of Managers
None
Cory L. Martin, Executive Director, Member Board of Managers
None
Patricia B. Andrews; Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, Managing Director
None
J. Scott McDonald; Managing Director
None
Mark C. Luchsinger; Managing Director
None
Aidan J. Riordan; Member Board of Managers
OMAM, Inc., Executive Vice President and  Head of Affiliate Management and Global Distribution

Basswood Capital Management, LLC (“Basswood”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Basswood is 645 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022.  Information as to the officers and directors of Basswood is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 138032), and is incorporated herein by reference.

BNY Mellon Asset Management North America Corporation (“BNY Mellon AMNA”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of BNY Mellon AMNA is One Boston Place, Boston, MA 02108.

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

Name; Current Position with BNY Mellon AMNA
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Des MacIntyre – President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
None
Adam B. Joffe; Chief Business Officer
None
Linda T. Lillard – Chief Operating Officer
None
John P. Shea – Chief Financial Officer
None

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

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

Name; Current Position with Brandywine
Other Substantial Business and Connections
David F. Hoffman; Senior Managing Director
None
Mark P. Glassman; Chief Administrative Officer
None
Patrick S. Kaser; Managing Director
None
Paul R. Lesutis; Senior Managing Director
None
Henry F. Otto; Senior Managing Director
None
Stephen S. Smith; Senior Managing Director
None
Adam B. Spector; Managing Director
None
Steven M. Tonkovich; Senior Managing Director
None
Christopher D. Marzullo; General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
None
John D. Kenney; Elected Manager
None
Patricia Lattin; Elected Manager
None
Jeffrey Masom; Elected Manager
None
Ursula Schliessler; Elected Manager
None

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

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

Name; Current Position with Bridgeway
Other Substantial Business and Connections
John N. R. Montgomery; Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Investment Officer
Vice President and Director, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Linda G. Giuffre; Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Tammira Y. Philippe; Director, President
President and Director, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Von D. Celestine; Treasurer, Vice President/Secretary
None
Richard P. Cancelmo; Vice President
Vice President, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
Franklin J. Montgomery; Director
None
Ann M. Montgomery; Director
Sage Education Group, LLC - Owner
Tom C. Tinsley, Director
Contegix - Board of Directors; Trax Technologies - Board of Directors; 55 IP -Board Member; Strattam Capital - Advisory Board Member; Life Flight of Maine, Board Member; Island Institute, Board Member;  Teach for America - DC region, , Board Member; General Atlantic, Advisory Director;  Intermedia - Mountain View California, Board Member
 

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

Continuous Capital, LLC (“Continuous Capital”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund.  The principal office of Continuous Capital is 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039.  Information as to the officers and directors of Continuous Capital is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 292774), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Crescent Capital Group LP (“Crescent Capital”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund, whose principal office is located at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

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

Name; Current Position with Crescent Capital
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Mark L. Attanasio; Managing Partner
Sepulveda Distributors LLC, Crescent Capital’s wholly-owned limited purpose broker dealer; Chairman and Principal Owner of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club

Electron Capital Partners, LLC (“Electron”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Electron is 599 Lexington Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10022.  Information as to the officers and directors of Electron is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 166102), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Foundry Partners, LLC (“Foundry”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Foundry is 323 Washington Avenue N., Suite 360, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Information as to the officers and directors of Foundry is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 164863), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 

Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. (“Garcia Hamilton”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund. The principal address of Garcia Hamilton is 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas 77010. Information as to the officers and directors of Garcia Hamilton is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 108017), and is incorporated herein by reference.

GLG LLC ("GLG") is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund.  The principal address of GLG is 452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor New York, NY.  GLG is an investment advisory firm formed in April 2002. GLG is a limited liability company that is directly owned by Man Litchfield, Inc. Man Litchfield is a wholly owned subsidiary of Man Investments Holdings, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Man Group plc, the ultimate parent company of GLG.
Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of GLG is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

Name; Current Position with GLG
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Eric Burl; President
Head of Americas
Man Americas
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
 
Director & President
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
6836 Morrison Blvd., Suite 430
Charlotte, NC  28211
 
President
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Blvd., Suite 1102
Stamford, CT  06901
 
Director & President
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Director
Managed Funds Association
600 14th Street, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC  20005
 

Rick Hanna; Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
Man Americas
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Vice President
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Director & Vice President
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
6836 Morrison Blvd., Suite 430
Charlotte, NC  28211
 
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Numeric Investors LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02210
 
Vice President
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Blvd., Suite 1102
Stamford, CT  06901
Nadine Le Gall; Chief Compliance Officer
Head of Compliance Americas
Man Americas
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Chief Compliance Officer
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
Solomon Kuckelman; Secretary
General Counsel Americas
Man Americas
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Secretary
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Director & Secretary
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
6836 Morrison Blvd., Suite 430
Charlotte, NC  28211
 

 
Secretary & Legal Officer
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Secretary
Numeric Investors LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02210
 
Secretary
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Blvd., Suite 1102
Stamford, CT  06901
David Gallias, Treasurer
Head of US Finance
Man Americas
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Treasurer
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Treasurer
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
6836 Morrison Blvd., Suite 430
Charlotte, NC  28211
 
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and FINOP
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY  10018
 
Treasurer
Numeric Investors LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02210
 
Treasurer
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Blvd., Suite 1102
Stamford, CT  06901

Global Evolution USA, LLC (“Global Evolution”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund.  The principal address of Global Evolution is One World Trade Center, Suite 8500, 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY, 10007, United States.  Global Evolution’s parent company is Global Evolution Fondsmӕglerselskab A/S and is located at Kokholm 3A, DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark.
 

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

Name; Current Position with Global Evolution
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Soren Rump; Director
None
Morten Bugge; Director
None
Kasper Jorgensen, Head of Legal and Compliance
None

Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P.  (“Grosvenor”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Grosvenor is 900 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611.   Information as to the officers and directors of Grosvenor is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 108654), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC (“Hillcrest”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Hillcrest is 2805 Dallas Parkway, Suite 250, Plano, Texas 75093

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

Name; Current Position with Hillcrest
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Brian Bruce; Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
None
Deborah Ann Trask; Chief Operating Officer
None
Douglas E. Stark; Managing Director
None
Brandon L. Troegle; Managing Director
None

Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC (“Hotchkis”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Hotchkis is 725 South Figueroa Street, 39th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017-5439.

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

Name; Current Position with Hotchkis
Other Substantial Business and Connections
George H. Davis; Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee Member
Trustee of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Director of Hotchkis & Wiley Ltd.
James E. Menvielle; Chief Financial Officer
Vice President and Treasurer of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
Anna Marie S. Lopez; Chief Operating Officer
President of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Director of Hotchkis & Wiley Ltd.
Tina H. Kodama; Chief Compliance Officer
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
Scott McBride; President and Executive Committee Member
None
C. Nigel Hurst-Brown; Executive Committee
Member
Chief Executive and Director of Hotchkis and Wiley Ltd., Non-executive director of Borders and Southern Petroleum PLC and Deputy Chairman of Central Asia Metals PLC
Douglas H. Martin; Executive Committee Member
Senior Managing Director of Stephens Inc. and Board of Director of Conns, Inc.

Impala Asset Management, LLC (“Impala”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Impala is 107 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840.  Information as to the officers and owners of Impala is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 138752), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Incline Global Management, LLC (“Incline Global”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Incline Global is 40 West 57th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10019.  Information as to the officers and directors of Incline Global is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 162607), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Ionic Capital Management LLC is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund.  The principal address of Ionic Capital Management LLC (together with its advisory affiliate, Ionic Capital Advisors LLC, “Ionic”) is 475 Fifth Ave., 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

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

Name; Current Position with Ionic
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Bart E. Baum; Principal, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer
None
Lawrence J. Baum, Chief Risk Officer
None
Adam S. Radosti; Principal and Portfolio Manager
None
Daniel L. Stone; Principal, Portfolio Manager
None
John C. Richardson; Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
None
Arthur G. Vaccarino; Chief Technology Officer
None
Douglas J. Mallach; Chief Administrative Officer
None
Steven G. Vecchio; Chief Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel
None
Matthew G. Begley; Chief Financial Officer
None
 

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

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

Name; Current Position with Lazard
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Ashish Bhutani; Director, CEO
Vice Chairman, Lazard Ltd.
Gerard B. Mazzari; COO
Chief Financial Officer, Lazard Asset Management Securities, LLC
Nathan A. Paul; Chief Business Officer
None
Mark R. Anderson; General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Compliance Officer of the Lazard Mutual Funds and Lazard Asset Management Securities, LLC
Kenneth M. Jacobs; Director
None
Alexander F. Stern; Director
None
Andrew Lacey; Deputy Chairman
None
John Reinsberg; Deputy Chairman
None
Robert P. DeConcini; Chairman
None
Andreas Huebner; Senior Managing Director
None

Magnetar Asset Management, LLC (“Magnetar”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Magnetar is 1603 Orrington Avenue, 13th Floor, Evanston, IL 60201. Information as to the officers and directors of Magnetar is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 285287), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of MFS is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199.  MFS is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial, Inc. (a diversified financial services company), located at Sun Life Financial Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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

Name; Current Position with MFS
Other Substantial Business and Connections
During the Past Two Fiscal Years
Robert J. Manning; Director, Executive Chairman of MFS and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Trustee of various funds within the MFS Funds complex+; Co-Chief Executive Officer of MFS (2015-2016)
Heidi Hardin; Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
Harris Associates (investment management), General Counsel (from September 2015 to January 2017)
Michael W. Roberge; Director, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
None+
Amrit Kanwal; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
None+
David A. Antonelli; Vice Chairman
None+
Robin A. Stelmach; Vice Chairman
Trustee of various funds within the MFS Funds complex+; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President (until January 2017)
Carol W. Geremia; President
None+
Martin Wolin; Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Compliance Officer of the MFS Funds and of MFS
Kevin D. Strain; Director
None
Stephen C. Peacher; Director
President of Sun Life Investment Management and Chief Investment Officer of Sun Life Financial, Inc.

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

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

Investment Adviser Corporate Affiliate
Address
MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc.
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199 U.S.A.
MFS Fund Distributors, Inc.
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199 U.S.A.
MFS Service Center Inc.
100 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02171 U.S.A.
MFS International LTD.
Canon's Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM12, Bermuda
MFS International Holdings PTY LTD
One Carter Lane
London EC4V 5ER U.K.
MFS International Australia PTY LTD
Level 15, 20 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
MFS International (U.K.) Limited
One Carter Lane
London EC4V 5ER, U.K.
MFS International Switzerland GMBH
Bahnhofstrasse 100, 8001
Zurich, Switzerland
 

MFS International (Hong Kong) Limited
Unit 1301, 13th Floor
Henley Building
5 Queen's Road
Central, Hong Kong
MFS Financial Management (Shanghai) Co., LTD
Suite 3137, 31st Floor, No. 88 Century Avenue
Shanghai, China
MFS do Brasil Desenvolvimento de Mercado Ltda. (Brazil)
Rua Joaquim Floriano, 1.052 – 11o Andar,
conjunto 111, Itaim Bibi,
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil 04534-004
MFS International (Chile) SPA
Santiago Isidora 3000
Av Isidora Goyenechea #3000,
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
MFS International Singapore PTE. LTD.
501 Orchard Road,
#13-01/03/04 Wheelock Place
Singapore 238880
MFS Investment Management Company (LUX.) S.a.r.l.
35, Boulevard du Prince Henri
L-1724 Luxembourg
MFS Investment Management K.K.
16 F Daido Seimei Kasumigaseki Building, 1-4-2 Kasumigaseki 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan  100-0013
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc.
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199  U.S.A.
3060097 Nova Scotia Company
1959 Upper Water Street
Suite 1100, Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada  B3J3N2
MFS Investment Management Canada Limited
77 King Street West, 35th Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5K 1B7
MFS Bermuda Holdings LTD.
Canon's Court
22 Victoria Street
Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda
MFS Heritage Trust Company
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199  U.S.A.

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

Massachusetts Investors Trust
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund
MFS Series Trust I
MFS Series Trust II
MFS Series Trust III
MFS Series Trust IV
MFS Series Trust V
MFS Series Trust VI
MFS Series Trust VII
MFS Series Trust VIII
MFS Series Trust IX
MFS Series Trust X
MFS Series Trust XI
MFS Series Trust XII
MFS Series Trust XIII
MFS Series Trust XIV
 

MFS Series Trust XV
MFS Series Trust XVI
MFS Municipal Series Trust
MFS Variable Insurance Trust
MFS Variable Insurance Trust II
MFS Variable Insurance Trust III
MFS Institutional Trust
MFS California Municipal Fund
MFS Charter Income Trust
MFS Government Markets Income Trust
MFS High Income Municipal Trust
MFS High Yield Municipal Trust
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund
MFS Intermediate Income Trust
MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust
MFS Municipal Income Trust
MFS Multimarket Income Trust
MFS Special Value Trust

Numeric Investors LLC (“Numeric”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund.  The principal address of Numeric is 470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA.  Numeric is an investment advisory firm founded in 1989. Numeric is a wholly owned subsidiary of Numeric Midco LLC, which is wholly-owned by Numeric Holdings LLC.  Numeric Holdings LLC is a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of Man Group plc.
 
Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Numeric is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
 
Name; Current Position with Numeric
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Christopher Ancona, Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel (through December 2016)
Chesapeake Partners Management Co., Inc., and CP Management, LLC
2800 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 300
Baltimore, MD 21209
 
Gregory Bond, Director of Research
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
 
Eric Burl, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
 
 

Global Co-Head of Sales and Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
 
Director & President
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1950
Charlotte, NC 28202
 
President
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
 
 
Director & President
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 
President
GLG LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 
Director
Managed Funds Association
600 14th Street, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
 
Robert Furdak, co-Chief Investment Officer
 
Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
 
David Gallias, Treasurer
Treasurer
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1950
Charlotte, NC 28202
 
Treasurer
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
Treasurer
GLG LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and FINOP
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
Treasurer
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
 
Douglas Hamilton, Chief Operating Officer
 
None
 
Richard Hanna, Chief Financial Officer
 
Vice President (June 2016 – Present); Treasurer (November 2015 – June 2016)
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 
Vice President
GLG LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor New York, NY 10018
 
Vice President
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
 
Michael Kasper, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)
 
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02210
 
Solomon Kuckelman, Secretary
Secretary (June 2015 – Present)
GLG LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 
Secretary & Legal Officer
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 
Secretary
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
 
 
Secretary (June 2015 – Present)
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
 
 

Shanta Puchtler, Chief Executive Officer & President
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02210
 
Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
Sandy Rattray, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02210
Designated Member
AHL Partners LLP
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
 
Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
 
Daniel Taylor, co-Chief Investment Officer
 
None
 

Pacific Investment Management Company, LLC (“PIMCO”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.  The principal address of PIMCO is 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and partners of PIMCO, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and partners during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by PIMCO pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-48187).

Payden & Rygel (“P&R”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund.  The principal address of P&R is 333 South Grand Avenue, 32nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

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

Name; Current Position with P&R
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Joan Payden; President and Chief Executive Officer
None
Brian Matthews; Managing Principal and Chief Financial Officer
None
James Sarni; Managing Principal
None
Mary Beth Syal; Managing Principal
None
Scott Weiner; Managing Principal
None
Edward Garlock; Managing Principal
None
Asha Joshi; Managing Principal
None
Robin Creswell; Managing Principal
None
Gregory Morrison; Managing Principal
None

Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of Pzena is 320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of Pzena is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
 
Name; Current Position with Pzena
Other Substantial Business and Connections
John P. Goetz; Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and Member with Class B Units
None
Richard S. Pzena; Managing Principal; Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and Member with Class B Units and Class A common stock
None
William L. Lipsey; Managing Principal, Marketing & Client Services, and Member with Class B Units
None
Joan F. Berger; General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Member with Class B Units
None
Gary J. Bachman; Chief Financial Officer and Member with Class B Units and Class A common stock
None
Benjamin Silver; Portfolio Manager, and Member with Class B Units
None

Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (“Shapiro”), is a registered investment adviser and is an investment subadvisor for the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund. The principal address of Shapiro is 3060 Peachtree Road NW #1555, Atlanta, GA 30305. On April 13, 2017, Shapiro became a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P. Shapiro was founded in 1990. Information as to the Officers and Directors of Shapiro is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105581), and is incorporated herein by reference.

Sound Point Capital Management, LP (“Sound Point”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund. The principal address of Sound Point is 375 Park Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10152. Information as to the officers and directors of Sound Point is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 157479), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 

Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC (“SIMG”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund.  The principal address of SIMG and Stephens Inc. is 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.

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

Name; Current Position with SIMG
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Joseph W. Simpson; President and Chief Executive Officer, Manager
Executive Vice President, Stephens Inc.
Ryan E. Crane; Chief Investment Officer, Manager, Member Class B
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
Michael W. Nolte; Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, Manager
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
David C. Prince; Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
 
Strategic Income Management, LLC (“SiM”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund.  The principal address of SiM is 1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 713, Seattle, WA 98109.

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

Name; Current Position with SiM
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Brian Placzek; Manager, Member, Vice President
None
Gary J. Pokrzywinski; Manager, Member, President
None
Timothy T. Black; Elected Manager, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Executive Officer
None

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

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

Name; Current Position with SGA
Other Substantial Business and Connections
George P. Fraise; Co-Founder
Director – Workspace Education Inc.; Managing Member – GFC Holdings LLC
Gordon Marchand; Co-Founder
 
Board Director- Chase Investment Counsel; Board Director- Zounds Hearing Inc.
Robert L. Rohn; Co-Founder
Board Director – The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk – 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT

Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC (“Templeton”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund.  The principal address of Templeton is 300 Southeast 2nd Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301.

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

Name; Current Position with Templeton
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Antonio T. Docal; Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager
None
Thomas J. Fisher, Jr., Executive Vice President
None
Peter A. Nori; Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager
None
Craig S. Tyle; Chief Legal Officer
None
Mark L. Constant; Treasurer
None
Michael J. D’Agrosa; Chief Compliance Officer
None
Gregory E. McGowan; Executive Vice President
None
Madison S. Gulley; Executive Vice President
None

The London Company Of Virginia, LLC (“London Company”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon London Company Income Equity Fund.  The principal place of business address of London Company is 1800 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, Virginia 23226.

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

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

Tremblant Capital Group (“Tremblant”) is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund.  The principal address of Tremblant is 767 Fifth Avenue, Floor 12A, New York, NY 10153.  Information as to the officers and directors of Tremblant is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 138743), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP ("TwentyFour") is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund.  The principal address of TwentyFour is 1540 Broadway, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10036.  Information as to the officers and directors of TwentyFour is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 285791), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P. (“WEDGE”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Mid-Cap Value Fund.  The principal address of WEDGE is 301 South College Street, Suite 3800, Charlotte, NC 28202.

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

Name; Current Position with WEDGE
Other Substantial Business and Connections During the Past Two Fiscal Years
Bradley Fisher; General Partner
None
Bradley Horstmann; Chief Compliance Officer and General Partner
None
Martin Robinson; General Partner
None
John Norman; General Partner
None
Andrei Bolshakov; General Partner
None
Darrin Witt; General Partner
None
Brian Pratt; General Partner
None
Donald Cleven; General Partner
None
Caldwell Calame; General Partner
None
Leah Long; General Partner
None
Andrew Rosenberg; General Partner
None
Richard Wells; General Partner
None

Zebra Capital Management, LLC (“Zebra”) is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund.  The principal address of Zebra is 2187 Atlantic Street, 4th Floor, Stamford, CT  06902.

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

Name; Current Position with Zebra
Other Substantial Business and Connections
Roger G. Ibbotson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer
Professor in the Practice Emeritus of Finance at Yale School of Management
John J. Holmgren, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer
None
Kevin J. Lake, Chief Compliance Officer
Attorney-at-Law
1440 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10018

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

Item 32.
Principal Underwriter

(a)        Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

1.
American Beacon Funds
2.
American Beacon Select Funds
3.
American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
4.
American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund
5.
American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund

(b)        The following are the Officers and Managers of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter.  The Distributor’s main business address is 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039.

Name
Address
Position with Underwriter
Position with Registrant
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
220 E. Las Colinas Blvd,
STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039
Chairman, President and CEO
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
220 E. Las Colinas Blvd,
STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
Robert Campbell
220 E. Las Colinas Blvd,
STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039
FinOp
None
Rosemary K. Behan
220 E. Las Colinas Blvd,
STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039
Secretary
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Brian E. Brett
220 E. Las Colinas Blvd,
STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039
Vice President
Vice President
Christina E. Sears
220 E. Las Colinas Blvd,
STE 1200, Irving, TX  75039
Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary

(c)
Not applicable.
 

Item 33.
Location of Accounts and Records

The books and other documents required by Section 31(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained in the physical possession of 1) the Trust's custodian and fund accounting agent at State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110; 2) the Manager at American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039; 3) the Trust’s transfer agent, DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., 330 West 9th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64105; 4) Mastercraft, 3021 Wichita Court, Fort Worth, Texas 76140; or 5) the Trust's investment advisers at the addresses listed in Item 31 above.

Item 34.
Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 35.
Undertakings

Not applicable.
 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 317 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irving and the State of Texas, on July 31, 2018.

 
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
   
 
By:
/s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.
 
   
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
 
   
President
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 317 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.
 
President (Principal Executive Officer)
 
July 31, 2018
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
       
         
/s/ Melinda G. Heika
 
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
July 31, 2018
Melinda G. Heika
       
         
Gilbert G. Alvarado*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Gilbert G. Alvarado
       
         
Joseph B. Armes*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Joseph B. Armes
       
         
Gerard J. Arpey*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Gerard J. Arpey
       
         
Brenda A. Cline*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Brenda A. Cline
       
         
Eugene J. Duffy*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Eugene J. Duffy
       
         
Alan D. Feld*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Alan D. Feld
       
         
Claudia A. Holz*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Claudia A. Holz
       
         
Douglas A. Lindgren*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Douglas A. Lindgren
       
         
Richard A. Massman*
 
Chairman and Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Richard A. Massman
       
         
Barbara J. McKenna*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
Barbara J. McKenna
       
         
R. Gerald Turner*
 
Trustee
 
July 31, 2018
R. Gerald Turner
       
         

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

EXHIBIT INDEX

Type:
Description:
 
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors Inc., and Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated June 28, 2018
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated June 14, 2018
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Continuous Capital, LLC
Code of Ethics of American Beacon Advisors, Inc., American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. , dated July 2, 2018
Code of Ethics for Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated May 1, 2016
Code of Ethics for Continuous Capital, LLC, dated April 30, 2018