N-CSRS 1 d352156dncsrs.htm N-CSRS N-CSRS

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-4984

 

 

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Address of principal executive offices)-(Zip code)

 

 

GENE L. NEEDLES, JR., PRESIDENT

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: August 31, 2017

Date of reporting period: February 28, 2017

 

 

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

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

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


LOGO


About American Beacon Advisors

 

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

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

SiM HIGH YIELD OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Investments in high-yield securities are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks.

SOUND POINT FLOATING RATE INCOME FUND

The Fund’s investments in high-yield securities, including loans, restricted securities and floating rate securities are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. In addition, loans are subject to the risk that the Fund may not be able to obtain the collateral securing the loan in a timely manner, and the value of the collateral may not cover the amount owed on the loan.

Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Funds’ risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of these Funds will be met.

 

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

 

American Beacon Funds    February 28, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

     1  

Performance Overviews

     2  

Expense Examples

     6  

Schedules of Investments:

  

American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

     8  

American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

     12  

Financial Statements

     18  

Notes to Financial Statements

     22  

Financial Highlights:

  

American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

     45  

American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

     48  

Additional Fund Information

     Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

In the weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 8, 2016, uncertainty about the outcome caused many investors to stay on the sidelines. Some investors questioned whether the election’s result would have negative consequences for their portfolios, although elections have rarely had a lasting effect on the market.

 

Following the election, the markets responded positively to aspects of the incoming administration’s proposed plans for economic growth; i.e., repatriating jobs from overseas, relaxing regulations, lowering taxes and increasing infrastructure spending. From Election Day 2016 to Inauguration Day 2017, the S&P 500 Index – a broad measure of the performance of large U.S. companies – climbed approximately 6%. From Inauguration Day to February 28, it gained approximately 4%.

Economists anticipated the Federal Reserve would increase the federal funds rate – perhaps as early as mid-March. The Federal Open Market Committee’s confidence in the improving U.S. economy was exhibited in December 2016 when short-term interest rates increased by 0.25% to a range of 0.50% to 0.75%. It was the second increase since 2008; the first increase occurred in December 2015.

For the six-month period that ended February 28, 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which follows the performance of 30 significant stocks trading on the New York Stock Exchange and The NASDAQ Stock Market, gained 14.51%; and the S&P 500 Index, a domestic equity bellwether, grew 10.01%. In contrast, during the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index, a benchmark for domestic corporate and government bonds, returned -2.19%; the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, which represents domestic, below-investment-grade corporate debt, returned 5.54%; and the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index, which represents the U.S.denominated, leveraged-loan market, returned 4.30%.

For the 6 months ended February 28, 2017:

 

    American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund (Investor Class) returned 5.55%.

 

    American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund (Investor Class) returned 3.86%.

At American Beacon Advisors, we are proud to offer a broad range of global equity and fixed-income funds sub-advised by experienced asset managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

Thank you for your continued interest in American Beacon Funds. For additional information about the Funds or to access your account information, please visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

 

  

Best Regards,

 

LOGO

 

Gene L. Needles, Jr.

President, American Beacon Funds

  

 

1


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) returned 5.55% for the six months ended February 28, 2017. The Fund outperformed the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index (the “Index”) return of 5.54% for the same period.

Total Returns for the Period ended February 28, 2017

 

     Ticker      6 Months*     1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     Since Inception
2/14/2011
 

Institutional Class (1,2,4)

     SHOIX        5.58     19.87     5.05     7.70     7.42

Y Class (1,2,4)

     SHOYX        5.67     19.95     5.01     7.63     7.32

Investor Class (1,2,4)

     SHYPX        5.55     19.57     4.72     7.37     7.01

A without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHOAX        5.50     19.43     4.67     7.24     6.93

A with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHOAX        0.52     13.77     3.00     6.21     6.07

C without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHOCX        5.11     18.63     3.90     6.47     6.17

C with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     SHOCX        4.11     17.63     3.90     6.47     6.17

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index (3)

        5.54     22.30     4.78     6.87     6.79

 

* Not Annualized.
1. Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
2. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class of the Fund has been waived since inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund was waived in 2011 and 2012 and partially recovered in 2013 and 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown in 2011 and 2012. A portion of the fees charged to the A, and C Classes of the Fund was waived from 2011 through 2014 and partially recovered in 2015 and 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2011 through 2014. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class of the Fund was waived from 2011 through 2013, partially recovered in 2015 and waived in 2016. Performance prior to waving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2011 through 2013 and in 2016.
3. The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated below-investment-grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. Qualifying securities must have a below-investment-grade rating and an investment-grade rated country of risk. In addition, qualifying securities must have at least one year remaining term to final maturity, a fixed coupon schedule and a minimum amount outstanding of $100 million. Defaulted securities and securities eligible for the dividends-received deduction are excluded from the Index. One cannot directly invest in an index.
4. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares was 0.92%, 0.92%, 1.18%, 1.24%, and 1.98%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

From a sector selection perspective, the Fund’s Energy, Finance, and Consumer sector holdings added to the Fund’s outperformance. On the other hand, issue selection within the Fund’s Service and Manufacturing sectors detracted from relative returns.

From a sector allocation standpoint, overweighting the Consumer sector detracted from Fund performance. Conversely, an overweight to the Energy sector contributed positively to relative returns.

From a credit quality selection perspective, the Fund’s relative performance was hindered by poor security selection in the CCC-rated credit category. This was partially offset by positive issue selection within the below C-rated and BB-rated credit categories, which were additive to Fund performance.

From a credit quality allocation standpoint, the Fund’s underweight to the BB-rated and overweight to the CCC-rated credit categories contributed positively to the Fund’s relative performance. In contrast, null weighting the CC-rated credit category detracted from the Fund’s returns.

 

 

2


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund has the flexibility to utilize derivative instruments and will do so to enhance return, hedge risk, manage liquidity, or to gain efficient exposure to an asset class. When considering the Fund’s use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Fund does not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage. During the period, the Fund experienced gains from the use of derivatives.

The sub-advisor’s investment process of identifying long-term secular themes and seeking out of favor sectors through bottom-up fundamental research remains in place.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

     

MEG Energy Corp., 7.00%, Due 3/31/2024, 144A

        2.5  

Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, Due 2/1/2022, 144A

        2.2  

Simmons Foods, Inc., 7.875%, Due 10/1/2021, 144A

        2.0  

Kissner Holdings LP / Kissner Milling Co. Ltd / BSC Holding Inc / Kissner USA, 8.375%, Due 12/1/2022, 144A

        1.9  

Ithaca Energy, Inc., 8.125%, Due 7/1/2019, 144A

        1.9  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.50%, Due 4/1/21

        1.8  

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 5.00%, Due 5/1/2025

        1.8  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 5.125%, Due 7/1/2022

        1.7  

Manitowoc Foodservice, Inc., 9.50%, Due 2/15/2024

        1.7  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc., 9.25%, Due 5/15/2023, 144A

        1.6  

Total Fund Holdings

     96     

Sector Allocation (% Investments)

     

Service

        35.5  

Manufacturing

        25.2  

Energy

        17.2  

Consumer

        10.2  

Transportation

        3.3  

Utilities

        2.7  

Financials

        2.6  

Telecommunications

        1.2  

Foreign Sovereign

        1.1  

Information Technology

        0.5  

Real Estate

        0.3  

Country Allocation (% Equities)

     

United States

        69.8  

Canada

        15.2  

United Kingdom

        4.5  

Luxembourg

        3.4  

Bermuda

        2.9  

Netherlands

        1.4  

Mexico

        1.3  

Greece

        0.5  

Brazil

        0.4  

Marshall Islands

        0.3  

Norway

        0.2  

Spain

        0.1  

S&P credit ratings for long-term obligations (or issuers thereof) are AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C, and D in decreasing order. For example, obligations rated AAA are judged to be of the highest quality, BBB to be of medium grade, CCC are judged to be speculative and obligations rated D are in default. Obligations rated in one of the four highest categories are considered to be investment grade while all other ratings are considered non-investment grade.

 

 

3


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund (the “Fund”) returned 3.86% for the six months ended February 28, 2017. The Fund underperformed the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (the “Index”) return of 4.30% for the same period.

Total Returns for the Period ended February 28, 2017

 

     Ticker      6 Months*     1 Year     3 Years     Since Inception  

Institutional Class (1,2,6)

     SPFLX        3.97     9.19     5.50     6.44

Y Class (1,2,3,6)

     SPFYX        3.92     9.11     5.39     6.37

Investor Class (1,2,3,6)

     SPFPX        3.86     8.90     5.30     6.30

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

     SOUAX        3.75     8.75     5.26     6.27

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

     SOUAX        1.17     5.99     4.37     5.63

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

     SOUCX        3.46     8.04     4.97     6.06

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

     SOUCX        2.46     7.04     4.97     6.06

SP Class (1,2,4,6)

     SPFRX        3.84     8.91     5.23     6.25

Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (5)

        4.30     12.55     3.82     4.54

 

* Not annualized.
1. Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
2. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.
3. Fund performance represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/3/12 up to 12/11/15, the inception date of the Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, and the returns of each Class since its inception. Expenses of the Institutional Class are lower than the other Classes. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had each Class been in existence since 12/3/12.
4. Fund performance represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/3/12 up to 5/30/14, the inception date of the SP Class, and the returns of the SP Class since its inception. Expenses of the Institutional Class are lower than the SP Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the SP Class been in existence since 12/3/12.
5. The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is an index designed to mirror the investable universe of the U.S. dollar-denominated leveraged loan market. One cannot directly invest in an index.
6. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and SP Class shares was 1.28%, 1.44%, 1.33%, 1.69%, 2.57%, and 1.51%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund’s underweight position in the commodity-sensitive sectors, primarily Energy and Metals/Materials, was the main source of underperformance as those sectors significantly outperformed the broader market. Stabilization in commodity prices during 2016 allowed the sectors to recover following a two-year correction, and an improved economic outlook gave investors confidence going forward. The Fund has been underweight these sectors since late-2014 when commodity prices first started deteriorating. The Fund’s significant outperformance in 2014 and 2015 was due to that positioning. In 2016, however, when the commodity markets turned, the Fund began to underperform.

The sub-advisor’s strategy seeks to avoid highly-leveraged, cyclical sectors (such as energy, mining, retail, and lodging) as they inevitably experience volatile corrections. Likewise, the strategy also avoids overly-hyped sectors (such as that which Health Care recently experienced) as market valuations became unattractive.

Also during the six-month period ended February 28, 2017, the Fund’s total assets increased from $110 million to $543 million as investors were encouraged by the floating-rate nature of the Fund and its incremental

 

 

4


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

yield. During this time, a significant amount of assets was invested in new holdings, and a portion was held in cash to help provide liquidity, if needed. These factors detracted slightly from returns as nearly all sectors of the bank loan market were positive during the period.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

     

Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B8, 3.75%, Due 2/8/2024

        1.8  

Interior Logic Group, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, 7.00%, Due 2/27/2024

        1.4  

DTI Holdco, Inc., 2016 Term Loan B, 1.00%, Due 9/21/2023

        1.3  

TPF II Power LLC, Syndicated Term Loan B, 5.50%, Due 10/2/2021

        1.1  

Global Tel Link Corp., Term Loan, 5.00%, Due 5/23/2020

        1.1  

Freedom Mortgage Corp., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 6.50%, Due 2/16/2022

        1.1  

Confie Seguros Holding II Co., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 4/19/2022

        1.1  

Blackboard, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B4, VR, 6.023%, Due 6/30/2021

        0.9  

Worldwide Express Operations LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.53%, Due 1/31/2024

        0.9  

Greenway Medical Technologies, Inc., 2017 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 2/14/2024

        0.9  

Total Fund Holdings

     264     

Sector Weightings (% Investments)

     

Manufacturing

        34.2  

Service

        31.4  

Financials

        13.7  

Telecommunications

        7.6  

Utilities

        4.1  

Transportation

        4.0  

Consumer

        2.9  

Energy

        2.1  

 

 

5


American Beacon Bond FundsSM

Expense Examples

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Expense Example

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees if applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative service fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from September 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

 

6


American Beacon Bond FundsSM

Expense Examples

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

 

     Beginning Account Value
9/1/2016
     Ending Account Value
2/28/2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period

9/1/2016-2/28/2017*
 

Institutional Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,055.79      $ 4.28  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.64      $ 4.21  

Y Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,056.70      $ 4.49  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.45      $ 4.41  

Investor Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,055.50      $ 5.71  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.23      $ 5.61  

A Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,055.02      $ 6.06  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.89      $ 5.96  

C Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,051.08      $ 9.87  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.20      $ 9.69  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.84%, 0.88%, 1.12%, 1.19%, and 1.94% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.
** 5% return before expenses.

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

 

     Beginning Account Value
9/1/2016
     Ending Account Value
2/28/2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period

9/1/2016-2/28/2017*
 

Institutional Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,039.72      $ 4.20  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.66      $ 4.16  

Y Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,039.17      $ 4.45  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.41      $ 4.41  

Investor Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,038.56      $ 5.21  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.68      $ 5.16  

A Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,037.46      $ 6.11  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.81      $ 6.06  

C Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,034.57      $ 9.74  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.20      $ 9.64  

SP Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,038.45      $ 5.61  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.29      $ 5.56  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.83%, 0.88%, 1.03%, 1.21%, 1.93%, and 1.11% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and SP Classes respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.
** 5% return before expenses.

 

 

7


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

COMMON STOCK - 1.75%

     

ENERGY- 0.78%

     

Oil & Gas - 0.78%

     

Granite Oil Corp.

     1,040,109      $ 4,565,454  

Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc.

     2,023,750        5,119,560  
     

 

 

 

Total Energy

        9,685,014  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS- 0.24%

     

Other Finance - 0.24%

     

Oslo Bors VPS Holdings ASA

     269,988        2,995,036  
     

 

 

 

MANUFACTURING- 0.08%

     

Basic Materials - 0.08%

     

CVR Partners LP A

     198,118        1,028,232  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE- 0.32%

     

Mortage Real Estate Investment Trusts - 0.32%

     

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. B

     359,000        3,984,900  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION- 0.33%

     

Other Transportation - 0.33%

     

Knot Offshore Partners LP A

     183,340        4,042,647  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stock (Cost $23,531,918)

        21,735,829  
     

 

 

 
     Principal Amount*         

DOMESTIC BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONS - 0.95% (Cost $11,369,091)

     

Transportation - 0.95%

     

Gol Luxco S.A., Term Loan, 6.50%, Due 8/31/2020 H

   $ 11,450,000        11,721,937  
     

 

 

 

DOMESTIC CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 0.81% (Cost $9,658,001)

     

Transportation - 0.81%

     

Titan Machinery, Inc., 3.75%, Due 5/1/2019

     10,770,000        10,069,950  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 89.93%

     

Consumer - 9.83%

     

AdvancePierre Foods Holdings, Inc., 5.50%, Due 12/15/2024C

     11,400,000        11,599,500  

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC/Hearthside Finance Co., 6.50%, Due 5/1/2022C D

     14,347,000        14,382,868  

JBS USA LLC / JBS USA Finance, Inc., 5.875%, Due 7/15/2024C D

     16,445,000        17,185,025  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc., 9.00%, Due 8/15/2023C

     13,570,000        13,858,362  

Minerva Luxembourg S.A., 6.50%, Due 9/20/2026C

     13,000,000        12,902,500  

Post Holdings, Inc., 5.00%, Due 8/15/2026C

     17,085,000        16,518,974  

Simmons Foods, Inc., 7.875%, Due 10/1/2021C

     23,220,000        24,439,050  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., 6.00%, Due 2/15/2024C

     10,444,000        10,992,310  
     

 

 

 
        121,878,589  
     

 

 

 

Energy - 15.95%

     

California Resources Corp.,

     

5.50%, Due 9/15/2021 M

     11,043,000        8,337,465  

8.00%, Due 12/15/2022C

     10,174,000        8,698,770  

CVR Refining LLC / Coffeyville Finance, Inc., 6.50%, Due 11/1/2022 D

     11,144,000        11,255,440  

Denbury Resources, Inc., 5.50%, Due 5/1/2022

     10,250,000        8,456,250  

Energen Corp., 7.125%, Due 2/15/2028

     5,410,000        5,558,775  

Ithaca Energy, Inc., 8.125%, Due 7/1/2019C

     22,852,000        23,737,515  

MEG Energy Corp., 7.00%, Due 3/31/2024C

     34,943,000        31,448,700  

Murphy Oil Corp.,

     

6.875%, Due 8/15/2024

     1,799,000        1,925,830  

7.05%, Due 5/1/2029

     6,150,000        6,595,875  

6.125%, Due 12/1/2042

     11,166,000        10,496,040  

Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, Due 2/1/2022C

     27,347,000        27,483,735  

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Energy - 15.95% (continued)

     

Northern Tier Energy LLC / Northern Tier Finance Corp., 7.125%, Due 11/15/2020D

   $ 13,975,000      $ 14,516,531  

Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.875%, Due 1/15/2023

     4,033,000        4,088,454  

Teine Energy Ltd., 6.875%, Due 9/30/2022C

     15,687,000        16,314,480  

Whiting Petroleum Corp., 5.75%, Due 3/15/2021

     18,975,000        18,880,125  
     

 

 

 
        197,793,985  
     

 

 

 

Finance - 2.29%

     

DFC Finance Corp., 10.50%, Due 6/16/2020C E

     12,145,708        7,651,796  

Iron Mountain US Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, Due 6/1/2026C

     7,205,000        7,168,975  

Tervita Escrow Corp., 7.625%, Due 12/1/2021C

     13,000,000        13,585,000  
     

 

 

 
        28,405,771  
     

 

 

 

Information Technology - 0.53%

     

Leidos, Inc., 5.50%, Due 7/1/2033

     6,996,000        6,510,246  
     

 

 

 

Manufacturing - 24.40%

     

Actuant Corp., 5.625%, Due 6/15/2022

     13,285,000        13,700,156  

Airxcel, Inc., 8.50%, Due 2/15/2022C

     7,650,000        7,879,500  

ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc., 6.50%, Due 6/15/2023C

     15,309,000        15,997,905  

Ball Corp., 4.00%, Due 11/15/2023

     7,750,000        7,740,313  

CBC Ammo LLC / CBC FinCo, Inc., 7.25%, Due 11/15/2021C D

     18,518,000        18,286,525  

Crown Americas LLC / Crown Americas Capital Corp., IV, 4.50%, Due 1/15/2023D

     15,925,000        16,343,031  

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 9.25%, Due 6/15/2023C F

     17,915,000        19,169,050  

Engility Corp., 8.875%, Due 9/1/2024C

     16,705,000        17,957,875  

Kissner Holdings LP / Kissner Milling Co. Ltd / BSC Holding Inc / Kissner USA, 8.375%, Due 12/1/2022C F

     22,605,000        23,396,175  

Leidos, Inc., 7.125%, Due 7/1/2032

     10,336,000        11,146,601  

LSB Industries, Inc., 8.50%, Due 8/1/2019 I

     16,127,000        15,764,143  

Manitowoc Foodservice, Inc., 9.50%, Due 2/15/2024

     18,221,000        21,068,031  

MasTec, Inc., 4.875%, Due 3/15/2023

     17,090,000        17,090,000  

Microsemi Corp., 9.125%, Due 4/15/2023C

     15,305,000        17,639,012  

Qorvo, Inc., 7.00%, Due 12/1/2025

     15,636,000        17,277,780  

Sealed Air Corp., 5.125%, Due 12/1/2024C

     7,612,000        7,954,540  

Sensata Technologies BV, 4.875%, Due 10/15/2023C

     16,705,000        17,059,981  

Servicios Corporativos Javer S.A.P. de C.V., 9.875%, Due 4/6/2021C

     7,673,000        7,918,536  

Techniplas LLC, 10.00%, Due 5/1/2020C D

     14,320,000        13,639,800  

Titan International, Inc., 6.875%, Due 10/1/2020

     15,195,000        15,612,863  
     

 

 

 
        302,641,817  
     

 

 

 

Service - 32.36%

     

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 5.125%, Due 7/1/2022

     21,155,000        21,313,663  

Carlson Travel, Inc., 9.50%, Due 12/15/2024C

     10,420,000        11,149,400  

Churchill Downs, Inc., 5.375%, Due 12/15/2021

     8,800,000        9,163,000  

Codere Finance 2 Luxembourg S.A., 7.625%, Due 11/1/2021C

     15,750,000        15,009,750  

Constellis Holdings LLC / Constellis Finance Corp., 9.75%, Due 5/15/2020C D

     17,350,000        18,564,500  

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 5.00%, Due 5/1/2025

     22,085,000        22,221,706  

Envision Healthcare Corp., 5.125%, Due 7/1/2022C

     12,750,000        13,052,812  

Golden Nugget Escrow, Inc., 8.50%, Due 12/1/2021C

     15,980,000        17,058,650  

Halyard Health, Inc., 6.25%, Due 10/15/2022

     16,935,000        17,527,725  

HCA, Inc.,

     

4.75%, Due 5/1/2023

     8,394,000        8,803,208  

4.50%, Due 2/15/2027

     9,441,000        9,417,398  

IHS Markit, Ltd., 5.00%, Due 11/1/2022C

     15,819,000        16,629,723  

Kindred Healthcare, Inc., 6.375%, Due 4/15/2022

     18,659,000        17,236,251  

LifePoint Health, Inc., 5.375%, Due 5/1/2024C

     17,000,000        17,127,500  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 4.875%, Due 11/1/2024C

     5,715,000        5,700,713  

MGM Resorts International, 7.75%, Due 3/15/2022

     14,355,000        16,759,462  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc., 9.25%, Due 5/15/2023C D

     18,120,000        19,818,750  

QVC, Inc., 4.45%, Due 2/15/2025

     5,671,000        5,591,804  

Select Medical Corp., 6.375%, Due 6/1/2021

     16,960,000        17,066,000  

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

            Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Service - 32.36% (continued)

        

Southern Graphics, Inc., 8.375%, Due 10/15/2020C

      $ 18,015,000      $ 18,510,413  

Station Casinos LLC, 7.50%, Due 3/1/2021D

        14,637,000        15,259,073  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.50%, Due 4/1/2021

        21,892,000        22,165,650  

Univision Communications, Inc., 5.125%, Due 2/15/2025C

        18,950,000        18,689,437  

Viking Cruises Ltd., 8.50%, Due 10/15/2022C

        17,680,000        18,475,600  

Virgin Media Finance PLC,

        

6.375%, Due 4/15/2023C G

        10,522,000        11,048,100  

6.00%, Due 10/15/2024C G

        17,100,000        17,976,375  
        

 

 

 
           401,336,663  
        

 

 

 

Telecommunications - 1.16%

        

CPI International, Inc., 8.75%, Due 2/15/2018

        14,225,000        14,402,813  
        

 

 

 

Transportation - 0.75%

        

Gol Linhas Aereas S.A., 10.75%, Due 2/12/2023C L

        5,000,000        4,375,000  

Gol LuxCo S.A., 8.50%, Due 7/20/2021C E

        1,833,778        1,467,022  

United Continental Holdings, Inc., 6.00%, Due 12/1/2020

        3,175,000        3,393,281  
        

 

 

 
           9,235,303  
        

 

 

 

Utilities - 2.66%

        

Energen Corp., 4.625%, Due 9/1/2021

        16,599,000        16,557,503  

Stoneway Capital Corp., 10.00%, Due 3/1/2027C

        16,225,000        16,387,250  
        

 

 

 
           32,944,753  
        

 

 

 

Total Corporate Obligations (Cost $1,086,053,610)

           1,115,149,940  
        

 

 

 

FOREIGN CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 0.07%

        

Consumer - 0.07%

        

Pescanova S.A.,

        

5.125%, Due 4/20/2017 L M

        7,450,000        437,246  

8.75%, Due 2/17/2019 L M N

        6,600,000        387,359  
        

 

 

 

Total Foreign Convertible Obligations (Cost $10,076,437)

           824,605  
        

 

 

 

FOREIGN CORPORATE AND SOVEREIGN OBLIGATIONS - 3.54%

        

Sovereign – 1.11%

        

Greece, Hellenic Republic, 3.00%, Due 2/24/2023 I J N

     EUR        7,500,000        6,511,390  

Mexican Bonos Desarr, 6.50%, Due 6/10/2021

     MXN        147,500,000        7,213,526  
        

 

 

 
           13,724,916  
        

 

 

 

Service - 2.04%

        

Ladbrokes Group Finance PLC, 5.125%, Due 9/8/2023 G N

     GBP        9,700,000        11,554,797  

William Hill PLC, 4.875%, Due 9/7/2023G N

     GBP        10,800,000        13,769,716  
        

 

 

 
           25,324,513  
        

 

 

 

Transportation - 0.39%

        

Entertainment One Ltd., 6.875%, Due 12/15/2022 C

     GBP        3,600,000        4,873,563  
        

 

 

 

Total Foreign Obligations (Cost $46,755,078)

           43,922,992  
        

 

 

 
            Shares         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.91% (Cost $11,302,321)

        

Short-Term Investments - 0.91%

        

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class K

        11,302,321        11,302,321  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 97.96% (Cost $1,198,746,456)

           1,214,727,574  

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 2.04%

           25,314,503  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

         $ 1,240,042,077  
        

 

 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

* In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

A  MLP - Master Limited Partnership.
B  REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.
C  Security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. At the period end, the value of these securities amounted to $670,781,017 or 54.09% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.
D  LLC - Limited Liability Company.
E  PIK - Payment in Kind.
F  LP - Limited Partnership.
G  PLC - Public Limited Company.
H  Term Loan.
I  Variable rate.
J  Step Up/Down - A scheduled increase in the exercise or conversion price at which a warrant, an option, or a convertible security may be used to acquire shares of common stock.
K  The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.
L  Fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. At period end, the fair valued securities amounted to $5,199,605 or 0.42% of net assets.
M  Default Security. At period end, the amount of securities in default was $9,162,070 or 0.74% of net assets.
N  Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

Futures Contracts Open on February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

British Pound Currency Futures

     Short        398        March 2017      $ 30,857,437      $ 222,670  

Euro Currency Futures

     Short        57        March 2017        7,550,719        48,118  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 38,408,156      $ 270,788  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Glossary              
Currency Abbreviations:                    
EUR   Euro            
GBP   British Pound            
MXN   Mexican Peso            

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

COMMON STOCKS - 0.04% (Cost $36,380)

     

FINANCE- 0.04%

     

Other Finance - 0.04%

     

Aretec Group, Inc.A

     15,975      $ 231,638  

RCS 2L EscrowA B

     667        —    
     

 

 

 

Total Finance

        231,638  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $36,380)

        231,638  
     

 

 

 

WARRANTS - 0.00% (Cost $0)

     

MATERIALS- 0.00%

     

Building Products - 0.00%

     

Euramax Holdings, Inc.A B G

     21        —    
     

 

 

 
     Principal Amount         

BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONS - 83.66%

     

Consumer - 2.47%

     

AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., 2016 2nd LienTerm Loan, VR, 11.00%, Due 2/16/2024C

   $ 2,089,000        2,130,780  

AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 8/17/2023C D

     4,170,874        4,184,763  

Amplfy Snack Brands Inc., First LienTerm Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due 8/24/2023C D

     463,838        451,662  

ASP MSG Acquisition Co., Inc., Initial Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 8/16/2023C D

     120,698        121,552  

Brown Jordan International, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 6.789%, Due 1/27/2023 C

     1,258,000        1,251,710  

Candy Intermediate Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 6/15/2023C D

     302,480        304,498  

Dairyland USA Corp., Term Loan, VR, 6.75%, Due 6/22/2022C D

     936,494        943,517  

Del Monte Foods, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.307%, Due 2/18/2021 C D

     307,573        280,279  

Floor and Decor Outlet of America, Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 9/30/2023C D

     1,405,478        1,405,478  

Give + Go Prepared Foods Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due 7/29/2023C D

     571,568        581,570  

KIK Custom Products, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 8/26/2022C D

     771,831        779,071  

Raley’s, Term Loan, VR, 7.25%, Due 5/18/2022C

     845,207        851,546  

Shearers Foods, Inc., Incremental Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 6/30/2021C D

     248,744        249,987  
     

 

 

 
        13,536,413  
     

 

 

 

Energy - 1.77%

     

Expro FinServices Sarl, Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 9/2/2021C

     2,500,000        2,021,875  

Gulf Finance LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.25%, Due 8/25/2023C D E

     2,702,985        2,742,395  

HFOTCO LLC, First LienTerm Loan B, VR, 4.25%, Due 8/19/2021C D E

     1,143,077        1,134,503  

Navios Maritime Midstream Partners LP, Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 6/18/2020C F

     74,860        74,579  

Southcross Energy Partners LP, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 8/4/2021C D F

     3,959,000        3,350,304  

Western Refining, Inc., Term Loan B2, VR, 5.50%, Due 6/23/2023C

     379,205        380,627  
     

 

 

 
        9,704,283  
     

 

 

 

Finance - 11.56%

     

Alinta Energy Finance PTY Ltd., Delayed Draw Term Loan, VR, 6.375%, Due 8/13/2018C

     170,972        171,969  

Alinta Energy Finance PTY Ltd., First LienTerm Loan, VR, 6.375%, Due 8/13/2019 C

     2,571,929        2,586,923  

Amerilife Group LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 6/18/2022C E

     1,505,119        1,459,966  

Amerilife Group LLC, Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.75%, Due 1/10/2023C E

     186,000        180,420  

Amwins Group LLC, 2017 Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 7.75%, Due 1/25/2025C E

     1,000,000        1,016,250  

Aptean, Inc., 2016 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 12/20/2022C

     3,000,000        3,041,250  

Aptean, Inc., 2016 Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 10.50%, Due 12/14/2023C

     1,000,000        998,130  

AqGen Ascensus, Inc., 2017 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.024%, Due 12/3/2022C D

     742,941        746,610  

Aretec Group, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 8.00%, Due 11/23/2020C D

     856,695        859,907  

Ascensus, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 12/3/2022C D

     742,941        744,799  

Cision US Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 6/16/2023C

     2,315,377        2,328,876  

Confie Seguros Holding II Co., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 4/19/2022C D

     6,056,000        6,079,982  

Confie Seguros Holding II Co., Second Lien Term Loan B, VR, 10.25%, Due 5/8/2019C D

     2,938,000        2,911,059  

Cunningham Lindsay U.S. Inc., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.00%, Due 12/10/2019C D

     160,573        140,702  

Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. 2nd Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.50%, Due 4/23/2021C D

     525,000        527,625  

Emerald US, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.00%, Due 5/9/2021C

     187,000        177,650  

FHC Health Systems, Inc., 2014 Term Loan, VR, 5.00%, Due 12/23/2021C D

     622,899        597,983  

First Eagle Investment Management LLC, Term Loan, VR, 4.998%, Due 12/1/2022C D E

     638,774        642,370  

Freedom Mortgage Corp., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 6.50%, Due 2/16/2022C D

     6,000,000        6,075,000  

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount      Fair Value  

Finance - 11.56% (continued)

     

Higginbotham & Associates LLC, Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 11/25/2021C E

   $ 2,073,253      $ 2,078,436  

HNC Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 10/5/2023C D

     1,216,000        1,228,926  

Hyperion Insurance Group Ltd., 2015 Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 4/29/2022C D

     4,927,462        4,935,691  

IG Investment Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 10/29/2021C E

     2,202,149        2,215,912  

LBM Borrower LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.304%, Due 8/20/2022C D E G

     1,632,043        1,635,618  

Lightstone Generation LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.539%, Due 1/30/2024C E

     4,739,609        4,806,769  

Lightstone Generation LLC, Term Loan C, VR, 6.539%, Due 1/30/2024C E

     451,391        457,788  

Lonestar Intermediate Super Holdings, LLC, PIK Term Loan B, VR, 10.00%, Due 8/31/2021C E G

     2,300,000        2,397,750  

NXT Capital, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 11/22/2022C

     2,667,000        2,703,671  

SAI Global Ltd., USD First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 11/18/2023C

     1,000,000        1,015,000  

Stratose Intermediate Holding II, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 1/21/2022C

     2,984,962        2,999,887  

TKC Holdings, Inc., 2017 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.75%, Due 2/1/2023C D

     897,000        903,727  

TKC Holdings, Inc., 2017 Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 8.50%, Due 2/1/2024C

     3,206,000        3,212,027  

UFC Holdings LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.25%, Due 8/18/2023C D E

     363,090        365,555  

UFC Holdings LLC, Second Lien Term Loan B, VR, 8.50%, Due 8/18/2024C D E

     1,000,000        1,025,000  
     

 

 

 
        63,269,228  
     

 

 

 

Manufacturing - 28.76%

     

4L Technologies, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.27%, Due 5/8/2020C D

     488,232        468,703  

Accudyne Industries Borrower SCA, Term Loan, VR, 4.00%, Due 12/13/2019C D E

     2,338,000        2,228,885  

Accuride Corp., Term Loan B, VR, 8.00%, Due 10/21/2023C

     277,682        274,558  

Aclara Technologies, Term Loan B, VR, 6.80%, Due 8/29/2023C

     686,280        700,006  

Advanced Integration Technology LP, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due
7/22/2021C D F

     315,210        315,998  

Alion Science and Technology Corp., Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 8/19/2021C D

     2,842,281        2,838,728  

American Bath Group LLC, 2016 Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 10.75%, Due 9/27/2024C E

     537,000        515,520  

American Bath Group LLC, 2017 First Lien Add On Term Loan, VR, 6.25%, Due 9/30/2023C E

     3,827,321        3,857,212  

American Bath Group LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, VR, 6.25%, Due 9/30/2023C E

     1,257,848        1,267,671  

American Bath Group LLC, Delayed Draw Term Loan, VR, 6.25%, Due 9/30/2023C E H

     398,679        401,793  

Arclin US Holdings, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, Due 2/1/2024C

     2,000,000        2,022,500  

Arclin US Holdings, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, Due 2/1/2025C

     2,000,000        2,017,500  

Aricent Technologies, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 4/14/2021C D

     4,263,000        4,253,408  

Aricent Technologies, Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.25%, Due 4/14/2022C D

     1,000,000        975,630  

Atotech B.V., 2017 Term Loan B1, VR, 4.00%, Due 1/31/2024C

     4,000,000        4,040,000  

Avantor Performance Materials Holdings, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 6/21/2022C D

     951,043        962,931  

Blackboard, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B4, VR, 6.023%, Due 6/30/2021C D

     5,146,620        5,173,949  

Blount International, Inc., Initial Term Loan, VR, 7.25%, Due 4/12/2023C D

     437,401        440,681  

CH Holding Corp. (aka Caliber Collision), Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 8.25%, Due 2/1/2025C

     1,500,000        1,526,250  

Compuware Corp., First Lien Term Loan B3, VR, 5.25%, Due 12/15/2021C D

     4,871,877        4,869,441  

Contextmedia Health LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 7.50%, Due 12/9/2021C E

     2,399,000        2,333,027  

Cortes NP Acquisition Corp., (aka Vertiv Co.) First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.039%, Due 11/30/2023C

     3,943,265        3,971,183  

CPI Buyer LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 8/15/2021C D E

     236,670        236,670  

CT Technologies Intermediate Holdings, Inc., New Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 12/1/2021C D

     52,205        49,334  

DTI Holdco, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 6.092%, Due 9/21/2023C D

     6,907,528        6,887,357  

Duke Finance LLC, 2017 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 2/21/2024C E

     2,201,876        2,218,390  

Eagleview Technology Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.28%, Due 7/22/2022C D

     284,280        284,516  

Eastman Kodak Co., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 7.25%, Due 9/3/2019C D

     1,370,344        1,372,057  

Euramax International, Inc., Unsecured Term Loan, VR, 16.00%, Due 2/6/2021C G

     282,009        231,247  

Evo Payments International LLC, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 12/22/2023C E

     4,500,000        4,556,250  

Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.025%,

     

Due 12/1/2023C D

     2,500,000        2,528,575  

Global Brass & Copper, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 7/18/2023C

     1,995,000        2,024,925  

Global Cash Access LLC, New Term Loan B, VR, 6.304%, Due 12/18/2020C D E

     2,039,707        2,042,257  

Greenway Medical Technologies, Inc., 2017 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 2/14/2024C

     5,000,000        5,025,000  

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., Term Loan B6, 6.50%, Due 2/2/2022C

     4,000,000        4,025,000  

Hi-Crush Partners LP, Term Loan B, VR, 4.75%, Due 4/28/2021C D F

     3,748,077        3,649,690  

Horizon Global Corp., Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 6/30/2021C D

     65,832        66,655  

Huntsman International LLC, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 3.78%, Due 4/1/2023C E

     642,390        649,084  

Ineos US Finance LLC, 2024 USD Term Loan, VR, 2.75%, Due 3/31/2024C E

     2,000,000        2,011,660  

Information Resources, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 1/18/2024C

     4,500,000        4,553,460  

Inteva Products LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 9.75%, Due 9/8/2021C E

     988,889        993,833  

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount      Fair Value  

Manufacturing - 28.76% (continued)

     

IPS Intermediate Holdings Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.25%, Due 12/20/2023C D

   $ 3,000,000      $ 3,022,500  

IQOR US, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.75%, Due 4/1/2022C D

     46,667        40,095  

Kraton Polymers LLC, Replacement Term Loan, VR, 5.00%, Due 1/6/2022C D E

     802,000        812,410  

Landslide Holdings, Inc., 2017 Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 10.00%, Due 1/20/2025C

     2,828,000        2,794,064  

Landslide Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 1/20/2024C

     1,500,000        1,507,230  

Marine Acquisition Corp., New Term Loan B, VR, 4.75%, Due 1/30/2021C D

     289,400        290,485  

Mirion Technologies, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 3/31/2022C D

     822,918        819,832  

Netsmart Technologies, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 10.554%, Due 10/5/2023C D

     354,000        352,230  

Netsmart Technologies, Inc.,Term Loan C 1, VR, 5.50%, Due 4/19/2023C D

     1,624,117        1,635,291  

NN, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.031%, Due 10/19/2022C D

     930,989        938,260  

Novetta Solutions LLC, Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 10/16/2022C D E

     474,210        452,871  

Oak Parent, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.28%, Due 10/26/2023C

     656,810        661,736  

Optiv Security, Inc. (aka AF Borrower), Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 8.25%, Due 2/1/2025C

     1,000,000        1,012,080  

Peabody Energy Corp., Exit Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 1/30/2022C

     1,000,000        1,007,080  

PGT, Inc., 2016 Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 2/16/2022C

     988,843        994,202  

PlZ Aeroscience Corp., Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 7/31/2022C

     4,340,076        4,356,351  

Power Products LLC, Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 12/20/2022C E

     994,000        1,002,081  

Precyse Acquisition Corp., 2016 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due 10/20/2022C D

     2,072,610        2,098,518  

Project Ruby Ultimate Parent Corp., Term Loan B, VR, 4.75%, Due 2/2/2024C

     5,000,000        5,012,500  

Prolampac PG Borrower LLC, 2016 Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.556%, Due 11/18/2024C E

     1,750,000        1,776,250  

Q Holding Company, Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 12/16/2021C D

     3,273,626        3,298,179  

Quickcrete Holdings, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.022%, Due 11/15/2023C

     3,228,000        3,265,316  

Ramundensen Holdings LLC, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 1/13/2024C E

     1,563,000        1,578,630  

Safway Group Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 8/19/2023C E

     4,496,250        4,552,453  

Sitel Worldwide Corp., USD First Lien Term Loan B1, VR, 6.563%, Due 9/18/2021C

     380,036        377,425  

SolarWinds, Inc., Incremental Term Loan B, VR, 4.50%, Due 2/5/2023C

     3,957,165        3,962,626  

Stratus Technologies, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 4/28/2021C D

     3,166,367        3,146,578  

Systems Maintenance Services I, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 10/11/2023C

     4,875,000        4,883,141  

Tensar Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 7/9/2021C D

     748,703        681,941  

Tessera Holding Corp., Term Loan B, VR, 4.03%, Due 12/1/2023C

     2,396,000        2,419,960  

U.S. Farathane LLC, Reprice Term Loan, 5.00%, Due 12/23/2021C E

     1,000,000        1,012,500  

U.S. Farathane LLC, Term Loan B2, VR, 5.75%, Due 12/23/2021C D E

     588,088        595,439  

Vantage Specialties, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 2/5/2021C D

     196,013        197,483  

VC GB Holdings, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.75%, Due 2/9/2024C

     3,000,000        3,015,000  

VC GB Holdings, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.00%, Due 2/9/2025C

     3,000,000        2,985,000  

Winnebago Industries, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 10/28/2023C

     1,916,000        1,942,345  
        

 

 

 
        157,361,616  
        

 

 

 

Service - 25.84%

     

21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 7.125%, Due 4/30/2022C D I

     1,054,257        976,242  

84 Lumber Company, Term Loan B, VR, 6.75%, Due 10/4/2023C D

     3,927,000        3,946,635  

Access CIG LLC, First LienTerm Loan, VR, 6.06%, Due 10/18/2021C D E

     371,000        372,855  

Active Networks, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.78%, Due 11/15/2020C

     377,332        376,389  

Alvogen Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Inc., Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 4/2/2022C D

     750,743        741,359  

Amaya Holdings B.V., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.00%, Due 8/1/2021C

     2,235,560        2,236,969  

Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017 First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 4.25%, Due 10/19/2023C D

     3,045,000        3,079,256  

Answers Corp., First Lien Syndicated Loans, VR, %, Due 10/3/2021C D I

     160,345        80,172  

AP NMT Acquisition BV, Term Loan B, VR, 6.75%, Due 8/13/2021C D

     741,545        665,011  

Arbor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 7/5/2023C

     571,406        581,406  

Ardent Legacy Acquisitions, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 6.50%, Due 8/4/2021C D

     493,750        491,898  

At Home Holding III, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 4.539%, Due 6/3/2022C D

     994,937        992,449  

Auction.com LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 5/12/2019C D E

     262,328        264,295  

BDF Acquisition Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 2/12/2021C D

     397,800        395,067  

Beasley Mezzanine Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 9/27/2023C E

     209,260        210,830  

BioClinica, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 10/20/2023C

     563,000        567,577  

Casablanca US Holdings, Inc., (aka Apple Leisure)First Lien Term Loan VR, 5.00%, Due 3/15/2024C D

     5,000,000        4,925,000  

Casablanca US Holdings, Inc., (aka Apple Leisure)Second Lien Term Loan VR, 10.00%, Due 3/15/2025C D

     3,000,000        2,917,500  

CDS US Intermediate Holding, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.25%, Due 7/10/2023C D

     639,796        631,799  

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount      Fair Value  

Service - 25.84% (continued)

     

CDS US Intermediate Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.00%, Due 7/8/2022C D

   $ 93,291      $ 94,011  

Ceasars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%,
Due 10/11/2020C D E

     739,237        745,395  

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 6/7/2023C D

     1,576,396        1,487,976  

Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B8, 3.75%, Due 2/8/2024C

     10,000,000        10,041,700  

Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, Inc., Term Loan A, VR, 4.277%, Due 12/20/2023C

     2,174,000        2,163,130  

Comfort Holdings LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 2/5/2024C E

     4,860,000        4,853,925  

Comfort Holdings LLC, Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 11.00%, Due 1/17/2025C E

     1,000,000        962,500  

Curo Health Services LLC, Term Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due 2/7/2022C D E

     1,000,000        1,003,749  

CWGS Group LLC, 2016 First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 4.52%, Due 11/8/2023C E

     1,319,000        1,328,892  

Delta 2 Lux Sarl, 2017 Bridge Term Loan, 4.25%, Due 2/1/2024C

     3,000,000        3,006,660  

Deluxe Entertainment Services, Group, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 6.539%,
Due 2/28/2020C D

     1,281,390        1,279,250  

Diamond Resorts International, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 8/11/2023C D

     1,459,343        1,473,031  

Electro Rent Corp., Term Loan B1, VR, 6.00%, Due 1/19/2024C

     2,389,000        2,430,807  

Encompass Digital Media, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 6/6/2021C D

     747,860        704,858  

Extreme Reach, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 7.25%, Due 2/7/2020C D

     448,263        451,065  

Extreme Reach, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 11.00%, Due 1/24/2021C

     217,000        207,597  

Garda World Security Corp., Delayed Draw Term Loan B, VR, 4.00%,
Due 11/6/2020C D

     111,001        111,417  

Garda World Security Corp., New Term Loan B, VR, 4.00%, Due 11/6/2020C D

     637,353        639,743  

GCA Services Group, Inc., 2016 Term Loan, VR, 6.068%, Due 3/1/2023C D

     738,350        745,423  

Genoa a QoL Healthcare Co. LLC, 2016 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.75%, Due 10/28/2023C D E

     337,155        338,841  

Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 7.00%, Due 1/6/2023C D

     3,000,000        2,990,010  

Global Healthcare Exchange LLC, Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 8/15/2022C D E

     1,127,380        1,140,537  

GlobalLogic Holdings, Inc., 2016 Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 6/13/2022C

     4,000,000        4,010,000  

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan, VR, 2.50%, Due 2/10/2024C D E H

     1,711,712        1,715,512  

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 3.27%, Due 2/2/2024C E

     1,288,288        1,291,148  

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc., Initial Term Loan, VR, 3.778%, Due 8/19/2023C D

     1,994,987        1,996,125  

Harbortouch Payments LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 10/11/2023C E

     1,270,000        1,277,150  

Highland Acquisitions Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.50%, Due 11/30/2022C E

     2,419,000        2,382,715  

HLF Financing Sarl, Term Loan B, VR, 6.25%, Due 2/13/2023C

     4,000,000        4,003,320  

Imagine Print Solutions Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 3/30/2022C D

     781,500        787,361  

Innovative Xcessories and Services, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 11/29/2022C

     3,877,000        3,906,077  

Interior Logic Group, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, 7.00%, Due 2/27/2024C

     8,000,000        7,760,000  

Jacks Family Restaurants, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 7/1/2022C D

     462,702        462,702  

Jackson Hewitt, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 8.039%, Due 7/24/2020C D

     266,560        252,566  

Leslies Poolmart, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.75%, Due 8/16/2023C D

     2,000,000        2,006,300  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., 2016 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 3.773%, Due 12/8/2023C

     2,332,000        2,349,490  

Long Term Care Group Holdings Corp., Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 6/6/2020C D

     354,821        329,984  

LSC Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 9/26/2022C D

     1,451,800        1,459,059  

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, VR, 5.00%, Due 5/4/2022C E

     1,724,241        1,692,997  

MergerMarket USA, Inc., Initial Term Loan, VR, 4.554%, Due 2/4/2021C D

     179,913        179,463  

Merrill Communications LLC, Term Loan, VR, 6.289%, Due 6/1/2022C D E

     43,308        43,236  

Mister Car Wash Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 8/20/2021C D

     348,236        348,960  

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 9/28/2023C D

     2,028,915        2,043,401  

Navex Global, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.99%, Due 11/19/2021C D

     10,780        10,726  

NEP Supershooters LP, Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 10.00%, Due 7/22/2020C D F

     840,000        849,450  

New Millennium Holdco Inc., Exit Term Loan, VR, 7.50%, Due 12/21/2020C D

     1,001,211        505,612  

NMSC Holdings Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 4/19/2023C

     233,578        235,913  

PAE Holding Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due 10/20/2022C

     3,053,000        3,085,453  

Playpower, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 6/23/2021C

     690,154        686,703  

ProQuest LLC, New Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 10/24/2021C D E G

     3,237,986        3,267,322  

Quincy Newspapers, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.00%, Due 10/13/2022C D

     219,114        219,114  

Quorum Health Corp., Term Loan B, VR, 6.789%, Due 4/29/2022C D

     1,978,638        1,970,803  

Research Now Group, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 3/18/2021C

     1,496,193        1,470,010  

Research Now Group, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.75%, Due 3/18/2022C D

     48,000        46,560  

Ryan LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.75%, Due 8/7/2020C E

     1,030,953        1,021,932  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc., Reprice Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 4/29/2022C

     365,245        368,671  

St. Georges University Scholastic Service, 2016 Term Loan B, VR, 6.25%, Due 7/6/2022C D

     1,881,513        1,902,680  

Sterling Infosystems, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 6/20/2022C D

     2,244,329        2,233,108  

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount      Fair Value  

Service - 25.84% (continued)

     

Surveymonkey.com LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.25%, Due 2/5/2019C E

   $ 953,508      $ 963,043  

Team Health, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 3.75%, Due 2/6/2024C

     625,000        623,050  

Tigerluxone Sarl, First Lien Term Loan B, 5.75%, Due 2/16/2024C

     3,000,000        2,994,990  

TouchTunes Interactive Network, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 5/29/2021C D

     899,791        902,041  

Travel Leaders Group LLC, 2017 First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.028%, Due 1/25/2024C E

     2,281,000        2,309,513  

Tweddle Group, Inc., 2016 Term Loan, VR, 7.039%, Due 10/24/2022C

     1,225,000        1,221,938  

Twentyeighty, Inc., PIK Term Loan B, VR, 8.00%, Due 3/31/2020C G

     46,562        27,937  

Twentyeighty, Inc., PIK Term Loan C, VR, 9.00%, Due 3/31/2020C G

     44,451        26,671  

USS Acquisition Corp., 2016 Delayed Draw Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due
7/26/2023C H

     23,554        23,633  

USS Parent Holding Corp., 2016 Term Loan, VR, 5.50%, Due 7/26/2023C

     160,009        160,542  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Term Loan Series E Tranche B, VR, 5.25%, Due 8/5/2020C D

     1,000,000        1,005,690  

Verisk Analytics, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.00%, Due 5/10/2023C

     783,065        781,107  

Vestcom Parent Holdings, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 12/19/2023C

     4,000,000        4,037,520  

William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 5/6/2021C E

     2,500,000        2,506,775  

World Triathlon Corp., Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 6/26/2021C D

     2,992,327        2,984,847  
     

 

 

 
        141,394,146  
     

 

 

 

Telecommunications - 6.44%

     

CenturyLink, Inc., Bridge Term Loan, 5.00%, Due 2/17/2018C

     4,000,000        3,980,000  

ConvergeOne Holdings Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.375%, Due 6/17/2020C D

     1,885,910        1,878,837  

Fairpoint Communications, Inc., Refi Term Loan, VR, 7.50%, Due 2/14/2019C D

     1,138,311        1,150,173  

Global Tel Link Corp., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.00%, Due 5/23/2020C

     5,968,290        5,938,449  

Global Tel Link Corp., Term Loan Second Lien, VR, 9.00%, Due 11/23/2020C

     1,288,000        1,252,258  

Internap Network Services Corp., Term Loan, VR, 7.00%, Due 11/26/2019C

     4,741,681        4,706,119  

Onvoy LLC, 2017 First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 5.50%, Due 2/10/2024C E

     4,996,000        4,983,510  

Polycom, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 6.25%, Due 9/27/2023C

     2,940,729        2,961,314  

Sable International Finance Ltd. /Coral US Co-Borrower LLC, Term Loan B1, VR, 5.528%, Due 12/30/2022C E

     1,000,000        1,014,380  

Securus Technologies Holdings, Inc., Incremental Term Loan B2, VR, 5.25%, Due 4/30/2020C D

     249,370        249,682  

Securus Technologies, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.00%, Due 4/30/2021C D

     2,746,000        2,719,227  

Securus Technologies, Inc., Term Loan, VR, 4.75%, Due 4/30/2020C D

     1,458,861        1,460,684  

Telesat Canada, 2017 First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 3.85%, Due 11/17/2023C

     649,373        655,866  

Xplornet Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 7.00%, Due 9/9/2021C

     2,253,113        2,275,644  
     

 

 

 
        35,226,143  
     

 

 

 

Transportation - 3.37%

     

ABB Concise Optical Group LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 6/15/2023C D E

     246,158        248,004  

Daseke, Inc., 2017 First Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, Due 2/2/2024C

     2,142,857        2,153,571  

Daseke, Inc., Delayed Draw Term Loan, 6.50%, Due 2/2/2024C

     857,143        861,429  

G III Apparel Group Ltd., First LienTerm Loan B, VR, 6.25%, Due 12/1/2022C D

     1,304,571        1,289,895  

Goodpack Ltd, First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 4.985%, Due 9/9/2021C D

     1,496,193        1,470,638  

Gruden Acquisitions, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.75%, Due 8/18/2022C D

     882,199        864,555  

Livingston International, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B1, VR, 5.50%, Due 4/18/2019C

     234,393        231,268  

Livingston International, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, VR, 9.50%, Due 4/18/2020C

     750,000        696,878  

Navios Maritime Partners LP, Term Loan, VR, 5.25%, Due 6/27/2018C D F

     2,911,488        2,889,652  

O2 Partners LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 6.00%, Due 10/4/2022C E

     582,540        583,268  

Sirva Worldwide, Inc., 2016 Term Loan, VR, 7.50%, Due 11/14/2022C

     2,000,000        1,955,000  

Worldwide Express Operations LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 5.53%, Due 1/31/2024C E

     5,155,000        5,193,663  
     

 

 

 
        18,437,821  
     

 

 

 

Utilities - 3.44%

     

Astoria Energy LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 5.00%, Due 12/24/2021C D E

     1,078,200        1,080,896  

Entergy Rhode Island State Energy LP, Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due
12/17/2022C D F

     150,480        151,608  

Invenergy Thermal Operating I LLC, 2015 Term Loan B, VR, 6.50%, Due 10/19/2022C D E

     483,237        463,908  

Primeline Utility Services LLC, Term Loan, VR, 6.50%, Due 11/12/2022C D E

     165,160        166,811  

Southeast Powergen LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 4.50%, Due 12/2/2021C D E

     2,000,000        1,975,000  

Star West Generation LLC, 2015 Term Loan B, VR, 5.75%, Due 3/13/2020C D E

     2,000,000        1,810,000  

Tex Operations Co. LLC, Exit Term Loan C, VR, 3.53%, Due 8/4/2023C D E

     889,757        893,761  

Tex Operations Co. LLC, Exit Term Loan, VR, 3.53%, Due 8/4/2023C D E

     3,901,243        3,918,798  

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount      Fair Value  

Utilities - 3.44% (continued)

     

TPF II Power LLC, Syndicated Term Loan B, VR, 5.00%, Due 10/2/2021C E

   $ 5,756,390      $ 5,807,680  

Western Generation Partners LLC, Term Loan B, VR, 5.00%, Due 11/15/2023C E

     2,523,122        2,548,354  
     

 

 

 
        18,816,816  
     

 

 

 

Total Bank Loan Obligations (Cost $455,462,248)

        457,746,466  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 1.02%

     

Manufacturing - 0.23%

     

Peabody Securities Finance Corp.,

     

6.00%, Due 3/31/2022J

     562,000        573,240  

6.375%, Due 3/31/2025J

     658,000        671,160  
     

 

 

 
        1,244,400  
     

 

 

 

Service - 0.79%

     

Constellis Holdings LLC / Constellis Finance Corp., 9.75%, Due 5/15/2020E J

     3,219,000        3,444,330  

LSC Communications, Inc., 8.75%, Due 10/15/2023J

     845,000        880,913  
     

 

 

 
        4,325,243  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Obligations (Cost $5,442,904)

        5,569,643  
     

 

 

 
     Shares         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 42.00% (Cost $229,811,970)

     

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select ClassK

     229,811,970        229,811,970  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 126.72% (Cost $690,753,501)

        693,359,717  

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (26.72%)

        (146,180,677
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

      $ 547,179,040  
     

 

 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

 

A  Non-income producing security.
B  Fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. At period end, the value of these securities amounted to $ or % of net assets.
C  Term Loan.
D  The coupon rate shown on floating or adjustable rate securities represents the rate at period end. The due date on these types of securities reflects the final maturity date.
E  LLC - Limited Liability Company.
F  LP - Limited Partnership.
G  PIK - Payment-in-Kind.
H  Unfunded Loan Commitments. At period end, the amount of unfunded loan commitments was $1,931,619 or 0.35% of net assets. Of this amount, $1,711,712, $9,908 and $209,999 relate to Go Daddy Operating Co., LLC, USS Acquisition Corp., and American Bath Group, LLC, respectively.
I  Defaulted Security.
J  Security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. At the period end, the value of these securities amounted to $5,569,643 or 1.02% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.
K  The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     SiM High Yield     Sound Point Floating  
     Opportunities Fund     Rate Income Fund  

Assets:

    

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value A

   $ 1,203,425,253     $ 463,547,747  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value B

     11,302,321       229,811,970  

Cash

     1,252,524       5,622,769  

Dividends and interest receivable

     21,328,708       1,825,169  

Receivable for investments sold

     13,407,621       30,426,785  

Receivable for fund shares sold

     4,211,176       18,945,629  

Receivable for variation margin on open futures contracts

     8,975,338       —    

Prepaid expenses

     173,459       137,287  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,264,076,400       750,317,356  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Payable for investments purchased

     6,432,538       192,826,879  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

     7,597,782       7,900,971  

Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts

     8,702,308       —    

Payable under excess expense reimbursement plan (Note 2)

     —         6,667  

Dividends payable

     376,152       119,257  

Unfunded loan commitments

     —         1,931,619  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

     665,496       228,257  

Administrative service and service fees payable

     165,089       47,298  

Transfer agent fees payable

     15,958       4,195  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

     4,122       2,927  

Professional fees payable

     30,363       33,666  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

     40,041       —    

Other liabilities

     4,474       36,580  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     24,034,323       203,138,316  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,240,042,077     $ 547,179,040  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

    

Paid-in-capital

   $ 1,240,191,686     $ 543,831,380  

Undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

     496,669       (37,131

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (16,899,641     778,575  

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     21,633,845       2,606,216  

Unrealized (depreciation) of currency transactions

     (5,651,270     —    

Unrealized appreciation of futures contracts

     270,788       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets

   $ 1,240,042,077     $ 547,179,040  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     SiM High Yield      Sound Point Floating  
     Opportunities Fund      Rate Income Fund  

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

     

Institutional Class

     36,460,925        15,116,621  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Y Class

     60,316,039        24,317,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investor Class

     13,961,924        8,063,528  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A Class

     9,199,561        2,427,041  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

C Class

     7,648,758        2,062,308  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

SP Class

     N/A        877,613  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Institutional Class

   $ 354,556,632      $ 156,473,584  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Y Class

   $ 585,996,985      $ 251,868,199  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investor Class

   $ 135,291,350      $ 83,283,879  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A Class

   $ 89,500,705      $ 25,122,644  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

C Class

   $ 74,696,405      $ 21,354,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

SP Class

     N/A      $ 9,076,046  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

     

Institutional Class

   $ 9.72      $ 10.35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Y Class

   $ 9.72      $ 10.36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investor Class

   $ 9.69      $ 10.33  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A Class

   $ 9.73      $ 10.35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

   $ 10.22      $ 10.62  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

C Class

   $ 9.77      $ 10.35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

SP Class

     N/A      $ 10.34  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

   $ 1,187,444,135      $ 460,941,531  

B Cost of investments in affiliated securities

   $ 11,302,321      $ 229,811,970  

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the six months ended February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     SiM High Yield     Sound Point  
     Opportunities     Floating Rate  
     Fund     Income Fund  

Investment income:

    

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes) A

   $ 702,810     $ —    

Dividend income from affiliated securities

     30,793       141,843  

Interest income

     39,499,183       5,673,808  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     40,232,786       5,815,651  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

     4,188,632       795,995  

Transfer agent fees:

    

Institutional Class

     125,534       17,505  

Y Class

     5,622       986  

Investor Class

     3,380       1,472  

A Class

     6,886       834  

C Class

     2,639       796  

SP Class

     —         1,497  

Custody and fund accounting fees

     51,739       31,826  

Professional fees

     39,068       32,709  

Registration fees and expenses

     82,124       43,021  

Service fees (Note 2):

    

Y Class

     235,604       41,855  

Investor Class

     223,757       35,299  

A Class

     63,090       9,417  

C Class

     54,933       7,264  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

    

A Class

     105,150       15,695  

C Class

     366,221       48,426  

SP Class

     —         12,842  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

     49,177       6,313  

Trustee fees

     26,220       2,436  

Insurance Expense

     6,428       —    

Other expenses

     16,551       6,368  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,652,755       1,112,556  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net fees waived and expenses reimbursed (Note 2)

     —         (7,479
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     5,652,755       1,105,077  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     34,580,031       4,710,574  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments

     6,330,517       1,069,912  

Foreign currency transactions

     (8,044,721     —    

Futures contracts

     7,149,069       —    

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

    

Investments

     24,471,871       2,547,554  

Foreign currency transactions

     2,740,745       —    

Futures contracts

     (3,458,840     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

     29,188,641       3,617,466  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 63,768,672     $ 8,328,040  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Foreign taxes

   $ 56,333     $ —    

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

                Sound Point Floating Rate  
    SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund     Income Fund  
    Six Months Ended     Year Ended     Six Months Ended     Year Ended  
    February 28,     August 31,     February 28,     August 31,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
    (unaudited)           (unaudited)        

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

       

Operations:

       

Net investment income

  $ 34,580,031     $ 52,094,516     $ 4,710,574     $ 3,713,537  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments, foreign currency transactions, and futures contracts

    5,434,865       (27,419,311     1,069,912       180,741  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, foreign currency transactions, and futures contracts

    23,753,776       38,725,649       2,547,554       48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    63,768,672       63,400,854       8,328,040       3,894,326  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income:

       

Institutional Class

    (12,169,951     (15,212,818     (1,834,624     (2,520,762

Y Class

    (14,318,381     (17,027,838     (1,723,275     (238,133

Investor Class

    (3,819,333     (5,991,314     (557,102     (400,495

A Class

    (2,423,466     (3,828,770     (241,480     (110,249

C Class

    (1,846,452     (3,237,252     (145,785     (34,369

SP Class

    —         —         (224,332     (645,514

Net realized gain from investments:

       

Institutional Class

    —         —         (147,428     (137,448

Y Class

    —         —         (190,454     (366

Investor Class

    —         —         (69,215     (367

A Class

    —         —         (24,053     (367

C Class

    —         —         (23,779     (367

SP Class

    —         —         (17,010     (53,752

Return of Capital:

       

Institutional Class

    —         (2,546,029     —         —    

Y Class

    —         (2,703,885     —         —    

Investor Class

    —         (772,676     —         —    

A Class

    —         (467,780     —         —    

C Class

    —         (378,573     —         —    

SP Class

    —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (34,577,583     (52,166,935     (5,198,537     (4,142,189
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

       

Proceeds from sales of shares

    402,688,008       640,680,660       486,998,590       137,502,090  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    32,281,735       48,182,689       4,616,017       3,205,179  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (372,640,719     (433,324,385     (58,846,885     (72,206,459

Redemption fees

    861       157,230       —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    62,329,885       255,696,194       432,767,722       68,500,810  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    91,520,974       266,930,113       435,897,225       68,252,947  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

       

Beginning of period

    1,148,521,103       881,590,990       111,281,815       43,028,868  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period *

  $ 1,240,042,077     $ 1,148,521,103     $ 547,179,040     $ 111,281,815  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

  $ 496,669     $ (5,226,981   $ (37,131   $ (21,107
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as non-diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of February 28, 2017, the Trust consists of twenty-seven active series, two of which is presented in this filing (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”): American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund (“SiM HYO Fund”) and the American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund (“Sound Point Fund”). The remaining twenty-five active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is indirectly owned by investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. and Estancia Capital Management, LLC, and was organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the SEC adopted amendments to rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. The final rules amend Regulation S-X and require funds to provide standardized, enhanced derivative disclosure in fund financial statements in a format designed for individual investors. The amendments to Regulation S-X also update the disclosures for other investments and investments in, and advances to affiliates and amend the rules regarding the general form and content of fund financial statements. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating the amendments and the impact, if any, on the fund’s financial statements.

Class Disclosure

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

 

          Minimum Initial  

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Investments  

Institutional

   Large institutional investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  

Y Class

   Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  

Investor

   All investors using intermediary organizations such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors - sold directly through intermediary channels.    $ 2,500  

A Class

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

C Class

   Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges, which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  

SP

   Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, or through employee directed benefit plans and were formerly shareholders of the Investor Class Shares of the Sound Point Floating Rate Fund prior to its reorganization.    $ 1,000  

Each class offered by the Trust has equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Income and non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class on the basis of the relative net assets. Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of each class are allocated daily based on the relative net assets of each class of the

 

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

respective Fund. Class specific expenses, where applicable, currently include administrative service fees, service fees, and distribution fees and vary amongst the classes as described more fully in Note 2.

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

Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date of the security purchase or sale. The Funds may purchase securities with delivery or payment to occur at a later date. At the time the Funds enter into a commitment to purchase a security, the transaction is recorded, and the value of the security is reflected in the net asset value (“NAV”). The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations.

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

Currency Translation

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

Dividends to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income of the Funds generally will be declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions, if any, of net realized capital gains are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP.

Commission Recapture

The Funds have established brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If a Fund’s investment advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Funds. This amount is reported with the net realized gain in the Funds’ Statements of Operations, if applicable. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Funds did not have commission recapture income.

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Allocation of Income, Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific class), gains, and losses 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 operations of that class.

Use of Estimates

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

Redemption Fees

All classes of the SiM HYO Fund impose a 2% redemption fee on shares held for less than 90 days. The fee is deducted from the redemption proceeds and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact, and other costs associated with short-term trading activity in the Fund. The “first-in, first-out” method is used to determine the holding period. The fee is allocated to all classes of the Fund pro rata based on their respective net assets. Effective December 29, 2016, the redemption fee was terminated by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).

Other

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

2. Transactions with Affiliates

Management Agreement

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide investment advisory, fund management, and administrative services to the Funds. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager receives from the Funds an annualized fee at the following annual rates as a percentage of average daily net assets: 0.35% of the first $5 billion, 0.325% of the next $5 billion, 0.30% of the next $10 billion, and 0.275% over $20 billion. The Funds pay the unaffiliated investment advisors hired to direct investment activities of the Funds an annualized investment advisory fee based on a percentage of the Funds’ average daily assets. Management fees paid by the Funds during the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

                  Amounts paid         
     Management Fee     Management      to Investment      Amounts Paid  

Fund

   Rate     Fee      Advisors      to Manager  

SiM HYO

     0.75   $ 4,188,632      $ 2,166,855      $ 2,021,777  

Sound Point

     0.70     795,995        397,998        397,997  

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A, C, and SP Classes, have adopted a “defensive” Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, pursuant to which no separate fees will be charged to the Funds for distribution purposes. However, the Plan authorizes the management fees received by the Manager and the investment advisors hired by the Manager to be used for distribution purposes. Under this Plan, the Funds do not

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

intend to separately compensate the Manager or any other party, either directly or indirectly, for the distribution of Fund shares.

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

Service Plans

The Manager and the Trust entered into Service Plans that obligate the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Y, Investor, A, and C Classes. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the Y Class, up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional Class of the Funds and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediary’s transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Fund(s). Certain services would have been provided by the Funds’ transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to the Board approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for all or a portion of the servicing fees paid to these intermediary’s for the Institutional Class. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional Class on an annual basis. For the period ended February 28, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as included in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

SiM HYO

   $ 119,995  

Sound Point

     15,056  

As of February 28, 2017, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursements of sub-transfer agent fees, as included in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

     Reimbursement of  

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

SiM HYO

   $ 15,958  

Sound Point

     1,540  

Investment in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as the investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended February 28, 2017, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Funds
 

SiM HYO

   $ 7,816  

Sound Point

     33,287  

Interfund Lending Program

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Funds to borrow from other participating Funds. During the period ended February 28, 2017, the SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund borrowed on average $3,088,289 for 4 days at an average rate of 1.01% with interest charges of $340. This amount is recorded within “Other expenses” on the accompanying Statements of Operations.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reimburse the classes of the Funds to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceeded the Funds’ expense cap. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Manager waived or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class      Expense Cap
9/1/2016 to
2/28/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     Expiration  

SiM HYO

     Institutional        0.84   $ —          2020  

Sound Point

     Institutional        0.84     7,479        2020  

Of these amounts, $6,667 was disclosed as a payable to the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at February 28, 2017 for the Sound Point Fund. The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of fees waived or expenses reimbursed for a period of up to three years. However, reimbursement will occur only if the Class’ average net assets have grown or expenses have declined sufficiently to allow reimbursement without causing its expense ratio to exceed the previously agreed upon contractual expense limit. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2020. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements, due to the current assessment that a reimbursement is unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

   Recovered
Expenses
     Excess Expense
Carryover
     Expiration of
Reimbursed Expenses
 

SiM HYO

   $ —        $ 23,730        2017  

SiM HYO

     —          60,056        2018  

SiM HYO

     —          175,131        2019  

Sound Point

     —          236,521        2019  

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ distributor, Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”) may receive a portion of A Class sales charges from broker dealers and it may be used to offset distribution related expenses. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, Foreside collected $16,202 and $33,336 in sales commissions from the sale of A Class shares for SiM HYO and Sound Point Funds, respectively.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the six months ended February, 28, 2017, fees of $650 were collected for the

 

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Class A Shares of the SIM HYO Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the period ended February 28, 2017, CDSC fees of $4,105 and $5,437 were collected from the Class C Shares of the SiM HYO and Sound Point Funds, respectively.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds Trust, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $5,000 for each Board of Trustee meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, plus 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. The Board Chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a single $5,000 fee each quarter for his attendance at the Committee meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the Trust according to its respective net assets.

3. Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

Investments are valued at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, each day that the Exchange is open for business. Equity securities, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), for which market quotations are available, are valued at the last sale price or official closing price (closing bid price or last evaluated quote if no sale has occurred) on the primary market or exchange on which they trade.

Debt securities are normally valued on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service and may take into account appropriate factors such as trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The prices of debt securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual fund on the day of valuation.

Securities for which the market prices are not readily available or are not reflective of the fair value of the security, as determined by the Manager, will be priced at fair value following procedures approved by the Trust’s Board.

Futures contracts are valued based upon their quoted daily settlement prices. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit with its futures broker, an amount of cash or U.S. Government and Agency Obligations in accordance with the initial margin requirements of the broker or exchange. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily and an appropriate payable or receivable for the change in value (“variation margin”) is recorded by the Funds. Gains or losses are recognized but not considered realized until the contracts expire or are closed. Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the variation margin disclosed on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

For valuation purposes, the last quoted prices of non-U.S. equity securities may be adjusted under the circumstances described below. If the Manager determines that developments between the close of a foreign market and the close of the Exchange will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all of its portfolio securities, the Manager will adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the Exchange. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the Manager reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. In addition, the Funds may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Funds’ pricing time of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. These securities are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) and futures contracts. The Valuation Committee may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but a Fund is open. The Funds may use outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets, and adjusted prices.

Other investments, including restricted securities, and those financial instruments for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value, are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, established by the Funds’ Board.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

Fixed-income securities including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes, U.S. government agencies, U.S. treasury obligations, sovereign issues, bank loans, convertible preferred securities and non-U.S. bonds are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker dealer quotations, reported trades or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The service providers’ internal models use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar assets. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fixed-income securities purchased on a delayed-delivery basis are marked-to-market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date and are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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

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

Over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial derivative instruments, such as foreign currency contracts, options contracts, or swaps agreements, derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates, and other inputs or a combination of these factors. These contracts are normally valued on the basis of broker dealer quotations or pricing service providers. Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the value of the financial derivative contracts can be estimated by a pricing service provider using a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, curves, dividends and exchange rates. Financial derivatives that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Level 3 trading assets and trading liabilities, at fair value

The valuation techniques and significant inputs used in determining the fair values of financial instruments classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Securities and other assets for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction and may be categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Market quotes are considered not readily available in circumstances where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the Exchange close, that materially affect the values of a Fund’s securities or assets. In addition, market quotes are considered not readily available when, due to extraordinary circumstances, the exchanges or markets on which the securities trade, do not open for trading for the entire day and no other market prices are available. The Board has delegated to the Manager the responsibility for monitoring significant events that may materially affect the fair values of a Fund’s securities or assets and for determining whether the value of the applicable securities or assets should be re-evaluated in light of such significant events.

The Board has adopted methods for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available, and has delegated the responsibility for applying the valuation methods to the Manager. For instances in which daily market quotes are not readily available, investments may be valued,

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. In the event that the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods established by the Board, the fair value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, generally based upon recommendations provided by the Manager.

When a Fund uses fair valuation methods applied by the Manager that use significant unobservable inputs to determine its NAV, the securities priced using this methodology are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These methods may require subjective determinations about the value of a security. While the Trust’s policy is intended to result in a calculation of a Fund’s NAV that fairly reflects security values as of the time of pricing, the Trust cannot guarantee that values determined by the Board or persons acting at their direction would accurately reflect the price that a Fund could obtain for a security if it were to dispose of that security as of the time of pricing (for instance, in a forced or distressed sale). The prices used by a Fund may differ from the value that would be realized if the securities were sold.

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. GAAP requires a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported fair values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchases and sales, and transfers in and out of the Level 3 category during the period. In accordance with the requirements of U.S. GAAP, a fair value hierarchy and Level 3 reconciliation, has been included below.

The Funds’ investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of February 28, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

SiM HYO Fund (1)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Common Stock

   $ 21,735,829      $ —        $ —        $ 21,735,829  

Domestic Bank Loan Obligations

     —          11,721,937        —          11,721,937  

Domestic Convertible Obligations

     —          10,069,950        —          10,069,950  

Corporate Obligations

     —          1,110,774,940        4,375,000        1,115,149,940  

Foreign Convertible Obligations

     —          —          824,605        824,605  

Foreign Corporate and Sovereign Obligations

     —          43,922,992        —          43,922,992  

Short-Term Investments - Money Market Funds

     11,302,321        —          —          11,302,321  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 33,038,150      $ 1,176,489,819      $ 5,199,605      $ 1,214,727,574  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Financial instruments - Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 270,788      $ —        $ —        $ 270,788  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Financial instruments - Assets

   $ 270,788      $ —        $ —        $ 270,788  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sound Point Fund (1)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Common Stock

   $ 231,638      $ —        $ —        $ 231,638  

Warrants

     —          —          —          —    

Bank Loan Obligations (2)

     —          457,746,466        —          457,746,466  

Corporate Obligations

     —          5,569,643        —          5,569,643  

Short-Term Investments - Money Market Funds

     229,811,970        —          —          229,811,970  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 230,043,608      $ 463,316,109      $ —        $ 693,359,717  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Refer to the Schedule of Investments for Industry Information.
(2) Unfunded Loan Commitments represent $1,931,619 at period end.

U.S. GAAP also requires all transfers between any levels to be disclosed. The end of the period timing recognition has been adopted for the transfers between levels of each Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, there were no transfers between levels for the Sound Point Fund.

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets of the SiM HYO Fund, for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value. Transfers in or out of Level 3 represent the ending value of any security or instrument where a change in the level has occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.

 

     Domestic
Obligations
     Foreign
Convertible
Obligations
     Total  

Beginning Balance as of 8/31/2016

   $ 4,608,500      $ 1,097,045      $ 5,705,545  

Purchases

     9,779        —          9,779  

Sales

     —          —          —    

Accrued Discounts (Premiums)

     (314,443      —          (314,443

Realized Gain (Loss)

     —          —          —    

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     1,538,186        (272,440      1,265,746  

Transfers into Level 3

     —          —          —    

Transfers out of Level 3

     1,467,022        —          1,467,022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance 2/28/2017

   $ 4,375,000      $ 824,605      $ 5,199,605  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments Held at 2/28/2017(1)

   $ 1,538,186      $ (272,440    $ 1,265,746  

 

(1) Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) attributable to Level 3 securities held at period end. This balance is included in the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Statements of Operations.

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of the asset categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Security Type

   Fair Value
At 2/28/2017
    

Valuation

Technique

  

Unobservable

Inputs

  

Input

Assumptions

   Fair Value at
2/28/2017
per share

Foreign Convertible Obligations

   $ 824,605      Expected Debt for Equity Swap in Recapitalization    Projected EBITDA, EBITDA Multiple, discount rate for uncertainty    Projected EBITDA, Valuation Multiple, Liquidity discount (2)    5.54 EUR/

5.87 USD

Corporate Obligations

   $ 4,375,000      Comparison of Yield to similar Debt Instruments    Comparative yields, Liquidity Discount    Comparative yields, Liquidity Discount (3)    87.50 USD

 

(2)  These obligations are placeholders for a package of notes received in the bankruptcy restructuring. The key assumptions used in the valuation include projected EBITDA of 70 million Euro, 8x EBITDA multiple based on comparable companies, and a 15% liquidity discount. The valuation estimate will change if the debt for equity swap does not occur or if any of the assumptions change.
(3) These obligations are secured by collateral. Valuation may change if the yields of comparative bonds change, or the level of collateral coverage declines, or if the market imputes a higher liquidity discount to these bonds than presently incorporated into the fair value.

4. Securities and Other Investments

American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”)

ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in a Funds’ possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, a Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle a Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security.

Bank Loans and Senior Loans

Loans are typically administered by a bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the “agent”) for a lending syndicate of financial institutions. In a typical loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to all lenders that are parties to the loan agreement. In addition, an institution (which may be the agent) may hold collateral on behalf of the lenders. Typically, under loan agreements, the agent is given broad authority in monitoring the borrower’s performance and is obligated to use the same care it would use in the management of its own property. In asserting rights against a borrower, a Fund normally will be dependent on the willingness of the lead bank to assert these rights, or upon a vote of all the lenders to authorize the action. If an agent becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by the appropriate regulatory authority, or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding, the agent’s appointment may be terminated and a successor agent would be appointed. If an appropriate regulator or court determines that assets held by the agent for the benefit of purchasers of loans are subject to the claims of the agent’s general or secured creditors, a Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. A Fund may be subject to similar risks when it buys a participation interest or an assignment from an intermediary.

Bank loans can be fixed and floating rate loans arranged through private negotiations between a company or a non-U.S. government and one or more financial institutions (lenders). The Funds may invest in senior loans, which are floating rate loans that hold a senior position in the capital structure of U.S. and foreign corporations, partnerships or other business entities that, under normal circumstances, allow them to have priority of claim ahead of other obligations of a borrower in the event of liquidation. Bank loans and senior loans may be collateralized or uncollateralized. They pay interest at rates that float above, or are adjusted periodically based on, a benchmark that reflects current interest rates. The Funds may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans and assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. In connection with purchasing participations in such instruments, the Funds generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Funds will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan.

Common Stock

Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company’s products or services. A stock’s value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company’s stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that elect to pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company’s common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. Common stock may be exchange-traded or over-the-counter (“OTC”). OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income security. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than nonconvertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders, but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.

Corporate debt and other fixed-income securities.

Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause a Fund’s net asset value to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed-income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed-income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default.

Delayed Funding Loans and Revolving Credit Facilities

A Fund may enter into, or acquire participations in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are borrowing arrangements in which the lender agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the borrower during a specified term. A revolving credit facility differs from a delayed funding loan in that as the borrower repays the loan, an amount equal to the repayment may be borrowed again during the term of the revolving credit facility. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities usually provide for floating or variable rates of interest. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when it might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that a Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times segregate or “earmark” assets, determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Trust’s Board, in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments.

A Fund may invest in delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities may be subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to resell such instruments. As a result, a Fund may be unable to sell such investments at an opportune time or may have to resell them at less than fair market value.

Floating Rate Loan Interests

Floating rate loan interests held by the Funds are typically issued to companies (the “borrower”) by banks, other financial institutions, and privately and publicly offered corporations (the “lender”). Floating rate loan interests are generally non-investment grade, often involve borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and companies that are highly leveraged. The Funds may invest in obligations of borrowers who are in bankruptcy proceedings. Floating rate loan interests may include fully funded term loans or revolving lines of credit. Floating rate loan interests are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. Floating rate loan interests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. The base lending rates are generally the lending rate offered by one or more European banks, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. Floating rate loan interests may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. The Funds considers these investments to be investments in debt securities for purposes of its investment policies.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

When the Funds purchase a floating rate loan interest it may receive a facility fee and when it sells a floating rate loan interest, it may pay a facility fee. On an ongoing basis, the Funds may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit amount of a floating rate loan interest. Facility and commitment fees are typically amortized to income over the term of the loan or term of the commitment, respectively. Consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned. Prepayment penalty fees, which may be received by the Funds upon the prepayment of a floating rate loan interest by a borrower, are recorded as realized gains. The Funds may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan. A different series or tranche may have varying terms and carry different associated risks.

Floating rate loan interests are usually freely callable at the borrower’s option. The Funds may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans (“Participations”) or assignments (“Assignments”) of all or a portion of loans from third parties. Participations typically will result in the Funds having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the borrower. The Funds will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Funds generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of offset against the borrower, and the Funds may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, the Funds will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the Participation. The Funds’ investment in Participations involves the risk of insolvency of the financial intermediaries who are parties to the transactions. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the Participation, the Funds may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any offset between the lender and the borrower. Assignments typically result in the Funds having a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, and the Funds may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement.

In connection with floating rate loan interests, the Funds may also enter into unfunded floating rate loan interests (“commitments”). In connection with these commitments, the Funds earns a commitment fee, typically set as a percentage of the commitment amount. Such fee income, which is included in “Interest income” in the Statements of Operations, is recognized ratably over the commitment period. Unfunded floating rate loan interests are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Operations.

Foreign Debt Securities

The Funds may invest in foreign fixed and floating rate income securities (including emerging market securities) all or a portion of which may be non-U.S. dollar denominated and which include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations of the U.S. Government issued in non-dollar securities; (d) debt obligations and other fixed income securities of foreign corporate issuers (both dollar and non-dollar denominated); and (e) U.S. corporate issuers (both Eurodollar and non-dollar denominated). Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special considerations that are not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, emerging markets are markets that have risks that are different and higher than those in more developed markets.

Foreign Securities

The Funds may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated equity and debt securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable CDs, bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include corporations, banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. While investments in foreign securities are intended to reduce risk by providing further diversification, such investments involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 a Fund’s rights as an investor.

Payment-In-Kind Securities

The SiM HYO Fund may invest in payment-in-kind securities (“PIKs”). PIKs give the issuer the option at each interest payment date of making interest payments in either cash or additional debt securities. Those additional debt securities usually have the same terms, including maturity dates and interest rates, and associated risks as the original bonds. The daily market quotations of the original bonds may include the accrued interest (referred to as a dirty price) and require a pro-rata adjustment from the “Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments” to “Dividend and interest receivable” in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds

The SiM HYO Fund may invest in inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted based on the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these bonds is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond, however, interest will be paid based on principal value, which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase or decrease in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be included as interest income on the Statements of Operations, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities may be sold privately, but are required to be registered or exempted from such registration before being sold to the public. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). Illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Disposal of both illiquid and restricted securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Illiquid and restricted securities outstanding at the period ended February 28, 2017 are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

High-Yield Securities

Non-investment-grade securities are rated below the four highest credit grades by at least one of the public rating agencies (or are unrated if not publicly rated). Participation in high-yielding securities transactions generally involves greater returns in the form of higher average yields. However, participation in such transactions involves greater risks, including sensitivity to economic changes, solvency, and relative liquidity in the secondary trading market. Lower ratings may reflect a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer, or adverse changes in general economic conditions, or both, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The prices and yields of lower-rated securities generally fluctuate more than higher-quality securities, and such prices may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty or rising interest rates.

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The Funds may own shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which report information on the source of their distributions annually. The Funds re-characterize distributions received from REIT investments based on information provided by the REITs into the following categories: ordinary income, long-term capital gains, and return of capital. If information is not available on a timely basis from the REITs, the re-characterization will be estimated based on available information which may include the previous year allocation. If new or additional information becomes available from the REITs at a later date, a re-characterization will be made the following year.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange Traded Products

The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Funds may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or a 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, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Fund’s shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Fund’s 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 each Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

5. Financial Derivative Instruments

The Funds may utilize derivative instruments to manage liquidity. When considering the Funds’ use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Funds do not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are contracts to buy or sell a standard quantity of securities at a specified price on a future date. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are the possibility of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the values of the contracts and the underlying securities, or that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to set aside or deposit with a broker an amount, termed the initial margin, which typically represents a portion of the face value of the futures contract. The Funds usually reflect this amount on the Schedule of Investments as a U.S. Treasury Bill held as collateral for futures contracts or as Cash deposited with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments to and from the broker, known as variation margin, are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates. Changes in initial settlement values are accounted for as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are terminated, at which time realized gains and losses are recognized. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent settlement price established each day by the exchange on which they are traded.

For the period ended February 28, 2017, the SIM HYO Fund entered into future contracts primarily for return enhancement, hedging and exposing cash to markets.

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s average futures contracts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of futures contracts. For purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding at period end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

SiM HYO

     611  

The following is a summary of the SIM HYO Fund’s derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure(1):

Fair Values of financial derivative instruments not accounted for as hedging instruments as of February 28, 2017:

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

   Foreign
exchange contracts
 

Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)

   $ 270,788  

The effect financial derivative instruments not accounted for as hedging instruments for the period ended February 28, 2017:

 

Statement of Operations:

   Foreign
exchange contracts
 

Realized gain (loss) from derivatives recognized as a result from operations:

  

Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts

   $ 7,149,069  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of derivatives recognized as a result from operations:

  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts

   $ (3,458,840

 

(1) See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Fund’s Schedules of Investment footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Principal Risks

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

Callable Securities Risk

The Funds may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, the Funds would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by the Funds may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates and may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates.

Credit Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely.

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Futures Contracts Risk

Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. Futures contracts may experience dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlation between the price of the contract and the underlying security or index, which will increase the volatility of the Funds and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract).

Floating Rate Securities Risk

The interest rates payable on floating rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. The interest rate on a floating rate security is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate. Floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. As short-term interest rates decline, interest payable on floating rate securities typically decreases. Alternatively, during periods of rising interest rates, interest payable on floating-rate securities typically increases. Changes in the interest rates of floating rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in interest rates. The value of floating rate securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Conversely, floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.

High-Yield Securities Risk

Investing in high-yield, below investment-grade securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) generally involves significantly greater risks of loss of your money than an investment in investment-grade-securities. High-yield debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price when the economy is weak or expected to become weak. High-yield securities are considered to be speculative with respect to an issuer’s ability to pay interest and principal and carry a greater risk that the issuers of lower-rated securities will default on the timely payment of principal and interest. Below-investment-grade securities may experience greater price volatility and less liquidity than investment-grade securities.

Interest Rate Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that the market value of fixed-income securities it holds will decline due to rising interest rates. Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed-income securities, will move in the opposite direction as movements in interest rates. The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate in December 2016, marking only the second such interest rate hike in nearly a decade. The Federal Reserve has signaled additional increases in 2017. Interest rates may rise, perhaps significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to the Fund. The prices of fixed-income securities are also affected by their durations. Fixed-income securities with longer duration generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

Liquidity Risk

The Funds are susceptible to the risk that certain of the floating rate debt securities held by the Funds, such as structured notes and other derivative instruments, 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 Funds could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Funds. The Funds 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 Funds. For example, the Funds 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.

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Loan Interests Risk

Unlike publicly traded common stocks which trade on national exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for loans, including bank loans and senior loans, to trade. Loans trade in an over-the-counter market, and confirmation and settlement, which are effected through standardized procedures and documentation, may take significantly longer than seven days to complete. Extended trade settlement periods may, in unusual market conditions with a high volume of shareholder redemptions, present a risk to shareholders regarding a Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time periods stated in its prospectus. The secondary market for floating rate loans also may be subject to irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads. The lack of an active trading market for certain loans may impair the ability of a Fund to sell its loan interests at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may require a Fund to sell them at prices that are less than what a Fund regards as their fair market value and may make it difficult to value such loans. Interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged companies or transactions, such as corporate acquisitions, may be especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. When a Fund’s loan interest is a participation, the Fund is subject to the risk that the party selling the participation interest will not remit a Fund’s pro rata share of loan payments to the Fund, and the Fund may have less control over the exercise of remedies than the party selling the participation interest.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects, which have resulted, and may continue to result, in fixed-income 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 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. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.

In addition, political events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. Because the impact on the markets has been widespread, it may be difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market conditions. 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 on various markets of a significant rate increase, whether brought about by U.S. policy makers or by dislocations in world markets. 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.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Funds may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including money market funds. To the extent that the Funds invests in shares of other registered investment companies, you will indirectly bear 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 funds. Money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Prepayment Risk

Prepayment risk is the risk that the principal amount of a bond may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow, a debt security may be called otherwise prepaid before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment and a Fund may have to invest at a lower rate, may not benefit from an increase in value that may result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Variable and floating rate securities may be less sensitive to prepayment risk.

Unrated Securities Risk

Because the Funds may purchase securities that are not rated by any rating organization, the sub-advisor, after assessing their credit quality, may internally assign ratings to certain of those securities in categories similar to those of rating organizations. Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value, which means a Fund might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price. Unrated securities may be subject to greater liquidity risk and price volatility.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Funds are parties to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties, which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Funds employ multiple money managers and counterparties and have elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of the report date, February 28, 2017.

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Gross Amount of
Recognized Assets
     Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of Assets
and
Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities
 

Futures contracts(1)

   $ 270,788      $  —        $ 270,788  

Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Pledged by Counterparty as of February 28, 2017:

 

Counterparty

   Net amount of
Assets
Presented in
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities
     Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities
     Net Amount  
      Financial
Instruments
     Cash Collateral
Pledged
    

ADM Investor Services, Inc. (1)

   $ 270,788      $ —        $ —        $ 270,788  

 

(1) The securities presented here within are not subject to Master Netting Agreements. As such, this is disclosed for informational purposes only.

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

7. Federal Income and Excise Taxes

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

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. The tax years for the periods ended August 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Funds recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

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

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

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

     SiM HYO Fund      Sound Point Fund  
     Six Months Ended
February 28,
2017
     Year Ended
August 31,
2016
     Six Months Ended
February 28,
2017
     Year Ended
August 31,
2016
 

Distributions paid from:

           

Ordinary Income*

           

Institutional Class

   $ 12,169,951      $ 14,904,290      $ 1,982,052      $ 2,658,210  

Y Class

     14,318,381        16,700,181        1,913,729        238,499  

Investor Class

     3,819,333        5,897,681        626,317        400,862  

A Class

     2,423,466        3,772,084        265,533        110,616  

C Class

     1,846,452        3,191,376        169,564        34,736  

SP Class A

     —          —          241,342        699,266  

Long-term capital gains

           

Institutional Class

     —          308,528        —          —    

Y Class

     —          327,657        —          —    

Investor Class

     —          93,633        —          —    

A Class

     —          56,686        —          —    

C Class

     —          45,876        —          —    

SP Class A

     —          —          —          —    

Tax Return of Capital

           

Institutional Class

     —          2,546,029        —          —    

Y Class

     —          2,703,885        —          —    

Investor Class

     —          772,676        —          —    

A Class

     —          467,780        —          —    

C Class

     —          378,573        —          —    

SP Class A

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $ 34,577,583      $ 52,166,935      $ 5,198,537      $ 4,412,189  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* For tax purposes, short-term capital gains are considered ordinary income distributions.
A  Formally known as Investor class.

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

As of February 28, 2017, the components of distributable earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

     SiM HYO Fund      Sound Point Fund  

Cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes

   $ 1,199,720,804      $ 690,866,892  

Unrealized appreciation

     41,416,912        3,952,686  

Unrealized depreciation

     (26,410,142      (1,459,861
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     15,006,770        2,492,825  

Undistributed ordinary income

     —          974,091  

Undistributed long-term capital gains

     —          —    

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (14,781,684      —    

Other temporary differences

     (374,695      (119,256
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributable earnings (deficits)

   $ (149,609    $ 3,347,660  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on investments in passive foreign investment companies, and reclassifications of income from real estate investment securities and master limited partnerships.

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

Accordingly, the following reclassified amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from foreign currency, reclassifications of income from real estate investment securities and publicly traded partnerships, dividend reclasses, and return of capital distributions as of February 28, 2017:

 

     SiM HYO Fund      Sound Point Fund  

Paid-in-capital

   $ (6,334,151    $ —    

Undistributed net investment income (loss)

     5,721,202        —    

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     612,949        —    

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in futures contracts

     —          —    

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

As of February 28, 2017, SiM HYO Fund has $3,042,166 of short-term and $11,739,518 of long term post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards. The Fund utilized $2,588,974 short-term post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards.

8. Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

SiM HYO Fund (excluding U.S. Government Securities)

   $ 400,323,396      $ 331,168,857  

Sound Point Fund (excluding U.S. Government Securities)

     485,845,315        127,468,390  

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

A summary of the Funds’ direct transactions in the USG Select Fund for the six months ended February 28, 2017, were as follows:

 

     August 31,                    February 28,         
     2016                    2017         

Fund

   Shares/Fair Value      Purchases      Sales      Shares/Fair Value      Dividend Income  

SiM HYO

   $ 15,615,239      $ 219,656,401      $ 223,969,319      $ 11,302,321      $ 30,793  

Sound Point

     17,644,246        316,284,604        104,116,880        229,811,970        141,843  

9. Capital Share Transactions

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

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017     Year Ended August 31, 2016  

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Shares sold

     8,688,717     $ 82,911,352       29,098,011     $ 265,319,517  

Reinvestment of dividends

     1,259,790       12,030,490       1,922,570       17,530,484  

Shares redeemed

     (17,660,232     (169,216,624     (11,269,780     (101,717,347

Redemption Fees

     —         1,030       —         52,977  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     (7,711,725   $ (74,273,752     19,750,801     $ 181,185,631  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Y Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017     Year Ended August 31, 2016  

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Shares sold

     25,733,970     $ 246,654,188       27,765,315     $ 252,822,449  

Reinvestment of dividends

     1,374,923       13,140,762       1,963,256       17,908,686  

Shares redeemed

     (13,892,403     (132,347,068     (14,476,514     (130,154,658

Redemption Fees

     —         (627     —         57,606  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     13,216,490     $ 127,447,255       15,252,057     $ 140,634,083  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Investor Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017     Year Ended August 31, 2016  

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Shares sold

     4,244,778     $ 40,357,674       8,609,802     $ 78,138,524  

Reinvestment of dividends

     385,209       3,668,750       725,197       6,604,510  

Shares redeemed

     (4,367,600     (41,565,571     (16,589,602     (149,870,501

Redemption Fees

     —         318       —         19,068  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     262,387     $ 2,461,171       (7,254,603   $ (65,108,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     A Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017     Year Ended August 31, 2016  

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Shares sold

     2,694,365     $ 25,758,441       3,311,111     $ 30,339,773  

Reinvestment of dividends

     197,614       1,889,883       344,844       3,141,370  

Shares redeemed

     (2,113,117     (20,154,775     (3,836,439     (34,733,101

Redemption Fees

     —         (44     —         14,139  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in shares outstanding

     778,862     $ 7,493,505       (180,484   $ (1,237,819
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     C Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017     Year Ended August 31, 2016  

SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund

   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Shares sold

     730,374     $ 7,006,353       1,532,505     $ 14,060,397  

Reinvestment of dividends

     161,692       1,551,850       328,087       2,997,639  

Shares redeemed

     (976,080     (9,356,681     (1,858,565     (16,848,778

Redemption Fees

     —         184       —         13,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     (84,014   $ (798,294     2,027     $ 222,698  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     12,480,121      $ 128,864,386        5,694,462      $ 57,882,223  

Reinvestment of dividends

     146,398        1,507,991        196,489        1,988,198  

Shares redeemed

     (3,698,604      (38,210,395      (3,834,677      (39,224,396
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     8,927,915      $ 92,161,982        2,056,274      $ 20,646,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Y Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016 B  

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     22,591,084      $ 233,141,660        2,273,967      $ 23,121,921  

Reinvestment of dividends

     177,501        1,832,682        22,103        225,161  

Shares redeemed

     (699,347      (7,211,928      (48,307      (492,031
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     22,069,238      $ 227,762,414        2,247,763      $ 22,855,051  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Investor Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016 B  

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     8,118,437      $ 83,514,000        2,785,550      $ 27,979,631  

Reinvestment of dividends

     60,683        624,917        39,466        399,746  

Shares redeemed

     (473,239      (4,866,162      (2,467,368      (25,036,083
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     7,705,881      $ 79,272,755        357,648      $ 3,343,294  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     A Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016 B  

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     2,056,422      $ 21,188,257        752,395      $ 7,626,353  

Reinvestment of dividends

     25,662        264,570        10,835        110,257  

Shares redeemed

     (326,301      (3,350,091      (91,976      (935,595
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in shares outstanding

     1,755,783      $ 18,102,736        671,257      $ 6,801,015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     C Class  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016 B  

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     1,831,781      $ 18,874,329        312,358      $ 3,171,177  

Reinvestment of dividends

     14,008        144,540        3,263        33,184  

Shares redeemed

     (81,215      (838,895      (17,766      (180,234
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     1,764,574      $ 18,179,974        297,855      $ 3,024,127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     SP Class A  
     Six months ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     137,817      $ 1,415,958        1,717,328      $ 17,720,785  

Reinvestment of dividends

     23,477        241,317        44,391        448,633  

Shares redeemed

     (426,685      (4,369,414      (630,811      (6,338,120
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     (265,391    $ (2,712,139      1,130,908      $ 11,831,298  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

A  Formally known as Investor Class.
B  For the period of December 11, 2015 through August 31, 2016.

10. Subsequent Events

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

 

 

44


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,  
     Ended                                
     February 28,                                
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.49     $ 9.43     $ 10.35     $ 10.16     $ 9.93     $ 9.42  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.29       0.59       0.57       0.64       0.75       0.77  

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

     0.23       0.05       (0.65     0.47       0.26       0.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.52       0.64       (0.08     1.11       1.01       1.28  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.29     (0.52     (0.55     (0.69     (0.75     (0.77

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         (0.29     (0.23     (0.03     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.06 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.29     (0.58     (0.84     (0.92     (0.78     (0.77
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests E

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.72     $ 9.49     $ 9.43     $ 10.35     $ 10.16     $ 9.93  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     5.58 %C      7.28     (0.78 )%      11.34     10.29     14.19
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 354,556,632     $ 419,036,240     $ 230,287,454     $ 75,388,828     $ 45,471,117     $ 62,790,154  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     0.84 %D      0.91     0.88     0.86     0.93     1.06

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     0.84 %D      0.84     0.84     0.84     0.84     0.84

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     6.17 %D      6.30     5.38     5.88     7.11     7.90

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     6.17 %D      6.37     5.41     5.90     7.20     8.12

Portfolio turnover rate

     29 %C      57     43     38     65     43
     Y Class  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,  
     Ended
February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.48     $ 9.42     $ 10.34     $ 10.14     $ 9.92     $ 9.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.29       0.59       0.53       0.64       0.73       0.76  

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

     0.24       0.05       (0.62     0.46       0.25       0.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.53       0.64       (0.09     1.10       0.98       1.27  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.29     (0.52     (0.54     (0.67     (0.73     (0.76

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         (0.29     (0.23     (0.03     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.06 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.29     (0.58     (0.83     (0.90     (0.76     (0.76
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests E

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.72     $ 9.48     $ 9.42     $ 10.34     $ 10.14     $ 9.92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     5.67 %C      7.21     (0.87 )%      11.33     10.08     14.09
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 585,996,985     $ 446,395,255     $ 300,014,547     $ 247,179,395     $ 87,638,664     $ 19,129,077  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     0.88 %D      0.91     0.91     0.94     0.99     1.09

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     0.88 %D      0.91     0.93     0.94     0.93     0.94

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     6.08 %D      6.28     5.32     5.77     6.77     7.92

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     6.08 %D      6.29     5.30     5.77     6.82     8.07

Portfolio turnover rate

     29 %C      57     43     38     65     43

 

A  The tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at time of distribution.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not Annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

45


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     Investor Class  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,  
     Ended
February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.45     $ 9.40     $ 10.32     $ 10.12     $ 9.90     $ 9.38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.28       0.50       0.50       0.56       0.71       0.73  

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

     0.24       0.10       (0.61     0.52       0.25       0.52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.52       0.60       (0.11     1.08       0.96       1.25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.28     (0.49     (0.52     (0.65     (0.71     (0.73

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         (0.29     (0.23     (0.03     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.06 ) A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.28     (0.55     (0.81     (0.88     (0.74     (0.73
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests E

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.69     $ 9.45     $ 9.40     $ 10.32     $ 10.12     $ 9.90  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     5.55 %C      6.82     (1.14 )%      11.08     9.84     13.92
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 135,291,350     $ 129,503,495     $ 196,928,349     $ 199,533,521     $ 248,052,347     $ 150,395,958  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.12 %D      1.17     1.19     1.11     1.15     1.23

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.12 %D      1.18     1.19     1.11     1.17     1.19

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     5.86 %D      5.97     5.05     5.68     6.81     7.74

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     5.86 %D      5.96     5.05     5.68     6.79     7.78

Portfolio turnover rate

     29 %C      57     43     38     65     43
     A Class  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,  
     Ended
February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.49     $ 9.43     $ 10.36     $ 10.15     $ 9.92     $ 9.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.28       0.54       0.49       0.57       0.69       0.72  

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

     0.23       0.07       (0.62     0.49       0.26       0.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.51       0.61       (0.13     1.06       0.95       1.23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.27     (0.49     (0.51     (0.62     (0.69     (0.72

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         (0.29     (0.23     (0.03     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.06 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.27     (0.55     (0.80     (0.85     (0.72     (0.72
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests E

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.73     $ 9.49     $ 9.43     $ 10.36     $ 10.15     $ 9.92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     5.50 %C      6.87     (1.27 )%      10.87     9.74     13.63
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 89,500,705     $ 79,917,424     $ 81,147,262     $ 93,060,715     $ 76,146,389     $ 42,832,447  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.19 % D      1.23     1.22     1.33     1.41     1.53

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.19 % D      1.24     1.24     1.32     1.35     1.34

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     5.77 % D      5.99     5.01     5.44     6.53     7.44

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     5.77 % D      5.98     4.99     5.45     6.60     7.62

Portfolio turnover rate

     29 %C      57     43     38     65     43

 

A  The tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at time of distribution.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not Annualized
D  Annualized.
E  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

46


American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     C Class  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,  
     Ended
February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.53     $ 9.47     $ 10.40     $ 10.16     $ 9.94     $ 9.42  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.24       0.48       0.42       0.49       0.62       0.65  

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

     0.24       0.06       (0.62     0.50       0.25       0.52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.48       0.54       (0.20     0.99       0.87       1.17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.24     (0.48     (0.44     (0.52     (0.62     (0.65

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         (0.29     (0.23     (0.03     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.05 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.24     (0.48     (0.73     (0.75     (0.65     (0.65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests E

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.77     $ 9.53     $ 9.47     $ 10.40     $ 10.16     $ 9.94  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     5.11 %C      6.08     (1.98 )%      10.12     8.81     12.90
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 74,696,405     $ 73,668,689     $ 73,213,378     $ 76,536,190     $ 60,829,392     $ 26,678,852  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.94 % D      1.97     1.97     2.08     2.15     2.26

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.94 % D      1.99     1.99     2.07     2.09     2.09

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     5.06 % D      5.26     4.26     4.68     5.76     6.70

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     5.06 % D      5.25     4.24     4.69     5.82     6.87

Portfolio turnover rate

     29 %C      57     43     38     65     43

 

A  The tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at time of distribution.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not Annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

47


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,     December 3,  
     Ended                       2012F to  
     February 28,                       August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
     (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.20     $ 10.38     $ 10.49     $ 10.58     $ 10.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

          

Net investment income

     0.23       0.51       0.52 D      0.57       0.14  

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

     0.17       (0.10     0.06       0.14       0.50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

     0.40       0.41       0.58       0.71       0.64  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

          

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.23     (0.55     (0.52     (0.58     (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.02     (0.04     (0.17     (0.22     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.25     (0.59     (0.69     (0.80     (0.06
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.35     $ 10.20     $ 10.38     $ 10.49     $ 10.58  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     3.97 %B      4.12     5.75     6.92     6.40 %B 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

          

Net assets, end of period

   $ 156,473,584     $ 63,147,618     $ 42,903,291     $ 19,578,492     $ 17,179,147  

Ratios to average net assets:

          

Expenses, before reimbursements

     0.85 %C      1.26     1.88     2.37     3.33 % C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     0.83 %C      0.92 % H      0.90     1.58 % I      2.08 % C 

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     4.36 %C      4.78     4.06     4.56     (0.86 )% C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     4.38 %C      5.12     5.04     5.35     2.11 % C 

Portfolio turnover rate

     57 %B      168     196     165     197 %B 
           Y Class     Investor Class  
           Six Months     December 11,     Six Months     December 11,  
           Ended     2015G to     Ended     2015G to  
           February 28,     August 31,     February 28,     August 31,  
           2017     2016     2017     2016  
           (unaudited)           (unaudited)        

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 10.21     $ 10.34     $ 10.18     $ 10.33  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

          

Net investment income

       0.22       0.53       0.24       0.50  

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

       0.18       (0.09     0.15       (0.09
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

       0.40       0.44       0.39       0.41  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

          

Dividends from net investment income

       (0.23     (0.53     (0.22     (0.52

Distributions from net realized gains

       (0.02     (0.04     (0.02     (0.04
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

       (0.25     (0.57     (0.24     (0.56
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 10.36     $ 10.21     $ 10.33     $ 10.18  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

       3.92 %B      4.37 %B      3.86 %B      4.16 %B 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

          

Net assets, end of period

     $ 251,868,199     $ 22,952,034     $ 83,283,879     $ 3,641,581  

Ratios to average net assets:

          

Expenses, before reimbursements

       0.88 %C      1.42 % C      1.03 % C      1.31 % C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

       0.88 %C      0.94 % C      1.03 % C      1.22 % C 

Net investment income, before reimbursements

       4.04 %C      4.64 % C      3.84 % C      4.26 % C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

       4.04 %C      5.11 % C      3.84 % C      4.35 % C 

Portfolio turnover rate

       57 %B      168 % E      57 %B      168 % E 

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.
D  Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
E  Portfolio turnover is for the period from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016 and is annualized.
F  Commencement of Operations for the Predecessor Fund.
G  Commencement of Operations.
H  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to pre-adoption expenses.
I  The expense limitation for the Institutional Class shares was reduced from 1.60% to 0.90% upon reorganization into the Trust. Prior to the reorganization on May 31, 2014, the Fund was organized as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company.

 

 

48


American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     A Class     C Class  
     Six Months     December 11,     Six Months     December 11,  
     Ended     2015G to     Ended     2015G to  
     February 28,     August 31,     February 28,     August 31,  
     2017     2016     2017     2016  
     (unaudited)           (unaudited)        

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.20     $ 10.33     $ 10.21     $ 10.33  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

        

Net investment income

     0.21       0.51       0.17       0.45  

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

     0.17       (0.10     0.16       (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

     0.38       0.41       0.33       0.37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.21     (0.50     (0.17     (0.45

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.02     (0.04     (0.02     (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.23     (0.54     (0.19     (0.49
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.35     $ 10.20     $ 10.35     $ 10.21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     3.75 %B      4.13 %B      3.46 %B      3.67 %B 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

        

Net assets, end of period

   $ 25,122,644     $ 6,849,306     $ 21,354,688     $ 3,040,244  

Ratios to average net assets:

        

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.21 % C      1.67 % C      1.93 % C      2.55 % C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.21 % C      1.24 % C      1.93 % C      1.99 % C 

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     3.83 % C      4.51 % C      2.97 % C      3.50 % C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     3.83 % C      4.93 % C      2.97 % C      4.06 % C 

Portfolio turnover rate

     57 %B      168 % E      57 %B      168 %E 
     SP ClassI  
     Six Months     Year Ended August 31,        
     Ended                 May 30, 2013to  
     February 28,                 August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014  
     (unaudited)                    

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.19     $ 10.38     $ 10.49     $ 10.62 J 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

        

Net investment income

     0.16       0.30       0.43 D      0.13  

Net gains from investments (both realized and unrealized)

     0.23       0.07       0.12       (0.00 )K 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

     0.39       0.37       0.55       0.13  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.22     (0.52     (0.49     (0.26

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.02     (0.04     (0.17     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.24     (0.56     (0.66     (0.26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.34     $ 10.19     $ 10.38     $ 10.49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     3.84 %B      3.70     5.53     1.19 %B 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

        

Net assets, end of period

   $ 9,076,046     $ 11,651,032     $ 125,577     $ 1,138  

Ratios to average net assets:

        

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.11 % C      1.49     1.74     1.95 % C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.11 % C      1.19 % H      1.15     1.15 % C 

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     4.35 % C      4.01     3.59     3.70 % C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     4.35 % C      4.30     4.18     4.50 % C 

Portfolio turnover rate

     57 %B      168     196     17 % B 

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.
D  Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
E  Portfolio turnover is for the period from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016 and is annualized.
F  Commencement of Operations for the Predecessor Fund.
G  Commencement of Operations.
H  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to pre-adoption expenses.
I  Prior to the reorganization on December 11, 2015, the SP Class was known as the Investor Class.

 

 

49


 

 

 

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52


LOGO

 

 

Delivery of Documents

eDelivery is NOW AVAILABLE – Stop traditional mail delivery and receive your

shareholder reports and summary prospectus on-line. Sign up at

www.americanbeaconfunds.com

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

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO      LOGO
    
By E-mail:      On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com      Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
    
          
    
LOGO      LOGO
By Telephone:      By Mail:
Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and SP Classes      American Beacon Funds
Call (800) 658-5811      P.O. Box 219643
     Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
          
    
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules      Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
    
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-Q as of the first and third fiscal quarters. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-2736. Information regarding the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800)-SEC-0330. A complete schedule of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately twenty days after the end of each month for the SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund and sixty days after the end of each quarter for the Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund.      A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

 

CUSTODIAN

   

 

TRANSFER AGENT

   

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

   

 

DISTRIBUTOR

State Street Bank and

Trust

   

Boston Financial Data

Services

   

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

   

Foreside Fund Services,

LLC

Boston, Massachusetts     Kansas City, Missouri     Dallas, Texas     Portland, Maine

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

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 2/17


LOGO

2017 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT February 28, 2017 FLEXIBLE BOND FUND


About American Beacon Advisors

 

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

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

FLEXIBLE BOND FUND

Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. Investments in high-yield securities are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. Although the Fund has a flexible approach to investing, diversification does not ensure against loss. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

 

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

 

American Beacon Funds    February 28, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

     1  

Performance Overview

     2  

Expense Example

     4  

Schedule of Investments:

  

American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund

     6  

Financial Statements

     21  

Notes to Financial Statements

     25  

Financial Highlights:

  

American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund

     57  

Affirmation of Commodity Pool

     60  

Additional Fund Information

     Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

In the weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 8, 2016, uncertainty about the outcome caused many investors to stay on the sidelines. Some investors questioned whether the election’s result would have negative consequences for their portfolios, although elections have rarely had a lasting effect on the market.

 

Following the election, the markets responded positively to aspects of the incoming administration’s proposed plans for economic growth; i.e., repatriating jobs from overseas, relaxing regulations, lowering taxes and increasing infrastructure spending. From Election Day 2016 to Inauguration Day 2017, the S&P 500 Index—a broad measure of the performance of large U.S. companies—climbed approximately 6%. From Inauguration Day to February 28, it gained approximately 4%.

Economists anticipated the Federal Reserve would increase the federal funds rate—perhaps as early as mid-March. The Federal Open Market Committee’s confidence in the improving U.S. economy was exhibited in December 2016 when short-term interest rates increased by 0.25% to a range of 0.50% to 0.75%. It was the second increase since 2008; the first increase occurred in December 2015.

For the six-month period that ended February 28, 2017, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index, a benchmark for investment-grade U.S. bonds, returned -2.19%. In contrast, during the same period, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3 Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index, a widely used benchmark for short-term interest rates, returned 0.42%; and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, which represents domestic, below-investment-grade corporate debt, returned 5.54%.

For the 6 months ended February 28, 2017:

 

    American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund (Investor Class) returned 2.05%.

At American Beacon Advisors, we are proud to offer a broad range of global equity and fixed-income funds sub-advised by experienced asset managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

Thank you for your continued interest in American Beacon Funds. For additional information about the Funds or to access your account information, please visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

 

Best Regards,
LOGO

Gene L. Needles, Jr.

President

American Beacon Funds

 

1


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the Flexible Bond Fund (the “Fund”) returned 2.05% for the six months ended February 28, 2017. The Fund outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index return of -2.19% and the BofA Merrill Lynch 3 Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index return of 0.42% for the same period.

Total Returns for the Period ended February 28, 2017

 

     Ticker    6 Months*     1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     Since
Inception
 

Institutional Class (1,2,4)

   AFXIX      2.25     6.82     1.19     1.85     2.22

Y Class (1,2,4)

   AFXYX      2.15     6.67     1.08     1.73     2.12

Investor Class (1,2,4)

   AFXPX      2.05     6.41     0.84     1.47     1.91

A without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AFXAX      2.03     6.29     0.77     1.39     1.78

A with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AFXAX      -2.81     1.21     -0.86     0.41     0.90

C without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AFXCX      1.62     5.48     0.02     0.61     1.13

C with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AFXCX      0.62     4.48     0.02     0.61     1.13

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index (3)

        -2.19     1.42     2.64     2.24     2.98

BofA Merrill Lynch 3 Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index (3)

        0.42     0.72     0.41     0.39     0.39

 

* Not annualized.
1. Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
2. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.
3. The BofA Merrill Lynch 3 Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index represents the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) with a constant 3-month average maturity. LIBOR is a composite of the rates of interest at which banks borrow from one another in the London market, and it is a widely used benchmark for short-term interest rates. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index is a market weighted index of government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed-rate debt securities of all maturities.
4. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A and C Class shares was 1.14%, 1.20%, 1.43%, 1.53%, and 2.27%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund performed well during the period producing positive returns while interest rates rose and the broader bond market (Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate) was negative. The Fund’s duration remained under two years, which was a significant factor in protecting it from rising interest rates. By comparison, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index duration ended the period at 6.0 years. Additionally, a large portion of the Fund’s core holdings were global corporate, sovereign and asset-backed securities, which provided incremental yield and performed strongly as credit spreads tightened during the period. Overall, the Fund’s weighted-average credit quality remained investment grade.

Within currencies, the Fund reported gains in its short positions in the euro and Japanese yen, both of which declined in value relative to the U.S. dollar due to their soft economies, central bank easing, and concern over trade protectionism in the U.S. These have been long-standing short positions in the Fund.

The Fund reported losses, however, in its long currency positions in peripheral Europe (non-Euro currencies), the Mexican peso, the British pound and the Malaysian ringgit, all of which declined during the period relative to the U.S. dollar. European exposures were harmed by the surprise Brexit vote and soft economic growth, the peso retreated after Trump’s surprise election victory, and the ringgit was harmed, as were most emerging markets, by trade protectionism rhetoric in the U.S. These long positions have also been maintained for several quarters as their fundamental attractiveness continues. Unfortunately, headline risk continues to cause uncertainty in these markets.

 

2


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

During the period, the Fund’s overall currency exposures benefitted total returns, primarily due to the short positions in the yen and Euro.

Looking forward, the Fund’s investment managers will continue to allocate investments across a wide range of global markets seeking to achieve the Fund’s goal of providing a positive total return, regardless of market conditions, over a full market cycle.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

     

Fannie Mae TBA, 3.50%, Due 4/13/2047

        5.3  

U.S. Treasury Note/Bond, 1.625%, Due 7/31/2019

        4.6  

U.S. Treasury Note/Bond, 1.375%, Due 3/31/2020

        4.2  

Mexican Bonos Desarrollo, 7.75%, Due 11/13/2042

        1.6  

U.S. Treasury Note/Bond, 2.875%, Due 11/15/2046

        1.6  

Japan Treasury Discount Bills, -0.003%, Due 5/29/2017

        1.3  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 1.357%, Due 11/15/2018

        1.3  

U.S. Treasury Note/Bond, 2.00%, Due 8/15/2025

        1.3  

Morgan Stanley, 1.514%, Due 4/25/2018

        1.3  

Brazil, Nota Do Tesouro Nacional, 10.00%, Due 1/1/2027

        1.2  

Total Fund Holdings

     327     

Sector Allocation (% Investments)

     

Sovereign Obligations

        21.2  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

        18.9  

Finance

        17.4  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

        13.6  

Asset-Backed Obligations

        11.3  

Agency Mortgage-Backed Obligations

        7.5  

Service

        4.1  

Manufacturing

        2.3  

Telecommunications

        0.9  

Consumer

        0.8  

Energy

        0.8  

Foreign Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

        0.8  

Transportation

        0.3  

Municipal Obligations

        0.2  

Utilities

        0.1  

 

3


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Expense Example

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees if applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative service fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from September 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

4


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Expense Example

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Flexible Bond Fund

 

     Beginning Account Value
9/1/2016
     Ending Account Value
2/28/2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period
9/1/2016-2/28/2017*
 

Institutional Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,022.54      $ 4.51  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.32      $ 4.51  

Y Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.48      $ 4.96  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.87      $ 4.96  

Investor Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.53      $ 6.36  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.47      $ 6.36  

A Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.27      $ 6.51  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.37      $ 6.51  

C Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,016.25      $ 10.25  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.63      $ 10.24  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.90%, 0.99%, 1.27%, 1.30% and 2.05% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A and C Classes respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.
** 5% return before expenses.

 

5


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

DOMESTIC BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONS—1.77%

     

Consumer—0.23%

     

ARAMARK Corp., Term Loan E, 3.25%, Due 9/7/2019 A B

   $ 282,056      $ 284,806  
     

 

 

 

Manufacturing—0.18%

     

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B 3, 1.00%, Due 9/23/2022 A B

     225,132        227,664  
     

 

 

 

Service—1.21%

     

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., Term Loan B 4, 3.50%, Due 8/13/2021A B

     295,000        293,378  

Charter Communications Operating LLC, 2016 Term Loan I, VR, 3.03%, Due 1/15/2024A B C

     99,250        99,852  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, Term Loan B1, 3.50%, Due 10/26/2020A B C

     47,697        48,007  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, Term Loan B2, 1.00%, Due 10/25/2023A B C

     648,496        651,200  

JC Penney Corp., Inc., Term Loan B, VR, 5.25%, Due 6/23/2023A B

     268,600        265,186  

Serta Simmons Bedding LLC, First Lien Term Loan, VR, 4.538%, Due 11/8/2023A B C

     150,000        150,629  
     

 

 

 
        1,508,252  
     

 

 

 

Telecommunications—0.08%

     

Sprint Communications, Inc., First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 3.313%, Due 2/2/2024 B

     100,000        100,143  
     

 

 

 

Transportation—0.07%

     

Air Canada, 2016 First Lien Term Loan B, VR, 3.755%, Due 10/6/2023 B

     90,000        90,675  
     

 

 

 

Total Domestic Bank Loan Obligations (Cost $2,206,264)

        2,211,540  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATE AND SOVEREIGN OBLIGATIONS—28.79%

     

Consumer—0.53%

     

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 2.65%, Due 2/1/2021

     230,000        232,567  

Reynolds American, Inc., 8.125%, Due 6/23/2019

     250,000        283,315  

Smithfield Foods, Inc., 2.70%, Due 1/31/2020D

     140,000        140,629  
     

 

 

 
        656,511  
     

 

 

 

Energy—0.85%

     

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 5.00%, Due 2/15/2021D

     100,000        107,557  

Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co., Ltd III, 6.75%, Due 9/30/2019E

     250,000        277,728  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.00%, Due 3/15/2027C D

     100,000        105,852  

Shell International Finance BV, 2.25%, Due 11/10/2020

     200,000        200,710  

Sinopec Group Overseas Development 2014 Ltd., 4.375%, Due 4/10/2024E

     200,000        212,470  

Tesoro Corp., 4.75%, Due 12/15/2023D

     140,000        144,900  
     

 

 

 
        1,049,217  
     

 

 

 

Finance—17.20%

     

2013-2 Aviation Loan Trust, 3.073%, Due 12/15/2022A D

     66,764        60,455  

AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd / AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 2.75%, Due 5/15/2017

     550,000        551,367  

AGFC Capital Trust I Limited, 2.772%, Due 1/15/2067A D

     300,000        150,000  

Air Lease Corp., 2.125%, Due 1/15/2020

     250,000        247,389  

American Express Credit Corp.,

     

1.649%, Due 7/31/2018A

     820,000        823,160  

1.70%, Due 10/30/2019

     170,000        168,808  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., 2.05%, Due 9/23/2019

     250,000        250,181  

Banco Santander Chile S.A., 1.915%, Due 4/11/2017A D

     880,000        880,000  

Bank of America Corp.,

     

5.65%, Due 5/1/2018

     500,000        521,897  

2.063%, Due 1/15/2019A

     700,000        708,012  

1.868%, Due 4/1/2019A

     535,000        540,044  

7.625%, Due 6/1/2019

     100,000        112,087  

4.125%, Due 1/22/2024

     100,000        104,681  

Bank of America NA, 5.30%, Due 3/15/2017

     250,000        250,358  

BB&T Corp., 2.625%, Due 6/29/2020

     600,000        608,414  

BNZ International Funding Ltd/London, 2.40%, Due 2/21/2020D

     250,000        250,558  

Citigroup, Inc.,

     

1.554%, Due 5/1/2017A

     500,000        500,328  

1.727%, Due 4/27/2018A

     595,000        597,641  

See accompanying notes

 

6


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Finance—17.20% (continued)

     

2.90%, Due 12/8/2021

   $ 240,000      $ 240,686  

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd., 3.75%, Due 3/26/2025

     250,000        245,085  

Deutsche Bank AG, 4.25%, Due 10/14/2021D

     200,000        202,262  

DNB Bank ASA, 2.375%, Due 6/2/2021D

     300,000        297,053  

Fifth Third Bancorp, 2.875%, Due 7/27/2020

     600,000        610,110  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,

     

2.139%, Due 11/15/2018A

     1,610,000        1,629,367  

7.50%, Due 2/15/2019

     232,000        256,436  

2.60%, Due 4/23/2020

     130,000        130,908  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 2.65%, Due 1/5/2022F

     200,000        197,259  

Hyundai Capital Services, Inc., 3.00%, Due 3/6/2022D

     230,000        229,650  

International Lease Finance Corp.,

     

3.875%, Due 4/15/2018

     130,000        132,861  

5.875%, Due 4/1/2019

     80,000        85,880  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.,

     

1.938%, Due 1/25/2018A

     640,000        644,349  

2.75%, Due 6/23/2020

     250,000        254,408  

4.40%, Due 7/22/2020

     10,000        10,704  

2.535%, Due 3/1/2021A

     300,000        308,842  

JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 6.00%, Due 10/1/2017

     300,000        307,846  

KeyCorp, 2.90%, Due 9/15/2020

     300,000        305,547  

Kommunalbanken AS, 1.300%, Due 6/16/2020A D

     634,000        638,197  

Macquarie Bank Ltd., 1.662%, Due 10/27/2017A D

     610,000        611,931  

Manulife Financial Corp., 4.061%, Due 2/24/2032

     260,000        261,527  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.,

     

2.19%, Due 9/13/2021

     200,000        195,011  

2.998%, Due 2/22/2022

     210,000        211,865  

Mizuho Financial Group, 2.632%, Due 4/12/2021D

     210,000        208,663  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., 2.953%, Due 2/28/2022

     200,000        200,230  

Morgan Stanley,

     

2.318%, Due 4/25/2018A

     1,600,000        1,618,304  

7.30%, Due 5/13/2019

     300,000        333,136  

5.50%, Due 7/24/2020

     350,000        383,962  

New York Life Global Funding, 1.50%, Due 10/24/2019D

     350,000        346,220  

Santander UK PLC, 2.50%, Due 3/14/2019F

     300,000        302,647  

Shinhan Bank, 1.659%, Due 4/8/2017A D

     1,430,000        1,430,429  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, 2.625%, Due 11/17/2020D

     350,000        352,488  

Toronto Dominion Bank, 2.009%, Due 4/7/2021A

     150,000        152,353  

UBS AG, 5.125%, Due 5/15/2024E

     300,000        307,125  

Wells Fargo & Co., 2.60%, Due 7/22/2020

     100,000        101,239  

Westpac Banking Corp., 2.60%, Due 11/23/2020

     410,000        412,704  
     

 

 

 
        21,482,664  
     

 

 

 

Manufacturing—2.21%

     

Broadcom Corp / Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd., 3.00%, Due 1/15/2022D

     100,000        99,992  

Daimler Finance North America LLC,

     

1.875%, Due 1/11/2018C D

     400,000        401,007  

2.30%, Due 1/6/2020C D

     200,000        200,593  

Diamond 1 Finance Corp / Diamond 2 Finance Corp.,

     

3.48%, Due 6/1/2019D

     50,000        51,131  

4.42%, Due 6/15/2021D

     270,000        283,134  

Electronic Arts, Inc., 3.70%, Due 3/1/2021

     70,000        72,725  

First Data Corp., 5.375%, Due 8/15/2023D

     210,000        218,400  

FLIR Systems, Inc., 3.125%, Due 6/15/2021

     170,000        170,980  

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 1.863%, Due 6/15/2018A C

     745,000        748,616  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 3.85%, Due 10/15/2020

     260,000        266,833  

Roper Technologies, Inc., 2.80%, Due 12/15/2021

     240,000        240,778  
     

 

 

 
        2,754,189  
     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

7


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

            Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Service—3.09%

        

AbbVie, Inc.,

        

2.50%, Due 5/14/2020

      $ 100,000      $ 100,587  

3.60%, Due 5/14/2025

        100,000        99,579  

Actavis Funding SCS, 3.00%, Due 3/12/2020

        400,000        407,445  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 4.464%, Due 7/23/2022C

        100,000        104,951  

Dignity Health, 2.637%, Due 11/1/2019

        300,000        302,351  

DISH DBS Corp., 4.625%, Due 7/15/2017

        680,000        686,800  

ERAC USA Finance LLC, 4.50%, Due 8/16/2021C D

        350,000        373,552  

Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.55%, Due 9/1/2020

        430,000        434,391  

HCA, Inc., 6.50%, Due 2/15/2020

        200,000        219,558  

Mastercard, Inc., 2.00%, Due 11/21/2021

        340,000        337,899  

New Red Finance, Inc., 6.00%, Due 4/1/2022D

        105,000        109,495  

Numericable Group S.A., 7.375%, Due 5/1/2026D

        200,000        207,250  

Tencent Holdings Ltd., 2.875%, Due 2/11/2020D

        200,000        201,911  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 2.20%, Due 7/21/2021

        100,000        96,380  

Universal Health Services, Inc., 4.75%, Due 8/1/2022D

        70,000        72,100  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., 3.15%, Due 4/1/2022

        100,000        100,325  
        

 

 

 
           3,854,574  
        

 

 

 

Sovereign—3.68%

        

Brazil, Petrobras Global Finance BV, 8.375%, Due 5/23/2021

        250,000        278,825  

Dominican Republic International Bond, 7.50%, Due 5/6/2021D

        260,000        287,625  

Guatemala Government Bond, 5.75%, Due 6/6/2022D

        240,000        261,235  

Honduras Government International Bond, 8.75%, Due 12/16/2020D

        240,000        272,400  

Hungary Government International Bond, 6.25%, Due 1/29/2020

        280,000        308,084  

Indonesia Government International Bond, 5.875%, Due 3/13/2020D

        100,000        109,746  

Norway, Eksportfinans ASA, 5.50%, Due 6/26/2017

        600,000        606,360  

Romanian Government International Bond, 6.75%, Due 2/7/2022E

        300,000        347,100  

Serbia International Bond, 5.875%, Due 12/3/2018D

        240,000        252,361  

Slovenia Government Bond, 5.85%, Due 5/10/2023E

        100,000        114,220  

South Korea, Export-Import Bank of Korea, 5.00%, Due 4/11/2022

        200,000        220,982  

Supranational, Corporacion Andina de Fomento,

        

1.589%, Due 1/29/2018A

        880,000        880,428  

2.00%, Due 5/10/2019

        425,000        426,144  

Vietnam Government International Bond, 6.75%, Due 1/29/2020D

        200,000        218,842  
        

 

 

 
           4,584,352  
        

 

 

 

Telecommunications—0.88%

        

AT&T, Inc., 2.45%, Due 6/30/2020

        400,000        400,974  

Frontier Communications Corp., 6.25%, Due 9/15/2021

        300,000        286,500  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co III LLC, 3.36%, Due 3/20/2023C D

        200,000        200,750  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 2.709%, Due 9/14/2018A

        200,000        204,774  
        

 

 

 
           1,092,998  
        

 

 

 

Transportation—0.25%

        

American Airlines 2016-3 Class A Pass Through Trust, 3.25%, Due 4/15/2030

        100,000        97,000  

Continental Airlines 2012-3 Class C Pass Thru Certificates, 6.125%, Due 4/29/2018

        210,000        218,925  
        

 

 

 
           315,925  
        

 

 

 

Utilities—0.09%

        

Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.00%, Due 8/15/2021

        110,000        107,295  
        

 

 

 

Total Corporate and Sovereign Obligations (Cost $35,736,382)

           35,897,725  
        

 

 

 

FOREIGN CORPORATE AND SOVEREIGN OBLIGATIONS—20.03%

        

Energy—0.08%

        

Gazprom OAO Via Gaz Capital S.A., 3.755%, Due 3/15/2017 E

     EUR        100,000        106,009  
        

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

            Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Finance—1.23%

        

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A., 7.00%, Due 12/29/2049A E

     EUR        200,000      $ 207,644  

Banco Popular Español S.A., 10.743%, Due 10/29/2049A E

     EUR        200,000        213,747  

Bank of America Corp., 4.179%, Due 10/21/2025A E G

     MXN        3,000,000        168,728  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 7.625%, Due 12/29/2049E F

     GBP        500,000        674,712  

Novo Banco S.A.,

        

5.00%, Due 4/23/2019E

     EUR        100,000        94,447  

5.00%, Due 5/23/2019E

     EUR        100,000        94,553  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, 6.934%, Due 4/9/2018A F

     EUR        50,000        56,750  
        

 

 

 
           1,510,581  
        

 

 

 

Sovereign—18.73%

        

Argentine Republic Government International Bond, 3.875%, Due 1/15/2022E

     EUR        400,000        417,192  

Australia, Queensland Treasury Corp., 5.75%, Due 7/22/2024E

     AUD        1,090,000        996,064  

Austria, KAF Kaerntner Ausgleichszahlungs-Fonds, 0.01%, Due 1/14/2032D

     EUR        95,440        87,503  

Brazil, Nota Do Tesouro Nacional,

        

10.00%, Due 1/1/2025

     BRL        2,250,000        716,388  

10.00%, Due 1/1/2027

     BRL        4,735,000        1,498,253  

Greece, Hellenic Republic Government Bond,

        

3.375%, Due 7/17/2017D E

     EUR        100,000        102,859  

4.75%, Due 4/17/2019D E

     EUR        50,000        49,677  

Greece, Hellenic Republic Government International Bond, 3.80%, Due 8/8/2017

     JPY        30,000,000        254,350  

Hungary Government Bond,

        

6.00%, Due 11/24/2023

     HUF        260,000,000        1,080,665  

5.50%, Due 6/24/2025

     HUF        100,000,000        400,481  

Indonesia Government Bond,

        

8.375%, Due 3/15/2024

     IDR        9,800,000,000        771,596  

9.00%, Due 3/15/2029

     IDR        1,900,000,000        153,727  

8.75%, Due 2/15/2044

     IDR        11,700,000,000        910,573  

Japan Treasury Discount Bills, -0.003%, Due 5/29/2017

     JPY        180,000,000        1,603,106  

Malaysia Government Bond,

        

3.659%, Due 10/15/2020

     MYR        2,080,000        468,887  

4.048%, Due 9/30/2021

     MYR        1,105,000        251,910  

3.62%, Due 11/30/2021

     MYR        940,000        210,789  

3.48%, Due 3/15/2023

     MYR        2,885,000        633,144  

Mexican Bonos, 7.75%, Due 11/23/2034

     MXN        6,500,000        323,310  

Mexican Bonos Desarr,

        

8.50%, Due 5/31/2029H

     MXN        25,600,000        1,371,403  

8.50%, Due 11/18/2038H

     MXN        24,500,000        1,304,793  

7.75%, Due 11/13/2042H

     MXN        40,800,000        2,010,910  

New Zealand Government Bond, 5.50%, Due 4/15/2023E

     NZD        780,000        645,069  

Nigeria Government Bond, 5.125%, Due 7/12/2018E

        200,000        203,008  

Poland Government Bond, 3.25%, Due 7/25/2025

     PLN        3,355,000        804,741  

Portugal, Obrigacoes do Tesouro, 4.95%, Due 10/25/2023D E

     EUR        930,000        1,086,912  

South Africa Government Bond,

        

6.75%, Due 3/31/2021

     ZAR        3,465,000        253,321  

6.50%, Due 2/28/2041

     ZAR        16,030,000        872,127  

8.75%, Due 2/28/2048

     ZAR        12,795,000        889,578  

United Kingdom Treasury Bill,

        

0.13%, Due 4/10/2017

     GBP        1,200,000        1,488,654  

0.08%, Due 5/8/2017

     GBP        1,200,000        1,488,385  
        

 

 

 
           23,349,375  
        

 

 

 

Total Foreign Corporate and Sovereign Obligations (Cost $28,672,939)

           24,965,965  
        

 

 

 

ASSET-BACKED OBLIGATIONS—11.94%

        

Apidos CLO XXII, 4.830%, Due 10/20/2027, 2015 22A CA D

      $ 400,000        401,954  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies Ltd., CLO, 2.507%, Due 4/27/2027, 2015 2A A1A D

        250,000        250,797  

Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust, 1.031%, Due 2/25/2037, 2007 FRE1 A3A

        500,000        392,084  

Colony American Homes 2014-2, 1.727%, Due 7/17/2031, A D

        212,366        212,385  

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Asset-Backed Obligations—11.94% (continued)

     

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates Trust,

     

1.448%, Due 8/25/2035, 2005 3 MV5A

   $ 400,000      $ 388,611  

0.908%, Due 12/25/2036, 2006 12 1AA

     137,767        136,443  

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2016-B, 4.53%, Due 8/15/2023, 2016 BA DD

     550,000        564,412  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, 1.131%, Due 11/25/2035, 2005 FF10 A5A

     1,000,000        816,964  

First Investors Auto Owner, 4.70%, Due 4/18/2022, 2016 1A DD

     500,000        519,585  

GoldenTree Loan Opportunities VII Ltd., CLO, 2.188%, Due 4/25/2025, 2013 7A AD

     500,000        499,645  

GSAMP Trust, 0.891%, Due 12/25/2036, 2007 FM1 A2B

     1,442,381        796,017  

Invitation Homes Trust, 2.118%, Due 6/17/2032, 2015 SFR2 AA D

     293,195        293,947  

Madison Park Funding Ltd., CLO,

     

1.216%, Due 3/22/2021, 2007 4A A1AA D

     1,130,520        1,126,323  

2.475%, Due 1/19/2025, 2014 13A AA D

     250,000        250,056  

Madison Park Funding XIII Ltd., 1.00%, Due 1/19/2025, A D

     250,000        249,875  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust,

     

0.828%, Due 7/25/2036, 2006 WMC2 A2FPA

     74,473        33,246  

0.928%, Due 11/25/2036, 2007 HE1 A2CA

     472,395        290,136  

Morgan Stanley Home Equity Loan Trust, 0.871%, Due 4/25/2037, 2007 2 A1A

     1,053,655        656,250  

Nomura Home Equity Loan Inc., Home Equity Loan Trust, 1.108%,
Due 10/25/2036, 2006 AF1 A4

     1,077,596        378,968  

Oak Hill Credit Partners, CLO, 2.150%, Due 4/20/2025, 2013 8A AD

     500,000        500,248  

Oakwood Mortgage Investors, Inc., 6.61%, Due 6/15/2031, 2001 C A3

     308,037        116,079  

Octagon Investment Partners 24 Ltd., CLO, 2.502%, Due 5/21/2027, 2015 1A A1A D

     250,000        250,723  

OHA Credit Partners XI Ltd., CLO, 5.330%, Due 10/20/2028, 2015 11A DA D

     600,000        608,362  

Prestige Auto Receivables Trust, 5.15%, Due 11/15/2021, 2016 1A DD

     400,000        417,410  

RAAC Series Trust, 1.178%, Due 9/25/2045, 2006 SP1 M1A

     800,000        689,430  

Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust, 5.612%, Due 4/25/2037, 2007 1 AF3

     948,123        472,625  

Residential Asset Securities Corp.,

     

1.358%, Due 7/25/2033, 2003 KS5 AIIBA

     5,724        5,185  

1.218%, Due 1/25/2036, 2005 KS12 M1A

     175,000        172,593  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, 3.49%, Due 5/17/2021, 2015 3 D

     350,000        357,017  

Thacher Park CLO Ltd., 1.00%, Due 10/20/2026, A D

     500,000        499,750  

Tralee CDO Ltd., 2.380%, Due 7/20/2026, 2014 3A A2D

     600,000        600,163  

Venture XVII CLO Ltd., 2.503%, Due 7/15/2026, 2014 17A AA D

     600,000        602,142  

VOLT XXII LLC, 3.50%, Due 2/25/2055, 2015 NPL4 A1C D

     197,331        197,794  

VOLT XXXIV LLC, 3.25%, Due 2/25/2055, 2015 NPL7 A1C D

     324,398        323,967  

VOLT XXXVIII LLC, 3.875%, Due 9/25/2045, 2015 NP12 A1C D

     443,884        444,977  

Wells Fargo Home Equity Asset-Backed Securities Trust, 1.008%, Due 4/25/2037, 2007 2 A3A .

     419,967        378,263  
     

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Obligations (Cost $14,818,726)

        14,894,426  
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS—14.38%

     

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, 3.346%, Due 9/25/2035, 2005 5 2A1

     51,296        42,658  

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust,

     

3.187%, Due 10/25/2034, 2004 3 5AA

     23,867        23,921  

2.852%, Due 9/25/2045, 2005 2 4A1A

     4,085        4,043  

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Inc., 2.728%, Due 6/25/2034, 2004 R4 M2A

     839,573        640,532  

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust, 1.171%, Due 5/25/2035, 2005 4 CB6A

     36,104        28,698  

Banc of America Funding Corporation,

     

0.987%, Due 4/20/2047, 2007 B A1

     490,191        388,097  

1.077%, Due 5/20/2047, 2007 C 7A5A

     234,141        205,101  

Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc., 3.548%, Due 7/20/2032, 2002 G1A3A

     3,488        3,523  

Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust,

     

2.752%, Due 11/25/2030, 2000 2 A1

     24,514        23,450  

3.063%, Due 8/25/2033, 2003 5 2A1A

     49,500        49,394  

3.326%, Due 8/25/2033, 2003 5 1A1A

     38,779        38,300  

3.125%, Due 4/25/2034, 2004 1 22A1A

     8,941        8,835  

3.557%, Due 11/25/2034, 2004 9 22A1A

     13,525        13,552  

3.189%, Due 5/25/2047, 2007 3 1A1A

     26,622        24,223  

Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust,

     

3.129%, Due 11/25/2036, 2006 6 32A1

     103,600        84,031  

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—14.38% (continued)

     

3.459%, Due 12/25/2046, 2006 7 23A1

   $ 725,092      $     527,352  

Chase Mortgage Finance Corp.,

     

5.50%, Due 11/25/2035, 2005 S3 A10

     200,000        189,912  

3.249%, Due 2/25/2037, 2007 A1 1A5

     25,899        25,493  

3.210%, Due 3/25/2037, 2007 A1 12M3A

     186,027        151,626  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.,

     

3.057%, Due 8/25/2035, 2005 3 2A2A

     28,239        27,805  

2.41%, Due 9/25/2035, 2005 6 A3A

     23,640        22,892  

0.851%, Due 1/25/2037, 2007 AMC2 A3A

     140,996        90,168  

Colony American Homes, 1.918%, Due 5/17/2031, 2014 1A AA D

     284,968        284,977  

Cosmopolitan Hotal Trust, 2.17%, Due 11/15/2033, 2016 CSMO AA D

     250,000        252,422  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust,

     

5.50%, Due 10/25/2033, 2003 20CB 1A4

     144,818        145,355  

6.00%, Due 10/25/2033, 2003 J2 A1

     19,106        19,690  

1.501%, Due 11/25/2035, 2005 56 1A1A

     820,823        700,738  

6.50%, Due 9/25/2036, 2006 J5 1A1

     661,898        550,226  

0.989%, Due 7/20/2046, 2006 OA9 2A1AA

     9,474        5,193  

0.968%, Due 9/25/2046, 2006 OA11 A1BA

     11,594        8,955  

0.974%, Due 12/20/2046, 2006 OA17 1A1A

     963,855        745,549  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust,

     

3.300%, Due 6/25/2033, 2003 27 A1A

     25,340        25,206  

1.538%, Due 9/25/2034, 2004 16 1A4AA

     31,261        28,756  

1.358%, Due 4/25/2035, 2005 3 2A1A

     99,956        86,488  

1.238%, Due 5/25/2035, 2005 9 1A3A

     105,677        87,493  

2.996%, Due 11/20/2035, 2005 HYB7 6A1A

     770,453        650,191  

5.75%, Due 5/25/2037, 2007 5 A51

     49,132        43,509  

Credit Suisse Mortgage-Backed Trust, 6.00%, Due 7/25/2036, 2006 6 1A4

     406,067        300,650  

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities,

     

4.771%, Due 5/25/2025, 2015 C02 1M2A

     478,038        504,154  

5.771%, Due 7/25/2025, 2015 C03 2M2A

     200,000        216,834  

6.471%, Due 4/25/2028, 2015 C04 1M2A

     525,000        584,283  

2.073%, Due 7/25/2029, A

     298,388        299,524  

Fannie Mae Grantor Trust, 6.00%, Due 2/25/2044, 2004 T3 CL 1A1

     10,510        12,041  

First Horizon Asset Securities, Inc., 3.076%, Due 2/25/2034, 2004 AR1 2A1A

     35,990        35,866  

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes,

     

1.979%, Due 7/25/2029, A

     368,358        369,236  

1.97%, Due 8/25/2029, A

     250,000        250,548  

GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust,

     

1.121%, Due 3/25/2035, 2005 RP2 1AFA D

     650,497        575,488  

1.121%, Due 9/25/2035, 2005 RP3 1AFA D

     676,450        580,122  

1.171%, Due 4/25/2036, 2006 RP2 1AF1A D

     371,755        306,647  

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust,

     

6.00%, Due 3/25/2032, 2003 2F 3A1

     2,078        2,117  

2.707%, Due 6/25/2034, 2004 7 3A1

     20,545        19,912  

3.282%, Due 11/25/2035, 2005 AR7 6A1A

     19,182        18,959  

JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust, 1.848%, Due 5/26/2037, 2008 R3 3A1D

     230,096        201,940  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, 3.00%, Due 9/25/2044, 2014 IVR3 2A1A D

     249,271        252,520  

Master Specialized Loan Trust, 1.031%, Due 2/25/2036, 2006 2 AA D

     729,856        689,013  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust, 0.838%, Due 12/25/2036, 2007 HE3 A2AA

     422,354        269,110  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust, 2.962%, Due 6/25/2036, 2006 8AR 5A4A

     15,296        15,050  

Nationstar Mortgage Loan Trust, 3.75%, Due 12/25/2052, 2013 A AD

     125,932        130,858  

New Century Alternative Mortgage Loan Trust, 5.909%, Due 7/25/2036, 2006 ALT1 AF2

     8,307        4,759  

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust,

     

3.75%, Due 5/28/2052, 2015 1A A3D

     171,308        176,341  

3.75%, Due 5/25/2054, 2014 2A A3D

     261,176        267,336  

5.666%, Due 11/25/2054, 2014 3A B3A D

     416,373        427,900  

3.75%, Due 8/25/2055, 2015 2A A1D

     487,313        502,119  

Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp., 7.50%, Due 3/25/2034, 2004 R1 A2D

     86,307        79,691  

Prime Mortgage Trust, 1.271%, Due 2/25/2035, 2006 CL1 A1A

     59,411        55,258  

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—14.38% (continued)

     

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Trust,

     

5.75%, Due 9/25/2035, 2005 QS13 2A4

   $ 662,585      $ 589,986  

1.028%, Due 2/25/2036, 2006 QA2 1A1A

     480,177        359,339  

0.878%, Due 5/25/2037, 2007 QA3 A1A

     279,080        232,914  

Residential Asset Securitization Trust, 3.183%, Due 12/25/2034, 2004 IP2 4A

     54,960        53,571  

Residential Funding Mortgage Securities Trust, 6.00%, Due 5/25/2037, 2007 S5 A4

     822,267        764,651  

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust, 1.001%,
Due 5/25/2045, 2005 AR2 2A1A

     77,374        67,924  

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments Trust, 1.461%,
Due 11/19/2033, 2003 AR3 A1A

     417,427        398,914  

WaMu Mortgage Pass Through Certificates,

     

2.933%, Due 2/25/2033, 2003 AR1 2AA

     2,723        2,658  

2.931%, Due 3/25/2035, 2005 AR3 A1

     29,268        28,564  

5.50%, Due 11/25/2035, 2005 9 2A2

     174,176        156,327  

2.848%, Due 9/25/2036, 2006 AR10 1A1

     646,527        605,642  

2.473%, Due 1/25/2037, 2006 AR18 1A1A

     999,094        855,448  

0.931%, Due 2/25/2037, 2007 HY1 A2AA

     257,200        194,920  

2.888%, Due 3/25/2037, 2007 HY3 4A1A

     125,730        120,122  

2.217%, Due 12/19/2039, 2001 AR5 1A

     65,431        63,932  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, 3.096%,
Due 3/25/2035, 2005 AR3 2A1A

     44,320        44,682  
     

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $17,741,188)

        17,936,224  
     

 

 

 

FOREIGN COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS—0.80%

     

IM Pastor 4 Fondo de Titulizacion de Activos, 1.00%, Due 3/22/2044, 4 AE

     EUR    792,603        693,029  

Rural Hipotecario I Fondo De Titulizacion Hipotecaria, 0.057%,
Due 2/17/2050, 9 A2E

     EUR    285,787        300,553  
     

 

 

 

Total Foreign Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $1,317,303)

        993,582  
     

 

 

 

U.S. AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED OBLIGATIONS—7.90%

     

Fannie Mae Pool, 3.00%, Due 2/1/2046,

     97,950        97,401  

Fannie Mae TBA,

     

3.00%, Due 2/13/2047 I

     1,300,000        1,292,709  

3.00%, Due 3/13/2047 I

     400,000        397,312  

3.50%, Due 3/13/2047 I

     800,000        820,062  

3.00%, Due 4/13/2047 I

     600,000        594,909  

3.50%, Due 4/13/2047 I

     6,500,000        6,650,335  
     

 

 

 

Total U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Obligations (Cost $9,812,179)

        9,852,728  
     

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS—20.00%

     

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note—1.89%

     

0.686%, Due 10/31/2018 A

     905,000        905,905  

0.656%, Due 1/31/2019 A

     1,455,000        1,454,999  
     

 

 

 
        2,360,904  
     

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities—1.95%

     

0.25%, Due 1/15/2025 G

     652,365        650,873  

2.375%, Due 1/15/2025 G

     678,829        789,041  

0.625%, Due 1/15/2026 G

     152,411        156,259  

2.375%, Due 1/15/2027 G

     119,718        142,717  

3.875%, Due 4/15/2029 G

     496,390        693,664  
     

 

 

 
        2,432,554  
     

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Notes/Bonds—16.16%

     

1.25%, Due 12/31/2018

     1,400,000        1,401,586  

1.625%, Due 7/31/2019

     5,700,000        5,737,854  

1.375%, Due 3/31/2020

     5,300,000        5,277,639  

1.125%, Due 9/30/2021

     1,550,000        1,500,109  

1.375%, Due 6/30/2023

     50,000        47,799  

1.25%, Due 7/31/2023

     800,000        757,782  

2.25%, Due 12/31/2023

     600,000        603,164  

2.25%, Due 1/31/2024

     200,000        200,930  

2.50%, Due 5/15/2024

     800,000        815,500  

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal Amount*      Fair Value  

U.S. Treasury Notes/Bonds—16.16% (continued)

     

2.125%, Due 5/15/2025

   $ 50,000      $ 49,309  

2.00%, Due 8/15/2025

     1,600,000        1,559,563  

1.625%, Due 2/15/2026

     200,000        188,156  

2.875%, Due 11/15/2046

     2,055,000        2,016,549  
     

 

 

 
        20,155,940  
     

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations (Cost $24,941,045)

        24,949,398  
     

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS—0.17%

     

City of Chicago, IL, 7.75%, Due 1/1/2042

     100,000        102,781  

Illinois State G.O. BAB, 7.35%, Due 7/1/2035

     100,000        108,285  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Obligations (Cost $207,325)

        211,066  
     

 

 

 
     Shares         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—9.25%

     

Short-Term Investment—7.16%

     

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select ClassJ

     8,933,955        8,933,955  
     

 

 

 

Agency—1.29%

     

0.52%, Due 3/31/2017

     100,000        99,967  

0.52%, Due 4/21/2017

     600,000        599,592  

0.53%, Due 4/27/2017

     900,000        899,316  
     

 

 

 
        1,598,875  
     

 

 

 

Certificates Of Deposit—0.80%

     

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited, 1.723%, Due 9/18/2017A

     400,000        401,131  

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp., 1.713%, Due 9/19/2017A

     100,000        100,263  

Natixis S.A., 1.688%, Due 9/25/2017A

     200,000        200,715  

Norinchukin Bank, 1.733%, Due 10/12/2017A

     200,000        200,648  

Barclays Bank PLC, 1.804%, Due 11/6/2017A F

     100,000        100,237  
     

 

 

 
        1,002,994  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $11,532,715)

        11,535,824  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS—115.01% (Cost $146,986,056)

        143,448,478  

PURCHASED OPTIONS—0.18% (Premiums Paid $ 310,333)

        226,480  

WRITTEN OPTIONS—(0.18%) (Premiums Received $ (303,603))

        (227,868

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS—(15.01%)

        (18,723,340
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.00%

      $ 124,723,750  
     

 

 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

*In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.

 

A  The coupon rate shown on floating or adjustable rate securities represents the rate at period end. The due date on these types of securities reflects the final maturity date.
B  Term Loan.
C  LLC - Limited Liability Company.
D  Security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. At the period end, the value of these securities amounted to $24,847,205 or 19.92% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.
E  Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.
F  PLC - Public Limited Company.
G  Inflation-Indexed Note.
H  Par value represents units rather than shares.
I  TBA - To Be Announced.
J  The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Futures Contracts Open on February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

90-Day Eurodollar Futures

     Short        67        March 2017      $ (16,571,527   $ 9,130  

90-Day Eurodollar Futures

     Short        34        March 2018        (8,360,374     2,324  

90-Day Eurodollar Futures

     Short        163        December 2019        (40,032,082     209,196  

Austrailian 10-Year Bond Futures

     Long        1        March 2017        97,520       806  

Euro OAT Futures

     Short        51        March 2017        (8,116,210     14,509  

Euro-Bund Futures

     Long        5        June 2017        850,755       11,652  

Long GILT Futures

     Short        28        June 2017        (4,411,038     (9,419

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures

     Long        43        June 2017        5,344,968       11,894  

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note Futures

     Short        42        June 2017        (4,917,979     (25,558

U.S. Ultra Bond Futures

     Long        13        June 2017        2,108,568       (5,413
           

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ (74,007,399   $ 219,121  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Centrally cleared swap agreements outstanding on February 28, 2017:

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Pay/Receive

Floating Rate

   Floating Rate Index      Fixed
Rate (%)
     Expiration
Date
     Curr      Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.7500        12/16/2018        USD        300      $ (621   $ (1,158   $ (537

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.7500        12/16/2018        USD        4,000        (22,262     (15,574     6,688  

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.2500        6/21/2019        USD        8,100        80,683       73,954       (6,729

Receive

     6-Month GBP-LIBOR        1.6500        1/22/2020        GBP        400        10       (14,707     (14,717

    Pay

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.0000        12/16/2020        USD        20,800        278,066       95,405       (182,661

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.0000        12/16/2020        USD        20,100        60,474       (95,855     (156,329

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.2500        6/21/2021        USD        12,900        390,471       373,595       (16,876

    Pay

     1-Month MXN-TIIE        6.7500        8/31/2021        MXN        500        (557     (734     (177

Receive

     6-Month GBP-LIBOR        2.0000        3/18/2022        GBP        200        (1,371     (15,198     (13,827

    Pay

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.2500        12/16/2022        USD        7,600        (48,219     69,677       117,896  

Receive

     6-Month JPY-LIBOR        0.3000        3/18/2026        JPY        130,000        (14,233     (9,354     4,879  

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.2500        6/15/2026        USD        200        (9,562     823       10,385  

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.7500        12/21/2026        USD        1,590        (21,692     85,494       107,186  

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.7500        12/21/2026        USD        8,100        (99,376     417,129       516,505  

    Pay

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.4000        2/21/2027        USD        1,000        —         3,829       3,829  

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.5000        6/21/2027        USD        1,900        161,857       153,164       (8,693

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.5000        6/15/2046        USD        270        (20,599     7,415       28,014  

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        2.2500        12/21/2046        USD        430        28,609       35,639       7,030  

    Pay

     3-Month USD-LIBOR        1.7500        6/21/2047        USD        550        (106,944     (108,335     (1,391
                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $ 654,734     $ 1,055,209     $ 400,475  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

OTC Swap Agreements Outstanding on February 28, 2017:

Credit Default Swaps on Corporate and Sovereign Securities - Sell Protection

 

Reference Entity

   Counter-
party
     Fixed
Rate (%)
     Expiration
Date
     Implied Credit
Spread at
February 28,
2017 (3) (%)
     Curr      Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Republic Of Argentina

     GST        5.0000        6/20/2017        0.6971        USD        100      $ 1,028     $ 1,333     $ 305  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     CBK        1.0000        12/20/2018        1.1540        EUR        50        (1,016     (155     861  

Republic Of Colombia

     BRC        1.0000        6/20/2021        1.2496        USD        200        (5,801     (2,023     3,778  

United Mexican States

     BCC        1.0000        12/20/2021        1.4167        USD        100        (3,661     (1,858     1,803  

Federative Republic of

                        

Brazil

     BCC        1.0000        12/20/2021        2.2344        USD        100        (8,923     (5,366     3,557  

Federative Republic of

                        

Brazil

     DUB        1.0000        12/20/2021        2.2344        USD        100        (9,090     (5,366     3,724  
                    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                     $ (27,463   $ (13,435   $ 14,028  
                    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices - Buy Protection (1)

 

Index/Tranches

   Counter-
party
     Fixed
Rate (%)
     Expiration
Date
     Implied Credit
Spread at
February 28,
2017 (3) (%)
     Curr      Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
(Received)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Markit CDX HY

     CCP        5.0000        12/20/2021        3.1589        USD        5,395.50      $ (287,116   $ (416,711   $ (129,595

iTraxx Senior Financials

     CCP        1.0000        12/20/2021        0.9175        EUR        300.00        (1,186     (1,234     (48

iTraxx Europe

     CCP        1.0000        12/20/2021        0.7289        EUR        400.00        (5,288     (5,447     (159
                    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                     $ (293,590   $ (423,392   $ (129,802
                    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Rate Inflation-Linked Swaps

 

Pay/Receive

Floating Rate

   Floating
Rate Index
     Fixed
Rate (%)
     Counter-
party
     Expiration
Date
     Curr      Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
(Received)
    Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Receive

     EUR-EXT-CPI        0.7400        CCP        1/15/2020        EUR        500      $ (4,232   $ 2,496     $ 6,728  

Receive

     EUR-EXT-CPI        0.9900        CBK        3/31/2020        EUR        1,700        (207     (5,069     (4,862

Pay

     UK-RPI        3.1400        GSC        1/14/2030        GBP        300        —         (11,267     (11,267

Pay

     UK-RPI        3.4000        CCP        6/15/2030        GBP        10        (20     6       26  

Pay

     EUR-EXT-CPI        3.3000        CCP        11/15/2030        GBP        140        (5,369     (5,578     (209
                    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                     $ (9,828   $ (19,412   $ (9,584
                    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.
(2)  If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.
(3)  Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the fair value of credit default swaps agreements on corporate issues and sovereign issues of an emerging country as of period end serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.
(4)  The maximum potential amount the Fund could be required to pay as a seller of credit protection or receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement.
(5)  The quoted market prices and resulting values for credit default swaps on asset-backed securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative should the notional amount of the swap agreement be closed/ sold as of the period end. Increasing fair values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Purchased options outstanding on February 28, 2017:

Interest Rate Swaptions

 

Description

   Counter-
party
     Floating Rate
Index
     Pay /
Receive
Floating
Rate
     Exercise
Rate (%)
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Call - OTC 2-Year IRS

     GSC       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        1.00        3/28/2017        5,600      $ 18,998      $ 1      $ (18,997

Put - OTC 5-Year IRS

     BRC       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        1.60        2/15/2018        850        6,060        3,813        (2,247

Put - OTC 5-Year IRS

     GLM       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        1.60        2/15/2018        850        5,943        3,813        (2,130

Put - OTC 30-Year IRS

     GSC       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        2.97        9/24/2018        1,200        62,100        63,920        1,820  

Put - OTC 30-Year IRS

     CBK       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        2.97        9/24/2018        600        30,525        31,960        1,435  

Call - OTC 2-Year IRS

     MSC       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        1.65        11/15/2018        4,700        26,673        16,863        (9,810

Put - OTC 30-Year IRS

     MYC       
3-Month
USD-LIBOR
 
 
     Pay        3.05        12/12/2018        600        28,848        31,625        2,777  
                    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                     $ 179,147      $ 151,995      $ (27,152
                    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest Rate Floors

 

Description

   Counter-
party
     Floating Rate
Index
     Curr      Exercise
Rate (%)
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)
 

Put - INT FLR

     BRC        3M USD-LIBOR        USD        1.63        8/15/2019        5,000      $ 44,900      $ 19,708      $ (25,192

Put - INT FLR

     DUB        3M USD-LIBOR        USD        1.63        8/15/2019        2,500        22,500        9,854        (12,646

Put - INT FLR

     GSC        3M USD-LIBOR        USD        1.63        8/15/2019        5,000        32,000        19,694        (12,306
                    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                     $ 99,400      $ 49,256      $ (50,144
                    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Index Options

 

Description

   Exercise Price      Expiration
Date
     Curr      Number
of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Put - S&P 500 Index

     2,000.00        3/17/2017        USD        62      $ 5,950      $ 2,418      $ (3,532

Put - S&P 500 Index

     1,970.00        3/31/2017        USD        58        5,974        5,974        —    

Put - S&P 500 Index

     2,250.00        3/31/2017        USD        24        14,684        15,480        796  
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 26,608      $ 23,872      $ (2,736
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exchange Traded Fund Options

 

Description

   Exercise Price      Expiration
Date
     Curr      Number
of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Put - iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF

     112.00        3/3/2017        USD        138      $ 2,052      $ 69      $ (1,983

Put - iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF

     114.00        3/17/2017        USD        122        2,074        610        (1,464
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 4,126      $ 679      $ (3,447
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts

 

Description

   Exercise Price      Expiration
Date
     Curr      Number
of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Put - 10-Year U.S. Treasury Future Option

     94.00        3/24/2017        USD        69      $ 565      $ 483      $ (82

Put - 5-Year U.S. Treasury Future Option

     93.00        3/24/2017        USD        25        214        195        (19
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 779      $ 678      $ (101
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

OTC European Foreign Currency Options

 

Description

   Counter-
party
     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)
 

Put - OTC 30-Year FN TBA 3.5%

     FBF        80.00        3/6/2017        7,000      $ 273      $ —        $ (273
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 273      $ —        $ (273
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Written options outstanding on February 28, 2017:

Interest Rate Swaptions

 

Description

  Counter-
party
    Floating Rate
Index
    Pay/
Receive
Floating
Rate
    Exercise
Rate (%)
    Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount (4)
    Premiums
(Received)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Call - OTC 10-Year IRS

    GSC       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       1.56       3/28/2017       200     $ (3,333   $ (1   $ 3,332  

Call - OTC 10-Year IRS

    GSC       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       1.57       3/28/2017       1,000       (16,000     (5     15,995  

Put - OTC 5-Year IRS

    FBF       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       3.02       2/15/2018       2,200       (12,733     (9,262     3,471  

Put - OTC 5-Year IRS

    CBK       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       2.60       9/24/2018       2,800       (29,120     (40,324     (11,204

Put - OTC 5-Year IRS

    GSC       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       2.60       9/24/2018       5,800       (61,840     (83,528     (21,688

Call - OTC 10-Year IRS

    MSC       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       2.00       11/15/2018       1,000       (26,389     (17,317     9,072  

Put - OTC 5-Year IRS

    MYC       3-Month USD-LIBOR       Receive       2.70       12/12/2018       3,000       (31,757     (43,919     (12,162
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $ (181,172   $ (194,356   $ (13,184
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Rate Floors

 

Description

   Counter-
party
     Floating Rate
Index
     Exercise
Rate (%)
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount (4)
     Premiums
(Received)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)
 

Put - INT FLR

     DUB        3M USD-LIBOR        1.00        8/15/2019        5,000      $ (22,500   $ (2,657   $ 19,843  

Put - INT FLR

     BRC        3M USD-LIBOR        1.00        8/15/2019        10,000        (45,770     (5,314     40,456  

Put - INT FLR

     GSC        3M USD-LIBOR        1.00        8/15/2019        10,000        (32,000     (5,025     26,975  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $ (100,270   $ (12,996   $ 87,274  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts

 

Description

  Counter-
party
    Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Curr     Number
of
Contracts
    Premiums
(Received)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Call - 10-Year U.S. Treasury Future Option

    MYC       125.00       3/24/2017       USD       13     $ (8,073   $ (6,297   $ 1,776  

Call - 10-Year U.S. Treasury Future Option

    MYC       125.00       4/21/2017       USD       13       (6,390     (9,547     (3,157

Put - 10-Year U.S. Treasury Future Option

    MYC       123.00       4/21/2017       USD       13       (7,698     (4,672     3,026  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ (22,161   $ (20,516   $ 1,645  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Borrowing and Other Financing Transactions on February 28, 2017:

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

Counterparty

   Borrowing
Rate
    Borrowing
Date
     Maturity
Date
     Amount Borrowed     Payable for Reverse
Repurchase
Agreements
 

The Royal Bank of Scotland (1)

     0.93     1/26/2017        3/8/2017      $ 188,500 (5)    $ 188,500  

The Royal Bank of Scotland (2)

     0.93     2/7/2017        3/8/2017        615,000 (5)      615,000  

The Bank of Nova Scotia (3)

     0.85     1/3/2017        4/4/2017        5,286,750 (6)      5,286,750  

The Bank of Montreal (4)

     0.78     1/9/2017        4/10/2017        4,156,375 (7)      4,156,375  

The Bank of Montreal (4)

     0.79     2/22/2017        4/21/2017        503,750 (7)      503,750  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 
           $ 10,750,375     $ 10,750,375  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short Sales

 

Type of Investment

   Description      Coupon (%)      Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
    Proceeds     Fair Value  

U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Obligation

     Fannie Mae TBA        3.00        3/13/2047      $ (500,000   $ (492,812   $ (496,641

U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Obligation

     Fannie Mae TBA        3.00        2/13/2047        (1,300,000     (1,287,503     (1,292,709
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ (1,800,000   $ (1,780,315   $ (1,789,350 )(8) 
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1)  Collateralized by a U.S. Treasury N/B valued at $188,500, 1.250%, 7/31/2023.
2)  Collateralized by a U.S. Treasury N/B valued at $615,000, 2.500%, 5/15/2024.
3)  Collateralized by a U.S. Treasury N/B valued at $5,286,750, 1.375%, 3/31/2020.
4)  Collateralized by a U.S. Treasury N/B valued at $4,660,125, 1.625%, 7/31/2019.
5)  The average amount of borrowing during the period ended February 28, 2017 was $401,750 at a weighted average interest rate of 0.93%.
6)  The average amount of borrowing during the period ended February 28, 2017 was $5,286,750 at a weighted average interest rate of 0.85%.
7)  The average amount of borrowing during the period ended February 28, 2017 was $2,330,063 at a weighted average interest rate of 0.78%.
8)  Short sales represent 1.43% of total net assets.

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Forward Currency Contracts Open on February 28, 2017:

 

Type

   Currency    Principal Amount
Covered by Contract
     Settlement Date      Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Buy

   JPY      298,339        5/23/2017      BNP    $ —        $ (39   $ (39

Sell

   AUD      296,181        5/23/2017      BNP      —          (83     (83

Buy

   EUR      1,032,914        3/2/2017      BOA      389        —         389  

Sell

   EUR      1,138,854        3/2/2017      BOA      10,326        —         10,326  

Sell

   JPY      273,265        3/2/2017      BOA      —          (2,093     (2,093

Buy

   EUR      98,568        3/13/2017      BOA      —          (423     (423

Buy

   EUR      26,497        3/13/2017      BOA      —          (125     (125

Sell

   EUR      223,633        3/13/2017      BOA      —          (2,125     (2,125

Buy

   SGD      190,530        3/17/2017      BOA      532        —         532  

Buy

   TWD      29,674        3/21/2017      BOA      674        —         674  

Sell

   TWD      232,655        3/21/2017      BOA      —          (5,322     (5,322

Sell

   RUB      214,149        3/22/2017      BOA      1,851        —         1,851  

Sell

   EUR      1,034,511        4/4/2017      BOA      —          (293     (293

Sell

   SGD      190,615        6/23/2017      BOA      —          (539     (539

Buy

   CNY      144,991        12/5/2017      BOA      2,671        —         2,671  

Sell

   CNY      144,991        12/5/2017      BOA      —          (5,563     (5,563

Buy

   CAD      192,801        4/12/2017      BRC      471        —         471  

Buy

   CAD      60,250        4/12/2017      BRC      —          (772     (772

Sell

   CAD      451,124        4/12/2017      BRC      2,146        —         2,146  

Sell

   CAD      92,635        4/12/2017      BRC      1,764        —         1,764  

Sell

   JPY      1,610,092        5/30/2017      BRC      —          (5,776     (5,776

Sell

   GBP      662,614        3/2/2017      CBK      7,747        —         7,747  

Buy

   EUR      4,238        3/8/2017      CBK      —          (5     (5

Sell

   EUR      420,670        3/8/2017      CBK      7,618        —         7,618  

Sell

   NOK      274,429        4/10/2017      CBK      —          (8,337     (8,337

Buy

   JPY      2,853,292        4/11/2017      CBK      22,110        —         22,110  

Sell

   JPY      6,509,073        4/11/2017      CBK      —          (208,191     (208,191

Buy

   JPY      199,860        4/27/2017      CBK      772        —         772  

Sell

   JPY      199,860        4/27/2017      CBK      —          (2,155     (2,155

Sell

   EUR      9,192,821        5/10/2017      CBK      78,206        —         78,206  

Buy

   BRL      334,955        3/2/2017      DUB      9,387        —         9,387  

Sell

   BRL      334,955        3/2/2017      DUB      1,264        —         1,264  

Buy

   RUB      480,956        4/21/2017      DUB      5,643        —         5,643  

Sell

   CHF      99,567        3/2/2017      FBF      229        —         229  

Buy

   SGD      28,464        3/17/2017      FBF      464        —         464  

Buy

   TWD      202,981        3/21/2017      FBF      —          (21     (21

Buy

   MXN      228,017        4/17/2017      FBF      3,590        —         3,590  

Sell

   TWD      203,734        6/23/2017      FBF      231        —         231  

Buy

   EUR      105,940        3/2/2017      GLM      —          (1,184     (1,184

Sell

   GBP      483,982        3/9/2017      GLM      —          (6,512     (6,512

Sell

   SGD      218,994        3/17/2017      GLM      —          (7,199     (7,199

Sell

   GBP      663,184        4/4/2017      GLM      1,107        —         1,107  

Buy

   INR      24,658        4/20/2017      GLM      646        —         646  

Buy

   INR      2,113,349        3/2/2017      HUS      79,010        —         79,010  

Sell

   INR      1,858,548        3/2/2017      HUS      —          (35     (35

Sell

   INR      254,801        3/2/2017      HUS      —          (7,851     (7,851

Buy

   SEK      1,573,387        3/6/2017      HUS      28,314        —         28,314  

Buy

   GBP      1,861,443        3/8/2017      HUS      —          (14,052     (14,052

Buy

   GBP      1,489,154        3/8/2017      HUS      —          (802     (802

Sell

   GBP      4,838,510        3/8/2017      HUS      33,260        —         33,260  

Buy

   GBP      3,933,908        3/9/2017      HUS      —          (94,513     (94,513

Buy

   NOK      2,267,021        4/10/2017      HUS      55,546        —         55,546  

Buy

   NOK      233,038        4/18/2017      HUS      6,152        —         6,152  

Sell

   NOK      233,038        4/18/2017      HUS      —          (2,568     (2,568

Buy

   SEK      1,033,035        4/24/2017      HUS      —          (15,366     (15,366

Sell

   GBP      1,491,394        5/8/2017      HUS      5,822          5,822  

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Type

   Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by Contract
     Settlement Date      Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Sell

     SGD        3,926,337        5/16/2017        HUS      $ —        $ (54,052   $ (54,052

Buy

     AUD        1,209,360        5/17/2017        HUS        3,883        —         3,883  

Buy

     INR        1,835,372        6/2/2017        HUS        —          (6,167     (6,167

Buy

     CLP        2,384,246        6/16/2017        HUS        —          (24,648     (24,648

Buy

     JPY        713,323        4/11/2017        JPM        25,184        —         25,184  

Sell

     NZD        604,141        4/21/2017        JPM        —          (7,409     (7,409

Buy

     SGD        1,284,983        5/16/2017        JPM        4,596        —         4,596  

Sell

     TWD        1,277,068        6/2/2017        JPM        2,005        —         2,005  

Buy

     EUR        28,617        3/13/2017        RBC        —          (136     (136

Buy

     GBP        223,403        3/13/2017        RBC        —          (3,423     (3,423

Sell

     EUR        225,753        3/13/2017        RBC        1,603        —         1,603  

Sell

     GBP        453,011        3/13/2017        RBC        —          (8,112     (8,112

Buy

     BRL        334,955        3/2/2017        SCB        —          (1,264     (1,264

Sell

     BRL        334,955        3/2/2017        SCB        539        —         539  

Sell

     RUB        63,542        3/22/2017        SCB        —          (1,542     (1,542

Buy

     BRL        332,337        4/4/2017        SCB        —          (297     (297
              

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $ 405,752      $ (498,994   $ (93,242
              

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Glossary:

 

Counterparty Abbreviations:

              
BCC    Barclays Capital    GSC    Goldman Sachs Capital Markets    MYC    Morgan Stanley Capital Services
BRC    Barclays Bank PLC    GST    Goldman Sachs International    RBC    Royal Bank Of Canada
CBK    Citibank, N.A.    HUS    HSBC Bank USA    SCB    Standard Chartered Bank
DUB    Deutsche Bank AG    JPM    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.      
FBF    Credit Suisse International    MSC    Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.      

Currency Abbreviations:

                   
AUD    Australian Dollar    INR    Indian Rupee    TWD    Taiwanese Dollar
BRL    Brazilian Real    JPY    Japanese Yen    USD    United States Dollar
CAD    Canadian Dollar    MXN    Mexican Peso    ZAR    South African Rand
CHF    Swiss Franc    MYR    Malaysian Ringgit      
CLP    Chilean Peso    NOK    Norwegian Krone      
CNY    Yuan Renminbi    NZD    New Zealand Dollar      
EUR    Euro    PLN    Polish Zolty      
GBP    Pound Sterling    RUB    Russian Ruble      
HUF    Hungarian Forint    SEK    Swedish Krona      
IDR    Indonesian Rupiah    SGD    Singapore Dollar      

Index Abbreviations:

                   
CDX    Credit Default Swap Index    HY    High Yield    RPI    Retail Price Index
EXT-CPI    Consumer Price Index, Excluding Tobacco    iTraxx    Credit Default Swap Index    S&P    Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

Exchange Abbreviations:

                   
CME    Chicago Mercantile Exchange    OTC    Over-the-Counter      

Other Abbreviations:

                   
CCP    Central Counterparty Clearing House    EPUT    European-style Put    LIBOR    London Interbank Offer Rate
CDS    Credit Default Swap    FN    Federal National Mortgage Association    OCC    Options Clearing Corporation
ECAL    European-style Call    IRS    Interest Rate Swap    TBA    To Be Announced

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

     Flexible Bond Fund  

Assets:

  

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value A E

   $ 134,514,523  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value B

     8,933,955  

Purchased options, at fair value (Premiums paid $310,333)

     226,480  

Foreign currency held at bank, at fair value C

     123,599  

Cash at bank

     3,148  

Cash at broker

     1,424,511  

Swap premiums paid

     1,001,198  

Swap Income receivable

     196,557  

Dividends and interest receivable

     619,911  

Receivable for investments sold

     19,246,112  

Receivable for fund shares sold

     11,000  

Receivable for tax reclaims

     4,242  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

     19,918  

Receivable for variation margin on open futures contracts

     1,215,165  

Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements

     823,194  

Unrealized appreciation from forward currency contracts

     405,752  

Prepaid expenses

     34,506  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     168,803,771  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Payable for investments purchased

     27,942,184  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

     37,385  

Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts

     995,115  

Payable for reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value F

     10,750,375  

Foreign currency deposits with brokers, at fair value D

     91,393  

Securities sold short, at value E

     1,789,358  

Swap premium received

     677,345  

Swap income payable

     253,701  

Written options, at fair value (Premiums received $303,603)

     227,868  

Interest payable

     12,476  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

     95,981  

Administrative service and service fees payable

     9,566  

Transfer agent fees payable

     3,545  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

     22,201  

Professional fees payable

     89,231  

Trustee fees payable

     1,872  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

     11,029  

Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements

     548,077  

Unrealized depreciation from forward currency contracts

     498,994  

Other liabilities

     22,325  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     44,080,021  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 124,723,750  
  

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

  

Paid-in-capital

   $ 144,045,971  

Undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

     685,487  

Accumulated net realized (loss)

     (16,809,630

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     455,735  

Unrealized (depreciation) of currency transactions

     (4,130,899

Unrealized appreciation of futures contracts

     219,122  

Unrealized appreciation of swap agreements

     275,117  

Unrealized (depreciation) of options contracts

     (8,118

Unrealized (depreciation) of short sales

     (9,035
  

 

 

 

Net assets

   $ 124,723,750  
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Flexible Bond Fund  

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

  

Institutional Class

     8,773,871  
  

 

 

 

Y Class

     2,826,450  
  

 

 

 

Investor Class

     319,836  
  

 

 

 

A Class

     798,644  
  

 

 

 

C Class

     271,755  
  

 

 

 

Net assets:

  

Institutional Class

   $ 84,291,148  
  

 

 

 

Y Class

   $ 27,140,137  
  

 

 

 

Investor Class

   $ 3,069,467  
  

 

 

 

A Class

   $ 7,629,187  
  

 

 

 

C Class

   $ 2,593,811  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

  

Institutional Class

   $ 9.61  
  

 

 

 

Y Class

   $ 9.60  
  

 

 

 

Investor Class

   $ 9.60  
  

 

 

 

A Class

   $ 9.55  
  

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

   $ 10.03  
  

 

 

 

C Class

   $ 9.54  
  

 

 

 

A        Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

   $ 138,052,101  

B        Cost of investments in affiliated securities

   $ 8,933,955  

C        Cost of foreign currency held at bank

   $ 125,112  

D        Cost of foreign currency deposits with brokers

   $ (91,393

E         Proceeds of securities sold short

   $ 1,780,315  

F         Cost of reverse repurchase agreements

   $ 10,750,375  

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Statement of Operations

For the six months ended February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

     Flexible Bond
Fund
 

Investment income:

  

Dividend income from affiliated securities

   $ 18,225  

Interest income

     2,409,661  

Miscellaneous Income

     60,110  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     2,487,996  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

     580,812  

Transfer agent fees:

  

Institutional Class

     14,544  

Y Class

     639  

Investor Class

     876  

A Class

     1,330  

C Class

     258  

Custody and fund accounting fees

     44,890  

Professional fees

     55,415  

Registration fees and expenses

     32,611  

Service fees (Note 2):

  

Y Class

     14,745  

Investor Class

     3,911  

A Class

     6,112  

C Class

     2,246  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

  

A Class

     10,187  

C Class

     14,976  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

     9,678  

Trustee fees

     5,608  

Other expenses

     8,045  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     806,883  
  

 

 

 

Net fees waived and expenses reimbursed (Note 2)

     (143,479
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     663,404  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,824,592  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

  

Investments

     (456,979

Foreign currency transactions

     819,019  

Futures contracts

     (142,959

Swap agreements

     (54,203

Options contracts

     (28,511

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     (1,426,359

Foreign currency transactions

     368,102  

Futures contracts

     506,426  

Swap agreements

     1,481,881  

Options contracts

     (13,310

Short sales

     (9,035
  

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

     1,044,072  
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 2,868,664  
  

 

 

 

A Foreign taxes

     12,590  

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

     Flexible Bond Fund  
     Six Months Ended
February 28, 2017
    Year Ended
August 31, 2016
 
     (unaudited)        

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 1,824,592     $ 5,107,686  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments, foreign currency transactions, futures contracts, swap agreements, and options contracts

     136,367       (10,993,745

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, foreign currency transactions, futures contracts, swap agreements, option contracts, and short sales

     907,705       7,591,324  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     2,868,664       1,075,265  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income:

    

Institutional Class

     (997,419     (4,907,696

Y Class

     (321,666     (1,523,117

Investor Class

     (30,526     (230,372

A Class

     (77,900     (431,968

C Class

     (16,465     (135,648

Net realized gain from investments:

    

Institutional Class

     —         —    

Y Class

     —         —    

Investor Class

     —         —    

A Class

     —         —    

C Class

     —         —    

Return of capital

    

Institutional Class

     —         (835,988

Y Class

     —         (267,040

Investor Class

     —         (22,402

A Class

     —         (66,866

C Class

     —         (20,519
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

     (1,443,976     (8,441,616
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

    

Proceeds from sales of shares

     14,458,743       31,500,511  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     1,427,988       8,283,767  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (34,035,446     (129,888,786

Redemption fees

     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (18,148,715     90,104,508  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets

     (16,724,027     (96,840,859
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of period

     141,447,777       238,288,636  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period *

   $ 124,723,750     $ 141,447,777  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

   $ 685,487     $ (973,616
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund, a series within the Trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. As of February 28, 2017, the Trust consists of twenty-seven active series, one of which is presented in this filing (the “Fund”): American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund. The remaining twenty-six active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is indirectly owned by investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. and Estancia Capital Management, LLC, and was organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors.

The Flexible Bond Fund is a commodity pool, as defined in the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and operated by the Manager, a commodity pool operator registered with the CFTC.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the SEC adopted amendments to rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. The final rules amend Regulation S-X and require funds to provide standardized, enhanced derivative disclosure in fund financial statements in a format designed for individual investors. The amendments to Regulation S-X also update the disclosures for other investments and investments in, and advances to affiliates and amend the rules regarding the general form and content of fund financial statements. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating the amendments and its impact, if any, on the fund’s financial statements.

Class Disclosure

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

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 

Institutional

   Large institutional investors—sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  

Y Class

   Large institutional retirement plan investors—sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  

Investor

   All investors using intermediary organizations such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors—sold directly through intermediary channels.    $ 2,500  

A Class

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

C Class

   Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges, which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  

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

 

25


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date of the security purchase or sale. The Fund may purchase securities with delivery or payment to occur at a later date. At the time the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase a security, the transaction is recorded, and the value of the security is reflected in the net asset value (“NAV”). The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations.

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

Currency Translation

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

Dividends to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund generally will be declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions, if any, of net realized capital gains are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP.

Commission Recapture

The Fund has established brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If a Fund’s investment advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. This amount is reported with the net realized gain in the Fund’s Statement of Operations, if applicable. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund did not have commission recapture income.

Allocation of Income, Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific class), gains, and losses 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 operations of that class.

 

26


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Use of Estimates

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

Other

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

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Fund may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a controlling ownership of more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Fund. As of February 28, 2017, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, four accounts in the Fund have been identified as representing an unaffiliated controlling ownership of approximately 34% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

2. Transactions with Affiliates

Management Agreement

The Fund and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide investment advisory, fund management, and administrative services to the Fund. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager receives from the Fund an annualized fee at the following annual rates as a percentage of average daily net assets: 0.35% of the first $15 billion, 0.325% of the next $15 billion, and 0.30% over $30 billion. The Fund also pays the unaffiliated investment advisors hired to direct investment activities of the Fund an annualized investment advisory fee based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily assets. Management fees paid by the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Management Fee
Rate
    Management
Fee
     Amounts paid
to Investment
Advisors
     Amounts Paid
to Manager
 

Flexible Bond

     0.90   $ 580,812      $ 343,053      $ 237,759  

Distribution Plans

The Fund, except for the A and C Classes, has adopted a “defensive” Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, pursuant to which no separate fees will be charged to the Fund for distribution purposes. However, the Plan authorizes the management fees received by the Manager and the investment advisors hired by the Manager to be used for distribution purposes. Under this Plan, the Fund does not intend to separately compensate the Manager or any other party, either directly or indirectly, for the distribution of Fund shares.

Separate Distribution Plans (the “Distribution Plans”) have been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act for the A and C Classes of the Fund. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution assistance,

 

27


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

the Manager receives an annualized fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

The Manager and the Trust entered into Service Plans that obligate the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Y, Investor, A, and C Classes. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the Y Class, up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Fund.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional Class of the Fund and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Fund primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Fund. Certain services would have been provided by the Fund’s transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Fund’s transfer agent. Accordingly, the Fund, pursuant to the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for all or a portion of the servicing fees paid to these intermediaries for the Institutional Class. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional Class on an annual basis. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as included in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statement of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Flexible Bond

   $ 12,559  

As of February 28, 2017, the Fund owed the Manager the following reimbursements of sub-transfer agent fees, as included in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement of
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

Flexible Bond

   $ 1,527  

Investment in Affiliated Funds

The Fund may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). The Fund and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as the investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Manager earned fees on the Fund’s direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments In USG Select Fund  

Flexible Bond

   $ 4,560  

Interfund Lending Program

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

 

28


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating Fund. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund did not utilize the credit facility.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reimburse the classes of the Fund to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed the Fund’s expense cap. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Manager waived or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class    Expense Cap
9/1/2016 to
2/28/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     Expiration  

Flexible Bond

   Institutional      0.90   $ 99,696        2020  

Flexible Bond

   Y      0.99     29,455        2020  

Flexible Bond

   Investor      1.27     1,882        2020  

Flexible Bond

   A      1.29     9,272        2020  

Flexible Bond

   C      2.04     3,174        2020  

Of these amounts, $19,918 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at February 28, 2017. The Fund has adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of fees waived or expenses reimbursed for a period of up to three years. However, reimbursement will occur only if the Class’ average net assets have grown or expenses have declined sufficiently to allow reimbursement without causing its expense ratio to exceed the previously agreed upon contractual expense limit. The Fund has not recorded a liability for these potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are unlikely. The reimbursed expenses listed above expire in 2020.

The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

   Recovered
Expenses
     Excess Expense
Carryover
     Expiration of
Reimbursed Expenses
 

Flexible Bond

   $ —        $ 854,833        2017  

Flexible Bond

     —          274,583        2018  

Flexible Bond

     —          395,527        2019  

Sales Commissions

The Fund’s distributor, Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”), may receive a portion of A Class sales charges from broker dealers and it may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, Foreside collected $4 in sales commissions from the sale of A Class shares for the Fund.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class A Shares of the Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, CDSC fees of $600 were collected for the Fund for Class C Shares.

 

29


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds Trust, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $5,000 for each Board of Trustee meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, plus 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. The Board Chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a single $5,000 fee each quarter for his attendance at the Committee meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the Trust according to its respective net assets.

3. Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

Investments are valued at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, each day that the Exchange is open for business. Equity securities, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), for which market quotations are available, are valued at the last sale price or official closing price (closing bid price or last evaluated quote if no sale has occurred) on the primary market or exchange on which they trade.

Debt securities are normally valued on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service and may take into account appropriate factors such as trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The prices of debt securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual fund on the day of valuation.

Securities for which the market prices are not readily available or are not reflective of the fair value of the security, as determined by the Manager, will be priced at fair value following procedures approved by the Trust’s Board.

Futures contracts are valued based upon their quoted daily settlement prices. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with its futures broker, an amount of cash or U.S. Government and Agency Obligations in accordance with the initial margin requirements of the broker or exchange. Futures contracts are marked to market daily and an appropriate payable or receivable for the change in value (“variation margin”) is recorded by the Fund. Gains or losses are recognized but not considered realized until the contracts expire or are closed. Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the variation margin disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

For valuation purposes, the last quoted prices of non-U.S. equity securities may be adjusted under the circumstances described below. If the Manager determines that developments between the close of a foreign market and the close of the Exchange will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all of its portfolio securities, the Manager will adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the Exchange. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the Manager reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund’s pricing time of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant

 

30


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. These securities are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and futures contracts. The Valuation Committee may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but a Fund is open. The Fund uses outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets, and adjusted prices.

Other investments, including restricted securities, and those financial instruments for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value, are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, established by the Fund’s Board.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

Fixed-income securities including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes, U.S. government agencies, U.S. treasury obligations, sovereign issues, bank loans, convertible preferred securities and non-U.S. bonds are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker dealer quotations, reported trades or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The service providers’ internal models use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar assets. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fixed-income securities purchased on a delayed-delivery basis are marked-to-market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date and are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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

 

31


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain securities that are solely traded on a foreign exchange to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign market and the close of the Exchange. These securities are valued using pricing service providers that consider the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments. Securities using these valuation adjustments are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred securities and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are also categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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

Over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial derivative instruments, such as foreign currency contracts, options contracts, or swaps agreements, derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates, and other inputs or a combination of these factors. These contracts are normally valued on the basis of broker dealer quotations or pricing service providers. Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the value of the financial derivative contracts can be estimated by a pricing service provider using a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, curves, dividends and exchange rates. Financial derivatives that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of February 28, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Flexible Bond Fund (1)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Domestic Bank Loan Obligations

   $ —        $ 2,211,540      $ —        $ 2,211,540  

Corporate and Sovereign Obligations

     —          35,897,725        —          35,897,725  

Foreign Corporate and Sovereign Obligations

     —          24,965,965        —          24,965,965  

Asset-Backed Obligations

     —          14,894,426        —          14,894,426  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     —          17,936,224        —          17,936,224  

Foreign Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     —          993,582        —          993,582  

U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Obligations

     —          9,852,728        —          9,852,728  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

     —          24,949,398        —          24,949,398  

Municipal Obligations

     —          211,066        —          211,066  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Investment Companies

     8,933,955        —          —          8,933,955  

U.S. Agency Obligations

     —          1,598,875        —          1,598,875  

Certificates of Deposit

     —          1,002,994        —          1,002,994  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 8,933,955      $ 134,514,523      $ —        $ 143,448,478  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Other Financial Instruments - Assets    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Futures Contracts

   $ 260,803      $ —        $ —        $ 260,803  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

     —          1,316,123        —          1,316,123  

Interest Rate Inflation-Linked Swap Agreements

     —          2,502        —          2,502  

Credit Default Swap Agreements

     —          1,333        —          1,333  

Purchased Options Outstanding

     —          226,480        —          226,480  

Forward Currency Contracts

     —          405,752        —          405,752  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Financial Instruments-Assets

   $ 260,803      $ 1,952,190      $     —        $ 2,212,993  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

32


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Other Financial Instruments - Liabilities    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Futures Contracts

   $ —        $ (1,789,350    $     —        $ (1,789,350

Futures Contracts

     (41,682      —          —          (41,682

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

     —          (260,914      —          (260,914

Interest Rate Inflation-Linked Swap Agreements

     —          (21,913      —          (21,913

Credit Default Swap Agreements

     —          (438,160      —          (438,160

Written Options Outstanding

     —          (227,868      —          (227,868

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     —          (10,750,375      —          (10,750,375

Forward Currency Contracts

     —          (498,994      —          (498,994
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Financial Instruments-Liabilities

   $ (41,682    $ (13,987,574    $ —        $ (14,029,256
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Refer to the Schedule of Investments for Industry Information.

U.S. GAAP also requires all transfers between any levels to be disclosed. The end of period timing recognition has been adopted for the transfers between levels of each Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

4. Securities and Other Investments

Foreign Debt Securities

A Fund may invest in foreign fixed and floating rate income securities (including emerging market securities) all or a portion of which may be non-U.S. dollar denominated and which include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations of the U.S. Government issued in non-dollar securities; (d) debt obligations and other fixed income securities of foreign corporate issuers (both dollar and non-dollar denominated); and (e) U.S. corporate issuers (both Eurodollar and non- dollar denominated). There is no minimum rating criteria for a Fund’s investments in such securities. Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special considerations that are not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, emerging markets are markets that have risks that are different and higher than those in more developed markets.

Bank Loans and Senior Loans

Loans are typically administered by a bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the “agent”) for a lending syndicate of financial institutions. In a typical loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to all lenders that are parties to the loan agreement. In addition, an institution (which may be the agent) may hold collateral on behalf of the lenders. Typically, under loan agreements, the agent is given broad authority in monitoring the borrower’s performance and is obligated to use the same care it would use in the management of its own property. In asserting rights against a borrower, the Fund normally will be dependent on the willingness of the lead bank to assert these rights, or upon a vote of all the lenders to authorize the action. If an agent becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by the appropriate regulatory authority, or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding, the agent’s appointment may be terminated and a successor agent would be appointed. If an appropriate regulator or court determines that assets held by the agent for the benefit of purchasers of loans are subject to the claims of the agent’s general or secured creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. The Fund may be subject to similar risks when it buys a participation interest or an assignment from an intermediary.

Bank loans can be fixed and floating rate loans arranged through private negotiations between a company or a non-U.S. government and one or more financial institutions (lenders). The Fund may invest in senior loans, which are floating rate loans that hold a senior position in the capital structure of U.S. and foreign corporations,

 

33


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

partnerships or other business entities that, under normal circumstances, allow them to have priority of claim ahead of other obligations of a borrower in the event of liquidation. Bank loans and senior loans may be collateralized or uncollateralized. They pay interest at rates that float above, or are adjusted periodically based on, a benchmark that reflects current interest rates. The Fund may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans and assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. In connection with purchasing participations in such instruments, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan.

Floating Rate Loan Interests

Floating rate loan interests held by the Fund are typically issued to companies (the “borrower”) by banks, other financial institutions, and privately and publicly offered corporations (the “lender”). Floating rate loan interests are generally non-investment grade, often involve borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and companies that are highly leveraged. The Fund may invest in obligations of borrowers who are in bankruptcy proceedings. Floating rate loan interests may include fully funded term loans or revolving lines of credit. Floating rate loan interests are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. Floating rate loan interests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. The base lending rates are generally the lending rate offered by one or more European banks, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. Floating rate loan interests may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. The Fund considers these investments to be investments in debt securities for purposes of its investment policies.

When the Fund purchases a floating rate loan interest it may receive a facility fee and when it sells a floating rate loan interest, it may pay a facility fee. On an ongoing basis, the Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit amount of a floating rate loan interest. Facility and commitment fees are typically amortized to income over the term of the loan or term of the commitment, respectively. Consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned. Prepayment penalty fees, which may be received by the Fund upon the prepayment of a floating rate loan interest by a borrower, are recorded as realized gains. The Fund may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan. A different series or tranche may have varying terms and carry different associated risks.

Floating rate loan interests are usually freely callable at the borrower’s option. The Fund may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans (“Participations”) or assignments (“Assignments”) of all or a portion of loans from third parties. Participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the borrower. The Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of offset against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the Participation. The Fund’s investment in Participations involves the risk of insolvency of the financial intermediaries who are parties to the transactions. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any offset between the lender and the borrower. Assignments typically result in the Fund having a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, and the Fund may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement.

In connection with floating rate loan interests, the Fund may also enter into unfunded floating rate loan interests (“commitments”). In connection with these commitments, the Fund earns a commitment fee, typically

 

34


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

set as a percentage of the commitment amount. Such fee income, which is included in “Interest income” in the Statement of Operations, is recognized ratably over the commitment period. Unfunded floating rate loan interests are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations.

Repurchase Agreements

A repurchase agreement is a fixed income security in the form of an agreement between a Fund as purchaser and an approved counterparty as seller. The agreement is backed by collateral in the form of securities and/or cash transferred by the seller to the buyer. Under the agreement, a Fund acquires securities from the seller and the seller simultaneously commits to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and date, normally within a week. The price for the seller to repurchase the securities is greater than a Fund’s purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon “interest rate” that is effective for the period of time the purchaser’s money is invested in the security. During the term of the repurchase agreement, a Fund monitors on a daily basis the market value of the collateral subject to the agreement and, if the market value of the securities falls below the seller’s repurchase amount provided under the repurchase agreement, the seller is required to transfer additional securities or cash collateral equal to the amount by which the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase amount. Repurchase agreements may exhibit the economic characteristics of loans by a Fund.

The obligation of the seller under the repurchase agreement is not guaranteed, and there is a risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the underlying securities, whether because of the seller’s bankruptcy or otherwise. In such event, a Fund would attempt to exercise its rights with respect to the underlying collateral, including possible sale of the securities. A Fund may incur various expenses in connection with the exercise of its rights and may be subject to various delays and risks of loss, including (a) possible declines in the value of the underlying collateral, (b) possible reduction in levels of income and (c) lack of access to the collateral if held through a third-party custodian and possible inability to enforce the Fund’s rights. The Board has established procedures pursuant to which the Manager monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreement transactions.

The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or registered broker-dealers who, in the opinion of the sub-advisor, present a minimal risk of default during the term of the agreement. The underlying securities which serve as collateral for repurchase agreements may include fixed income and equity securities such as U.S. government and agency securities, municipal obligations, corporate obligations, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, common and preferred stock, American Depositary Receipts, exchange-traded funds and convertible securities. There is no percentage restriction on each the Fund’s ability to enter into repurchase agreements with terms of seven days or less.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish a segregated account with the custodian containing liquid assets having at least equal value to the repurchase price.

Payment-In-Kind Securities

The Fund may invest in payment-in-kind securities (“PIKs”). PIKs give the issuer the option at each interest payment date of making interest payments in either cash or additional debt securities. Those additional debt securities usually have the same terms, including maturity dates and interest rates, and associated risks as the original bonds. The daily market quotations of the original bonds may include the accrued interest (referred to as

 

35


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

a dirty price) and require a pro-rata adjustment from the “Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments” to “Dividend and interest receivable” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds

The Fund may invest in inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted based on the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these bonds is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond, however, interest will be paid based on principal value, which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase or decrease in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be included as interest income on the Statement of Operations, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The Fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities may be sold privately, but are required to be registered or exempted from such registration before being sold to the public. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). Illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Disposal of both illiquid and restricted securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Illiquid and restricted securities outstanding at the six months ended February 28, 2017, are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments.

High-Yield Securities

Non-investment-grade securities are rated below the four highest credit grades by at least one of the public rating agencies (or are unrated if not publicly rated). Participation in high-yielding securities transactions generally involves greater returns in the form of higher average yields. However, participation in such transactions involves greater risks, including sensitivity to economic changes, solvency, and relative liquidity in the secondary trading market. Lower ratings may reflect a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer, or adverse changes in general economic conditions, or both, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The prices and yields of lower-rated securities generally fluctuate more than higher-quality securities, and such prices may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty or rising interest rates.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The Fund may own shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which report information on the source of their distributions annually. The Funds re-characterize distributions received from REIT investments based on information provided by the REITs into the following categories: ordinary income, long-term capital gains, and return of capital. If information is not available on a timely basis from the REITs, the re-characterization will be estimated based on available information which may include the previous year allocation. If new or additional information becomes available from the REITs at a later date, a re-characterization will be made the following year.

 

36


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Commercial Paper

The Fund may invest in commercial paper and other short-term notes. Commercial paper refers to promissory notes representing an unsecured debt of a corporation or finance company with a fixed maturity of no more than 270 days. A variable amount master demand note (which is a type of commercial paper) represents a direct borrowing arrangement involving periodically fluctuating rates of interest under a letter agreement between a commercial paper issuer and an institutional lender pursuant to which the lender may determine to invest varying amounts.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange Traded Products

The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or a 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, the Fund’s shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Fund’s shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities

The Fund may invest in mortgage or other asset-backed securities (“ABS”). These securities may include mortgage instruments issued by U.S. government agencies (“agency mortgages”) or those issued by private entities (“non-agency mortgages”). Specific types of instruments may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage-backed securities and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by a payable from, mortgage loans on real property. The value of the Fund’s mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in interest rates, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgage, or the quality of the underlying assets. The mortgages underlying the securities may default or decline in quality or value. Through its investments in MBS, a Fund has exposure to subprime loans, Alt-A loans and non-conforming loans as well as to the mortgage and credit markets generally. Underlying collateral related to subprime, Alt-A and non-conforming mortgage loans has become increasingly susceptible to defaults and declines in quality or value, especially in a declining residential real estate market. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities markets as a whole.

Mortgage-Backed Securities

MBS often have stated maturities of up to thirty years when they are issued, depending upon the length of the mortgages underlying the securities. In practice however, unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may make the securities’ effective maturity shorter than this, and the prevailing interest rates may be higher or lower than the current yield of the Fund’s portfolio at the time resulting in reinvestment risk.

 

37


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Rising or high interest rates may result in slower than expected principal payments which may tend to extend the duration of MBS, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates. This is known as extension risk.

MBS may have less potential for capital appreciation than comparable fixed-income securities due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages resulting from foreclosures or declining interest rates. These foreclosed or refinanced mortgages are paid off at face value (par) or less, causing a loss, particularly for any investor who may have purchased the security at a premium or a price above par. In such an environment, this risk limits the potential price appreciation of these securities.

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

Certain MBS may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government sponsored entity, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Although these instruments may be guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government sponsored entity, many such MBS are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and are still exposed to the risk of non-payment.

Privately Issued Mortgage-Backed Securities

MBS held by the Fund may be issued by private issuers including commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies and special purpose finance entities (called special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”) and other entities that acquire and package mortgage loans for resale as MBS. These privately issued non-agency MBS may offer higher yields than those issued by government agencies, but also may be subject to greater price changes than governmental issues. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. Alt-A loans refer to loans extended to borrowers who have incomplete documentation of income, assets, or other variables that are important to the credit underwriting processes. Non-conforming mortgages are loans that do not meet the standards that allow purchase by government-sponsored enterprises. MBS with exposure to subprime loans, Alt-A loans or non-conforming loans have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements. The risk of non-payment is greater for MBS that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime, Alt-A and non-conforming loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans.

Unlike agency MBS issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government-sponsored entity (e.g., Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), MBS issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancements provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by an SPV in multiple classes or “tranches,” with one or more classes being senior to other subordinated classes as to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of “reserve funds” (in which case cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and “overcollateralization” (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceeds that required to make payment on the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). However, there can be no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans. In addition, MBS that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those MBS that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private MBS may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored MBS and have wider variances in a number

 

38


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label MBS pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans.

Privately issued MBS are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, MBS held in the Fund’s portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

Asset-Backed Securities

ABS may include MBS, loans, receivables or other assets. The value of the Fund’s ABS may be affected by, among other things, actual or perceived changes in interest rates, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the receivables, the market’s assessment of the quality of underlying assets or actual or perceived changes in the credit worthiness of the individual borrowers, the originator, the servicing agent or the financial institution providing the credit support.

Payment of principal and interest may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities.

Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of ABS, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The underlying assets are sometimes subject to prepayments which can shorten the security’s weighted average life and may lower its return. Defaults on loans underlying ABS have become an increasing risk for ABS that are secured by home equity loans related to sub-prime, Alt-A or non-conforming mortgage loans, especially in a declining residential real estate market.

ABS (other than MBS) present certain risks that are not presented by MBS. Primarily, these securities may not have the benefit of any security interest in the related assets. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. There is the possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities. ABS are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, the securities may contain elements of credit support which fall into two categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion. Protection against losses results from payment of the insurance obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of such approaches. The Fund will not pay any additional or separate fees for credit support. The degree of credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information respecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets.

Delinquency or loss in excess of that anticipated or failure of the credit support could adversely affect the return on an investment in such a security. The availability of ABS may be affected by legislative or regulatory developments. It is possible that such developments may require the Fund to dispose of any then existing holdings of such securities.

 

39


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Short Sales

The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the security. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the interest payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. A Fund is obligated to deliver the security at the market price at the time the short position is closed. The risk of loss on a short sale transaction is theoretically unlimited, because there is no limit to the cost of replacing the security sold short, whereas losses from purchase transactions cannot exceed the total amount invested. As of the six months ended February 28, 2017, short positions held by the Fund are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Master Agreements

The Fund is a party to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”) with counterparties that govern transactions in over-the-counter derivative and foreign exchange contracts entered into by the Fund and those counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreement. Any election to terminate early could be material to the financial statements. Since different types of forward and OTC financial derivative transactions have different mechanics and are sometimes traded out of different legal entities of particular counterparty organization, each type of transaction may be covered by a different Master Agreement, resulting in the need for multiple agreements with a single counterparty. As the Master Agreements are specific to unique operations of different asset types, they allow a Fund to net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty.

Master Repurchase Agreements (“Master Repo Agreements”) govern transactions between a Fund and select counterparties. The Master Repo Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation, income payments, events of default, and maintenance of collateral for Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between the Fund and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

5. Financial Derivative Instruments

The Fund may utilize derivative instruments to enhance return, hedge risk, gain efficient exposure to an asset class or to manage liquidity. When considering the Fund’s use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Funds do not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Options Contracts

The Fund may write (1) call and put options on futures, swaps (“swaptions”), securities, commodities or currencies it owns or in which it may invest and (2) inflation-capped options. Writing put options tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for an upfront premium. Writing call options tends to decrease the Fund’s exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument

 

40


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

in exchange for an upfront premium. When the Fund writes a call, put, or inflation-capped option, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. The purpose of inflation-capped options is to protect the buyer from inflation erosion above a certain rate on a given notional exposure. A floor can be used to give downside protection to investments in inflation-linked products. These liabilities are reflected as written options outstanding on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Certain options may be written with premiums to be determined on a future date. Premiums received from writing options which expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or closed are added to the proceeds or offset against amounts paid on the underlying futures, swap, security or currency transaction to determine the realized gain or loss when the underlying transaction is sold. The Fund as a writer of an option has no control over whether the underlying instrument may be sold (call) or purchased (put) and as a result bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the instrument underlying the written option. There is the risk the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.

The Fund may also purchase put and call options. Purchasing call options tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for paying an upfront premium. Purchasing put options tends to decrease the Fund’s exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument. The Fund pays a premium which is included on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. Certain options may be purchased with premiums to be determined on a future date. The premiums for these options are based upon implied volatility parameters at specified terms. The risk associated with purchasing put and call options is limited to the premium paid. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the amounts paid or offset against the proceeds on the underlying investment transaction to determine the realized gain or loss when the underlying transaction is sold.

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund purchased/sold options primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

The Fund’s option and swaption contracts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of options contracts.

For the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Purchased Option and Swaption Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

Flexible Bond

     46,598,825  

Average Written Option and Swaption Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

Flexible Bond

     51,419,250  

Straddle Options

The Fund may enter into differing forms of straddle options. A straddle is an investment strategy that uses combinations of options that allow a Fund to profit based on the future price movements of the underlying security, regardless of the direction of those movements. A written straddle involves simultaneously writing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The written straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has little volatility before the expiration date. A purchased straddle involves simultaneously purchasing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same

 

41


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

strike price and expiration date. The purchased straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has high volatility, regardless of direction, before the expiration date.

Swap Agreements

The Fund may invest in swap agreements. Swap agreements are negotiated between the Fund and a counterparty to exchange or swap investment cash flows, assets, foreign currencies, or market-linked returns at specified, future intervals. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market (“OTC Swaps”) or cleared in a central clearing house (“Centrally Cleared Swaps”). The Fund may enter into credit default, cross-currency, interest rate and other forms of swap agreements to manage its exposure to credit, currency, interest rate, and inflation risk. In connection with these agreements, securities or cash may be identified as collateral in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide assets of value and recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency.

Swaps are marked to market daily based upon values from third party vendors or quotations from market makers to the extent available, and the change in value, if any, is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. In the event that market quotes are not readily available and the swap cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the swap will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee pursuant to procedures approved by the Board.

Payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period are reflected as such on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represent payments made or received upon entering into the swap agreement to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). These upfront payments are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations upon termination or maturity of the swap. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are included as part of realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.

Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of contractual terms in the agreements and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates.

The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive. The risk is mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

Credit Default Swap Agreements

Credit default swap agreements involve one party making a stream of payments (referred to as the buyer of protection) to another party (the seller of protection) in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event for the referenced entity, obligation or index. As a seller of protection on credit default swap agreements, the Fund will generally receive from the buyer of protection a fixed rate of periodic premiums throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure up to the notional amount of the swap.

 

42


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are estimated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value.

Credit default swap agreements on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event. If a credit event occurs and cash settlement is not elected, a variety of other deliverable obligations may be delivered in lieu of the specific referenced obligation. The ability to deliver other obligations may result in a cheapest-to-deliver option (the buyer of protection’s right to choose the deliverable obligation with the lowest value following a credit event). The Fund may use credit default swaps on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the issuers (i.e., to reduce risk where the Fund owns or has exposure to the referenced obligation) or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default.

Credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event. Unlike credit default swaps on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues, deliverable obligations in most instances would be limited to the specific referenced obligation as performance for asset-backed securities can vary across deals. Prepayments, principal paydowns, and other writedown or loss events on the underlying mortgage loans will reduce the outstanding principal balance of the referenced obligation. These reductions may be temporary or permanent as defined under the terms of the swap agreement and the notional amount for the swap agreement will be adjusted by corresponding amounts. The Fund may use credit default swaps on asset-backed securities to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the referenced obligation that the Fund owns or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular referenced obligation’s default that the Fund does not own.

Credit default swap agreements on credit indices involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising the credit index. A credit index is a basket of credit instruments or exposures designed to be representative of some part of the credit market as a whole. These indices are made up of reference credits that are judged by a poll of dealers to be the most liquid entities in the credit default swap market based on the sector of the index. Components of the indices may include, but are not limited to, investment grade securities, high yield securities, asset-backed securities, emerging markets, and/or various credit ratings within each sector. Credit indices are traded using credit default swaps with standardized terms including a fixed spread and standard maturity dates. An index credit default swap references all the names in the index, and if there is a default, the credit event is settled based on that name’s weight in the index. The composition of the indices changes periodically, usually every six months, and for most indices, each name has an equal weight in the index. The Fund may use credit default swaps on credit indices to hedge a portfolio of credit default swaps or bonds, which is less expensive than it would be to buy many credit

 

43


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

default swaps to achieve a similar effect. Credit default swaps on indices are benchmarks for protecting investors owning bonds against default, and traders use them to speculate on changes in credit quality.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues as of period end are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments and serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent a market participant view of the likelihood or risk of default for the underlying referent security to credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. For credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities and credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values serve as the indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Fund as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts of each individual credit default swap agreement outstanding as of the six months ended February 28, 2017, for which the Fund is the seller of protection is disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Fund for the same referenced entity or entities.

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund entered into credit default swaps primarily for return enhancement, hedging and exposure to credit instruments.

The Fund’s credit default swap contract notional amounts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet the strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of credit default swap contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, the volume is measured by the notional amounts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Credit Default Swap Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

Flexible Bond

     5,921,375  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest with respect to the notional amount of principal.

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund entered into interest rate swaps primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

The Fund’s interest rate swap contract notional amounts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet the strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of interest rate swap contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, the volume is measured by the notional amounts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

44


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Average Interest Rate Swap Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

Flexible Bond

     250,717,500  

Over-the-Counter Agreements

OTC financial derivative instruments such as forward currency contracts, options contracts, interest rate, and credit default swap agreements derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates and other inputs or a combination of these factors. These instruments are valued using evaluated prices furnished by a pricing service selected by the Board. In certain cases, when a valuation is not readily available from a pricing service, the Fund’s Manager may provide a valuation. Derivative instruments that use valuation techniques and inputs similar to those described above are normally categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Total Return Swap Agreements

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund did not hold any total return swap agreements outstanding.

Inflation Swap Agreements

An inflation swap involves the use of inflation derivatives (or inflation-indexed derivatives) to transfer inflation risk from one party to another. The derivatives used may be over-the-counter or exchange-traded derivatives. Inflation swaps frequently include real rate swaps, such as asset swaps of inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation swaps are simply a linear form of such derivatives. Real rate swaps consist of the nominal interest swap rate minus the corresponding inflation swap.

In an inflation swap, one party pays a fixed rate on a notional principal amount, while the other party pays a floating rate linked to an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The party paying the floating rate pays the inflation adjusted rate multiplied by the notional principal amount.

There are three main types of inflation swap. In a standard interbank inflation-linked swap, or zero-coupon inflation-linked swap, cash flow is exchanged on the maturity date. This swap pays out the exact value of the cumulative inflation for a fixed capital sum over a determined period.

In a year-on-year inflation-linked swap, inflation is used on an annual basis rather than a cumulative one. Typically, an inflation swap is priced on a zero-coupon basis, with payment exchanged upon maturity. One party pays the compound fixed rate, while the other pays the actual inflation rate for the term of the swap. In Europe, inflation swaps are typically paid on a year-on-year basis where the year-on-year rate of change of the price index is paid. In the United States, payment is more typically on a month-on-month basis, although the inflation rate used is still the year-on-year rate.

 

45


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

In an inflation-linked income swap two cash flows are exchanged, each of which follows the inflation index. One party pays a fixed inflation increase annually over the period of the contract. The other party pays the actual inflation over the period of the contract. The swap itself consists of a series of zero-coupon swaps. Other traded inflation derivatives include caps, floors, and straddles, which are usually priced against year-on-year swaps.

The Fund’s inflation swap contract notional amounts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet the strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of inflation swap contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, the volume is measured by the notional amounts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Inflation Swap Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

Flexible Bond

     4,000,000  

Forward Currency Contracts

The Funds may enter into forward currency contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk on investment transactions or to hedge the value of the Fund’s securities denominated in foreign currencies. Forward currency contracts are valued at the forward exchange rate prevailing on the day of valuation. The Funds bear the market risk that arises from changes in foreign exchange rates, and accordingly, the unrealized gain (loss) on these contracts is reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds also bear the credit risk if the counterparty fails to perform under the contract.

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund entered into forward currency exchange contracts primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

The Fund’s forward currency contract notional dollar values outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following tables illustrate the average quarterly volume of forward currency contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by the amounts bought and sold in USD at each quarter end.

 

     Average Forward Currency Notional Amounts Outstanding
Period ended February 28, 2017
 

Fund

   Purchased Contracts      Sold Contracts  

Flexible Bond Fund

     31,325,962        47,390,041  

Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are contracts to buy or sell a standard quantity of securities at a specified price on a future date. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are the possibility of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the values of the contracts and the underlying securities, or that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to set aside or deposit with a broker an amount, termed the initial margin, which typically represents a portion of the face value of the futures contract. The Fund usually reflects this amount on the Schedule of Investments as a U.S. Treasury Bill held as collateral for futures contracts or as cash deposited with broker on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments to and from the broker, known as variation margin, are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates. Changes in initial settlement values are accounted for as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are terminated, at which time realized gains and losses are recognized. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent settlement price established each day by the exchange on which they are traded.

 

46


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund entered into future contracts primarily for return enhancement, hedging and exposing cash to markets.

The Fund’s futures contracts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of futures contracts. For purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended February 28, 2017  

Flexible Bond

     422  

The following is a summary of the fair valuations of the Fund’s derivative instruments categorized by risk exposure(1):

Fair Values of financial derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of February 28, 2017:

 

     Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments  

Assets:

   Credit
contracts
    Foreign
exchange
contracts
    Interest
Rate
contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Total  

Unrealized appreciation of forward currency contracts

   $ —       $ 405,752     $ —       $ —       $ 405,752  

Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)

     —         —         260,803       —         260,803  

Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements

     14,028       —         809,166       —         823,194  

Purchased options and swaptions outstanding

     —         —         201,251       25,229       226,480  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 14,028     $ 405,752     $ 1,271,220     $ 25,229     $ 1,716,229  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments  
     Credit     Foreign
exchange
    Interest
Rate
    Equity     Total  

Liabilities:

   contracts     contracts     contracts     Contracts    

Unrealized depreciation of foreign currency contracts

   $ —       $ (498,994   $ —       $ —       $ (498,994

Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)

     —         —         (41,682     —         (41,682

Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements

     (129,802     —         (418,275     —         (548,077

Written options and swaptions outstanding

     —         —         (207,352     (20,516     (227,868
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (129,802   $ (498,994   $ (667,309   $ (20,516   $ (1,316,621
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period ended February 28, 2017:

 

     Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments  

Realized gain (loss) from derivatives recognized as a result from operations:

   Credit
contracts
     Foreign
exchange
contracts
     Interest
Rate
contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Total  

Net realized gain (loss) from forward currency transactions

   $ —        $ 1,386,300      $ —       $ —       $ 1,386,300  

Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts

     —          —          (142,959     —         (142,959

Net realized gain (loss) from swap agreements

     44,934        —          (99,137     —         (54,203

Net realized gain (loss) from options and swaptions contracts

     —          14,129        (53,692     (96,330     (28,509
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 44,934      $ 1,400,429      $ (188,804   $ (96,330   $ 1,160,629  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

47


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of derivatives recognized as a
result from operations:

   Credit     Foreign
exchange
   

Interest

Rate

    Equity      Total  
   contracts     contracts     contracts     Contracts     

Change in net unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) from forward currency transactions

   $ —       $ 590,965     $ —       $ —        $ 590,965  

Change in net unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) from futures contracts

     —         —         506,425       —          506,425  

Change in net unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) from swap agreements

     (84,003     —         1,565,885       —          1,481,882  

Change in net unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) from option and swaptions contracts

     —         (4,051     (17,626     8,367        (13,310
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (84,003   $ 586,914     $ 2,054,684     $ 8,367      $ 2,565,962  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investment footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Principal Risks

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

Counterparty Risk

The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Funds.

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, purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S. currency futures contracts and swaps for cross-currency investments. 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, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange and which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to Counterparty Risk. As a result, the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

 

48


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Emerging Markets Risk

When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political 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; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures.

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 and greater volatility, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased price volatility, (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets.

Forward Currency Contracts Risk

Foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forwards, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract with a counterparty to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract.

Futures Contract Risk

Futures contracts are derivative investments pursuant to a contract with a counterparty to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. Futures contracts may experience dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlation between the price of the contract and the underlying security or index which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract).

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 has a lower portfolio turnover rate.

Leverage Risk

The Fund’s use of futures, forward contracts, swaps, other derivative instruments and selling securities short will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies the exposure to the swings in prices of an asset or class of assets underlying a derivative instrument and results in increased volatility, which means that the Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund do not use the derivative instruments that have a leveraging effect. Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund’s exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the Fund’s NAV to be volatile.

 

49


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently value them. For example, certain investments are subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. The Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects, which have resulted, and may continue to result, in fixed income 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 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. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.

In addition, political events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. Because the impact on the markets has been widespread, it may be difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market conditions. 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 on various markets of a significant rate increase, whether brought about by U.S. policy makers or by dislocations in world markets. 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.

Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk

The Manager may allocate the Fund’s assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Manager in allocating the Fund’s assets to sub-advisors and its selection and oversight of the sub-advisors. Because each sub-adviser manages its allocated portion of the Fund independently from another sub-adviser, the same security may be held in different portions of the Fund, or may be acquired for one portion of the Fund at a time when a sub-adviser to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion, resulting in higher expenses without accomplishing any net result in the Fund’s holdings. Similarly, under some market conditions, one sub-adviser may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate when another sub-adviser believes continued exposure to the equity or debt markets is appropriate for its allocated portion of the Fund. Because each sub-adviser directs the trading for its

 

50


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

own portion of the Fund, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other sub-advisors, the Fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single sub-adviser were managing the entire Fund. In addition, while the Manager seeks to allocate the Fund’s assets among the Fund’s sub-advisors in a manner that it believes is consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective(s), the Manager may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in allocating the Fund’s assets among sub-advisors, because the Manager pays different fees to the sub-adviser and due to other factors that could impact the Manager’s revenues and profits.

Non-Diversification Risk

The Fund is non-diversified, which means the Fund may focus its investments in the securities of a comparatively small number of issuers. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Fund to greater market risk and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). To the extent that the Fund invest in shares of other registered investment companies, the shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those funds. For example, ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. An ETF that tracks an index may not precisely replicate the returns of its benchmark index.

Short Position Risk

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the instrument sold short increases in value between the date of the short sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument. The Funds’ losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction.

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, such as certain derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Fund is party to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties, which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Fund employs multiple money managers and counterparties and has elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of February 28, 2017.

 

51


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Flexible Bond Fund

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Gross Amount of
Recognized Assets
     Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and
Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
 

Futures contracts(1) (2)

   $ 260,803      $ —        $ 260,803  

Swap Agreements

     143,494        —          143,494  

Purchased Options and Swaptions Contracts

     226,480        —          226,480  

Forward Currency Contracts

     405,752        —          405,752  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,036,529      $ —        $ 1,036,529  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Liabilities as of February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Gross Amount
of Recognized
Liabilities
     Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and
Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
 

Futures contracts(1) (2)

   $ (41,682    $ —        $ (41,682

Swap Agreements

     (145,594      —          (145,594

Written Options and Swaptions Contracts

     (227,868      —          (227,868

Forward Currency Contracts

     (498,994      —          (498,994

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     (10,750,375      —          (10,750,375
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (11,664,513    $ —        $ (11,664,513
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes cumulative appreciation or (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investment footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(2)  The securities presented here within are not subject to master netting agreements. As such, this is disclosed for informational purposes only.

 

52


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Pledged by Counterparty as of February 28, 2017:

 

           Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
        

Counterparty

   Net Amounts of
Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of Assets
and  Liabilities
    Financial
Instruments
     Cash Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount  

Barclays Capital

   $ 5,360     $ —        $ —        $ 5,360  

BNP Paribas, N.A.

     (122     —          —          (122

Bank of America, N.A.

     (40     —          —          (40

Barclays Bank PLC

     19,818       —          —          19,818  

Bank of Nova Scotia

     (5,286,750     5,286,750        —          —    

Bank of Montreal

     (4,660,125     4,660,125        —          —    

CitiBank, N.A.

     (114,600     —          —          (114,600

Deutsche Bank AG

     27,215       —          —          27,215  

Credit Suisse International

     (4,769     —          —          (4,769

Credit Suisse Securities USA LLC

     —         —          608,000        (608,000

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     (9,329     —          —          (9,329

Goldman Sachs Capital Markets LP(2)

     (43,060     —          —          (43,060

Goldman Sachs International

     305       —          —          305  

HSBC Bank USA

     (8,067     —          —          (8,067

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

     24,376       —          —          24,376  

Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. (2)

     246,195       —          81,000        165,195  

Morgan Stanley Capital

     (32,810     —          833,000        (865,810

Options Clearing Corp.

     24,551       —          —          24,551  

Royal Bank of Canada

     (11,671     —          —          (11,671

Royal Bank of Scotland

     (801,897     803,500        —          1,603  

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

     (2,564     —          —          (2,564
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (10,627,984   $ 10,750,375      $ 1,522,000      $ (1,399,609
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes cumulative appreciation or (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investment footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(2) The securities presented here within are not subject to master netting agreements. As such, this is disclosed for informational purposes only.

7. Federal Income and Excise Taxes

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

The Fund does not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. The tax years for the periods ended August 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations.

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

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

 

53


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:    Six Months Ended
February 28, 2017
     Year Ended
August 31, 2016
 

Ordinary Income*

     

Institutional Class

   $ 997,419      $ 4,097,696  

Y Class

     321,666        1,523,117  

Investor Class

     30,526        230,372  

A Class

     77,900        431,968  

C Class

     16,465        135,648  

Tax return of capital

     

Institutional Class A

     —          835,988  

Y Class

     —          267,040  

Investor Class

     —          22,402  

A Class

     —          66,866  

C Class

     —          20,519  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $ 1,443,976      $ 8,441,616  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

As of February 28, 2017, the components of distributable earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes

   $ 147,664,831  

Unrealized appreciation

     1,951,027  

Unrealized depreciation

     (6,167,380
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (4,216,353

Undistributed ordinary income

     525,074  

Undistributed long-term capital gains

     —    

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (15,811,298

Other temporary differences

     180,356  
  

 

 

 

Distributable earnings (deficits)

   $ (19,322,221
  

 

 

 

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gain (losses) on certain derivative instruments.

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

Accordingly, the following reclassified amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from foreign currency, paydowns, swap income, and distributions as of February 28, 2017:

 

Paid-in-capital

   $ —    

Undistributed (over distribution of) net investment income (loss)

     1,278,487  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (1,278,487

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in futures contracts

     —    

 

54


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

As of the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Fund has $7,551,723 short-term and $8,259,575 long-term post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards.

8. Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

     Flexible Bond Fund  

Purchases (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 216,376,536  

Sales and Maturities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     233,203,571  

Purchases of U.S. government securities

     111,010,591  

Sales and Maturities of U.S. government securities)

     115,508,518  

A summary of the Fund’s direct transactions in the USG Select Fund for the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Type of
Transaction
     August 31, 2016
Shares/Fair Value
     Purchases      Sales      February 28, 2017
Shares/Fair Value
     Dividend
Income
 

Flexible Bond

     Direct      $ 8,925,543      $ 84,373,019      $ 84,364,607      $ 8,933,955      $ 18,225  

9. Options Contracts Written

The premium amount and number of option contracts written during the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

     Number of
Contracts
     Notional Amount      Amount of Premiums  

Outstanding at August 31, 2016

     (48,174,672    $ (119,284,250    $ (436,991

Options written

     (7,800,076      (7,876,000      (98,921

Options expired

     5,100,035        5,135,000        62,159  

Options exercised

     2,000,000        2,000,000        10,025  

Options closed

     18,200,013        18,213,000        22,643  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at February 28, 2017

     (30,674,700    $ (101,812,250    $ (441,085
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

55


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

10. Capital Share Transactions

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

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six Months Ended      Year Ended  
     February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016  

Flexible Bond Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     1,155,039      $ 10,982,300        1,253,593      $ 11,901,600  

Reinvestment of dividends

     104,934        997,229        610,155        5,737,848  

Shares redeemed

     (2,377,901      (22,615,603      (8,764,349      (83,282,513
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (1,117,928    $ (10,636,074      (6,900,601    $ (65,643,065
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Y Class  
     Six Months Ended      Year Ended  
     February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016  

Flexible Bond Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     143,129      $ 1,362,378        1,529,479      $ 14,454,546  

Reinvestment of dividends

     33,851        321,666        190,192        1,788,305  

Shares redeemed

     (740,371      (7,032,614      (2,860,953      (26,987,262
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (563,391    $ (5,348,570      (1,141,282    $ (10,744,411
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Investor Class  
     Six Months Ended      Year Ended  
     February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016  

Flexible Bond Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     128,505      $ 1,225,547        185,116      $ 1,773,235  

Reinvestment of dividends

     3,176        30,172        26,671        250,750  

Shares redeemed

     (111,581      (1,060,729      (686,482      (6,474,510
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in shares outstanding

     20,100      $ 194,990        (474,695    $ (4,450,525
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     A Class  
     Six Months Ended      Year Ended  
     February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016  

Flexible Bond Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     78,252      $ 742,844        268,007      $ 2,522,372  

Reinvestment of dividends

     6,657        62,954        38,237        357,761  

Shares redeemed

     (213,078      (2,016,299      (941,907      (8,884,768
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (128,169    $ (1,210,501      (635,663    $ (6,004,635
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     C Class  
     Six Months Ended      Year Ended  
     February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016  

Flexible Bond Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     15,378      $ 145,674        90,443      $ 848,758  

Reinvestment of dividends

     1,688        15,967        15,968        149,103  

Shares redeemed

     (138,678      (1,310,201      (449,242      (4,259,733
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (121,612    $ (1,148,560      (342,831    $ (3,261,872
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

11. Subsequent Events

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

 

56


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six Months Ended     Year Ended August 31,  
     February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.50     $ 9.77     $ 10.33     $ 10.21     $ 10.48     $ 10.05  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.10       0.22       0.29       0.21       0.34       0.02  

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

     0.11       (0.04     (0.57     0.16       (0.24     0.59  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.21       0.18       (0.28     0.37       0.10       0.61  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.10     (0.37     (0.28     (0.18     (0.23     (0.18

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         —         (0.07     (0.14     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.08 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.10     (0.45     (0.28     (0.25     (0.37     (0.18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.61     $ 9.50     $ 9.77     $ 10.33     $ 10.21     $ 10.48  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     2.25 %C      1.94     (2.79 )%      3.70     0.83     6.34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 84,291,148     $ 93,936,262     $ 164,119,296     $ 177,201,454     $ 127,322,158     $ 13,095,452  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.12 %D      1.13     1.27     1.24     1.22     1.42

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     0.90 %D      0.90     0.90     0.90     0.90     0.90

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     2.51 %D      2.70     2.37     1.61     0.84     0.44

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     2.73 %D      2.93     2.74     1.94     1.15     0.96

Portfolio turnover rate

     150 %C      162     492     387     112     88
     Y Class  
     Six Months Ended     Year Ended August 31,  
     February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.50     $ 9.77     $ 10.33     $ 10.22     $ 10.51     $ 10.05  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.07       0.21       0.29       0.18       0.22       0.10  

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

     0.13       (0.04     (0.58     0.17       (0.15     0.53  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.20       0.17       (0.29     0.35       0.07       0.63  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.10     (0.37     (0.27     (0.17     (0.22     (0.17

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         —         (0.07     (0.14     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.07 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.10     (0.44     (0.27     (0.24     (0.36     (0.17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.60     $ 9.50     $ 9.77     $ 10.33     $ 10.22     $ 10.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     2.15 %C      1.83     (2.87 )%      3.51     0.58     6.20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 27,140,137     $ 32,193,869     $ 44,284,677     $ 38,033,706     $ 39,897,599     $ 13,131,982  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.19 %D      1.19     1.34     1.29     1.26     1.49

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     0.99 %D      0.99     0.99     0.99     0.99     0.99

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     2.41 %D      2.67     2.33     1.51     0.91     0.54

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     2.61 %D      2.86     2.68     1.81     1.19     1.04

Portfolio turnover rate

     150 %C      162     492     387     112     88

 

A  The tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at time of distribution.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

57


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     Investor Class  
     Six Months Ended     Year Ended August 31,  
     February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.50     $ 9.76     $ 10.31     $ 10.21     $ 10.51     $ 10.07  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income (loss)

     0.27       (1.27     (0.33     0.02       0.18       0.09  

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

     (0.08     1.41       0.01       0.30       (0.13     0.52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.19       0.14       (0.32     0.32       0.05       0.61  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.09     (0.33     (0.23     (0.15     (0.21     (0.17

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         —         (0.07     (0.14     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.07 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.09     (0.40     (0.23     (0.22     (0.35     (0.17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.60     $ 9.50     $ 9.76     $ 10.31     $ 10.21     $ 10.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     2.05 %C      1.57     (3.11 )%      3.13     0.38     5.99
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 3,069,467     $ 2,846,444     $ 7,560,586     $ 24,410,567     $ 56,015,406     $ 21,245,367  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.40 %D      1.42     1.51     1.43     1.54     1.76

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.27 %D      1.27     1.27     1.27     1.27     1.27

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     2.23 %D      2.39     2.15     1.34     0.65     0.30

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     2.35 %D      2.53     2.38     1.50     0.92     0.79

Portfolio turnover rate

     150 %C      162     492     387     112     88
     A Class  
     Six Months Ended     Year Ended August 31,  
     February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.45     $ 9.72     $ 10.27     $ 10.16     $ 10.49     $ 10.06  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.01       0.02       0.12       0.10       0.21       0.07  

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

     0.18       0.11       (0.44     0.21       (0.18     0.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.19       0.13       (0.32     0.31       0.03       0.58  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.09     (0.33     (0.23     (0.13     (0.22     (0.15

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         —         (0.07     (0.14     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.07 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.09     (0.40     (0.23     (0.20     (0.36     (0.15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.55     $ 9.45     $ 9.72     $ 10.27     $ 10.16     $ 10.49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     2.03 %C      1.49     (3.14 )%      3.12     0.16     5.70
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 7,629,187     $ 8,757,769     $ 15,190,886     $ 27,146,489     $ 41,376,389     $ 10,386,943  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.52 %D      1.52     1.66     1.68     1.67     1.93

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.30 %D      1.29     1.29     1.38     1.39     1.39

Net investment income, before reimbursements

     2.09 %D      2.31     1.95     1.10     0.50     0.05

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     2.32 %D      2.53     2.32     1.40     0.79     0.59

Portfolio turnover rate

     150 %C      162     492     387     112     88

 

A  The tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at time of distribution.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

58


American Beacon Flexible Bond FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     C Class  
     Six Months Ended     Year Ended August 31,  
     February 28,
2017
    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.44     $ 9.69     $ 10.22     $ 10.11     $ 10.49     $ 10.09  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.21     (0.08     0.07       0.02       0.14       0.04  

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

     0.36       0.14       (0.46     0.22       (0.19     0.48  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.15       0.06       (0.39     0.24       (0.05     0.52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.05     (0.26     (0.14     (0.06     (0.19     (0.12

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         —         —         (0.07     (0.14     —    

Tax Return of Capital

     —         (0.05 )A      —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.05     (0.31     (0.14     (0.13     (0.33     (0.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.54     $ 9.44     $ 9.69     $ 10.22     $ 10.11     $ 10.49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return B

     1.62 %C      0.68     (3.81 )%      2.37     (0.54 )%      5.15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 2,593,811     $ 3,713,433     $ 7,133,191     $ 11,126,819     $ 15,291,798     $ 5,640,482  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     2.26 %D      2.26     2.40     2.43     2.43     2.74

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     2.05 %D      2.04     2.04     2.13     2.14     2.14

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     1.34 %D      1.55     1.21     0.35     (0.24 )%      (0.73 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

     1.55 %D      1.77     1.57     0.66     0.04     (0.13 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

     150 %C      162     492     387     112     88

 

A  The tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at time of distribution.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

59


American Beacon FundSM

Affirmation of Commodity Pool

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained in the attached financial statements for the period from September 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017, is accurate and complete.

 

LOGO

Melinda G. Heika, Treasurer

American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

Commodity Pool Operator for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

60


LOGO

 

 

Delivery of Documents

eDelivery is NOW AVAILABLE – Stop traditional mail delivery and receive your

shareholder reports and summary prospectus on-line. Sign up at

www.americanbeaconfunds.com

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

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO    LOGO
 
By E-mail:    On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com    Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
      
  
LOGO    LOGO
By Telephone:    By Mail:
Institutional, Y, Investor, A and C Classes    American Beacon Funds
Call (800) 658-5811    P.O. Box 219643
     Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
      
  
 
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules    Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-Q as of the first and third fiscal quarters. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-2736. Information regarding the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800)-SEC-0330. A complete schedule of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately sixty days after the end of each quarter.    A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

 

Fund Service Providers:

 

       

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

Boston Financial Data Services

Kansas City, Missouri

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

Portland, Maine

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

 

American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
SAR 2/17


LOGO


About American Beacon Advisors

 

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

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

THE LONDON COMPANY INCOME EQUITY FUND

Investing in small- and medium-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in dividend-paying stocks may result in less earnings growth or capital appreciation than investing in non-dividend paying stocks. The use of fixed-income securities entails interest rate and credit risks. Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

ZEBRA SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

Investing in small-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. At times, certain securities may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. The Fund may participate in a securities lending program. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

 

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

 

American Beacon Funds    February 28, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

     1  

Performance Overviews

     2  

Expense Examples

     6  

Schedules of Investments:

  

American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund

     8  

American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

     10  

Financial Statements

     19  

Notes to Financial Statements

     22  

Financial Highlights:

  

American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund

     39  

American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

     42  

Additional Fund Information

     Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO   

Dear Shareholders,

 

In the weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 8, 2016, uncertainty about the outcome caused many investors to stay on the sidelines. Some investors questioned whether the election’s result would have negative consequences for their portfolios, although elections have rarely had a lasting effect on the market.

   Following the election, the markets responded positively to aspects of the incoming administration’s proposed plans for economic growth; i.e., repatriating jobs from overseas, relaxing regulations, lowering taxes and increasing infrastructure spending. From Election Day 2016 to Inauguration Day 2017, the S&P 500 Index – a broad measure of the performance of large U.S. companies – climbed approximately 6%. From Inauguration Day to February 28, it gained approximately 4%.
Economists anticipated the Federal Reserve would increase the federal funds rate – perhaps as early as mid-March. The Federal Open Market Committee’s confidence in the improving U.S. economy was exhibited in December 2016 when short-term interest rates increased by 0.25% to a range of 0.50% to 0.75%. It was the second increase since 2008; the first increase occurred in December 2015.

For the six-month period that ended February 28, 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which follows the performance of 30 significant stocks trading on the New York Stock Exchange and The NASDAQ Stock Market, gained 14.51%; and the S&P 500 Index, a domestic equity bellwether, grew 10.01%. In contrast, during the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index, a benchmark for domestic corporate and government bonds, returned -2.19%; and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, which represents domestic, below-investment-grade corporate debt, returned 5.54%.

For the 6 months ended February 28, 2017:

 

  American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund (Investor Class) returned 7.12%.

 

  American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund (Investor Class) returned 13.69%.

At American Beacon Advisors, we are proud to offer a broad range of global equity and fixed-income funds sub-advised by experienced asset managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

Thank you for your continued investment in American Beacon Funds. We are pleased to have a broad range of products that cover the global equity and fixed income markets. For additional information about the Funds or to access your account information, please visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

 

Best Regards,
LOGO
Gene L. Needles, Jr.
President
American Beacon Funds

 

1


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Performance Overviews

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 7.12% for the six months ended February 28, 2017. The Fund underperformed the Russell 1000 Value Index (the “Index”) return of 11.07% for the same period.

Total Returns for the Period ended February 28, 2017

 

     Ticker      6 Months*     1 Year     3 Years     Since Inception
5/29/2012
 

Institutional Class (1,2,4)

     ABCIX        7.21     20.00     10.52     13.53

Y Class (1,2,4)

     ABCYX        7.19     19.86     10.45     13.44

Investor Class (1,2,4)

     ABCVX        7.12     19.62     10.20     13.16

A without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     ABCAX        6.99     19.51     10.09     13.03

A with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     ABCAX        0.85     12.67     7.94     11.63

C without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     ABECX        6.63     18.72     9.29     12.21

C with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     ABECX        5.63     17.72     9.29     12.21

Russell 1000 Value Index (3)

        11.07     29.13     9.90     15.43

 

* Not annualized.
1. Please note that the recent performance of the stock market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
2. A portion of the fees charged to the Y, A, and C Classes of the Fund was waived from 2012 through 2014 and partially recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2012 through 2014. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund was waived in 2012 and 2013 and partially recovered in 2014 and 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class of the Fund was waived from 2012 through 2014 and partially recovered in 2015 and 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2012 through 2014.
3. The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000 Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Russell 1000® Value Index and Russell 1000 Index are registered trademarks of the Frank Russell Company. One cannot directly invest in an index.
4. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares was 0.76%, 0.83%, 1.07%, 1.14%, and 1.88%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund’s underperformance relative to the Index was primarily attributable to security selection among the various economic sectors, and to a lesser extent, sector allocation.

From a security selection standpoint, the Fund’s holdings in the Financials, Information Technology and Materials sectors detracted from performance. In the Financials sector, the Fund’s absence from Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase, which were up 53.5% and 36.0%, respectively, in the Index, negatively impacted performance. Cincinnati Financial (down 4.2%) also detracted from performance in the Financials sector. In the Information Technology sector, CA (down 3.3%) was the largest detractor. The Fund’s larger allocation in New Market Corp (up 1.2%) and The Mosaic Company (up 6.7%), both of which underperformed the sector, hurt performance in the Materials sector. The aforementioned poor selection was somewhat offset by good security selection in the Industrials sector. Companies in the Industrials sector contributing to performance included Norfolk Southern (up 30.3%) and General Dynamics (up 25.8%).

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund’s significant underweight in Financials, the best performing sector in the Index, detracted from performance. An overweight position in the Consumer Staples sector also detracted from the Fund’s return. Underweight positions in Real Estate and Energy, two of the poorer performing sectors, added relative value.

 

 

2


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The sub-advisor’s investment process continues to focus on downside protection, current income and capital appreciation.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

     

General Dynamics Corp.

        5.3  

Wells Fargo & Co.

        5.3  

Altria Group, Inc.

        5.0  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

        4.6  

Carnival Corp.

        4.3  

General Electric Co.

        4.1  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

        3.9  

Merck & Co., Inc.

        3.7  

BlackRock, Inc.

        3.5  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

        3.5  

Total Fund Holdings

     31     

Sector Allocation (% Equities)

     

Consumer Staples

        21.2  

Information Technology

        15.3  

Financials

        14.9  

Industrials

        14.4  

Health Care

        10.0  

Consumer Discretionary

        8.8  

Energy

        4.7  

Materials

        4.3  

Utilities

        3.5  

Telecommunication Services

        2.9  

 

 

3


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 13.69% for the six-month period ended February 28, 2017. The Fund outperformed the Russell 2000® Index (the “Index”) return of 12.61% for the same period.

Total Returns for the Period ended February 28, 2017

 

     Ticker      6 months*     1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     Since Inception
(6/1/2010)
 

Institutional Class (1,3,5)

     AZSIX        13.95     31.96     9.27     13.67     14.41

Y Class (1,3,5).

     AZSYX        13.82     31.83     9.16     13.57     14.29

Investor Class (1,3,5)

     AZSPX        13.69     31.47     8.86     13.25     13.97

A without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     AZSAX        13.68     31.44     8.85     13.18     13.89

A with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     AZSAX        7.12     23.90     6.73     11.85     12.90

C without Sales Charge (1,2,3,5)

     AZSCX        13.30     30.46     8.02     12.32     13.06

C with Sales Charge (1,2,3,5)

     AZSCX        12.30     29.46     8.02     12.32     13.06

Russell 2000 Index (4)

        12.61     36.11     6.93     12.89     13.66

 

* Not annualized.
1. Please note that the recent growth in the stock market has helped to produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www. americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.
2. Fund performance represents the total returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/1/10 up to 9/1/10, the inception date of the C Class, and the returns of the C Class since its inception. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Investor Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 6/1/10. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
3. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.
4. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index comprised of approximately 2,000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors. Russell 2000 Index is a registered trademark of the Frank Russell Company. One cannot directly invest in an index.
5. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A and C Class shares was 1.54%, 1.59%, 1.75%, 1.91%, and 2.66%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund’s investment strategy is primarily focused on identifying fundamentally attractive companies with relatively low trading volumes. The sub-advisor believes that when these quality companies are recognized by investors, trading volumes are likely to increase and stock prices are likely to rise. Reporting attribution based on trading volume can be difficult; however, several traditional attribution factors are helpful in understanding the Fund’s returns.

During the quarter, the value segment of the small-cap market significantly outperformed growth. The Russell 2000 Index returned 12.61%, with the Russell 2000 Value Index returning 15.80%, and the Russell 2000 Growth Index returning 9.39%. The outperformance in value was primarily due to a recovery in Financials and in commodity-sensitive sectors (Energy and Materials) based on improved economic growth, rising interest rates, stable oil prices, and the surprise Trump election. The Fund invested significantly in value stocks.

The Fund’s allocation across sectors was generally in line with the Russell 2000 Index at +/-2% weights. The Fund did have a slight overweight (approximately 4%) in the Financial sector, which was one of the best performing sectors, but the strategy is not based on active sector allocation. The majority of performance is attributed to security selection – identifying fundamentally attractive companies with relatively low trading volumes.

 

 

4


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Performance Overview

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Market capitalization did not play a significant role during the period. The Fund’s weighted-average market capitalization of $1.6 billion was slightly smaller than that of the Russell 2000 Index, at $2.3 billion, but the market cap effect on returns was not as significant as the value/growth effect.

The sub-advisor continues to focus on uncovering opportunities by investing in a portfolio of securities that are generally less popular with investors but nevertheless have strong fundamental characteristics. At the same time, the portfolio will be underweight stocks that are heavily followed but have weak fundamentals.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

     

Enstar Group Ltd.

        1.8  

Sanmina Corp.

        1.7  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

        1.4  

Deluxe Corp.

        1.3  

National General Holdings Corp.

        1.3  

West Corp.

        1.3  

j2 Global, Inc.

        1.2  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

        1.2  

Syntel, Inc.

        1.2  

Allegiant Travel Co.

        1.1  

Total Fund Holdings

     284     

Sector Allocation (% Equities)

     

Financials

        22.4  

Information Technology

        16.5  

Industrials

        15.5  

Consumer Discretionary

        14.0  

Health Care

        12.6  

Real Estate

        7.8  

Materials

        3.8  

Consumer Staples

        3.1  

Utilities

        2.9  

Energy

        1.0  

Telecommunication Services

        0.4  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative service fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from September 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The London Company Income Equity Fund

 

     Beginning Account Value
9/1/2016
     Ending Account Value
2/28/2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period
9/1/2016-2/28/2017*
 

Institutional Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,072.10      $ 3.75  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.19      $ 3.66  

Y Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,071.94      $ 4.16  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.80      $ 4.06  

Investor Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,071.24      $ 5.39  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.61      $ 5.26  

A Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,069.91      $ 5.70  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.28      $ 5.56  

C Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,066.32      $ 9.53  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.57      $ 9.30  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.73%, 0.81%, 1.05%, 1.11%, and 1.86% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.
** 5% return before expenses.

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

 

 

     Beginning Account Value
9/1/2016
     Ending Account Value
2/28/2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period
9/1/2016-2/28/2017*
 

Institutional Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,139.53      $ 4.77  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.33      $ 4.51  

Y Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,138.25      $ 5.30  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.86      $ 5.01  

Investor Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,136.86      $ 6.78  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.46      $ 6.41  

A Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,136.77      $ 6.89  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.37      $ 6.51  

C Class

        

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,133.01      $ 10.84  

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.64      $ 10.24  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.90%, 1.00%, 1.28%, 1.30%, and 2.05% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.
** 5% return before expenses.

 

 

7


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

COMMON STOCK - 97.50%

     

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY - 8.59%

     

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 4.25%

     

Carnival Corp.

     906,290      $ 50,706,926  
     

 

 

 

Leisure Equipment & Products - 2.35%

     

Hasbro, Inc.

     289,627        28,056,167  
     

 

 

 

Specialty Retail - 1.99%

     

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

     318,988        23,723,138  
     

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

        102,486,231  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES - 20.74%

     

Beverages - 6.20%

     

Coca-Cola Co.

     916,327        38,449,081  

Diageo PLC, Sponsored ADRA B

     310,580        35,502,400  
     

 

 

 
        73,951,481  
     

 

 

 

Food Products - 3.44%

     

General Mills, Inc.

     679,780        41,038,319  
     

 

 

 

Tobacco - 11.10%

     

Altria Group, Inc.

     796,080        59,642,314  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     425,700        46,550,295  

Reynolds American, Inc.

     424,704        26,149,025  
     

 

 

 
        132,341,634  
     

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

        247,331,434  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY - 4.61%

     

Oil & Gas - 4.61%

     

Chevron Corp.

     267,974        30,147,075  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

     1,164,135        24,807,717  
     

 

 

 

Total Energy

        54,954,792  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS - 14.51%

     

Diversified Financials - 8.79%

     

BlackRock, Inc.

     108,142        41,900,699  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     1,088,163        62,982,874  
     

 

 

 
        104,883,573  
     

 

 

 

Insurance - 5.72%

     

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class BC

     157,070        26,924,939  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

     565,661        41,270,627  
     

 

 

 
        68,195,566  
     

 

 

 

Total Financials

        173,079,139  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE - 9.80%

     

Pharmaceuticals - 9.80%

     

Eli Lilly & Co.

     448,428        37,134,323  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     667,923        43,996,088  

Pfizer, Inc.

     1,046,903        35,720,330  
     

 

 

 

Total Health Care

        116,850,741  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS - 14.00%

     

Aerospace & Defense - 5.28%

     

General Dynamics Corp.

     331,525        62,926,760  
     

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates - 4.13%

     

General Electric Co.

     1,653,940        49,303,951  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

INDUSTRIALS - 14.00% (continued)

     

Road & Rail - 4.59%

     

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     452,720      $ 54,792,702  
     

 

 

 

Total Industrials

        167,023,413  
     

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - 14.87%

     

Communications Equipment - 3.24%

     

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     1,131,320        38,668,518  
     

 

 

 

IT Consulting & Services - 2.57%

     

Paychex, Inc

     498,991        30,648,027  
     

 

 

 

Semiconductor Equipment & Products - 2.88%

     

Intel Corp.

     947,761        34,308,948  
     

 

 

 

Software - 6.18%

     

CA, Inc.

     1,127,170        36,373,776  

Microsoft Corp.

     583,848        37,354,595  
     

 

 

 
        73,728,371  
     

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

        177,353,864  
     

 

 

 

MATERIALS - 4.22%

     

Chemicals - 4.22%

     

NewMarket Corp.

     65,291        28,446,636  

The Mosaic Co.

     701,080        21,866,685  
     

 

 

 

Total Materials

        50,313,321  
     

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 2.79%

     

Diversified Telecommunication Services - 2.79%

     

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     671,379        33,320,540  
     

 

 

 

UTILITIES - 3.37%

     

Electric - 3.37%

     

Dominion Resources, Inc.

     216,378        16,799,588  

Duke Energy Corp.

     283,401        23,394,752  
     

 

 

 

Total Utilities

        40,194,340  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stock (Cost $990,108,206)

        1,162,907,815  
     

 

 

 

SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 2.17% (Cost $25,915,827)

     

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select ClassD

     25,915,827        25,915,827  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.67% (Cost $1,016,024,033)

        1,188,823,642  

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.33%

        3,974,882  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

      $ 1,192,798,524  
     

 

 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

  

 

A  PLC - Public Limited Company.
B  ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
C  Non-income producing security.
D  The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

Futures Contracts Open on February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures

     Long        205        March 2017      $ 24,218,700      $  536,643  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 24,218,700      $  536,643  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

COMMON STOCK - 94.80%

     

COMMUNICATIONS - 0.05%

     

Internet Software & Services - 0.05%

     

DHI Group, Inc.A

     3,606      $ 17,850  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY - 13.31%

     

Auto Components - 1.27%

     

Gentherm, Inc.A

     3,936        142,680  

Modine Manufacturing Co.A

     8,635        98,007  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

     3,310        158,781  

Stoneridge, Inc.A

     4,612        77,897  
     

 

 

 
        477,365  
     

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services - 0.09%

     

Cambium Learining Group, Inc.A

     6,859        33,403  
     

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.07%

     

Century Casinos, Inc.A

     3,219        22,018  

Eldorado Resorts, Inc.A

     11,020        179,626  

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

     5,727        67,865  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.A

     2,829        72,083  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

     3,510        59,144  
     

 

 

 
        400,736  
     

 

 

 

Household Durables - 2.51%

     

Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.

     1,629        44,553  

CSS Industries, Inc.

     1,766        43,408  

Flexsteel Industries, Inc.

     1,332        66,973  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

     2,309        53,569  

HNI Corp.

     6,411        293,752  

Hooker Furniture Corp.

     1,478        48,774  

Kimball International, Inc., Class B

     5,042        82,689  

Knoll, Inc.

     7,828        174,956  

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

     2,616        37,932  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

     942        93,823  
     

 

 

 
        940,429  
     

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail - 1.70%

     

HSN, Inc.

     9,417        355,021  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.A

     5,808        246,027  

Systemax, Inc.

     4,600        36,340  
     

 

 

 
        637,388  
     

 

 

 

Leisure Equipment & Products - 1.72%

     

Allegiant Travel Co.

     2,462        428,634  

Escalade, Inc.

     2,423        31,499  

Malibu Boats, Inc., Class AA

     3,030        62,297  

Marine Products Corp.

     6,033        64,070  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.A

     12,135        58,855  
     

 

 

 
        645,355  
     

 

 

 

Media - 0.12%

     

Saga Communications, Inc., Class A

     873        43,563  
     

 

 

 

Multiline Retail - 0.46%

     

Fox Factory Holding Corp.A

     4,789        128,345  

Stein Mart, Inc.

     11,752        42,307  
     

 

 

 
        170,652  
     

 

 

 

Specialty Retail - 2.19%

     

Ascena Retail Group, Inc.A

     18,502        85,109  

Caleres, Inc.

     5,777        172,559  

Cato Corp., Class A

     4,292        107,343  

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY - 13.31% (continued)

     

Specialty Retail - 2.19% (continued)

     

Citi Trends, Inc.

     1,463      $ 24,388  

Essendant, Inc.

     5,862        93,382  

Kirkland’s, Inc.

     2,637        29,798  

PC Connection, Inc.

     5,442        145,628  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

     3,118        79,010  

West Marine, Inc.A

     2,367        21,753  

Winmark Corp.

     541        61,376  
     

 

 

 
        820,346  
     

 

 

 

Textiles & Apparel - 2.18%

     

Columbia Sportswear Co.

     9,579        526,270  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.A

     4,818        123,967  

Perry Ellis International, Inc.

     2,822        65,724  

Superior Uniform Group, Inc.

     2,696        49,391  

Weyco Group, Inc.

     1,837        50,297  
     

 

 

 
        815,649  
     

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

        4,984,886  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES - 2.93%

     

Food & Drug Retailing - 1.58%

     

Seneca Foods Corp., Class AA.

     2,690        101,010  

SpartanNash Co.

     5,823        203,223  

Village Super Market, Inc., Class A

     2,194        64,964  

Weis Markets, Inc.

     3,717        223,020  
     

 

 

 
        592,217  
     

 

 

 

Food Products - 0.28%

     

Farmer Brothers Co.A

     3,253        106,292  
     

 

 

 

Household Products - 0.11%

     

Oil-Dri Corp of America

     1,160        40,924  
     

 

 

 

Personal Products - 0.96%

     

Revlon, Inc., Class AA

     10,668        358,445  
     

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

        1,097,878  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY - 0.91%

     

Energy Equipment & Services - 0.19%

     

Matrix Service Co.A

     4,411        71,458  
     

 

 

 

Oil & Gas - 0.72%

     

Dorian LPG Ltd.A

     23,202        218,563  

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

     5,590        48,913  
     

 

 

 
        267,475  
     

 

 

 

Total Energy

        338,934  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS - 21.10%

     

Banks - 8.27%

     

1st Source Corp.

     3,786        176,844  

American National Bankshares, Inc.

     1,152        42,106  

BancFirst Corp.

     2,228        212,440  

Century Bancorp, Inc., Class A

     879        55,641  

Citizens & Northern Corp.

     2,003        47,010  

CNB Financial Corp.

     2,729        65,578  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

     2,713        124,527  

County Bancorp, Inc.

     1,254        33,808  

Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

     1,793        59,420  

Farmers Capital Bank Corp.

     1,086        42,191  

Farmers National Banc Corp.

     4,104        56,635  

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

FINANCIALS - 21.10% (continued)

     

Banks - 8.27% (continued)

     

Fidelity Southern Corp.

     4,081      $ 96,189  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

     2,239        76,574  

First Bancorp

     3,158        94,898  

First Bancorp, Inc.

     1,642        44,515  

First Busey Corp.

     5,952        184,036  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

     1,712        43,177  

First Defiance Financial Corp.

     1,369        67,286  

First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc.

     1,973        65,267  

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

     2,407        120,470  

Guaranty Bancorp

     3,549        87,838  

Hingham Institution for Savings

     332        62,263  

Horizon Bancorp

     3,363        87,236  

MainSource Financial Group, Inc.

     3,674        125,834  

MutualFirst Financial, Inc.

     1,082        34,245  

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.A

     1,422        69,308  

Northrim BanCorp, Inc.

     1,344        39,178  

Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

     4,405        48,235  

Paragon Commercial Corp.A

     947        47,331  

Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.

     2,115        38,874  

Republic Bancorp, Inc., Class A

     3,673        127,012  

Sierra Bancorp

     2,011        57,595  

Trico Bancshares

     3,438        124,903  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.A

     2,673        71,904  

Univest Corp of Pennsylvania

     4,306        119,922  

West Bancorporation, Inc.

     2,703        59,871  

Xenith Bankshares, Inc.A

     7,013        186,756  
     

 

 

 
        3,096,917  
     

 

 

 

Capital Markets - 1.17%

     

B. Riley Financial, Inc.

     2,167        33,372  

OM Asset Management PLCB

     27,182        405,283  
     

 

 

 
        438,655  
     

 

 

 

Diversified Financials - 4.34%

     

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

     5,955        223,967  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

     615        123,320  

Enova International, Inc.A

     5,362        76,945  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.A

     12,406        352,330  

GAMCO Investors, Inc., Class A

     6,696        199,474  

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

     4,487        222,331  

HomeStreet, Inc.

     5,881        160,551  

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

     2,024        73,815  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc., Class AA

     7,250        129,413  

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.

     1,137        64,650  
     

 

 

 
        1,626,796  
     

 

 

 

Insurance - 7.32%

     

AMERISAFE, Inc.

     3,109        199,909  

Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc.A

     2,306        31,131  

Baldwin & Lyons, Inc., Class B

     2,984        71,019  

Crawford & Co., Class B

     7,221        78,131  

Donegal Group, Inc., Class A

     4,261        70,775  

EMC Insurance Group, Inc.

     4,067        113,063  

Enstar Group Ltd.A

     3,505        679,094  

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.A

     4,098        45,160  

Independence Holding Co.

     2,846        51,655  

National General Holdings Corp.

     19,862        483,441  

National Western Life Group, Inc., Class A

     849        269,855  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

     10,004        443,176  

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

FINANCIALS - 21.10% (continued)

     

Insurance - 7.32% (continued)

     

United Fire Group, Inc.

     4,844      $ 204,514  
     

 

 

 
        2,740,923  
     

 

 

 

Total Financials

        7,903,291  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE - 11.90%

     

Biotechnology - 2.79%

     

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.A

     5,156        136,376  

Applied Genetic Technologies Corp.A

     2,876        22,289  

Cytokinetics, Inc.A

     2,446        25,928  

Fibrogen, Inc.A

     1,972        49,300  

Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc.A

     1,313        60,227  

Genomic Health, Inc.A

     1,981        59,806  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A

     2,808        47,427  

Luminex Corp.

     4,655        86,492  

Macrogenics, Inc.A

     673        14,227  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.A

     9,040        175,647  

PDL BioPharma, Inc.

     109,595        234,533  

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A

     2,164        24,323  

Repligen Corp.A

     576        18,150  

Retrophin, Inc.A

     1,133        24,099  

RTI Surgical, Inc.A

     6,729        25,234  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A

     1,624        23,142  

Xencor, Inc.A

     726        18,041  
     

 

 

 
        1,045,241  
     

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 3.73%

     

Atrion Corp.

     221        107,859  

Cutera, Inc.A

     1,000        20,400  

Exactech, Inc.A

     2,032        49,378  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class AA

     6,824        189,775  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

     9,118        331,439  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

     1,573        34,826  

Masimo Corp.

     4,156        375,536  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

     6,543        84,078  

Nutraceutical International Corp.

     1,577        53,145  

Orthofix International N.V.A

     1,734        61,921  

Staar Surgical Co.A

     1,961        19,512  

Surmodics, Inc.A

     1,392        34,452  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

     529        32,745  
     

 

 

 
        1,395,066  
     

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services - 4.34%

     

Addus HomeCare Corp.A

     1,126        36,257  

Air Methods Corp.

     5,112        193,489  

Almost Family, Inc.

     1,370        68,021  

Amedisys, Inc.A

     2,622        126,433  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.A

     1,379        56,746  

Corvel Corp.A

     2,363        95,465  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.A

     2,911        45,033  

Ensign Group, Inc.

     8,777        165,359  

LHC Group, Inc.A

     1,944        93,351  

National Healthcare Corp.

     2,126        158,642  

National Research Corp., Class A

     3,360        62,664  

Omnicell, Inc.A

     3,962        150,655  

PAREXEL International Corp.A

     5,391        348,744  

RadNet, Inc.A

     4,432        26,370  
     

 

 

 
        1,627,229  
     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

HEALTH CARE - 11.90% (continued)

     

Pharmaceuticals - 1.04%

     

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.A

     3,418      $ 107,257  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A

     877        25,275  

Phibro Animal Health Corp., Class A

     4,488        124,991  

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

     7,198        46,067  

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Class AA C

     7,327        86,092  
     

 

 

 
        389,682  
     

 

 

 

Total Health Care

        4,457,218  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS - 14.67%

     

Aerospace & Defense - 0.48%

     

Kaman Corp.

     3,497        181,040  
     

 

 

 

Building Products - 1.57%

     

AAON, Inc.

     6,160        207,284  

Caesarstone Ltd.

     3,743        125,016  

Omega Flex, Inc.

     1,192        54,117  

Ply Gem Holding, Inc.A

     11,598        201,805  
     

 

 

 
        588,222  
     

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies - 9.39%

     

Aceto Corp.

     5,206        79,860  

American Public Education, Inc.A

     2,896        69,938  

ARC Document Solutions, Inc.A

     8,354        33,583  

Career Education Corp.A

     16,947        141,169  

Convergys Corp.

     14,793        323,671  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

     4,947        194,961  

Deluxe Corp.

     6,860        504,827  

Ennis, Inc.

     4,164        68,081  

Franklin Covey Co.A

     1,528        27,428  

Herman Miller, Inc.

     9,962        296,868  

Interface, Inc.

     8,018        151,540  

Kelly Services, Inc., Class A

     6,743        144,165  

Kforce, Inc.

     3,567        91,850  

Marlin Business Services Corp.

     1,707        40,627  

Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.

     3,453        69,578  

PHI, Inc.A D

     2,433        36,280  

Steelcase, Inc., Class A

     16,173        258,768  

TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

     6,634        201,010  

TRC Co., Inc.A

     6,239        63,950  

TrueBlue, Inc.A

     5,247        136,160  

VSE Corp.

     2,110        85,835  

West Corp.

     19,780        472,941  

Willis Lease Finance Corp.A

     982        24,962  
     

 

 

 
        3,518,052  
     

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering - 0.11%

     

NV5 Global, Inc.A

     1,098        40,406  
     

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment - 0.39%

     

Chase Corp.

     1,241        113,489  

Preformed Line Products Co.

     724        33,319  
     

 

 

 
        146,808  
     

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates - 0.81%

     

ICF International, Inc.A

     2,804        120,432  

Park-Ohio Industries, Inc.

     2,543        113,545  

RPX Corp.A

     6,303        67,757  
     

 

 

 
        301,734  
     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

INDUSTRIALS - 14.67% (continued)

     

Machinery - 1.08%

     

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

     2,852      $ 110,801  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     2,748        70,926  

Hurco Co., Inc.

     1,584        43,560  

Kadant, Inc.

     1,477        91,426  

Miller Industries, Inc.

     1,987        49,675  

Supreme Industries, Inc., Class A

     1,977        38,650  
     

 

 

 
        405,038  
     

 

 

 

Oil & Gas - 0.09%

     

Ardmore Shipping Corp.A C

     4,868        33,346  
     

 

 

 

Road & Rail - 0.10%

     

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.

     2,015        36,733  
     

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors - 0.45%

     

Neff Corp., Class AA

     1,819        28,376  

Veritiv Corp.A

     2,509        139,626  
     

 

 

 
        168,002  
     

 

 

 

Transportation & Logistics - 0.20%

     

Universal Truckload Services, Inc.

     5,441        74,270  
     

 

 

 

Total Industrials

        5,493,651  
     

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - 15.62%

     

Communications Equipment - 0.74%

     

Bel Fuse, Inc., Class B

     1,531        39,959  

Black Box Corp.

     3,094        27,846  

Plantronics, Inc.

     3,274        175,356  

Silicon, Ltd.

     922        35,036  
     

 

 

 
        278,197  
     

 

 

 

Computers & Peripherals - 0.11%

     

Avid Technology, Inc.A

     7,178        40,340  
     

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment & Instruments - 5.05%

     

AVX Corp.

     25,041        388,636  

CTS Corp.

     4,335        94,937  

ePlus, Inc.

     803        101,941  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.A

     4,622        74,414  

Nanometrics, Inc.A

     2,516        68,460  

Novanta, Inc.A

     4,486        109,010  

Plexus Corp.A

     4,702        263,641  

Sanmina Corp.A

     16,305        635,895  

Scansource, Inc.A

     3,778        152,065  
     

 

 

 
        1,888,999  
     

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services - 4.17%

     

Carbonite, Inc.A

     1,882        36,605  

Endurance International Group Holdings, Inc.A

     19,564        166,294  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.A

     6,650        408,177  

j2 Global, Inc.

     5,490        446,995  

NIC, Inc.

     8,220        173,442  

Perficient, Inc.A

     5,200        94,484  

Web.com Group, Inc.A

     10,986        211,481  

Zix Corp.

     5,168        25,892  
     

 

 

 
        1,563,370  
     

 

 

 

IT Consulting & Services - 2.92%

     

EVERTEC, Inc.

     12,464        210,018  

Forrester Research, Inc.

     2,011        73,402  

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - 15.62% (continued)

     

IT Consulting & Services - 2.92% (continued)

     

Hackett Group, Inc.

     3,770      $ 76,003  

Sykes Enterprises, Inc.A

     6,524        177,583  

Syntel, Inc.

     24,470        432,874  

TechTarget, Inc.A

     3,661        33,498  

Virtusa Corp.A

     2,853        88,472  
     

 

 

 
        1,091,850  
     

 

 

 

Semiconductor Equipment & Products - 1.17%

     

Entegris, Inc.A

     17,443        369,792  

IXYS Corp.

     5,610        69,283  
     

 

 

 
        439,075  
     

 

 

 

Software - 1.46%

     

Pegasystems, Inc.

     7,062        303,666  

QAD, Inc., Class A

     1,670        45,842  

Quality Systems, Inc.A

     7,069        107,873  

Sapiens International Corp., N.V

     6,219        90,051  
     

 

 

 
        547,432  
     

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

        5,849,263  
     

 

 

 

MATERIALS - 3.58%

     

Chemicals - 2.34%

     

FutureFuel Corp.

     10,896        144,154  

Hawkins, Inc.

     1,616        79,911  

Innospec, Inc.

     3,435        224,305  

KMG Chemicals, Inc.

     1,835        67,455  

OMNOVA Solutions, Inc.A

     5,553        51,365  

Stepan Co.

     3,442        260,250  

Trecora ResourcesA

     4,233        51,008  
     

 

 

 
        878,448  
     

 

 

 

Construction Materials - 0.17%

     

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.

     811        61,765  
     

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging - 0.07%

     

UFP Technologies, Inc.A

     1,106        26,544  
     

 

 

 

Metals & Mining - 0.15%

     

Handy & Harman Ltd.A

     2,303        54,927  
     

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products - 0.85%

     

Glatfelter Co.

     6,954        153,683  

Potlatch Corp.E

     3,742        165,584  
     

 

 

 
        319,267  
     

 

 

 

Total Materials

        1,340,951  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE - 7.61%

     

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts - 6.27%

     

Alexander’s, Inc.E

     712        311,251  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.E

     6,528        91,066  

Geo Group, Inc.E

     5,839        277,995  

Getty Realty Corp.E

     4,962        130,947  

Infrareit, Inc.E

     6,264        104,296  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.E

     29,337        393,702  

National Health Investors, Inc.E

     4,541        343,844  

One Liberty Properties, Inc.E

     2,387        58,648  

Saul Centers, Inc.E

     2,273        145,563  

Select Income REITE

     10,905        283,530  

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Shares      Fair Value  

REAL ESTATE - 7.61% (continued)

     

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts - 6.27% (continued)

     

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.E

     13,427      $ 206,642  
     

 

 

 
        2,347,484  
     

 

 

 

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts - 0.19%

     

Great Ajax Corp.E

     5,478        71,981  
     

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development - 1.15%

     

AV Homes, Inc.A

     4,475        73,838  

Consolidated Tomaka Land Co.

     599        33,017  

HFF, Inc., Class A

     5,360        158,923  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.A

     5,950        162,733  
     

 

 

 
        428,511  
     

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

        2,847,976  
     

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 0.33%

     

Diversified Telecommunication Services - 0.13%

     

IDT Corp., Class B

     2,514        48,520  
     

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.20%

     

Spok Holdings, Inc.

     4,051        73,728  
     

 

 

 

Total Telecommunication Services

        122,248  
     

 

 

 

UTILITIES - 2.79%

     

Electric - 2.24%

     

MGE Energy, Inc.

     4,492        287,264  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

     6,217        342,743  

Otter Tail Corp.

     5,587        210,071  
     

 

 

 
        840,078  
     

 

 

 

Water - 0.55%

     

Artesian Resources Corp., Class A

     1,300        42,835  

Middlesex Water Co.

     2,625        98,831  

York Water Co.

     1,767        63,612  
     

 

 

 
        205,278  
     

 

 

 

Total Utilities

        1,045,356  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stock (Cost $32,069,524)

        35,499,501  
     

 

 

 

SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.15% (Cost $1,179,902)

     

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select ClassF

     1,179,902        1,179,902  
     

 

 

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.22% (Cost $83,350)

     

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select ClassF

     83,350        83,350  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 98.17% (Cost $33,332,776)

        36,762,753  

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 1.83%

        684,708  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

      $ 37,447,461  
     

 

 

 
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.      

 

A  Non-income producing security.
B  PLC - Public Limited Company.
C  All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 28, 2017.
D  Non-voting participating shares.
E  REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.
F  The Fund is affiliated by having the same investment advisor.

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Schedule of Investments

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Futures Contracts Open on February 28, 2017:

 

Description

   Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Russell 2000 Mini Index Futures

     Long        16        March 2017      $ 1,108,000      $ 7,553  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 1,108,000      $ 7,553  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     The London
Company Income
Equity Fund
    Zebra Small Cap
Equity Fund
 

Assets:

    

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value A C

   $ 1,162,907,815     $ 35,499,501  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value B

     25,915,827       1,263,252  

Deposit with brokers for futures contracts

     426,739       28,229  

Dividends and interest receivable

     3,823,126       35,236  

Receivable for investments sold

     —         136,809  

Receivable for fund shares sold

     2,725,060       996,144  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

     —         9,915  

Receivable for variation margin on open futures contracts

     536,719       7,573  

Prepaid expenses

     96,467       29,834  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,196,431,753       38,006,493  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Payable for investments purchased

     —         202,717  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

     2,683,705       214,699  

Payable upon return of securities loaned

     —         83,350  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

     649,850       27,745  

Administrative service and service fees payable

     241,496       6,803  

Transfer agent fees payable

     2,644       438  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

     7,195       1,367  

Professional fees payable

     18,904       21,872  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

     28,148       —    

Other liabilities

     1,287       41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,633,229       559,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,192,798,524     $ 37,447,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

    

Paid-in-capital

   $ 1,037,604,549     $ 32,342,533  

Undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

     2,162,643       7,385  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (20,304,920     1,660,013  

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     172,799,609       3,429,977  

Unrealized appreciation of futures contracts

     536,643       7,553  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets

   $ 1,192,798,524     $ 37,447,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

    

Institutional Class

     13,266,006       111,953  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Y Class

     41,597,097       1,040,551  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investor Class

     2,253,974       629,515  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Class

     6,086,890       430,753  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

C Class

     11,416,763       149,366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets:

    

Institutional Class

   $ 213,332,518     $ 1,775,336  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Y Class

   $ 665,670,250     $ 16,640,312  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investor Class

   $ 36,120,450     $ 9,946,171  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Class

   $ 96,983,385     $ 6,810,464  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

C Class

   $ 180,691,921     $ 2,275,178  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

    

Institutional Class

   $ 16.08     $ 15.86  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Y Class

   $ 16.00     $ 15.99  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investor Class

   $ 16.03     $ 15.80  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Class

   $ 15.93     $ 15.81  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

   $ 16.90     $ 16.77  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

C Class

   $ 15.83     $ 15.23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

   $ 990,108,206     $ 32,069,524  

B Cost of investments in affiliated securities

   $ 25,915,827     $ 1,263,252  

C Fair value of securities on loan

   $ —       $ 81,430  

See accompanying notes

 

 

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the six months Ended February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

     The London
Company Income

Equity Fund
    Zebra Small Cap
Equity Fund
 

Investment income:

    

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes) A

   $ 15,531,426     $ 453,451  

Dividend income from affiliated securities

     88,236       1,810  

Income derived from securities lending

     —         8,743  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     15,619,662       464,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

     3,658,032       143,247  

Transfer agent fees:

    

Institutional Class

     24,879       391  

Y Class

     8,370       169  

Investor Class

     1,621       904  

A Class

     3,881       467  

C Class

     3,807       143  

Custody and fund accounting fees

     43,438       6,208  

Professional fees

     30,995       20,458  

Registration fees and expenses

     48,763       36,996  

Service fees (Note 2):

    

Y Class

     302,196       6,922  

Investor Class

     53,126       10,749  

A Class

     69,563       4,031  

C Class

     135,143       1,470  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

    

A Class

     115,939       6,719  

C Class

     900,956       9,803  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses.

     33,969       2,398  

Trustee fees

     27,511       731  

Other expenses

     26,666       1,331  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,488,855       253,137  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net fees waived and expenses reimbursed (Note 2)

     —         (66,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     5,488,855       186,950  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     10,130,807       277,054  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments

     (23,711,244     1,891,928  

Commission recapture (Note 3)

     10,290       —    

Futures contracts

     3,057,124       34,164  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

    

Investments

     89,652,936       1,721,572  

Futures contracts

     434,284       425  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

     69,443,390       3,648,089  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 79,574,197     $ 3,925,143  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A Foreign taxes

   $ —       $ 50  

See accompanying notes

 

 

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     The London Company
Income Equity Fund
    Zebra Small Cap
Equity Fund
 
     Six Months
Ended
February 28,
    Year
Ended
August 31,
    Six Months
Ended
February 28,
    Year
Ended
August 31,
 
     2017     2016     2017     2016  
     (unaudited)           (unaudited)        

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 10,130,807     $ 18,248,062     $ 277,054     $ 153,893  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments, commission recapture, and futures contracts

     (20,643,830     8,459,871       1,926,092       (254,586

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments and futures contracts

     90,087,220       80,948,359       1,721,997       2,570,834  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     79,574,197       107,656,292       3,925,143       2,470,141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income:

        

Institutional Class

     (2,007,385     (3,544,997     (19,221     (8,763

Y Class

     (5,910,133     (9,926,813     (167,869     (38,839

Investor Class

     (270,733     (452,631     (101,264     (13,402

A Class

     (780,644     (1,491,174     (61,098     (10,123

C Class

     (847,691     (1,766,190     (13,853     —    

Net realized gain from investments:

        

Institutional Class

     (1,273,581     —         —         (201,256

Y Class

     (3,962,754     —         —         (891,959

Investor Class

     (214,901     —         —         (447,110

A Class

     (591,876     —         —         (468,807

C Class

     (1,169,919     —         —         (161,536
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

     (17,029,617     (17,181,805     (363,305     (2,241,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

        

Proceeds from sales of shares

     213,897,266       548,570,693       11,022,928       13,574,650  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     8,266,996       7,818,081       359,354       2,212,923  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (178,793,282     (277,196,132     (5,461,485     (8,379,853
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     43,370,980       279,192,642       5,920,797       7,407,720  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

     105,915,560       369,667,129       9,482,635       7,636,066  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     1,086,882,964       717,215,835       27,964,826       20,328,760  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period *

   $ 1,192,798,524     $ 1,086,882,964     $ 37,447,461     $ 27,964,826  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

   $ 2,162,643     $ 2,328,414     $ 7,385     $ 51,103  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “Act”) as diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of February 28, 2017, the Trust consists of twenty-seven active series, two of which are presented in this filing (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”): the American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund and the American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund. The remaining twenty-five active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is indirectly owned by investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. and Estancia Capital Management, LLC, and was organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the SEC adopted amendments to rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. The final rules amend Regulation S-X and require funds to provide standardized, enhanced derivative disclosure in fund financial statements in a format designed for individual investors. The amendments to Regulation S-X also update the disclosures for other investments and investments in, and advances to affiliates and amend the rules regarding the general form and content of fund financial statements. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating the amendments and its impact, if any, on the Funds’ Financial Statements.

Class Disclosure

The Funds have multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. However, not all Funds offer all classes. The following table sets forth the differences amongst the classes:

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 

Institutional

   Large institutional investors—sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  

Y Class

   Large institutional retirement plan investors—sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  

Investor

   All investors using intermediary organizations such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors—sold directly through intermediary channels.    $ 2,500  

A Class

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

C Class

   Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges, which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  

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

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies, consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of the financial statements. The Funds are considered investment companies and accordingly,

 

 

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board

Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies, which is part of U.S.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date of the security purchase or sale. The Funds may purchase securities with delivery or payment to occur at a later date. At the time the Funds enter into a commitment to purchase a security, the transaction is recorded, and the value of the security is reflected in the Net Asset Value (“NAV”). The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations.

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

Dividends to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income of the Funds normally will be declared and paid at least annually. Distributions, if any, of net realized capital gains are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds also designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Commission Recapture

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

Allocation of Income, Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific class), gains, and losses 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 operations of that class.

Use of Estimates

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

Other

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

 

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a controlling ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of February 28, 2017, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, one account has been identified as representing one non-affiliated controlling ownership of approximately 7% of the Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund’s outstanding shares.

2. Transactions with Affiliates

Management Agreement

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a management agreement that obligates the Manager to provide investment advisory, fund management, and administrative services to the Funds. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager receives from the Funds an annualized fee at the following annual rates as a percentage of average daily net assets: 0.35% of the first $5 billion, 0.325% of the next $5 billion, 0.30% of the next $10 billion, and 0.275% over $20 billion. The Funds pay the unaffiliated investment advisors hired to direct investment activities of the Funds an annualized investment advisory fee based on a percentage of the Funds’ average daily assets. Management fees paid by the Funds during the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Management Fee
Rate
    Management
Fee
     Amounts paid
to Investment
Advisors
     Amounts Paid
to Manager
 

The London Company Income Equity

     0.67   $ 3,658,032      $ 1,725,037      $ 1,932,995  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

     0.89     143,247        86,946        56,301  

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. This fee is included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, securities lending fees paid to the Manager were $771 for the Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund.

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes, have adopted a “defensive” Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, pursuant to which no separate fees may be charged to the Funds for distribution purposes. However, the Plan authorizes the management fees received by the Manager and the investment advisor hired by the Manager to be used for distribution purposes. Under this Plan, the Funds do not intend to compensate the Manager or any other party, either directly or indirectly, for the distribution of Fund shares.

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

 

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Service Plans

The Manager and the Trust entered into Service Plans that obligate the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Y, Investor, A, and C Classes. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of Y Class, up to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional Class of the Funds and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Funds. Certain services would have been provided by the Funds’ transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for all or a portion of the servicing fees paid to these intermediaries for the Institutional Class. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional Class on an annual basis. For the period ended February 28, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as included in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

The London Company Income Equity

   $ 22,003  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

     266  

As of February 28, 2017, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursements of sub-transfer agent fees, as included in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement of
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

The London Company Income Equity

   $ 3,788  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

     355  

Investment in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Funds in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees totaling 0.10% of its average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended February 28, 2017, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

The London Company Income Equity

  $ 24,206     $ —       $ 24,206  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

    462       147       609  

Interfund Lending Program

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Funds to borrow

 

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

from other participating funds. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Funds did not utilize the credit facility.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reimburse the classes of the Funds to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed the Funds’ expense cap. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Manager waived or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class    Expense Cap
9/1/2016 -
2/28/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     Expiration  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   Institutional      0.89   $ 4,514        2020  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   Y      0.99     30,544        2020  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   Investor      1.27     14,266        2020  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   A      1.29     12,387        2020  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   C      2.04     14,476        2020  

Of these amounts, $9,915 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at February 28, 2017 for the Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund. The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of fees waived or expenses reimbursed for a period of up to three years. However, reimbursement will occur only if the Class’s average net assets have grown or expenses have declined sufficiently to allow reimbursement without causing its expense ratio to exceed the previously agreed upon contractual expense limit. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2020. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements, due to the current assessment that a reimbursement is unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

   Recovered
Expenses
     Excess Expense
Carryover
     Expiration  

The London Company Income Equity

   $ —        $ 13,005        2017  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

     —          94,922        2017  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

     —          105,676        2018  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

     —          130,345        2019  

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ distributor, Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”), may receive a portion of A Class sales charges from broker dealers and it may be used to offset distribution related expenses. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, Foreside collected $41,797 and $1,001 in sales commissions from the sale of Class A Shares for The London Company Income Equity and Zebra Small Cap Equity Funds, respectively.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, fees of $299 were collected for The London Company Income Equity Fund for Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, CDSC fees of $37,617 and $169 were collected for the Class A Shares of The London Company Income Equity and Zebra Small Cap Equity Funds, respectively.

 

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds Trust, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $5,000 for each Board meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, plus 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. The Board Chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a single $5,000 fee each quarter for his attendance at the Committee meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the Trust according to its respective net assets.

3. Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

Investments are valued at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, each day that the Exchange is open for business. Equity securities, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), for which market quotations are available, are valued at the last sale price or official closing price (closing bid price or last evaluated quote if no sale has occurred) on the primary market or exchange on which they trade.

Debt securities are normally are valued on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service and may take into account appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The prices of debt securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual fund on the day of valuation.

Securities for which the market prices are not readily available or are not reflective of the fair value of the security, as determined by the Manager, will be priced at fair value following procedures approved by the Trust’s Board.

Futures contracts are valued based upon their quoted daily settlement prices. Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund is required to deposit with its futures broker, an amount of cash or U.S. Government and Agency Obligations in accordance with the initial margin requirements of the broker or exchange. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily and an appropriate payable or receivable for the change in value (“variation margin”) is recorded by the Funds. Gains or losses are recognized, but not considered realized until the contracts expire or are closed. Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the margin disclosed on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Other investments, including restricted securities, and those financial instruments for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value, are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, established by the Funds’ Board.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

 

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

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

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

Common stocks, ETFs and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or options contracts that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

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

The Funds’ investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of February 28, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

The London Company Income Equity Fund(1)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Common Stock

   $ 1,162,907,815      $ —        $ —        $ 1,162,907,815  

Short-Term Investments - Money Market Funds

     25,915,827        —          —          25,915,827  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 1,188,823,642      $ —        $ —        $ 1,188,823,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 536,643      $ —        $ —        $ 536,643  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Financial Instruments

   $ 536,643      $ —        $ —        $ 536,643  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund(1)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Common Stock

   $ 35,499,501      $ —        $ —        $ 35,499,501  

Short-Term Investments - Money Market Funds

     1,179,902        —          —          1,179,902  

Securities Lending Collateral invested in Money Markets Funds.

     83,350        —          —          83,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 36,762,753      $ —        $ —        $ 36,762,753  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 7,553      $ —        $ —        $ 7,553  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other Financial Instruments

   $ 7,553      $ —        $ —        $ 7,553  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Refer to the Schedule of Investments for industry information.

U.S. GAAP also requires all transfers between any levels to be disclosed. The end of the period timing recognition has been adopted for the transfers between levels of each Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the six months ended February 28, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

4. Securities and Other Investments

American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”)

ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in a Fund’s possible inability to convert immediately into U.S.

 

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Funds 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 Funds to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security.

Common Stock

Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company’s products or services. A stock’s value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company’s stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that elect to pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company’s common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. Common stock may be exchange-traded or over-the-counter (“OTC”). OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

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.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The Funds may own shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which report information on the source of their distributions annually. The Funds re-characterize distributions received from REIT investments based on information provided by the REITs into the following categories: ordinary income, long-term capital gains, and return of capital. If information is not available on a timely basis from the REITs, the re-characterization will be estimated based on available information which may include the previous year allocation. If new or additional information becomes available from the REITs at a later date, a re-characterization will be made the following year.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange Traded Products

The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Funds may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or a 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, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear a Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund

 

 

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

5. Financial Derivative Instruments

The Funds may utilize derivative instruments to manage liquidity. When considering the Funds’ use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Funds do not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are contracts to buy or sell a standard quantity of securities at a specified price on a future date. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are the possibility of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the values of the contracts and the underlying securities, or that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to set aside or deposit with a broker an amount, termed the initial margin, which typically represents a portion of the face value of the futures contract. A Fund usually reflects this amount on the Schedule of Investments as a U.S. Treasury Bill held as collateral for futures contracts or as cash deposited with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments to and from the broker, known as variation margin, are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates. Changes in initial settlement values are accounted for as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are terminated, at which time realized gains and losses are recognized.

For the six months ended February 28, 2017, the Funds entered into future contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

The Funds’ futures contracts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of futures contracts. For purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

   Period ended
February 28, 2017
 

The London Company Income Equity

     328  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

     9  

The following is a summary of the Funds’ derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure(1):

Fair Values of financial derivative instruments not accounted for as hedging instruments as of February 28, 2017:

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

   Derivatives      The London
Company Income
Equity
     Zebra Small
Cap Equity
 

Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts (2)

     Equity Contracts      $ 536,643      $ 7,553  

The effect of financial derivative instruments not accounted for as hedging instruments during the period ended February 28, 2017:

 

Statements of Operations:

                    

Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts

     Equity Contracts      $ 3,057,124      $ 34,164  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts

     Equity Contracts        434,284        425  

 

(1)  See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.
(2)  Includes cumulative appreciation or (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Funds’ Schedules of Investment footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

6. Principal Risks

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

Credit Risk

The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely.

Dividend Risk

An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks.

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 price volatility, (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets.

Futures Contracts Risk

Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. Futures contracts may experience dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlation between the price of the contract and the underlying security or index, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract).

Liquidity Risk

The Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain small cap equity 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

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects, which have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign. 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. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.

 

 

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

In addition, political events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. Because the impact on the markets has been widespread, it may be difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market conditions. 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 rate increase on various markets. 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.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Funds may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including money market funds. To the extent that a Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, you will indirectly bear 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 funds. For example, money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

Securities Lending Risk

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

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Funds are parties to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties, which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Funds employ multiple money managers and counterparties and have elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of February 28, 2017.

 

 

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The London Company Income Equity Fund

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of February 28, 2017:

 

            Gross Amounts      Net Amount of  
            Offset in the      Assets Presented  
            Statements      in the Statements  
     Gross Amounts of      of Assets and      of Assets and  

Description

   Recognized Assets      Liabilities      Liabilities  

Futures contracts (1)

   $ 536,643      $ —        $ 536,643  

Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Pledged by Counterparty as of February 28, 2017:

 

            Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements         
     Net Amount of Assets      of Assets and Liabilities         
     Presented in the Statements      Financial      Cash Collateral         

Counterparty

   of Assets and Liabilities      Instruments      Pledged      Net Amount  

Goldman Sachs & Co. (1)

   $ 536,643      $ —        $ —        $ 536,643  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

Offsetting of Financial Asset and Derivative Assets as of February 28, 2017:

 

            Gross Amounts      Net Amount of  
            Offset in the      Assets Presented  
            Statements      in the Statements  
     Gross Amounts of      of Assets and      of Assets and  

Description

   Recognized Assets      Liabilities      Liabilities  

Securities on loan(2)

   $ 81,430      $ —        $ 81,430  

Futures Contracts (1)

     7,553        —          7,553  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 88,983      $ —        $ 88,983  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Asset, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Pledged by Counterparty as of February 28, 2017:

 

            Gross Amounts Offset in the         
    

NetAmount of Assets

Presented in the Statements

     Statements of Assets and Liabilities         
        Financial      Cash Collateral         

Counterparty

   of Assets and Liabilities      Instruments      Pledged(2)      Net Amount  

Barclays Capital Inc.

   $ 49,000      $ —        $ (49,000    $ —    

Goldman Sachs & Co (1)

     7,553        —          —          7,553  

JP Morgan Clearing Corp.

     32,430        —          (32,430      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 88,983      $ —        $ (81,430    $ 7,553  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  The securities presented here within are not subject to Master Netting Agreements. As such, this is disclosed for information purposes only.
(2)  Excess collateral received from the individual counterparty is not shown for financial statement purposes. Collateral with a value of $83,350 has been received in connection with securities lending transactions.

7. Federal Income and Excise Taxes

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

The Funds do not have any recorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. The tax years for the periods ended August 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Funds recognized interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

     The London Company      Zebra Small Cap  
     Income Equity Fund      Equity Fund  
     Six months ended      Year ended      Six months ended      Year ended  
     February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016      February 28, 2017      August 31, 2016  

Distributions paid from:

           

Ordinary Income*

           

Institutional Class

   $ 2,008,359      $ 3,544,997      $ 19,221      $ 71,514  

Y Class

     5,913,190        9,926,813        167,869        316,947  

Investor Class

     270,894        452,631        101,264        152,808  

A Class

     781,105        1,491,174        61,098        156,294  

C Class

     848,494        1,766,190        13,853        50,367  

Long-term capital gains

           

Institutional Class

     1,272,607        —          —          138,505  

Y Class

     3,959,697        —          —          613,851  

Investor Class

     214,740        —          —          307,704  

A Class

     591,415        —          —          322,636  

C Class

     1,169,116        —          —          111,169  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $ 17,029,617      $ 17,181,805      $ 363,305      $ 2,241,795  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

As of February 28, 2017, the components of distributable earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

    The London Company     Zebra Small Cap  
    Income Equity Fund     Equity Fund  

Cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes

  $ 1,016,057,300     $ 33,602,425  

Unrealized appreciation

    193,765,836       4,878,625  

Unrealized depreciation

    (20,999,494     (1,718,297
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    172,766,342       3,160,328  

Undistributed ordinary income

    2,162,643       989,282  

Undistributed long-term capital gains

    —         955,318  

Accumulated capital and other losses

    (19,735,010     —    

Other temporary differences

    —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable earnings (deficits)

  $ 155,193,975     $ 5,104,928  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments and the reclassification of income from real estate investment securities.

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

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Accordingly, the following reclassified amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from reclassifications of income from real estate investment securities and dividend reclasses as of February 28, 2017:

 

     The London Company      Zebra Small Cap  
     Income Equity Fund      Equity Fund  

Paid-in-capital

   $ (1    $ 220  

Undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

     (479,992      42,533  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     479,993        (42,753

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in futures contracts

     —          —    

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

As of February 28, 2017, The London Company Income Equity Fund has $1,358,719 of short-term and $18,376,291 of long-term post RIC MOD capital loss carryforward .

8. Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

     The London Company         
     Income      Zebra Small Cap  
     Equity Fund      Equity Fund  

Purchases (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 101,955,125      $ 16,076,380  

Sales and Maturities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     40,646,756        11,228,694  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the six months ended February 28, 2017 were as follows:

 

          August 31, 2016                    February 28, 2017         
     Type of    Shares/Fair                    Shares/Fair      Dividend  

Fund

   Transaction    Value      Purchases      Sales      Value      Income  

The London Company Income Equity

   Direct    $ 45,223,294      $ 150,965,259      $ 170,272,726      $ 25,915,827      $ 88,236  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   Direct

Securities

     830,296        9,857,530        9,507,924        1,179,902        1,810  

Zebra Small Cap Equity

   Lending      356,775        2,296,684        2,570,109        83,350        N/A  

9. Securities Lending

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

To the extent that a loan is collateralized by cash, such cash collateral shall be invested by the securities lending agent (the “Agent”) in money market mutual funds, and other short-term investments, provided the investments meet certain quality and diversification requirements. Securities purchased with cash collateral

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

proceeds are listed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and the collateral is shown on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable.

Securities lending income is generated from the demand premium (if any) paid by the borrower to borrow a specific security and from the return on investment of cash collateral, reduced by negotiated rebate fees paid to the borrower and transaction costs. To the extent that a loan is secured by non-cash collateral, securities lending income is generated as a demand premium reduced by transaction costs. The Fund, the Agent, and the Manager retained 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of the income generated from securities lending.

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

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

At February 28, 2017, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral was as follows :

 

Fair Value of           Cash Collateral  
Securities on Loan    Non-Cash Collateral      Posted by Borrower  
$81,430    $ —        $ 83,350  

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

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

10. Capital Share Transactions

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

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

The London Company Income Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     1,940,929      $ 29,459,637        4,317,062      $ 61,703,562  

Reinvestment of dividends

     182,827        2,784,667        209,460        2,997,506  

Shares redeemed

     (1,627,265      (24,767,333      (1,646,575      (23,431,242
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     496,491      $ 7,476,971        2,879,947      $ 41,269,826  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

     Y Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

The London Company Income Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     9,512,671      $ 144,209,699        24,943,586      $ 354,214,007  

Reinvestment of dividends

     240,460        3,645,452        216,302        3,091,654  

Shares redeemed

     (6,575,864      (100,086,968      (13,173,464      (187,434,356
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     3,177,267      $ 47,768,183        11,986,424      $ 169,871,305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Investor Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

The London Company Income Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     791,896      $ 11,945,892        1,081,723      $ 15,497,749  

Reinvestment of dividends

     30,839        468,815        30,330        432,609  

Shares redeemed

     (491,083      (7,402,162      (679,241      (9,525,154
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     331,652      $ 5,012,545        432,812      $ 6,405,204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     A Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

The London Company Income Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     732,920      $ 11,035,620        2,777,336      $ 39,632,748  

Reinvestment of dividends

     55,083        832,260        61,866        877,243  

Shares redeemed

     (969,737      (14,565,470      (1,841,117      (26,253,994
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     (181,73    $ (2,697,590      998,085      $ 14,255,997  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     C Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

The London Company Income Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     1,156,078      $ 17,246,418        5,471,163      $ 77,522,627  

Reinvestment of dividends

     35,558        535,802        29,724        419,069  

Shares redeemed

     (2,122,787      (31,971,349      (2,151,617      (30,551,386
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     (931,151    $ (14,189,129      3,349,270      $ 47,390,310  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Institutional Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     9,577      $ 142,786        54,556      $ 748,177  

Reinvestment of dividends

     1,201        19,221        16,524        210,019  

Shares redeemed

     (62,641      (886,044      (31,439      (414,137
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     (51,863    $ (724,037      39,641      $ 544,059  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Y Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     373,289      $ 5,637,558        309,719      $ 4,112,092  

Reinvestment of dividends

     10,383        167,686        72,550        930,798  

Shares redeemed

     (117,163      (1,784,587      (291,579      (3,867,819
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in shares outstanding

     266,509      $ 4,020,657        90,690      $ 1,175,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Investor Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     157,924      $ 2,442,443        468,594      $ 6,246,532  

Reinvestment of dividends

     6,322        100,896        36,142        459,726  

Shares redeemed

     (77,230      (1,155,835      (143,215      (1,898,357
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     87,016      $ 1,387,504        361,521      $ 4,807,901  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

February 28, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

     A Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     142,898      $ 2,227,185        128,084      $ 1,705,574  

Reinvestment of dividends

     3,361        57,984        35,611        453,323  

Shares redeemed

     (86,542      (1,268,444      (130,342      (1,726,256
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     59,987      $ 1,016,725        33,353      $ 432,641  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     C Class  
     Six Months Ended February 28, 2017      Year Ended August 31, 2016  

Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund

   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

     37,782      $ 572,956        59,351      $ 762,275  

Reinvestment of dividends

     880        13,567        12,910        159,057  

Shares redeemed

     (25,126      (366,575      (37,688      (473,284
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     13,536      $ 219,948        34,574      $ 448,048  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

11. Subsequent Event

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

 

 

38


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months              
    Ended                             May 29 to  
    February 28,     Year Ended August 31,     August 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.25     $ 13.85     $ 14.12     $ 11.80     $ 10.49     $ 10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

           

Net investment income

    0.16       0.32       0.31       0.30       0.31       0.06  

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

    0.93       1.40       (0.14     2.39       1.30       0.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.09       1.72       0.17       2.69       1.61       0.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.16     (0.32     (0.32     (0.28     (0.29     (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.10     —         (0.12     (0.09     (0.01     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.26     (0.32     (0.44     (0.37     (0.30     (0.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.08     $ 15.25     $ 13.85     $ 14.12     $ 11.80     $ 10.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

    7.21 %B      12.57     1.08     23.13     15.55     5.31 %B 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

           

Net assets, end of period

  $ 213,332,518     $ 194,708,612     $ 137,006,660     $ 58,277,396     $ 44,731,302     $ 10,330,902  

Ratios to average net assets:

           

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.73 %C      0.75     0.75     0.82     1.13     7.28 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.73 %C      0.77     0.79     0.79     0.79     0.79 %C 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    2.11 %C      2.32     2.35     2.31     2.32     (3.99 )%C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    2.11 %C      2.30     2.30     2.33     2.66     2.50 %C 

Portfolio turnover rate

    4 %B      20     15     10     15     6 %D 
    Y Class  
    Six Months              
    Ended                             May 29 to  
    February 28,     Year Ended August 31,     August 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.17     $ 13.79     $ 14.06     $ 11.75     $ 10.49     $ 10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

           

Net investment income

    0.15       0.32       0.31       0.28       0.33       0.05  

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

    0.93       1.37       (0.15     2.39       1.26       0.48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.08       1.69       0.16       2.67       1.59       0.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.15     (0.31     (0.31     (0.27     (0.32     (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.10     —         (0.12     (0.09     (0.01     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.25     (0.31     (0.43     (0.36     (0.33     (0.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.00     $ 15.17     $ 13.79     $ 14.06     $ 11.75     $ 10.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

    7.19 %B      12.42     1.03     23.05     15.45     5.31 %B 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

           

Net assets, end of period

  $ 665,670,250     $ 582,952,334     $ 364,477,089     $ 122,714,756     $ 28,814,001     $ 551,601  

Ratios to average net assets:

           

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.81 %C      0.82     0.83     0.89     1.09     10.59 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.81 %C      0.82     0.84     0.89     0.89     0.89 %C 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    2.03 %C      2.24     2.27     2.24     2.22     (7.30 )%C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    2.03 %C      2.24     2.26     2.25     2.42     2.40 %C 

Portfolio turnover rate

    4 %B      20     15     10     15     6 %D 

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.
D  Portfolio turnover is for the period May 29, 2012 through August 31, 2012 and is not annualized.

 

 

39


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months                                
    Ended                             May 29 to  
    February 28,     Year Ended August 31,     August 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.19     $ 13.81     $ 14.08     $ 11.76     $ 10.48     $ 10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

           

Net investment income

    0.13       0.28       0.28       0.26       0.27       0.05  

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

    0.94       1.37       (0.17     2.39       1.29       0.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.07       1.65       0.11       2.65       1.56       0.52  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.13     (0.27     (0.26     (0.24     (0.27     (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.10     —         (0.12     (0.09     (0.01     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.23     (0.27     (0.38     (0.33     (0.28     (0.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.03     $ 15.19     $ 13.81     $ 14.08     $ 11.76     $ 10.48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

    7.12 %B      12.13     0.71     22.83     15.14     5.21 %B 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

           

Net assets, end of period

  $ 36,120,450     $ 29,208,149     $ 20,564,814     $ 16,549,654     $ 8,839,661     $ 2,073,316  

Ratios to average net assets:

           

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.05 %C      1.06     1.04     1.06     1.54     10.14 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.05 %C      1.06     1.16     1.10     1.17     1.17 %C 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.79 %C      2.01     2.04     2.06     1.86     (6.99 )%C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.79 %C      2.01     1.93     2.02     2.23     1.99 %C 

Portfolio turnover rate

    4 %B      20     15     10     15     6 %D 
    A Class  
    Six Months                                
    Ended                             May 29 to  
    February 28,     Year Ended August 31,     August 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.11     $ 13.73     $ 14.00     $ 11.70     $ 10.47     $ 10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

           

Net investment income

    0.13       0.27       0.27       0.24       0.31       0.05  

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

    0.92       1.38       (0.16     2.37       1.23       0.46  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.05       1.65       0.11       2.61       1.54       0.51  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

           

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.13     (0.27     (0.26     (0.22     (0.30     (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.10     —         (0.12     (0.09     (0.01     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.23     (0.27     (0.38     (0.31     (0.31     (0.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.93     $ 15.11     $ 13.73     $ 14.00     $ 11.70     $ 10.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

    6.99 %B      12.14     0.71     22.58     14.99     5.11 %B 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

           

Net assets, end of period

  $ 96,983,385     $ 94,705,221     $ 72,363,106     $ 31,579,315     $ 12,108,558     $ 646,710  

Ratios to average net assets:

           

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.11 %C      1.13     1.13     1.28     1.59     11.94 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.11 %C      1.13     1.17     1.27     1.29     1.29 %C 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.72 %C      1.94     1.96     1.85     1.93     (8.87 )%C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.72 %C      1.94     1.92     1.86     2.23     1.78 %C 

Portfolio turnover rate

    4 %B      20     15     10     15     6 %D 

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.
D  Portfolio turnover is for the period May 29, 2012 through August 31, 2012 and is not annualized.

 

 

40


American Beacon The London Company Income Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     C Class  
     Six Months                                
     Ended                             May 29 to  
     February 28,     Year Ended August 31,     August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 15.01     $ 13.65     $ 13.93     $ 11.66     $ 10.46     $ 10.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.07       0.17       0.18       0.15       0.24       0.04  

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

     0.92       1.36       (0.17     2.35       1.21       0.46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.99       1.53       0.01       2.50       1.45       0.50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.07     (0.17     (0.17     (0.14     (0.24     (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.10     —         (0.12     (0.09     (0.01     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.17     (0.17     (0.29     (0.23     (0.25     (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 15.83     $ 15.01     $ 13.65     $ 13.93     $ 11.66     $ 10.46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     6.63 %B      11.28     (0.04 )%      21.69     14.05     5.01 %B 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 180,691,921     $ 185,308,648     $ 122,804,166     $ 46,638,516     $ 8,015,463     $ 274,067  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.86 %C      1.87     1.88     2.02     2.26     13.83 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.86 %C      1.87     1.89     2.01     2.04     2.04 %C 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

     0.96 %C      1.20     1.22     1.11     1.09     (10.65 )%C 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     0.96 %C      1.20     1.21     1.12     1.31     1.14 %C 

Portfolio turnover rate

     4 %B      20     15     10     15     6 %D 

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.
D  Portfolio turnover is for the period May 29, 2012 through August 31, 2012 and is not annualized.

 

 

41


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     Institutional Class  
     Six Months        
    

Ended

February 28,

    Year Ended August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 14.07     $ 14.21     $ 14.36     $ 13.66     $ 12.40     $ 11.30  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.16       0.18       0.13       0.14       0.46       0.27  

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

     1.80       1.15       (0.03     2.12       2.79       1.15  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

     1.96       1.33       0.10       2.26       3.25       1.42  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.17     (0.06     (0.04     —         (1.17     (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         (1.41     (0.21     (1.56     (0.82     (0.22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.17     (1.47     (0.25     (1.56     (1.99     (0.32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 15.86     $ 14.07     $ 14.21     $ 14.36     $ 13.66     $ 12.40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     13.95 %B      10.46     0.68     16.67     29.81     12.78
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 1,775,336     $ 2,305,284     $ 1,764,526     $ 1,606,024     $ 1,522,235     $ 923,572  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.39 % C      1.53     1.56     1.64     2.77     3.18

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     0.90 % C      0.89     1.00     0.99     0.99     0.99

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     1.98 % C      0.34     0.17     0.33     (0.28 )%      (0.71 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     2.48 % C      0.97     0.73     0.99     1.50     1.48

Portfolio turnover rate

     36 %B      50     97     76     89     103
     Y Class  
     Six Months        
    

Ended

February 28,

    Year Ended August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 14.20     $ 14.33     $ 14.50     $ 13.79     $ 12.46     $ 11.36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.13       0.12       0.10       0.56       0.37       0.06  

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

     1.83       1.22       (0.02     1.71       2.89       1.37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.96       1.34       0.08       2.27       3.26       1.43  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.17     (0.06     (0.04     —         (1.11     (0.11

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         (1.41     (0.21     (1.56     (0.82     (0.22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.17     (1.47     (0.25     (1.56     (1.93     (0.33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 15.99     $ 14.20     $ 14.33     $ 14.50     $ 13.79     $ 12.46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     13.82 %B      10.44     0.54     16.59     29.65     12.78
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 16,640,312     $ 10,988,456     $ 9,795,860     $ 8,168,361     $ 1,693,046     $ 1,173,851  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.44 % C      1.58     1.62     1.65     2.79     3.39

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.00 % C      0.99     1.10     1.09     1.09     1.09

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     1.41 % C      0.28     0.12     0.19     (0.23 )%      (0.81 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     1.86 % C      0.87     0.64     0.75     1.47     1.49

Portfolio turnover rate

     36 %B      50     97     76     89     103

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.

 

 

42


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     Investor Class  
     Six Months                                
     Ended                                
     February 28,     Year Ended August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 14.05     $ 14.22     $ 14.39     $ 13.73     $ 12.44     $ 11.31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.14       0.28       0.01       0.10       0.53       0.17  

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

     1.78       1.00       0.04       2.12       2.68       1.22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.92       1.28       0.05       2.22       3.21       1.39  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.17     (0.04     (0.01     —         (1.10     (0.04

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         (1.41     (0.21     (1.56     (0.82     (0.22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.17     (1.45     (0.22     (1.56     (1.92     (0.26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 15.80     $ 14.05     $ 14.22     $ 14.39     $ 13.73     $ 12.44  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     13.69 %B      10.07     0.29     16.27     29.30     12.45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 9,946,171     $ 7,620,538     $ 2,573,002     $ 3,003,670     $ 3,301,901     $ 1,670,426  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.61 % C      1.74     1.82     1.86     3.07     3.60

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.28 % C      1.27     1.37     1.37     1.37     1.37

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     1.31 % C      0.09     (0.12 )%      0.15     (0.60 )%      (1.14 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     1.64 % C      0.56     0.33     0.64     1.11     1.08

Portfolio turnover rate

     36 %B      50     97     76     89     103
     A Class  
     Six Months        
     Ended                                
     February 28,     Year Ended August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 14.06     $ 14.22     $ 14.40     $ 13.75     $ 12.46     $ 11.32  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income

     0.17       0.10       0.05       0.48       0.18       0.13  

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

     1.75       1.18       0.00       1.73       3.02       1.24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.92       1.28       0.05       2.21       3.20       1.37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.17     (0.03     (0.02     —         (1.09     (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         (1.41     (0.21     (1.56     (0.82     (0.22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.17     (1.44     (0.23     (1.56     (1.91     (0.23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 15.81     $ 14.06     $ 14.22     $ 14.40     $ 13.75     $ 12.46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     13.68 %B      10.04     0.29     16.17     29.07     12.28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 6,810,464     $ 5,212,114     $ 4,797,155     $ 4,894,024     $ 2,080,892     $ 2,231,680  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     1.76 % C      1.90     1.94     2.05     3.22     3.71

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     1.30 % C      1.29     1.40     1.47     1.49     1.49

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     1.26 % C      (0.04 )%      (0.21 )%      (0.14 )%      (0.62 )%      (1.26 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

     1.72 % C      0.57     0.33     0.45     1.11     0.97

Portfolio turnover rate

     36 %B      50     97     76     89     103

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.

 

 

43


American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

     C Class  
     Six Months                                
     Ended                                
     February 28,     Year Ended August 31,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 13.53     $ 13.81     $ 14.08     $ 13.57     $ 12.28     $ 11.24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

            

Net investment income (loss)

     0.10       0.10       (0.07     0.33       0.24       0.03  

Net gains from investments (both realized and unrealized)

     1.70       1.03       0.01       1.74       2.84       1.23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.80       1.13       (0.06     2.07       3.08       1.26  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less distributions:

            

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.10     —         —         —         (0.97     —    

Distributions from net realized gains

     —         (1.41     (0.21     (1.56     (0.82     (0.22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.10     (1.41     (0.21     (1.56     (1.79     (0.22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 15.23     $ 13.53     $ 13.81     $ 14.08     $ 13.57     $ 12.28  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return A

     13.30 %B      9.17     (0.48 )%      15.29     28.20     11.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

            

Net assets, end of period

   $ 2,275,178     $ 1,838,434     $ 1,398,217     $ 1,468,876     $ 695,075     $ 506,602  

Ratios to average net assets:

            

Expenses, before reimbursements

     2.50 % C      2.65     2.69     2.81     3.95     4.48

Expenses, net of reimbursements

     2.05 % C      2.04     2.15     2.22     2.24     2.24

Net investment income (loss), before reimbursements

     0.46 % C      (0.78 )%      (0.96 )%      (0.89 )%      (1.38 )%      (2.02 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

     0.92 % C      (0.18 )%      (0.41 )%      (0.30 )%      0.33     0.23

Portfolio turnover rate

     36 %B      50     97     76     89     103

 

A  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
B  Not annualized.
C  Annualized.

 

44


LOGO

 

 

Delivery of Documents

eDelivery is NOW AVAILABLE – Stop traditional mail delivery and receive your

shareholder reports and summary prospectus on-line. Sign up at

www.americanbeaconfunds.com

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

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO      LOGO
    
By E-mail:      On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com      Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
    
          
    
LOGO      LOGO
By Telephone:      By Mail:
Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes      American Beacon Funds
Call (800) 658-5811      P.O. Box 219643
     Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
          
    
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules      Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
    
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-Q as of the first and third fiscal quarters. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-2736. Information regarding the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800)-SEC-0330. A complete schedule of the each Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds. com approximately twenty days after the end of each month for the London Company Income Equity Fund and sixty days after the end of each quarter for the Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund.      A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

 

CUSTODIAN

   

 

TRANSFER AGENT

   

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

   

 

DISTRIBUTOR

State Street Bank and

Trust

   

Boston Financial Data

Services

   

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

   

Foreside Fund Services,

LLC

Boston, Massachusetts

 

    Kansas City, Missouri     Dallas, Texas     Portland, Maine

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

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund, and American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 2/17


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

The Trust has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive and financial officers (the “Code”). The trust amended its code November 12, 2003 to disclose the removal of terminated Investment Companies. The Trust did not grant any waivers to the provisions of the Code during the period covered by the shareholder report presented in Item 1. The Code is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.CODE.ETH.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined that Ms. Brenda A. Cline, a member of the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Form N-CSR. Ms. Brenda Cline is “independent” as defined in Form N-CSR.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

The schedules of investments for each series of the Trust are included in the shareholder reports presented in Item 1.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT

COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

The Trust has made no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Trust’s Board of Trustees since the Trust last disclosed such procedures in Schedule 14A.


ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) Based upon an evaluation within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the principal executive and financial officers concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Trust are effective.

(b) There were no changes in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

(a)(1) Filed herewith as EX-99.CODE ETH.

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Trust as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): American Beacon Funds

 

By /s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.

Gene L. Needles, Jr.
President
American Beacon Funds

Date: May 9, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By /s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.

Gene L. Needles, Jr.
President
American Beacon Funds

Date: May 9, 2017

 

By /s/ Melinda G. Heika

Melinda G. Heika
Treasurer
American Beacon Funds

Date: May 9, 2017