N-CSRS 1 d450420dncsrs.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: December 31, 2017

Date of reporting period: June 30, 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.

BAHL & GAYNOR SMALL CAP GROWTH 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. Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. 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.

HOLLAND LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested.

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

June 30, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

    8  

American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

    12  

Financial Statements

    16  

Notes to Financial Statements

    19  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

    35  

American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

    40  

Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    45  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

At American Beacon, we are proud to offer a broad range of equity, fixed-income and alternative mutual fund products for institutions and individuals. Our mutual funds – which span the domestic, international, global, frontier and emerging markets – are sub-advised by experienced portfolio managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our clients and shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

 

Institutional wisdom, enduring value. Since our inception as a pension fiduciary in 1986, American Beacon has focused on identifying and overseeing institutional investment managers and portfolio risk management. In 1987, we leveraged our size and experience to launch a series of sub-advised, multi-manager mutual funds

providing individual investors access to many of the same institutional managers as our pension clients. Following the financial crisis in 2008, we saw that investors were looking for unique solutions from managers who were not necessarily mainstream. In 2010, we began offering mutual funds from single managers with distinctive investment styles or asset classes. As we continue to expand our family of funds, our solutions-based approach provides innovative investments.

Guiding principles. Our “manager of managers” philosophy is built on a long-standing history of innovative thinking, discipline and consistency in applying our solutions-based approach. As a manager of managers, our goal is to engage the most effective money managers for each asset class, investment style or market strategy – whether through a single sub-advisor or a combination of sub-advisors. Because we take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously, our thorough manager evaluation and selection process is rigorous and ongoing. Our guiding principles – predictability, style consistency, competitive pricing and long-term relationships – provide a strong foundation for our due-diligence process. Our broad range of mutual funds helps investors navigate the economic storms and market downturns in the U.S. and abroad. Our years of experience evaluating sub-advisors have led us to identify and partner with asset managers who have adhered to their disciplined processes for many years and through multiple market cycles.

Focus on asset protection and risk mitigation. We strive to provide innovative, long-term products without gimmicks. From offering some of the first multi-manager funds, one of the first retirement-income funds and the first open-end mutual fund in the U.S. to focus primarily on frontier-market debt, our robust history includes applying a disciplined, solutions-based approach to our product development process to help protect assets and mitigate risk.

Thank you for your continued interest in American Beacon. For additional information about our 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 Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 5.53% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2017. The Fund lagged the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 9.97% for the period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017  
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

 

1 Year

  

Since Inception

(7/15/2014)

Institutional Class (1,5)

     GBSIX          5.72 %       24.39 %        11.65 %

Y Class (1,5)

     GBSYX          5.57 %       24.25 %        11.53 %

Investor Class (1,5)

     GBSPX          5.53 %       23.92 %        11.23 %

A without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     GBSAX          5.45 %       23.94 %        11.20 %

A with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     GBSAX          (0.60 )%       16.80 %        9.00 %

C without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     GBSCX          5.15 %       23.01 %        10.37 %

C with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     GBSCX          4.15 %       22.01 %        10.37 %
                      

Russell 2000 Growth Index (4)

              9.97 %       24.40 %        9.20 %

S&P 500 Index (4)

              9.34 %       17.90 %        9.47 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. 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.

 

2. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

3. C Class shares have a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

4. The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization weighted index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The Russell 2000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index of approximately 2,000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors. The Russell 2000® Growth Index and the Russell 2000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

5. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares was 1.85%, 1.98%, 2.09%, 2.18%, and 3.09%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund underperformed the Index due to both security selection and sector allocation.

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund benefited from a slight underweight to Energy, the worst performing sector in the Index. An underweight to Consumer Discretionary also contributed positively to overall performance. Adding moderate returns were underweights to Real Estate as well as an absence from the Utilities sector. This positive performance was offset by an underweight into Health Care, a top performing sector for the period. Overweights in Financials, Consumer Staples and Industrials also detracted from relative performance for the period.

 

 

2


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Most of the Fund’s underperformance related to security selection was attributable to holdings in the Health Care and Information Technology sectors. Within Health Care, Medspace was down 17.8% while US Physical Therapy and Cantel Medical both lagged for the period, down 15.8% and 0.7%, respectively. In Information Technology, NIC Inc. was down over 21.7% and Hackett Group was down 11.6%. Also detracting from relative returns in this sector was an absence from Coherent Inc. (up 80.6%) and Universal Display Corp. (up 101.5%) for the period.

The aforementioned performance was moderately offset by the Fund’s holdings in the Industrials sector, with Raven Industries up 33.1% and MSA Safety up 18.3%. Within Energy, the Fund avoided Index positions US Silica (down 37.2%) and Carrizo Oil & Gas (down 53.4%). In Financials, Marketaxess Holdings was up 28.8% while Bank of the Ozarks was up 5.7%. The Fund’s absence in Consumer Staples holdings such as Lancaster Colony Corp. (down 12.5%) and Boston Beer Company Inc. (down 22.2%) also aided performance relative to the Index.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to maintain a disciplined, long-term approach to equity investing in high-quality, smaller capitalization, dividend-paying stocks with above-average growth potential.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.           3.1  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.           2.7  
Cantel Medical Corp.           2.6  
Thor Industries, Inc.           2.5  
Pegasystems, Inc.           2.3  
Watsco, Inc.           2.3  
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.           2.3  
Methode Electronics, Inc.           2.3  
MainSource Financial Group, Inc.           2.1  
Cirrus Logic, Inc.           2.1  
Total Fund Holdings      74       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           27.5  
Industrials           18.1  
Health Care           14.9  
Consumer Discretionary           13.6  
Financials           11.3  
Consumer Staples           5.6  
Materials           4.5  
Real Estate           3.0  
Energy           1.0  
Utilities           0.5  

 

 

3


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 14.37% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 13.99% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017         
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

Institutional Class (1,2,7)

     LHGIX          14.55 %          18.22 %          8.84 %          13.03 %          8.12 %

Y Class (1,3,7)

     LHGYX          14.48 %          18.17 %          8.69 %          12.88 %          8.05 %

Investor Class (1,7)

     LHGFX          14.37 %          17.82 %          8.45 %          12.63 %          7.88 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     LHGAX          14.34 %          17.77 %          8.40 %          12.54 %          7.83 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     LHGAX          7.78 %          10.99 %          6.28 %          11.22 %          7.19 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     LHGCX          13.91 %          16.93 %          7.60 %          11.69 %          7.40 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     LHGCX          12.91 %          15.93 %          7.60 %          11.69 %          7.40 %
                                         

Russell 1000 Growth Index (6)

              13.99 %          20.42 %          11.11 %          15.30 %          8.91 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2002 through 2012, partially recovered in 2013, and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2002 through 2012.

 

2. Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 3/1/10, the inception date of the Institutional Class, and the returns of the Institutional Class since its inception. Expenses of the Institutional Class are lower than those of the Investor Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Institutional Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class was waived from 2010 through 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2010 through 2012.

 

3. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 3/1/10, the Institutional Class from 3/1/10 to 3/23/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are lower than those of the Investor Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and waived in 2014 and 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012, 2014, and 2015.

 

4. Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 through 2/1/10, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A 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 A Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived from 2010 through 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2010 through 2014. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 through 3/23/12, 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 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class has been waived since 2012. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since 2012. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6. The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. Russell 1000 Growth Index and Russell 1000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

 

4


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

7. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares was 0.89%, 0.99%, 1.27%, 1.31%, and 2.08%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund outperformed the Index as both security selection and sector allocation added value relative to the Index.

Most of the Fund’s excess performance related to security selection was attributed to holdings in the Consumer Staples and Industrials sectors. Investments in Consumer Staples contributing to performance included Whole Foods Market (up 38.8%) and Mead Johnson Nutrition (up 25.9%). The Fund’s absence from Kroger, which was down 31.9% in the Index, also positively impacted performance. In the Industrials sector, Southwest Airlines (up 25.2%) and Roper Technologies (up 27.1%) added the most relative value. The aforementioned good performance was somewhat offset by security selection in the Financials sector. The Fund’s larger allocation in TD Ameritrade (up 0.1%) lagged the sector return of 14.2%; and therefore detracted from performance.

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund’s absence from Telecommunication Services and Energy, the two worst performing sectors, added value relative to the Index.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Visa, Inc.           4.6  
Amazon.com, Inc.           4.6  
Alphabet, Inc.           4.4  
Apple, Inc.           4.4  
Adobe Systems, Inc.           4.1  
Facebook, Inc.           4.0  
Priceline Group, Inc.           3.8  
Microsoft Corp.           3.7  
Southwest Airlines Co.           3.0  
Broadcom Ltd.           2.9  
Total Fund Holdings      51       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           37.0  
Consumer Discretionary           22.0  
Health Care           14.7  
Industrials           11.9  
Consumer Staples           9.4  
Financials           3.7  
Materials           1.3  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 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, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional 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 Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Funds’ actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

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

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,057.20       $5.00
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.90       $4.91
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,055.70       $5.50
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.40       $5.41
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,055.30       $6.93
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.10       $6.81
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,054.40       $7.03
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.00       $6.90
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,051.50       $10.83
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.20       $10.64

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.98%, 1.08%, 1.36%, 1.38% and 2.13% 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.

 

American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,145.50       $4.79
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.30       $4.51
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,145.30       $5.27
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.90       $4.96
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,143.70       $6.64
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.60       $6.26
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,143.40       $6.86
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.40       $6.46
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,139.10       $10.82
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.70       $10.19

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.90%, 0.99%, 1.25%, 1.29% and 2.04% 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 Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63%            
Consumer Discretionary - 13.43%            
Auto Components - 1.91%            
Gentex Corp.       23,350         $ 442,949
LCI Industries       1,595           163,328
           

 

 

 
              606,277
           

 

 

 
           
Automobiles - 2.47%            
Thor Industries, Inc.       7,495           783,377
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 5.01%            
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.       6,150           724,162
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.       16,940           863,093
           

 

 

 
              1,587,255
           

 

 

 
Household Durables - 1.87%            
Flexsteel Industries, Inc.       10,915           590,611
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 0.48%            
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.       3,890           151,127
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 0.60%            
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.       4,515           188,501
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 1.09%            
Columbia Sportswear Co.       2,885           167,503
Superior Uniform Group, Inc.       7,970           178,130
           

 

 

 
              345,633
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              4,252,781
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 5.53%            
Food & Staples Retailing - 1.35%            
PriceSmart, Inc.       4,895           428,802
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 2.65%            
B&G Foods, Inc.A       4,540           161,624
Calavo Growers, Inc.A       4,770           329,369
J&J Snack Foods Corp.       2,635           348,004
           

 

 

 
              838,997
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - 1.53%            
Inter Parfums, Inc.       13,175           482,864
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              1,750,663
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 0.96%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.96%            
GasLog Ltd.       19,955           304,314
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 11.18%            
Banks - 5.66%            
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A       16,440           611,568
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.       5,645           206,664
MainSource Financial Group, Inc.       19,830           664,503
S&T Bancorp, Inc.       8,660           310,548
           

 

 

 
              1,793,283
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 3.90%            
Evercore Partners, Inc., Class A       9,160           645,780

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63% (continued)            
Financials - 11.18% (continued)            
Capital Markets - 3.90% (continued)            
Virtu Financial, Inc., Class AA       33,385         $ 589,245
           

 

 

 
              1,235,025
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 1.62%            
Horace Mann Educators Corp.       13,550           512,190
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              3,540,498
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 14.72%            
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 6.54%            
Abaxis, Inc.       9,410           498,918
Atrion Corp.       490           315,217
Cantel Medical Corp.       10,415           811,433
LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.       14,305           446,602
           

 

 

 
              2,072,170
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 3.24%            
Aceto Corp.       10,345           159,830
Chemed Corp.       745           152,375
Patterson Companies, Inc.       7,280           341,796
US Physical Therapy, Inc.       6,150           371,460
           

 

 

 
              1,025,461
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 3.15%            
Medidata Solutions, Inc.B       2,620           204,884
Omnicell, Inc.B       14,680           632,708
Simulations Plus, Inc.       13,050           161,167
           

 

 

 
              998,759
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 1.79%            
Bio-Techne Corp.       3,390           398,325
Medpace Holdings, Inc.B       5,770           167,330
           

 

 

 
              565,655
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              4,662,045
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 17.82%            
Aerospace & Defense - 0.57%            
HEICO Corp.       2,511           180,390
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 3.70%            
Apogee Enterprises, Inc.       9,535           541,970
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.       6,920           302,473
Universal Forest Products, Inc.       3,765           328,722
           

 

 

 
              1,173,165
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 5.76%            
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.       9,660           452,378
Matthews International Corp., Class A       5,020           307,475
MSA Safety, Inc.       6,400           519,488
Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.       18,950           544,623
           

 

 

 
              1,823,964
           

 

 

 
           
Construction & Engineering - 1.48%            
Valmont Industries, Inc.       3,135           468,996
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63% (continued)            
Industrials - 17.82% (continued)            
Industrial Conglomerates - 1.54%            
Raven Industries, Inc.       14,680         $ 488,844
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 0.81%            
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.       3,640           255,710
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 3.96%            
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.       8,785           518,754
Watsco, Inc.       4,770           735,534
           

 

 

 
              1,254,288
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              5,645,357
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 27.13%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 7.82%            
II-VI, Inc.B       4,440           152,292
Littelfuse, Inc.       1,605           264,825
Mesa Laboratories, Inc.       2,885           413,449
Methode Electronics, Inc.       17,570           723,884
National Instruments Corp.       11,295           454,285
SYNNEX Corp.       3,890           466,645
           

 

 

 
              2,475,380
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - 2.40%            
NIC, Inc.       32,005           606,495
Reis, Inc.       7,220           153,425
           

 

 

 
              759,920
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 2.94%            
CSG Systems International, Inc.       7,405           300,495
Forrester Research, Inc.       5,560           217,674
Hackett Group, Inc.       26,605           412,377
           

 

 

 
              930,546
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 8.76%            
Cirrus Logic, Inc.B       10,540           661,069
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.       10,165           979,906
NVE Corp.       1,965           151,305
Power Integrations, Inc.       5,770           420,633
Silicon Motion Technology Corp., ADR       11,670           562,844
           

 

 

 
              2,775,757
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 5.21%            
Blackbaud, Inc.       7,155           613,541
Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.       16,305           298,382
Pegasystems, Inc.       12,675           739,586
           

 

 

 
              1,651,509
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              8,593,112
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 4.48%            
Chemicals - 4.48%            
Balchem Corp.       4,515           350,861
PolyOne Corp.       16,815           651,413
Stepan Co.       4,770           415,658
           

 

 

 
              1,417,932
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              1,417,932
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63% (continued)            
Real Estate - 2.92%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 0.94%            
CoreSite Realty Corp.       2,875         $ 297,649
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate Management & Development - 1.98%            
RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., Class A       11,170           626,078
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              923,727
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 0.46%            
Gas Utilities - 0.46%            
ONE Gas, Inc.       2,105           146,950
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $27,854,766)

              31,237,379
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.07% (Cost $338,751)            
Investment Companies - 1.07%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      338,751           338,751
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 3.32% (Cost $1,050,701)            
Investment Companies - 3.32%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      1,050,701           1,050,701
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 103.02% (Cost $29,244,218)

              32,626,831

OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF ASSETS - (3.02%)

              (957,160 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 31,669,671
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2017.

B Non-income producing security.

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

D 7-day effective yield.

 

Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:               
Description      Type     

Number of

Contracts

     Expiration Date        Contract Value       

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Russell 200 E-Mini Index Futures      Long      4        September 2017        $ 282,860        $ 2,715  
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 
                    $ 282,860        $ 2,715  
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 31,237,379       $ -       $ -       $ 31,237,379  

Short-Term Investments

    338,751         -         -         338,751  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,050,701         -         -         1,050,701  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 32,626,831       $ -       $ -       $ 32,626,831  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 2,715       $ -       $ -       $ 2,715  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 2,715       $ -       $ -       $ 2,715  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.34%            
Consumer Discretionary - 21.43%            
Auto Components - 1.22%            
Delphi Automotive PLC       13,052         $ 1,144,008
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.54%            
Starbucks Corp.       24,888           1,451,219
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 1.35%            
DR Horton, Inc.       36,575           1,264,397
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 8.42%            
Amazon.com, Inc.A       4,472           4,328,896
Priceline Group, Inc.A       1,913           3,578,305
           

 

 

 
              7,907,201
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 1.48%            
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., Class A       49,126           1,392,231
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 1.18%            
Dollar General Corp.       15,388           1,109,321
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 3.45%            
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.       9,674           1,127,892
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.       27,208           2,109,436
           

 

 

 
              3,237,328
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 2.79%            
NIKE, Inc., Class B       32,622           1,924,698
Under Armour, Inc., Class AA B       31,991           696,124
           

 

 

 
              2,620,822
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              20,126,527
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 9.09%            
Beverages - 2.82%            
Monster Beverage Corp.A       35,750           1,776,060
PepsiCo, Inc.       7,569           874,144
           

 

 

 
              2,650,204
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 5.37%            
Costco Wholesale Corp.       9,738           1,557,398
CVS Health Corp.       20,994           1,689,177
Whole Foods Market, Inc.       42,617           1,794,602
           

 

 

 
              5,041,177
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 0.90%            
Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc.A       37,287           850,517
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              8,541,898
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 3.61%            
Capital Markets - 3.61%            
BlackRock, Inc.       4,308           1,819,742
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.       36,624           1,574,466
           

 

 

 
              3,394,208
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              3,394,208
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.34% (continued)            
Health Care - 14.34%            
Biotechnology - 4.53%            
Biogen, Inc.A       2,765         $ 750,310
Celgene Corp.A       11,240           1,459,739
Gilead Sciences, Inc.       15,386           1,089,021
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       7,452           960,339
           

 

 

 
              4,259,409
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 2.77%            
Hologic, Inc.A       23,592           1,070,605
Medtronic PLC       17,257           1,531,559
           

 

 

 
              2,602,164
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 2.88%            
Envision Healthcare Corp.A       8,389           525,739
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.       11,736           2,176,089
           

 

 

 
              2,701,828
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 0.95%            
Cerner Corp.A       13,395           890,366
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 0.97%            
Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.A       10,212           913,974
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 2.24%            
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.       19,050           1,061,466
Zoetis, Inc.       16,698           1,041,621
           

 

 

 
              2,103,087
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              13,470,828
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 11.62%            
Aerospace & Defense - 0.85%            
Boeing Co.       4,040           798,910
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 1.61%            
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B       13,677           1,512,540
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - 3.01%            
Southwest Airlines Co.       45,457           2,824,698
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 1.28%            
Acuity Brands, Inc.       5,922           1,203,824
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - 4.87%            
Honeywell International, Inc.       20,516           2,734,578
Roper Technologies, Inc.       7,948           1,840,200
           

 

 

 
              4,574,778
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              10,914,750
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 35.99%            
Internet Software & Services - 8.44%            
Alphabet, Inc., Class CA       4,567           4,150,170
Facebook, Inc., Class AA       24,999           3,774,349
           

 

 

 
              7,924,519
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.34% (continued)            
Information Technology - 35.99% (continued)            
IT Services - 6.80%            
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.       11,374         $ 1,165,380
International Business Machines Corp.       5,691           875,446
Visa, Inc., Class A       46,387           4,350,173
           

 

 

 
              6,390,999
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 2.91%            
Broadcom Ltd.       11,741           2,736,240
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 13.45%            
Adobe Systems, Inc.A       27,471           3,885,498
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.A       16,187           1,765,678
Electronic Arts, Inc.A       10,734           1,147,507
Intuit, Inc.       9,367           1,244,031
Microsoft Corp.       50,867           3,506,263
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       6,190           1,087,397
           

 

 

 
              12,636,374
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 4.39%            
Apple, Inc.       28,594           4,118,108
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              33,806,240
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 1.26%            
Chemicals - 1.26%            
Ecolab, Inc.       8,895           1,180,811
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $60,360,401)

              91,435,262
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.89% (Cost $3,651,730)            
Investment Companies - 3.89%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      3,651,730           3,651,730
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.70% (Cost $661,004)            
Investment Companies - 0.70%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      661,004           661,004
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 101.93% (Cost $64,673,135)

              95,747,996

OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF ASSETS - (1.93%)

              (1,817,133 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 93,930,863
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2017.

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

D 7-day effective yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:                         
Description      Type        Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures        Long          28          September 2017        $ 3,389,260        $ (9,080
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 
                    $ 3,389,260        $ (9,080
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 91,435,262       $ -       $ -       $ 91,435,262  

Short-Term Investments

    3,651,730         -         -         3,651,730  

Securities Lending Collateral

    661,004         -         -         661,004  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 95,747,996       $ -       $ -       $ 95,747,996  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

             

Futures Contracts

  $ (9,080     $ -       $ -       $ (9,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (9,080     $ -       $ -       $ (9,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Bahl & Gaynor
Small Cap
Growth Fund
          Holland
Large Cap
Growth Fund
 

Assets:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 31,237,379       $ 91,435,262  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    1,389,452         4,312,734  

Deposit with brokers for futures contracts

    13,400         117,600  

Dividends and interest receivable

    26,472         29,488  

Receivable for investments sold

    -         433,957  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    30,378         50,657  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    3,498         138  

Receivable for variation margin on open futures contracts (Note 5)

    -         6,858  

Prepaid expenses

    62,989         45,533  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    32,763,568         96,432,227  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Payable for investments purchased

    -         1,737,637  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    -         1,073  

Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts (Note 5)

    749         -  

Payable upon return of securities loaned§

    1,050,701         661,004  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

    23,772         63,286  

Administrative service and service fees payable

    2,085         17,172  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    1,571         1,332  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    1,784         2,805  

Professional fees payable

    12,210         13,468  

Trustee fees payable

    -         3  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    758         462  

Other liabilities

    267         3,122  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,093,897         2,501,364  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 31,669,671       $ 93,930,863  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

     

Paid-in-capital

  $ 27,436,058       $ 55,988,463  

Undistributed net investment income

    41,785         53,549  

Accumulated net realized gain

    806,500         6,823,070  

Unrealized appreciation of investments

    3,382,613         31,074,861  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts

    2,715         (9,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 31,669,671       $ 93,930,863  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

     

Institutional Class

    760,968         561,202  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    1,110,422         21,013  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    188,740         2,724,266  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    255,199         56,984  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    40,370         16,308  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 10,270,540       $ 15,906,258  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 14,949,201       $ 591,357  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 2,519,183       $ 75,444,097  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 3,403,716       $ 1,563,161  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 527,031       $ 425,990  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 13.50       $ 28.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 13.46       $ 28.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 13.35       $ 27.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 13.34       $ 27.43  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 14.15       $ 29.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 13.06       $ 26.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 27,854,766       $ 60,360,401  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 1,389,452       $ 4,312,734  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 1,012,740       $ 661,308  

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Bahl & Gaynor
Small Cap
Growth Fund
          Holland
Large Cap
Growth Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ 188,996       $ 575,473  

Dividend income from affiliated securities

    1,621         9,414  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 2)

    302         4,328  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    190,919         589,215  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

    114,965         340,209  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    1,194         718  

Y Class (Note 2)

    3,520         150  

Investor Class

    621         3,902  

A Class

    219         104  

C Class

    31         23  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    5,959         8,110  

Professional fees

    16,478         17,333  

Registration fees and expenses

    21,510         22,789  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Y Class

    2,236         117  

Investor Class

    3,901         126,946  

A Class

    2,160         1,090  

C Class

    381         280  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    3,600         1,817  

C Class

    2,542         1,867  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    2,827         7,884  

Trustee fees

    705         2,905  

Other expenses

    2,059         4,622  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    184,908         540,866  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (35,774       (164
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    149,134         540,702  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    41,785         48,513  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments

    953,711         6,249,652  

Commission recapture (Note 1)

    -         961  

Futures contracts

    (13,049       138,324  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments

    448,441         5,898,522  

Futures contracts

    5,500         7,399  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    1,394,603         12,294,858  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,436,388       $ 12,343,371  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 379       $ -  

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap
Growth Fund
          Holland Large Cap
Growth Fund
 
    For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
          For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)              

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 41,785       $ 49,381       $ 48,513       $ (54,271

Net realized gain from investments, commission recapture and futures contracts

    940,662         93,102         6,388,937         3,515,389  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and futures contracts

    453,941         2,932,772         5,905,921         (1,779,089
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    1,436,388         3,075,255         12,343,371         1,682,029  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (18,862       -         -  

Y Class

    -         (16,961       -         -  

Investor Class

    -         (8,783       -         -  

A Class

    -         (5,812       -         -  

C Class

    -         (497       -         -  

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         -         -         (646,655

Y Class

    -         -         -         (10,980

Investor Class

    -         -         -         (1,766,034

A Class

    -         -         -         (34,342

C Class

    -         -         -         (9,316
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    -         (50,915       -         (2,467,327
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    12,469,320         11,394,900         4,198,658         13,225,448  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -         49,550         -         2,467,141  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (2,986,054       (923,263       (19,410,990       (17,992,253
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    9,483,266         10,521,187         (15,212,332       (2,299,664
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    10,919,654         13,545,527         (2,868,961       (3,084,962
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets:

             

Beginning of period

    20,750,017         7,204,490         96,799,824         99,884,786  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of Period *

  $ 31,669,671       $ 20,750,017       $ 93,930,863       $ 96,799,824  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed net investment income

  $ 41,785       $ -       $ 53,549       $ 5,036  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 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 (the “Act”), as amended, as diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of June 30, 2017, the Trust consists of thirty-two active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty 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

Each 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 services fees, distribution fees, and sub-transfer agent 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, follow

 

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 the 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.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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 may 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 Funds’ investment advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Funds. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Funds. This amount is reported with the net realized gain in the Funds’ Statements of Operations, if applicable.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

Other

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

 

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.   Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Funds with investment advisory and administrative services. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

 

First $5 billion

     0.35

Next $5 billion

     0.325

Next $10 billion

     0.30

Over $20 billion

     0.275

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. and Holland Capital Management LLC (the “Sub-Advisors”) pursuant to which the Funds have agreed to pay an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily based on the Funds’ average daily net assets according to the following schedules:

Bahl & Gaynor, Inc.

 

First $500 million

     0.525

Over $500 million

     0.50

Holland Capital Management LLC

 

First $125 million

     0.40

Next 125 million

     0.35

Over $250 million

     0.30

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Fund for the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 46,006  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.51       68,959  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.86     $ 114,965  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 159,021  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.40       181,188  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.75     $ 340,209  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Funds, the lending Funds pay to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager received securities lending fees of $46 and $827 for the securities lending activities of the Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund and Holland Large Cap Growth Fund, respectively.

 

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the Funds, 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 fee 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 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 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 of the Funds. 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 0.15% 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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds terminated the Service Plan for the Y Class.

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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing services to the Y Class. 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 certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the Institutional and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 4,318  

Holland Large Cap Growth

     255  

As of June 30, 2017, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement Sub-Transfer
Agent Fees
 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 1,421  

Holland Large Cap Growth

     171  

 

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Funds in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 267      $ 157      $ 424  

Holland Large Cap Growth

     1,496        185        1,681  

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 June 30, 2017, the Funds did not utilize the credit facility.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reimburse the Funds to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceeded the Funds’ expense cap. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager waived or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                      

Fund

   Class    1/1/17 -
6/30/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Institutional      0.98   $ 12,980      $  -        2020  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Y      1.08     15,191        -        2020  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Investor      1.36     2,774        -        2020  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   A      1.38     4,112        -        2020  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   C      2.13     717        -        2020  

Holland Large Cap Growth

   Y      N/A     24        -        2020  

Holland Large Cap Growth

   A      1.29 %*      111        -        2020  

Holland Large Cap Growth

   C      2.04     29        -        2020  
*Effective 4/28/2017.              

Of these amounts, $3,498 and $138 were disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2017 for the Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund and Holland Large Cap Growth Fund, respectively. The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2020. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ -      $ 123,829      $ -        2018  

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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. During the period ended June 30, 2017, Foreside collected $3,621 and $678 for Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund and Holland Large Cap Growth Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class A Shares of the Funds.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, CDSC fees of $108 and $20 were collected for Class C Shares of the Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund and Holland Large Cap Growth Fund, respectively.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds and the American Beacon Institutional 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 at 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.

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

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

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.

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Other investments, for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value, are stated at fair value, as determined in good faith by the Manager’s Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

Level 1   -   Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2   -   Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and others.
Level 3   -   Prices determined using other significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect 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 and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred securities and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are 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.

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Common Stock

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

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange Traded Products

The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, 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, the Funds become a shareholder of that investment company. As a

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Funds in 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.

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.

5.  Financial Derivative Instruments

The Funds may utilize derivative instruments to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. 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 Funds may enter into financial futures contracts as a method for keeping assets readily convertible to cash if needed to meet shareholder redemptions or for other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock or bond market, as applicable. 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 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.

During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Funds entered into future contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

The Funds’ 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 each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended June 30, 2017  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

    4  

Holland Large Cap Growth

    27  

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The following is a summary of the fair valuations of the Funds’ derivative instruments categorized by risk exposure(1):

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Assets:

  Credit
contracts
      Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity
contracts
      Total
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)    

$

 -

        $  -         $ -         $ -         $ 2,715         $ 2,715

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit
contracts
      Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity
contracts
      Total
Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $  (13,049)           $ (13,049 )

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

  Credit
contracts
      Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity
contracts
      Total
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts     $  -         $  -         $  -         $  -         $ 5,500           $ 5,500

Holland Large Cap Growth

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Liabilities:

  Credit
contracts
      Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity
contracts
      Total
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (9,080)           $ (9,080 )

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit
contracts
      Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity
contracts
      Total
Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 138,324           $ 138,324

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

  Credit
contracts
      Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity
contracts
      Total
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 7,399           $ 7,399

(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 Schedule of Investments footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

6.   Principal Risks

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

Dividend Risk

An issuer of stock held by the Funds 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.

Equity Investment Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Funds’ investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock.

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.

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 potentially 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).

Investment Risk

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

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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. 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 the Funds invest in shares of other registered investment companies, the Funds will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those funds. For example, money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

Sector Risk

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

Securities Lending Risk

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

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, June 30, 2017.

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2017:  
    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 2,715       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities   $ 2,715       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (2,715     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2017
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions:                  
Common Stocks   $ 1,050,701       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,050,701  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Borrowings   $ 1,050,701       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,050,701  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions       $ 1,050,701  
                 

 

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  
    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ -       $ 9,080  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ -       $ 9,080  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ -       $ (9,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2017
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions                  
Common Stocks   $ 661,004       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 661,004  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Borrowings   $ 661,004       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 661,004  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions       $ 661,004  
                 

 

 

 

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 distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is treated as a single entity for the purpose of determining such qualification.

The Funds do not have any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 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 (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

As of June 30, 2017 the tax cost for each Fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
          Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   $ 29,455,630       $ 3,628,138       $ (456,937     $ 3,171,201  
Holland Large Cap Growth     64,890,498         32,105,668         (1,248,170       30,857,498  

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “RIC MOD”), net capital losses recognized by the Funds in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 are carried forward indefinitely and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term losses. For the period ended December 31, 2016, the Funds did not have capital loss carryforwards.

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
          Purchases (U.S.
Government
Securities)
          Sales           Sales (U.S.
Government
Securities)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   $ 14,733,214       $ -       $ 5,228,921       $ -  
Holland Large Cap Growth     11,031,008         -         25,888,568         -  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2016
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           June 30,
2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   Direct     $ 628,203       $ 15,007,642       $ 15,297,094       $ 338,751       $ 1,621  
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   Securities Lending       -         5,706,379         4,655,678         1,050,701         -  
Holland Large Cap Growth   Direct       2,600,481         22,902,776         21,851,527         3,651,730         9,414  
Holland Large Cap Growth   Securities Lending       -         3,670,596         3,009,592         661,004         -  

9.  Securities Lending

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

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

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Securities lending income is generated from the demand premium (if any) paid by the borrower to borrow a specific security and from the return on investment of cash collateral, reduced by negotiated rebate fees paid to the borrower and transaction costs. To the extent that a loan is secured by non-cash collateral, securities lending income is generated as a demand premium reduced by transaction costs. The Funds, the Agent, and the Manager retained 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of the income generated from securities lending.

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

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

As of June 30, 2017, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral were as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value of
Securities on Loan
          Cash Collateral
Received
          Non-Cash Collateral
Received
          Total Collateral
Received
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   $ 1,012,740       $ 1,050,701       $ -       $ 1,050,701  
Holland Large Cap Growth     661,308         661,004         -         661,004  

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

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

10.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     169,749       $ 2,215,125         279,042       $ 3,182,952  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         1,466         18,862  
Shares redeemed     (1,048       (13,725       (5,890       (66,509
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     168,701       $ 2,201,400         274,618       $ 3,135,305  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

 

         

 

 
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     609,619       $ 7,964,800         290,672       $ 3,267,497  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         1,225         15,718  
Shares redeemed     (37,202       (488,246       (20,725       (219,124
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     572,417       $ 7,476,554         271,172       $ 3,064,091  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     71,678       $ 925,892         251,437       $ 2,931,223  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         686         8,739  
Shares redeemed     (167,092       (2,136,553       (17,200       (202,363
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (95,414     $ (1,210,661       234,923       $ 2,737,599  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     92,979       $ 1,202,225         169,878       $ 1,935,789  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         454         5,785  
Shares redeemed     (21,367       (276,084       (31,702       (391,741
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     71,612       $ 926,141         138,630       $ 1,549,833  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     12,682       $ 161,278         6,362       $ 77,439  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         36         446  
Shares redeemed     (5,505       (71,446       (4,090       (43,526
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     7,177       $ 89,832         2,308       $ 34,359  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     86,626       $ 2,330,713         375,247       $ 9,486,080  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         25,815         646,655  
Shares redeemed     (568,901       (14,540,535       (107,464       (2,632,755
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (482,275     $ (12,209,822       293,598       $ 7,499,980  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     7,842       $ 208,784         7,193       $ 178,500  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         441         10,980  
Shares redeemed     (3,326       (88,223       (4,667       (112,646
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     4,516       $ 120,561         2,967       $ 76,834  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     43,586       $ 1,148,254         114,264       $ 2,666,451  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         72,016         1,765,848  
Shares redeemed     (165,095       (4,346,219       (578,060       (13,930,498
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (121,509     $ (3,197,965       (391,780     $ (9,498,199
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     14,953       $ 390,569         38,168       $ 869,417  
Reinvestment of dividends                     1,414         34,342  
Shares redeemed     (13,317       (351,206       (36,839       (885,200
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     1,636       $ 39,363         2,743       $ 18,559  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     4,861       $ 120,338         1,090       $ 25,000  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         401         9,316  
Shares redeemed     (3,462       (84,807       (19,093       (431,154
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     1,399       $ 35,531         (17,602     $ (396,838
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

11.  Subsequent Events

At a Meeting held on August 23, 2017, the Board approved the termination of the investment advisory agreement among the Manager, Holland Capital Management LLC (“Holland”) and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund and the approval of a new investment advisory agreement among the Manager, HS Management Partners, LLC (“HSMP”) and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund. The agreement with Holland will be terminated on or about September 18, 2017 (the “Effective Date”). Immediately following the termination, the agreement with HSMP will become effective. The Board also approved certain additional changes regarding the Fund, including: (i) a change to the Fund’s name; (ii) a reduction in the Fund’s investment sub-advisory fee; (iii) modifications to the Fund’s principal investment strategies; and (iv) the elimination of the Fund’s non-fundamental policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowing for investment purposes) in equity securities of large market capitalization companies at the time of purchase. These additional changes will become effective on the Effective Date, except for the elimination of the Fund’s 80% policy, which will become effective October 24, 2017. Effective as of the Effective Date, the name of the Fund is changed to “American Beacon HSMP Quality Growth Fund”.

 

 

34


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.77       $ 10.17       $ 10.71       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.02         0.03         0.08         0.02  

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

    0.71         2.60         (0.39       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.73         2.63         (0.31       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.50       $ 12.77       $ 10.17       $ 10.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.72 %D        25.88       (2.96 )%        7.28 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 10,270,540       $ 7,563,970       $ 3,231,461       $ 3,102,721  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.28 %E        1.85       3.04       8.98 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.98 %E        0.98       0.98       0.98 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.14 %E        (0.30 )%        (1.33 )%        (7.51 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.44 %E        0.57       0.72       0.49 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20 %D        23       54       12 %F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.75       $ 10.16       $ 10.71       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.02         0.04         0.06         0.01  

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

    0.69         2.58         (0.38       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.71         2.62         (0.32       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.46       $ 12.75       $ 10.16       $ 10.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.57 %D        25.80       (3.05 )%        7.28 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 14,949,201       $ 6,856,954       $ 2,711,465       $ 387,622  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.36 %E        1.98       2.76       11.71 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.08 %E        1.08       1.08       1.08 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.13 %E        (0.43 )%        (0.98 )%        (10.06 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.41 %E        0.47       (0.70 )%        0.57 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20 %D        23       54       12 %F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.65       $ 10.12       $ 10.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01       0.03         0.05         0.01  

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

    0.71         2.53         (0.39       0.70  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.70         2.56         (0.34       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.35       $ 12.65       $ 10.12       $ 10.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.53 %D        25.31       (3.25 )%        7.08 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,519,183       $ 3,595,277       $ 498,128       $ 239,138  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.54 %E        2.09       3.19       12.62 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.36 %E        1.36       1.36       1.36 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.13 )%E        (0.51 )%        (1.47 )%        (11.12 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.05 %E        0.23       0.35       0.14 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20 %D        23       54       12 %F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.64       $ 10.11       $ 10.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.01         0.04         0.03         0.00  

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

    0.69         2.52         (0.38       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.70         2.56         (0.35       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.34       $ 12.64       $ 10.11       $ 10.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.54 %D        25.34       (3.34 )%        7.08 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,403,716       $ 2,321,426       $ 454,614       $ 163,704  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.67 %E        2.18       2.88       13.84 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.38 %E        1.38       1.38       1.38 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.21 )%E        (0.61 )%        (1.08 )%        (12.35 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.08 %E        0.18       0.41       0.10 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20 %D        23       54       12 %F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.42       $ 10.00       $ 10.65       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.01       (0.05       (0.01       (0.02

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

    0.65         2.49         (0.41       0.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.64         2.44         (0.42       0.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.02       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.02       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.06       $ 12.42       $ 10.00       $ 10.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.15 %D        24.35       (4.01 )%        6.68 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 527,031       $ 412,390       $ 308,822       $ 142,469  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.41 %E        3.09       3.84       13.72 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.13 %E        2.13       2.13       2.13 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.00 )%E        (1.56 )%        (2.09 )%        (12.23 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.72 )%E        (0.60 )%        (0.38 )%        (0.64 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20 %D        23       54       12 %F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,  
         
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.74       $ 24.80       $ 25.88       $ 26.57       $ 21.60       $ 20.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.05         0.02         0.06         0.03         0.02         0.09  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    3.55         0.56         1.67         1.94         7.02         2.47  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    3.60         0.58         1.73         1.97         7.04         2.56  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         (0.01       (0.08

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.07       (1.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.34       $ 24.74       $ 24.80       $ 25.88       $ 26.57       $ 21.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    14.55 %B        2.29       6.70       7.31       32.73       12.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 15,906,258       $ 25,818,864       $ 18,600,679       $ 18,102,557       $ 16,292,016       $ 1,619,305  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.90 %C        0.88       0.88       0.89       0.86       1.32

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.90 %C        0.88       0.89       0.89       0.89       0.96

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.36 %C        0.25       0.26       0.14       0.24       0.07

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.36 %C        0.25       0.25       0.13       0.21       0.43

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %B        34       24       27       29       18

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           March 23,
2012A to
December 31,
 
           
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.57       $ 24.66       $ 25.79       $ 26.53       $ 21.59       $ 23.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01       0.03         (0.02       (0.02       0.02         0.09  

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

    3.58         0.52         1.70         1.94         6.98         (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    3.57         0.55         1.68         1.92         7.00         (0.17
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         0.00         (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.24
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.14       $ 24.57       $ 24.66       $ 25.79       $ 26.53       $ 21.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    14.53 %C        2.18       6.53       7.13       32.59       (0.79 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 591,357       $ 405,410       $ 333,682       $ 74,361       $ 78,575       $ 23,113  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.00 %D        0.98       1.08       1.11       0.97       10.18 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.99 %D        0.98       1.02       1.08       0.99       0.98 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.32 %D        0.14       0.00       (0.10 )%        0.15       (8.77 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.33 %D        0.14       0.06       (0.06 )%        0.12       0.43 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %C        34       24       27       29       18 %E 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from March 23, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,  
         
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.21       $ 24.38       $ 25.57       $ 26.36       $ 21.52       $ 20.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01         (0.05       (0.02       (0.04       (0.05       0.02  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    3.47         0.52         1.64         1.91         6.95         2.45  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    3.48         0.47         1.62         1.87         6.90         2.47  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         0.00         (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.19
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.69       $ 24.21       $ 24.38       $ 25.57       $ 26.36       $ 21.52  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    14.37 %B        1.87       6.35       6.99       32.21       12.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 75,444,097       $ 68,905,910       $ 78,921,674       $ 81,153,971       $ 77,426,294       $ 66,567,656  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.25 %C        1.26       1.24       1.15       1.26       1.44

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.25 %C        1.26       1.24       1.21       1.27       1.29

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.06 %C        (0.14 )%        (0.10 )%        (0.13 )%        (0.17 )%        (0.08 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.06 %C        (0.14 )%        (0.10 )%        (0.19 )%        (0.18 )%        0.07

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %B        34       24       27       29       18

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,  
         
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.99       $ 24.17       $ 25.39       $ 26.22       $ 21.43       $ 20.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00 A        (0.04       0.00         (0.08       (0.03       0.03  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    3.44         0.50         1.59         1.91         6.88         2.41  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    3.44         0.46         1.59         1.83         6.85         2.44  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         0.00         (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.24
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.43       $ 23.99       $ 24.17       $ 25.39       $ 26.22       $ 21.43  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    14.34 %C        1.85       6.28       6.88       32.11       11.99
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,563,161       $ 1,327,798       $ 1,271,340       $ 1,011,971       $ 1,028,434       $ 466,796  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.31 %D        1.30       1.29       1.35       1.40       2.73

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.29 %D        1.30       1.29       1.34       1.39       1.38

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.02 %D        (0.16 )%        (0.15 )%        (0.32 )%        (0.28 )%        (0.97 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.03 %D        (0.16 )%        (0.15 )%        (0.31 )%        (0.27 )%        0.37

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %C        34       24       27       29       18

 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           March 23,
2012A to
December 31,
 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.93       $ 23.30       $ 24.75       $ 25.82       $ 21.29       $ 22.90  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.08       (1.04       (0.04       (0.36       (0.17       0.01  

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

    3.27         1.31         1.40         1.95         6.76         (0.38
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    3.19         0.27         1.36         1.59         6.59         (0.37
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         0.00         (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (2.81       (2.66       (2.06       (1.24
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.12       $ 22.93       $ 23.30       $ 24.75       $ 25.82       $ 21.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    13.91 %C        1.10       5.51       6.05       31.10       (1.65 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 425,990       $ 341,842       $ 757,411       $ 592,178       $ 702,642       $ 281,415  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.06 %D        2.07       2.05       2.10       2.15       6.17 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.04 %D        2.04       2.04       2.09       2.14       2.12 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.75 )%D        (0.95 )%        (0.91 )%        (1.07 )%        (1.04 )%        (3.85 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.74 )%D        (0.92 )%        (0.90 )%        (1.07 )%        (1.03 )%        0.20 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %C        34       24       27       29       18 %E 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from March 23, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 16, 2017 and June 7, 2017 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board”) considered and then, at its June 7 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), on behalf of American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (“Bahl & Gaynor Fund”) and American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund (“Holland Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”);

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Bahl & Gaynor Fund, and Bahl & Gaynor Inc., d/b/a Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel (“Bahl & Gaynor”); and

(3) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Holland Fund, and Holland Capital Management LLC (“Holland Capital”).

Each of the Investment Advisory Agreements is referred to herein as the “Investment Advisory Agreement,” and Bahl & Gaynor and Holland Capital are hereinafter each referred to as a “subadvisor.” The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for the Board to consider the renewal of these Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the subadvisors, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and each subadvisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the subadvisors. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided. Further, the Board took into consideration information furnished for the Board’s review and consideration throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, as well as information specifically prepared in connection with the renewal process.

In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. The information requested on behalf of the Board included, among other information, the following materials. References herein to the “firm” refer to the Manager and/or each applicable subadvisor.

 

    comparisons of the performance of an appropriate share class of each Fund to comparable investment companies and appropriate benchmark indices, including peer group averages and performance analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and to the performance of any similar accounts managed by the firm;

 

    comparisons of each Fund’s management and subadvisory fee rates and expense ratio with the management fee rates paid by comparable mutual funds and their expense ratios, including peer group averages and fee and expense analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided;

 

    a description of any applicable fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in place for each Fund during the past year, and any proposed changes to the expense caps;

 

    the Manager’s profitability with respect to the services that it provided to each Fund;

 

    any actual or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services the firm provides or will provide to each Fund and whether the current fee rates charged or to be charged to each Fund reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors;

 

    an evaluation of any other benefits to the firm or Funds as a result of their relationship, if any;

 

 

45


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

    information regarding the administrative, accounting-related, cash management and securities lending services that the Manager provides to certain Funds and the fees that the Manager receives for such services; and

 

    information regarding a firm’s financial condition, the personnel of the Manager who are assigned primary responsibility for managing the Funds, staffing levels, portfolio managers’ compensation, insurance coverage, material pending litigation, code of ethics, compliance matters, actual or potential conflicts of interest that the firm experiences, or anticipates that it will experience, in providing services to the Funds, and the Manager’s disaster recovery plans.

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

Certain firms may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of those firms based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund with more than one class of shares, the class of shares used for comparative performance purposes was the share class with the lowest expenses available for purchase by the general public, which, in most cases, was the Institutional Class. The Board also considered that the use of Institutional Class performance generally facilitates a meaningful comparison for expense and performance purposes.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration to renew or approve each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal and approval of each Agreement. The memorandum explained the regulatory requirements surrounding the Trustees’ process for evaluating investment advisors and the terms of investment advisory contracts. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the renewal and approval of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

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

In determining whether to renew the Agreements, the Trustees considered the best interests of each Fund separately. While the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements for all of the Funds were considered at the Meetings, the Board considered each Fund’s investment management and subadvisory relationships separately.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. With respect to the renewal of the Management Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: the Holland Fund’s long-term performance, the Bahl & Gaynor Fund’s

 

 

46


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

performance for various periods since its inception in 2014; the length of service of key investment personnel at the Manager; the cost structure of the Funds; the Manager’s culture of compliance and support for compliance operations that reduce risks to the Funds; the Manager’s quality of services; the Manager’s active role in monitoring and, as appropriate, recommending additional or replacement subadvisors; and the Manager’s efforts to retain key employees and maintain staffing levels.

With respect to the renewal of each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the level of staffing and the size of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Funds by each subadvisor, and whether those resources were commensurate with the needs of the Funds and are sufficient to sustain appropriate levels of performance and compliance needs. In this regard, the Board considered the financial stability of each subadvisor. The Board also considered each subadvisor’s representations regarding its compliance program and code of ethics. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and each subadvisor were appropriate for each Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its Broadridge performance universe, Morningstar Category, and benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent peer selection methodology to select all Broadridge performance universes. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for certain Funds. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at Board and Committee meetings throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by each subadvisor regarding the performance of each Fund relative to the performance of other comparable investment accounts managed by the subadvisor, the Fund’s benchmark index, and, with respect to the Holland Fund, an additional broad-based market index. In addition, the Board considered in each instance the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain each subadvisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

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

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

 

 

47


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

In analyzing the fee rates charged by each subadvisor in connection with its investment advisory services to each Fund, the Board considered that, with respect to the Holland Fund, the Manager has negotiated the lowest fee rate the subadvisor charges for any comparable client accounts. The Board did not request profitability data from the subadvisors because the Board did not view this data as imperative to its deliberations given the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and the subadvisors with respect to the negotiation of subadvisory fee rates. In addition, the Board noted that subadvisors may not account for their profits on an account-by-account basis and those that do likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

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

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as the Funds grow and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints in the subadvisory fee rates for each Fund.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to each Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the Manager and subadvisor fee rate schedules for each Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the Funds.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Funds. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the subadvisors as a result of the advisory relationships with the Funds, including greater exposure in the marketplace with respect to the Manager’s or subadvisor’s investment process and expanding the level of assets under management by the Manager and the subadvisors. In addition, the Board noted that each subadvisor benefits from soft dollar arrangements for third party and/or proprietary research. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the subadvisors by virtue of their relationships with the Funds appear to be fair and reasonable

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund

The performance comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe and Morningstar Category. With respect to the Broadridge performance universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top twenty percent of the universe based on performance and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe based on performance. References below to each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe are to the universe of mutual funds with a comparable investment classification/objective included in the analysis provided by Broadridge. In reviewing the performance of the Holland Fund, the Trustees viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle, typically five years or longer, as the most important consideration, because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events that do not reflect manager skill.

The expense comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge expense universe and Broadridge expense group, with the 1st Quintile representing the top twenty percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References below to each Fund’s expense group and expense universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds included in the analysis by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense group consists of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense universe includes all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar operating structure as the share class of the Fund included in the Broadridge comparative

 

 

48


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

information and provides a broader view of expenses across the Fund’s investment classification/objective. For each Fund, the Trustees also considered a Fund’s Morningstar fee level category. In reviewing expenses, the Trustees considered the positive impact of fee waivers where applicable and the Manager’s agreement to continue the fee waivers. In addition, information regarding the subadvisors’ use of soft dollars was requested from the Manager and was considered by the Trustees.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and Investment Advisory Agreement with Holland for the Holland Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   2nd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   4th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Above Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   4th Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   4th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) that the Fund’s expenses are above the median of its Broadridge expense universe but below the median of its Broadridge expense group; (2) the Manager’s representation that Holland’s defensive investment process is designed to provide downside protection and was not expected to outperform in the strong markets that have prevailed in recent years; (3) that the Fund outperformed the average of its Morningstar category for the ten-year period ended February 28, 2017, which includes down market cycles; (4) Holland’s representation, for fee comparison purposes, that it does not manage any other registered investment company accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; and (5) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement with Bahl & Gaynor for the Bahl & Gaynor Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   2nd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   3rd Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   1st Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   1st Quintile

 

 

49


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Trustees also considered: (1) information provided by Bahl & Gaynor regarding fee rates charged by it for managing accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; and (2) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor based upon, among other factors, the relatively brief period that this Fund has been in operation.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

 

 

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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 Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio holdings is available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately 20 days after the end of each month. A complete schedule of the Holland Large Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio holdings is available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com 60 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, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth and American Beacon Holland Large Cap Growth Funds are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 6/17


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.

BRIDGEWAY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. While the Fund is managed pursuant to a tax management strategy, the Fund’s investments could create capital gains. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. 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.

BRIDGEWAY LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

Investing in value stocks may limit downside risk over time; however, the Fund may produce more modest gains than riskier stock funds as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. While the Fund is managed pursuant to a tax management strategy, the Fund’s investments could create capital gains. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

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

 

American Beacon Funds

June 30, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

    8  

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

    13  

Financial Statements

    18  

Notes to Financial Statements

    22  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

    38  

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

    43  

Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    49  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

At American Beacon, we are proud to offer a broad range of equity, fixed-income and alternative mutual fund products for institutions and individuals. Our mutual funds – which span the domestic, international, global, frontier and emerging markets – are sub-advised by experienced portfolio managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our clients and shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

 

Institutional wisdom, enduring value. Since our inception as a pension fiduciary in 1986, American Beacon has focused on identifying and overseeing institutional investment managers and portfolio risk management. In 1987, we leveraged our size and experience to launch a series of sub-advised, multi-

manager mutual funds providing individual investors access to many of the same institutional managers as our pension clients. Following the financial crisis in 2008, we saw that investors were looking for unique solutions from managers who were not necessarily mainstream. In 2010, we began offering mutual funds from single managers with distinctive investment styles or asset classes. As we continue to expand our family of funds, our solutions-based approach provides innovative investments.

Guiding principles. Our “manager of managers” philosophy is built on a long-standing history of innovative thinking, discipline and consistency in applying our solutions-based approach. As a manager of managers, our goal is to engage the most effective money managers for each asset class, investment style or market strategy – whether through a single sub-advisor or a combination of sub-advisors. Because we take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously, our thorough manager evaluation and selection process is rigorous and ongoing. Our guiding principles – predictability, style consistency, competitive pricing and long-term relationships – provide a strong foundation for our due-diligence process. Our broad range of mutual funds helps investors navigate the economic storms and market downturns in the U.S. and abroad. Our years of experience evaluating sub-advisors have led us to identify and partner with asset managers who have adhered to their disciplined processes for many years and through multiple market cycles.

Focus on asset protection and risk mitigation. We strive to provide innovative, long-term products without gimmicks. From offering some of the first multi-manager funds, one of the first retirement-income funds and the first open-end mutual fund in the U.S. to focus primarily on frontier-market debt, our robust history includes applying a disciplined, solutions-based approach to our product development process to help protect assets and mitigate risk.

Thank you for your continued interest in American Beacon. For additional information about our 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 Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 10.54% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 13.99% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017  
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

Institutional Class (1,7)

     BRLGX          10.75 %          19.77 %          10.32 %          16.05 %          7.43 %

Y Class (1,2,7)

     BLYYX          10.68 %          19.60 %          10.26 %          16.02 %          7.42 %

Investor Class (1,3,7)

     BLYPX          10.54 %          19.27 %          10.12 %          15.92 %          7.37 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     BLYAX          10.54 %          19.26 %          10.13 %          15.93 %          7.38 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     BLYAX          4.17 %          12.39 %          7.98 %          14.57 %          6.74 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     BLYCX          10.16 %          18.35 %          9.73 %          15.68 %          7.26 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     BLYCX          9.16 %          17.35 %          9.73 %          15.68 %          7.26 %
                                         

Russell 1000 Growth Index (6)

              13.99 %          20.42 %          11.11 %          15.30 %          8.91 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.

 

2. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/5/16, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 6/30/07.

 

3. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/5/16, the inception date of the Investor Class, and the returns of the Investor Class since its inception. Expenses of the Investor Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 6/30/07.

 

4. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 through 2/5/16, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 through 2/5/16, 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 Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 6/30/07. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6. The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. Russell 1000 Growth Index and Russell 1000 Index are registered trademarks of the Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

7. 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 1.03%, 1.10%, 1.56%, 1.44%, and 2.09%, 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.

 

 

2


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund underperformed the Index as both stock selection and sector allocation detracted value relative to the Index.

Most of the Fund’s performance related to security selection was attributable to holdings in the Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology and Financials sectors. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, AutoZone (down 27.8%), Viacom (down 25.8%) and Target (down 24.7%) detracted from performance. The Fund’s absence from Apple, which was up 25.4% in the Index, negatively impacted performance in the Information Technology sector. Discover Financial Services (down 12.9%) was the largest detractor in the Financials sector. Good security selection in the Health Care sector added value relative to the Index. Align Technology (up 56.2%), IDEXX Laboratories (up 37.7%) and Mettler Toledo International (up 40.6%) were the largest contributors in the Health Care sector.

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund’s overweight in Energy, the worst performing sector in the Index, detracted from the Fund’s return. The Fund’s underweight in Information Technology, the best performing sector, also detracted relative value.

The sub-advisor continues to invest in a broadly diversified portfolio of companies that they believe have attractive valuations and above-average earnings growth potential. This approach should allow the Fund to benefit over the longer term.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)  
Amazon.com, Inc.           2.4  
Lam Research Corp.           2.2  
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.           2.2  
NVIDIA Corp.           2.1  
Aetna, Inc.           2.0  
Apple, Inc.           1.9  
Lockheed Martin Corp.           1.7  
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.           1.7  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.           1.7  
Activision Blizzard, Inc.           1.5  
Total Fund Holdings      86       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)  
Information Technology           32.7  
Health Care           19.0  
Consumer Discretionary           17.2  
Industrials           13.9  
Consumer Staples           6.5  
Materials           3.6  
Financials           3.5  
Telecommunication Services           1.3  
Real Estate           1.2  
Energy           1.1  

 

 

3


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) returned 3.62% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “Index”) return of 4.66% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017  
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

  

1 Year

  

3 Years

  

5 Years

    

10 Years

Institutional Class (1,8)

     BRLVX          3.80 %        15.09 %        7.82 %        15.37 %          7.14 %

Y Class (1,2,8)

     BWLYX          3.77 %        14.97 %        7.77 %        15.29 %          7.10 %

Investor Class(1,3,8)

     BWLIX          3.62 %        14.64 %        7.47 %        15.00 %          6.95 %

R6 Class (1,6,8)

     BWLRX          3.80 %        15.09 %        7.82 %        15.37 %          7.14 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BWLAX          3.60 %        14.62 %        7.43 %        14.90 %          6.90 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BWLAX          (2.37 %)        8.02 %        5.34 %        13.54 %          6.27 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BWLCX          3.21 %        13.75 %        6.62 %        14.07 %          6.48 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BWLCX          2.21 %        12.75 %        6.62 %        14.07 %          6.48 %
                                   

Russell 1000 Value Index (7)

              4.66 %        15.53 %        7.36 %        13.94 %          5.57 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class was waived from 2008 through 2013, partially recovered in 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2008 through 2013.

 

2. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/3/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013, and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012.

 

3. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/3/12, the inception date of the Investor Class, and the returns of the Investor Class since its inception. Expenses of the Investor Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived in 2012 and fully recovered in 2013. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012.

 

4. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 through 2/3/12, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012 and 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5. Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 through 2/3/12, 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 Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived in 2012 and 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 6/30/07 through 4/30/17, the inception date of the R6 Class, and the returns of the R6 Class since its inception. Expenses of the R6 Class are lower than the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 6/30/07.

 

7. The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000 Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. Russell 1000 Value Index and Russell 1000 Index are registered trademarks of the Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

 

4


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

8. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratio set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, R6, A, and C Class shares was 0.73%, 0.80%, 1.08%, 0.71%, 1.12%, and 1.86%, , respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund underperformed the Index due to stock selection as sector allocation added value relative to the Index.

Most of the Fund’s performance related to security selection was attributed to holdings in the Consumer Discretionary, Industrials and Health Care sectors. The Fund’s investments in Macy’s (down 33.2%), Dick’s Sporting Goods (down 24.4%) and Kohl’s (down 18.6%) detracted from performance in the Consumer Discretionary sector. In the Industrials sector, not owning Arconic or CSX, which were up 22.7% and 53.0%, respectively, in the Index, hurt performance. In the Health Care sector, the Fund’s absence from Medtronic and Abbott Laboratories, which were up 25.3% and 28.2%, respectively, in the Index, negatively impacted performance. An allocation in United Therapeutics (down 11.8%) also detracted relative value. The aforementioned performance was somewhat offset by good security selection in the Telecommunication Services and Energy sectors. The Fund’s absence from Verizon Communications, which was down 14.4% in the Index, contributed most to performance in the Telecommunication Services sector. In the Energy sector, not owning Exxon Mobil or Chevron, which were down 8.9% and 9.6%, respectively, in the Index, added relative value.

The Fund’s underweight in Energy, the worst performing sector in the Index, contributed to performance. An overweight in Telecommunication Services, the second worst performing sector, detracted from the Fund’s return.

The sub-advisor continues to invest in a broadly diversified portfolio of companies that they believe have attractive valuations and above-average earnings growth potential. This approach should allow the Fund to benefit over the longer term.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)  
Bank of America Corp.           1.7  
Citigroup, Inc.           1.6  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.           1.6  
Johnson & Johnson           1.5  
Corning, Inc.           1.5  
Valero Energy Corp.           1.5  
Sprint Corp.           1.5  
Tesoro Corp.           1.5  
Procter & Gamble Co.           1.4  
Best Buy Co., Inc.           1.4  
Total Fund Holdings      101       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)  
Financials           27.4  
Industrials           13.5  
Information Technology           11.3  
Health Care           10.7  
Consumer Staples           9.5  
Consumer Discretionary           9.5  
Energy           6.1  
Utilities           4.6  
Telecommunication Services           3.8  
Materials           3.6  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 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, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional 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 Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Funds’ actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

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

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,107.50       $4.23
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.80       $4.06
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,106.70       $4.75
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.30       $4.56
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,105.40       $6.21
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.90       $5.96
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,105.40       $6.32
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.80       $6.06
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,101.20       $10.21
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.10       $9.79

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.81%, 0.91%, 1.19%, 1.21%, and 1.96% 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.

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund  
     Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
     Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
 
Institutional Class         
Actual    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,038.00      $ 3.64  
Hypothetical**    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.20      $ 3.61  
Y Class         
Actual    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,037.70      $ 3.99  
Hypothetical**    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.90      $ 3.96  
Investor Class         
Actual    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,036.30      $ 5.35  
Hypothetical**    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.50      $ 5.31  
R6 Class         
Actual    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,012.70      $ 1.25  
Hypothetical**    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.30      $ 3.56  
A Class         
Actual    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,036.00      $ 5.55  
Hypothetical**    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.30      $ 5.51  
C Class         
Actual    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,032.10      $ 9.32  
Hypothetical**    $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.60      $ 9.25  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.72%, 0.80%, 1.06%, 0.67%, 1.10%, and 1.85% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, R6, 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 Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.19%            
Consumer Discretionary - 16.91%            
Auto Components - 0.98%            
Lear Corp.       10,100         $ 1,435,008
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 2.60%            
Darden Restaurants, Inc.       22,800           2,062,032
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.       8,200           1,734,546
           

 

 

 
              3,796,578
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 4.64%            
Amazon.com, Inc.A       3,700           3,581,600
Netflix, Inc.A       14,000           2,091,740
Priceline Group, Inc.A       600           1,122,312
           

 

 

 
              6,795,652
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 2.60%            
Charter Communications, Inc., Class AA       4,300           1,448,455
Omnicom Group, Inc.       15,800           1,309,820
Viacom, Inc., Class B       31,100           1,044,027
           

 

 

 
              3,802,302
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 0.69%            
Target Corp.       19,400           1,014,426
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 5.06%            
AutoZone, Inc.A       2,400           1,369,104
Home Depot, Inc.       13,600           2,086,240
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.       10,100           783,053
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.A       11,000           3,160,740
           

 

 

 
              7,399,137
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.34%            
Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.A       13,800           500,250
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              24,743,353
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 6.37%            
Beverages - 0.92%            
PepsiCo, Inc.       11,600           1,339,684
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 1.22%            
Sysco Corp.       35,500           1,786,715
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 2.81%            
Hershey Co.       13,100           1,406,547
Kellogg Co.       18,900           1,312,794
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A       22,300           1,396,649
           

 

 

 
              4,115,990
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - 1.42%            
Clorox Co.       5,100           679,524
Colgate-Palmolive Co.       18,800           1,393,644
           

 

 

 
              2,073,168
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              9,315,557
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 1.03%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.03%            
ONEOK, Inc.       29,000           1,512,640
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.19% (continued)            
Financials - 3.42%            
Capital Markets - 0.75%            
Morgan Stanley       24,500         $ 1,091,720
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 0.76%            
Discover Financial Services       17,800           1,106,982
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 1.91%            
Lincoln National Corp.       25,100           1,696,258
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.       8,600           1,104,154
           

 

 

 
              2,800,412
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              4,999,114
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 18.69%            
Biotechnology - 2.80%            
Gilead Sciences, Inc.       23,300           1,649,174
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       16,800           854,616
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       12,400           1,597,988
           

 

 

 
              4,101,778
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 5.41%            
Align Technology, Inc.A       12,900           1,936,548
Baxter International, Inc.       26,900           1,628,526
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.A       15,400           2,485,868
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.A       2,000           1,870,740
           

 

 

 
              7,921,682
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 7.81%            
Aetna, Inc.       19,600           2,975,868
Cardinal Health, Inc.       17,600           1,371,392
Centene Corp.A       19,200           1,533,696
HCA Holdings, Inc.A       18,700           1,630,640
Henry Schein, Inc.A       7,800           1,427,556
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.       13,400           2,484,628
           

 

 

 
              11,423,780
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 1.49%            
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.A       3,700           2,177,598
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 1.18%            
Johnson & Johnson       13,000           1,719,770
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              27,344,608
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 13.66%            
Aerospace & Defense - 3.73%            
Boeing Co.       7,800           1,542,450
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.       7,600           1,414,816
Lockheed Martin Corp.       9,000           2,498,490
           

 

 

 
              5,455,756
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - 3.70%            
American Airlines Group, Inc.       36,100           1,816,552
Delta Air Lines, Inc.       38,900           2,090,486
United Continental Holdings, Inc.A       20,000           1,505,000
           

 

 

 
              5,412,038
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 2.04%            
Cintas Corp.       12,000           1,512,480

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.19% (continued)            
Industrials - 13.66% (continued)            
Commercial Services & Supplies - 2.04% (continued)            
Rollins, Inc.       36,000         $ 1,465,560
           

 

 

 
              2,978,040
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 2.11%            
Deere & Co.       12,200           1,507,798
Toro Co.       22,900           1,586,741
           

 

 

 
              3,094,539
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 0.74%            
Nielsen Holdings PLC       28,200           1,090,212
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.34%            
United Rentals, Inc.A       17,400           1,961,154
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              19,991,739
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 32.15%            
Communications Equipment - 1.83%            
Arista Networks, Inc.A       7,000           1,048,530
F5 Networks, Inc.A       12,800           1,626,368
           

 

 

 
              2,674,898
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 1.66%            
Amphenol Corp., Class A       19,700           1,454,254
Cognex Corp.       11,500           976,350
           

 

 

 
              2,430,604
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - 2.15%            
Akamai Technologies, Inc.A       22,900           1,140,649
Zillow Group, Inc., Class CA B       40,900           2,004,509
           

 

 

 
              3,145,158
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 4.62%            
Alliance Data Systems Corp.       6,900           1,771,161
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.       15,200           1,557,392
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.       20,100           1,518,756
International Business Machines Corp.       7,800           1,199,874
Mastercard, Inc., Class A       5,900           716,555
           

 

 

 
              6,763,738
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 11.36%            
Applied Materials, Inc.       52,900           2,185,299
Intel Corp.       54,500           1,838,830
Lam Research Corp.       22,800           3,224,604
Microchip Technology, Inc.       17,700           1,366,086
NVIDIA Corp.       21,200           3,064,672
ON Semiconductor Corp.A       91,500           1,284,660
QUALCOMM, Inc.       27,500           1,518,550
Texas Instruments, Inc.       27,800           2,138,654
           

 

 

 
              16,621,355
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 8.59%            
Activision Blizzard, Inc.       39,000           2,245,230
Adobe Systems, Inc.A       10,400           1,470,976
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       62,100           2,079,729
Intuit, Inc.       16,100           2,138,241
Microsoft Corp.       21,100           1,454,423
ServiceNow, Inc.A       17,200           1,823,200

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.19% (continued)            
Information Technology - 32.15% (continued)            
Software - 8.59% (continued)            
Symantec Corp.       48,100         $ 1,358,825
           

 

 

 
              12,570,624
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 1.94%            
Apple, Inc.       19,700           2,837,194
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              47,043,571
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 3.49%            
Chemicals - 2.25%            
Ecolab, Inc.       11,200           1,486,800
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A       21,300           1,797,507
           

 

 

 
              3,284,307
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 1.24%            
Southern Copper Corp.       52,500           1,818,075
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              5,102,382
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 1.16%            
Real Estate Management & Development - 1.16%            
CBRE Group, Inc., Class AA       46,800           1,703,520
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - 1.31%            
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 1.31%            
T-Mobile US, Inc.A       31,500           1,909,530
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $123,738,366)

              143,666,014
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.22% (Cost $1,780,419)            
Investment Companies - 1.22%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      1,780,419           1,780,419
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 1.30% (Cost $1,903,895)            
Investment Companies - 1.30%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      1,903,895           1,903,895
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.71% (Cost $127,422,680)

              147,350,328

OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF ASSETS - (0.71%)

              (1,042,050 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 146,308,278
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2017.

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

D 7-day effective yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:  
Description      Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      Long      19      September 2017      $ 2,299,855        $ (12,635
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 
          $ 2,299,855        $ (12,635
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 143,666,014       $ -        $ -       $ 143,666,014  

Short-Term Investments

    1,780,419         -          -         1,780,419  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,903,895         -          -         1,903,895  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 147,350,328       $ -        $ -       $ 147,350,328  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

              

Futures Contracts

  $ (12,635     $ -        $ -       $ (12,635
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (12,635     $ -        $ -       $ (12,635
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63%            
Consumer Discretionary - 9.38%            
Auto Components - 1.02%            
Lear Corp.       304,700         $ 43,291,776
           

 

 

 
           
Automobiles - 1.79%            
Ford Motor Co.       2,983,940           33,390,289
General Motors Co.       1,204,980           42,089,951
           

 

 

 
              75,480,240
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 0.87%            
Aramark       899,300           36,853,314
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 1.20%            
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., Class A       1,793,200           50,819,288
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 2.05%            
Kohl’s Corp.       902,600           34,903,542
Macy’s, Inc.       895,600           20,813,744
Target Corp.       587,600           30,725,604
           

 

 

 
              86,442,890
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 2.45%            
Best Buy Co., Inc.       1,036,600           59,428,278
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       207,700           19,106,323
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.       625,900           24,929,597
           

 

 

 
              103,464,198
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              396,351,706
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 9.39%            
Beverages - 2.32%            
Coca-Cola Co.       957,700           42,952,845
PepsiCo, Inc.       474,500           54,800,005
           

 

 

 
              97,752,850
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 2.30%            
CVS Health Corp.       375,200           30,188,592
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.       885,000           66,976,800
           

 

 

 
              97,165,392
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 1.54%            
Ingredion, Inc.       276,800           32,997,328
Kellogg Co.       462,300           32,111,358
           

 

 

 
              65,108,686
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - 3.23%            
Clorox Co.       282,000           37,573,680
Colgate-Palmolive Co.       511,796           37,939,437
Procter & Gamble Co.       698,900           60,909,135
           

 

 

 
              136,422,252
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              396,449,180
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 6.03%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 6.03%            
Marathon Oil Corp.       3,029,800           35,903,130
Marathon Petroleum Corp.       781,900           40,916,827
Occidental Petroleum Corp.       869,100           52,033,017
Tesoro Corp.       661,300           61,897,680

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63% (continued)            
Energy - 6.03% (continued)            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 6.03% (continued)            
Valero Energy Corp.       944,500         $ 63,715,970
           

 

 

 
              254,466,624
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              254,466,624
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 27.00%            
Banks - 6.72%            
Bank of America Corp.       2,889,100           70,089,566
CIT Group, Inc.       908,500           44,243,950
Citigroup, Inc.       1,041,500           69,655,520
Fifth Third Bancorp       1,528,400           39,677,264
Regions Financial Corp.       2,714,000           39,732,960
US Bancorp       398,200           20,674,544
           

 

 

 
              284,073,804
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 3.86%            
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.       355,500           45,251,595
CME Group, Inc.       311,600           39,024,784
Morgan Stanley       1,083,500           48,280,760
State Street Corp.       338,100           30,337,713
           

 

 

 
              162,894,852
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 3.41%            
Ally Financial, Inc.       1,540,600           32,198,540
Capital One Financial Corp.       618,600           51,108,732
Discover Financial Services       615,836           38,298,841
Synchrony Financial       756,800           22,567,776
           

 

 

 
              144,173,889
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Financial Services - 1.90%            
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class BA       241,800           40,953,666
Voya Financial, Inc.       1,061,600           39,162,424
           

 

 

 
              80,116,090
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 11.11%            
Aflac, Inc.       430,600           33,449,008
Allstate Corp.       476,800           42,168,192
American International Group, Inc.       787,200           49,215,744
Arch Capital Group Ltd.A       310,000           28,919,900
Everest Re Group Ltd.       171,500           43,662,185
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.       512,700           26,952,639
Lincoln National Corp.       711,000           48,049,380
Loews Corp.       706,200           33,057,222
Prudential Financial, Inc.       476,900           51,571,966
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.       155,200           19,926,128
Travelers Companies, Inc.       301,800           38,186,754
WR Berkley Corp.       302,100           20,896,257
XL Group Ltd.       757,500           33,178,500
           

 

 

 
              469,233,875
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              1,140,492,510
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 10.50%            
Biotechnology - 0.76%            
United Therapeutics Corp.A       247,200           32,069,256
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 1.28%            
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.       833,000           54,011,720
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63% (continued)            
Health Care - 10.50% (continued)            
Health Care Providers & Services - 4.06%            
Anthem, Inc.       196,600         $ 36,986,358
Express Scripts Holding Co.A       671,800           42,887,712
HCA Holdings, Inc.A       616,500           53,758,800
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.A       211,500           37,976,940
           

 

 

 
              171,609,810
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 4.40%            
Allergan PLC       198,900           48,350,601
Johnson & Johnson       493,900           65,338,031
Mallinckrodt PLCA       653,500           29,283,335
Pfizer, Inc.       1,273,700           42,783,583
           

 

 

 
              185,755,550
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              443,446,336
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 13.35%            
Aerospace & Defense - 3.66%            
Arconic, Inc.       1,120,300           25,374,795
Raytheon Co.       249,900           40,353,852
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A       739,000           42,817,660
United Technologies Corp.       377,600           46,108,736
           

 

 

 
              154,655,043
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - 3.88%            
American Airlines Group, Inc.       811,852           40,852,392
Delta Air Lines, Inc.       674,700           36,258,378
JetBlue Airways Corp.A       1,429,800           32,642,334
United Continental Holdings, Inc.A       717,800           54,014,450
           

 

 

 
              163,767,554
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 1.13%            
Lennox International, Inc.       131,000           24,056,840
Owens Corning       354,900           23,749,908
           

 

 

 
              47,806,748
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 1.22%            
Republic Services, Inc.       806,600           51,404,618
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - 1.36%            
General Electric Co.       2,118,600           57,223,386
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 0.47%            
Deere & Co.       158,800           19,626,092
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 0.64%            
Nielsen Holdings PLC       703,200           27,185,712
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 0.99%            
Norfolk Southern Corp.       344,700           41,949,990
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              563,619,143
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 11.12%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 1.54%            
Corning, Inc.       2,160,200           64,914,010
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 0.39%            
Amdocs Ltd.       254,600           16,411,516
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.63% (continued)            
Information Technology - 11.12% (continued)            
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 6.21%            
Applied Materials, Inc.       1,234,200         $ 50,984,802
Intel Corp.       1,516,200           51,156,588
Lam Research Corp.       328,800           46,502,184
Micron Technology, Inc.A       1,345,200           40,167,672
ON Semiconductor Corp.A       2,297,300           32,254,092
QUALCOMM, Inc.       749,500           41,387,390
           

 

 

 
              262,452,728
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 0.83%            
CA, Inc.       1,012,100           34,887,087
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 2.15%            
HP, Inc.       2,816,000           49,223,680
Xerox Corp.       1,454,675           41,792,813
           

 

 

 
              91,016,493
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              469,681,834
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 3.59%            
Chemicals - 2.60%            
Dow Chemical Co.       822,600           51,881,382
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A       689,300           58,170,027
           

 

 

 
              110,051,409
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 0.99%            
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.A       3,470,200           41,677,102
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              151,728,511
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - 3.73%            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - 2.23%            
AT&T, Inc.       1,244,749           46,964,380
CenturyLink, Inc.B       1,985,000           47,401,800
           

 

 

 
              94,366,180
           

 

 

 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 1.50%            
Sprint Corp.A       7,710,700           63,304,847
           

 

 

 
           

Total Telecommunication Services

              157,671,027
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 4.54%            
Electric Utilities - 2.30%            
NextEra Energy, Inc.       304,100           42,613,533
PG&E Corp.       158,600           10,526,282
PPL Corp.       1,140,200           44,080,132
           

 

 

 
              97,219,947
           

 

 

 
           
Multi-Utilities - 2.24%            
DTE Energy Co.       376,900           39,872,251
Sempra Energy       484,600           54,638,650
           

 

 

 
              94,510,901
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              191,730,848
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $3,767,129,093)

              4,165,637,719
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.18% (Cost $49,881,770)            
Investment Companies - 1.18%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      49,881,770         $ 49,881,770
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 1.10% (Cost $46,672,313)            
Investment Companies - 1.10%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      46,672,313           46,672,313
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.91% (Cost $3,863,683,176)

              4,262,191,802

OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF ASSETS - (0.91%)

              (38,485,439 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 4,223,706,363
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2017.

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

D 7-day effective yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:               
Description      Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      Long      384        September 2017        $ 46,481,280        $ (211,403
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 
          $ 46,481,280        $ (211,403
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 4,165,637,719       $ -        $ -       $ 4,165,637,719  

Short-Term Investments

    49,881,770         -          -         49,881,770  

Securities Lending Collateral

    46,672,313         -          -         46,672,313  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 4,262,191,802       $ -        $ -       $ 4,262,191,802  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

              

Futures Contracts

  $ (211,403     $ -        $ -       $ (211,403
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (211,403     $ -        $ -       $ (211,403
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Bridgeway Large
Cap Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large
Cap Value Fund
 

Assets:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 143,666,014       $ 4,165,637,719  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    3,684,314         96,554,083  

Deposit with brokers for futures contracts

    79,800         1,612,800  

Dividends and interest receivable

    70,146         6,066,363  

Receivable for investments sold

    1,999,331         -  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    326,485         6,746,453  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    20,462         -  

Receivable for variation margin on open futures contracts (Note 5)

    4,642         80,754  

Prepaid expenses

    42,717         158,352  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    149,893,911         4,276,856,524  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Payable for investments purchased

    1,502,025         -  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    7,536         3,347,970  

Payable upon return of securities loaned§

    1,903,895         46,672,313  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

    89,659         2,388,376  

Administrative service and service fees payable

    601         536,119  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    15,547         152,628  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    2,903         36,202  

Professional fees payable

    40,628         8,265  

Other liabilities

    22,839         8,288  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    3,585,633         53,150,161  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 146,308,278       $ 4,223,706,363  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

     

Paid-in-capital

  $ 127,307,056       $ 3,611,343,257  

Undistributed net investment income

    338,325         25,340,273  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

    (1,252,116       188,725,610  

Unrealized appreciation of investments

    19,927,648         398,508,626  

Unrealized (depreciation) of futures contracts

    (12,635       (211,403
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 146,308,278       $ 4,223,706,363  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

     

Institutional Class

    5,293,468         50,561,250  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    39,107         45,385,399  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    49,898         51,394,756  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    6,010         5,574,350  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    11,540         3,825,752  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassA

    N/A         3,741  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 143,435,661       $ 1,368,546,511  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 1,058,312       $ 1,224,976,259  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 1,344,566       $ 1,381,194,777  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 162,008       $ 149,095,345  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 307,731       $ 99,792,204  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassA

    N/A       $ 101,267  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 27.10       $ 27.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 27.06       $ 26.99  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 26.95       $ 26.87  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 26.96       $ 26.75  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 28.60       $ 28.38  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 26.67       $ 26.08  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassA

    N/A       $ 27.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 123,738,366       $ 3,767,129,093  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 3,684,314       $ 96,554,083  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 1,904,284       $ 45,031,710  

A Class commenced operations April 28, 2017 (Note 1).

     

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap
Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large Cap
Value Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities

  $ 900,241       $ 43,520,996  

Dividend income from affiliated securities

    7,928         207,648  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 2)

    368         32,515  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    908,537         43,761,159  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

    529,253         13,599,924  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    49,816         173,001  

Y Class (Note 2)

    340         312,438  

Investor Class

    731         30,463  

A Class

    74         10,906  

C Class

    74         4,739  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    9,653         143,689  

Professional fees

    43,579         51,691  

Registration fees and expenses

    29,310         116,686  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Y Class

    197         258,479  

Investor Class

    851         2,750,148  

A Class

    83         114,042  

C Class

    190         76,273  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    138         190,071  

C Class

    1,268         508,489  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    14,040         131,421  

Trustee fees

    2,908         116,852  

Other expenses

    3,897         88,834  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    686,402         18,678,146  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (111,386        
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    575,016         18,678,146  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    333,521         25,083,013  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments

    6,479,445         137,290,753  

Futures contracts

    198,538         4,373,682  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments

    7,346,678         (21,123,134

Futures contracts

    (11,353       16,279  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    14,013,308         120,557,580  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 14,346,829       $ 145,640,593  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund  
    For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Six Months Ended
December 31, 2016
          For the
Year Ended
June 30, 2016
 
    (unaudited)                          

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

         

Operations:

         

Net investment income

  $ 333,521       $ 227,279       $ 542,052  

Net realized gain from investments and futures contracts

    6,677,983         4,333,737         500,781  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and futures contracts

    7,335,325         6,144,056         (8,621,100
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    14,346,829         10,705,072         (7,578,267
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

         

Net investment income:

         

Institutional Class

            (860,039       (775,100

Y Class

            (4,225        

Investor Class

            (2,556        

A Class

            (872        

C Class

            (1,137        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

            (868,829       (775,100
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

         

Proceeds from sales of shares

    9,911,475         9,041,296         39,701,829  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

            841,538         753,120  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (12,969,371       (22,099,149       (51,195,470
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (3,057,896       (12,216,315       (10,740,521
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    11,288,933         (2,380,072       (19,093,888
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets:

         

Beginning of period

    135,019,345         137,399,417         156,493,305  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of Period*

  $ 146,308,278       $ 135,019,345       $ 137,400,411  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed net investment income

  $ 338,325       $ 4,804       $ 305,886  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund  
    For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)              

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

     

Operations:

     

Net investment income

  $ 25,083,013       $ 45,078,090  

Net realized gain from investments and futures contracts

    141,664,435         70,985,632  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and futures contracts

    (21,106,855       383,878,468  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    145,640,593         499,942,190  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

     

Institutional Class

            (15,314,069

Y Class

            (10,949,276

Investor Class

            (16,243,795

A Class

            (1,480,352

C Class

            (320,550

Net realized gain from investments:

     

Institutional Class

            (1,014,762

Y Class

            (761,516

Investor Class

            (1,387,328

A Class

            (137,125

C Class

            (91,127
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

            (47,699,900
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

     

Proceeds from sales of shares

    1,071,934,433         2,035,885,045  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

            45,900,960  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (895,557,223       (939,299,165
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    176,377,210         1,142,486,840  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    322,017,803         1,594,729,130  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets:

     

Beginning of period

    3,901,688,560         2,306,959,430  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of Period*

  $ 4,223,706,363       $ 3,901,688,560  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed net investment income

  $ 25,340,273       $ 257,260  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 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 (the “Act”), as amended, as diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of June 30, 2017, the Trust consists of thirty-two active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty 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 inception date of the R6 Class of the Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund is April 28, 2017.

Each Fund has 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  
R6 Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors – sold through retirement plan sponsors.    $ 5,000,000  

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 service fees, distribution fees and sub-transfer agent fees and vary amongst the classes as described more fully in Note 2.

 

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies, consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of the financial statements. The Funds are considered investment companies and accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, which is part of the 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.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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 may 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 Funds’ investment advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Funds. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Funds. This amount is reported with the net realized gain in the Funds’ Statements of Operations, if applicable.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Other

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

2.  Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Funds with investment advisory and administrative services. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

 

First $5 billion

     0.35

Next $5 billion

     0.325

Next $10 billion

     0.30

Over $20 billion

     0.275

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

 

First $250 million

     0.40

Next $250 million

     0.35

Over $500 million

     0.30

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

     Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35        $247,007  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     0.40        282,246  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     0.75        $529,253  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

     Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35        $  7,224,571  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     0.32        6,375,353  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     0.67        $13,599,924  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Funds, the lending Funds pay to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. These fees are included in “Income derived from

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager received securities lending fees of $72 and $4,492 for the securities lending activities of the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively.

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the Funds, 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 fee 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 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 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 of the Funds. 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 0.15% 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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds terminated the Service Plan for the Y Class.

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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing services to the Y Class. 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 certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the Institutional and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $ 38,191  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     429,823  

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

As of June 30, 2017, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $ 6,457  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     133,421  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Funds in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $ 1,275      $ 359      $ 1,634  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     34,418        16,398        50,816  

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 June 30, 2017, the Funds did not utilize the credit facility.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reimburse the Funds to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceeded the Funds’ expense cap. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager waived or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class    Expense Cap
1/1/17 - 6/30/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   Institutional      0.81 %(1)    $ 110,021      $ -        2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   Y      0.91 %(1)      476        -        2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   Investor      1.19 %(1)      583        -        2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   A      1.21 %(1)      122        -        2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   C      1.96 %(1)      184        -        2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

   R6      0.72 %(2)      -        -        2020  

(1) The contractual expense caps did not change at 4/28/2017, the Funds annual update of the Prospectus.

 

(2) Voluntary expense cap.

 

Of these amounts, $20,462 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2017 for the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund. The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2020. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

  Recovered
Expenses
          Excess Expense
Carryover
          Expired Expense
Carryover
          Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ -       $ 91,941       $ -         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. During the period ended June 30, 2017, Foreside collected $433 and $26,962 for Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, fees of $193 were collected for the Class A Shares of the Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, CDSC fees of $9,733 were collected for Class C Shares of the Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds and the American Beacon Institutional 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 at 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.

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

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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.

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 Manager’s Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

Level 1   -   Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2   -   Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and others.
Level 3   -   Prices determined using other significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect 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 and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred securities and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are 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.

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Common Stock

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

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

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, the Funds become a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Funds in 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 gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. 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 Funds may enter into financial futures contracts as a method for keeping assets readily convertible to cash if needed to meet shareholder redemptions or for other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock or bond market, as applicable. 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 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.

During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Funds entered into future contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

The Funds’ 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 each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended June 30, 2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

    21  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

    393  

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The following is a summary of the fair valuations of the Funds’ derivative instruments categorized by risk
exposure(1):

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)     $  –         $         $         $         $ (12,635 )         $ (12,635 )

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts    

$

        $         $         $         $ 198,538         $ 198,538

 

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts     $         $         $         $         $ (11,353 )         $ (11,353 )

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)     $         $         $         $         $ (211,403 )         $ (211,403 )

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts     $         $         $         $         $ 4,373,682         $ 4,373,682

 

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts     $         $         $         $         $ 16,279         $ 16,279

(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 Schedules of Investments footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

6.  Principal Risks

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

Equity Investment Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Funds’ investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock.

Investment Risk

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

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. 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 the Funds invest in shares of other registered investment companies, the Funds will indirectly bear

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those funds. For example, money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

Sector Risk

Sector risk is the risk associated with the Funds holding a significant amount of investments in similar businesses, which could be affected by the same economic or market conditions.

Securities Lending Risk

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

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, June 30, 2017.

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  
    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ -       $ 12,635  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities   $ -       $ 12,635  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ -       $ (12,635 )
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2017
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions:                  
Common Stocks   $ 1,903,895       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,903,895  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Borrowings   $ 1,903,895       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,903,895  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions       $ 1,903,895  
 

 

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  
    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ -       $ 211,403  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities   $ -       $ 211,403  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ -       $ (211,403
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2017
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions:                  
Common Stocks   $ 46,672,313       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 46,672,313  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Borrowings   $ 46,672,313       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 46,672,313  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions       $ 46,672,313  
 

 

 

 

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 distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is treated as a single entity for the purpose of determining such qualification.

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 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 (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

As of June 30, 2017 the tax cost for each fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
          Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 127,422,694       $ 23,795,053       $ (3,867,419     $ 19,927,634  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     3,863,683,176         521,439,748         (122,931,122       398,508,626  

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

For the period ended December 31, 2016, Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund has $7,931,367 in pre-RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards expiring December 31, 2017. The Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund did not have 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 June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
          Purchases of U.S.
Government
Securities
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
          Sales of U.S.
Government
Securities
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 57,676,139       $ -       $ 60,708,052       $ -  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     1,355,369,135         -         1,130,854,535         -  

 

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended June 30, 2017 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2016
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           June 30, 2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund   Direct     $ 1,766,715       $ 39,486,630       $ 39,472,926       $ 1,780,419       $ 7,928  
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund   Securities Lending       -         15,442,973         13,539,078         1,903,895         -  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund   Direct       94,937,593         1,284,257,634         1,329,313,457         49,881,770         207,648  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund   Securities Lending       -         270,728,352         224,056,039         46,672,313         -  

9.  Securities Lending

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

To the extent that a loan is collateralized by cash, such cash collateral shall be invested by the securities lending agent (the “Agent”) in money market mutual funds and other short-term investments, provided the investments meet certain quality and diversification requirements. Securities purchased with cash collateral proceeds are listed in the 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 Funds, the Agent, and the Manager retained 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of the income generated from securities lending.

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

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

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

As of June 30, 2017, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral were as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value of
Securities on Loan
          Cash Collateral
Received
          Non-Cash Collateral
Received
          Total Collateral
Received
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 1,904,284       $ 1,903,895       $       $ 1,903,895  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     45,031,710         46,672,313                 46,672,313  

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

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

10.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Six Months Ended
December 31, 2016
          Year Ended
June 30, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

         

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

   

  

   

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     320,451       $ 8,343,657         347,029       $ 8,235,900         1,664,057       $ 38,562,092  
Reinvestment of dividends                     33,619         832,747         31,858         753,120  
Shares redeemed     (488,774       (12,716,433       (911,246       (21,647,448       (2,302,986       (50,942,698
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (168,323     $ (4,372,776       (530,598     $ (12,578,801       (607,071     $ (11,627,486
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
         
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Six Months Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     13,057       $ 338,409         16,663       $ 391,005  
Reinvestment of dividends                     171         4,225  
Shares redeemed     (1,335       (34,561       (7,072       (168,547
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     11,722       $ 303,848         9,762       $ 226,683  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Six Months Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     39,698       $ 1,040,701         10,944       $ 261,573  
Reinvestment of dividends                     103         2,557  
Shares redeemed     (6,201       (155,299       (525       (13,045
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     33,497       $ 885,402         10,522       $ 251,085  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Six Months Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     2,977       $ 79,540         4,610       $ 109,611  
Reinvestment of dividends                     35         872  
Shares redeemed     (2,532       (63,078       (6,104       (144,565
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     445       $ 16,462         (1,459     $ (34,082
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Six Months Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     4,277       $ 109,168         1,783       $ 43,207  
Reinvestment of dividends                     46         1,137  
Shares redeemed                     (5,334       (125,544
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     4,277       $ 109,168         (3,505     $ (81,200
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     11,862,950       $ 316,410,264         29,618,277       $ 702,728,158  
Reinvestment of dividends                     587,707         15,521,344  
Shares redeemed     (6,746,158       (179,782,185       (14,779,522       (361,176,117
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     5,116,792       $ 136,628,079         15,426,462       $ 357,073,385  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     19,362,663       $ 514,138,967         21,737,331       $ 518,148,202  
Reinvestment of dividends                     418,386         11,024,436  
Shares redeemed     (7,801,851       (206,448,245       (6,598,894       (157,373,925
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     11,560,812       $ 307,690,722         15,556,823       $ 371,798,713  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     7,636,710       $ 202,456,334         31,217,772       $ 738,978,810  
Reinvestment of dividends                     668,953         17,573,398  
Shares redeemed     (17,312,766       (457,868,346       (14,003,271       (332,412,565
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (9,676,056     $ (255,412,012       17,883,454       $ 424,139,643  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,045,260       $ 27,510,889         2,195,353       $ 51,983,617  
Reinvestment of dividends                     55,177         1,442,871  
Shares redeemed     (1,378,715       (36,268,643       (2,884,469       (67,173,170
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (333,455     $ (8,757,754       (633,939     $ (13,746,682
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     439,719       $ 11,317,968         1,058,012       $ 24,046,258  
Reinvestment of dividends                     13,238         338,911  
Shares redeemed     (588,821       (15,189,793       (919,457       (21,163,388
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (149,102     $ (3,871,825       151,793       $ 3,221,781  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    April 28, 2017 to
June 30, 2017
             
    (unaudited)              

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     3,741       $ 100,011          
Shares redeemed             (11        
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     3,741       $ 100,000          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         

11.  Subsequent Events

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

 

 

37


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional ClassA  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended June 30,  
           
    2017           2016           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.47       $ 22.77       $ 23.71       $ 20.51       $ 16.18       $ 13.33       $ 13.38  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income

    0.06         0.04         0.07         0.17 B        0.13 B        0.16 B        0.09 B 

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

    2.57         1.82         (0.90       3.14         4.29         2.88         (0.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.63         1.86         (0.83       3.31         4.42         3.04         0.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.16       (0.11       (0.11       (0.09       (0.19       (0.09
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.16       (0.11       (0.11       (0.09       (0.19       (0.09
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.10       $ 24.47       $ 22.77       $ 23.71       $ 20.51       $ 16.18       $ 13.33  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    10.75 %E        8.15 %E        (3.52 )%        16.19       27.41 %D        23.06 %D        0.37 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 143,435,661       $ 133,638,400       $ 136,460,611       $ 156,493,513       $ 56,343,594       $ 47,966,566       $ 48,443,515  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.97 %F        1.02 %F        0.89       0.81       0.87       0.90       0.92

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.81 %F        0.81 %F        0.83       0.81       0.84       0.84       0.84

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.32 %F        0.12 %F        0.30       0.75       0.70       1.10       0.74

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.48 %F        0.33 %F        0.35       0.75       0.70       1.10       0.74

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %E        40 %E        100       48       74       49       55

 

A  Prior to the reorganization on February 5, 2016, the Institutional Class was known as Class N.
B  Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Total return would have been lower had various fees not been waived during the period.
E  Not annualized.
F  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016A to
June 30,
 
    2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.45       $ 22.77       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.05         0.03         0.03  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    2.56         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.61         1.84         2.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.06       $ 24.45       $ 22.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.67 %C        8.06 %C        11.29 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,058,312       $ 669,530       $ 401,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.01 %D        1.09 %D        4.00 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.91 %D        0.91 %D        0.91 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.30 %D        0.11 %D        (2.69 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.40 %D        0.28 %D        0.40 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        40 %C        100 %E 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through June 30, 2016.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016A to
June 30,
 
    2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.38       $ 22.74       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01         (0.01       0.01  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    2.56         1.81         2.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.57         1.80         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.95       $ 24.38       $ 22.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.54 %C        7.90 %C        11.14 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,344,566       $ 399,798       $ 133,696  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.36 %D        1.55 %D        8.43 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.19 %D        1.19 %D        1.18 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.02 )%D        (0.35 )%D        (7.08 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.15 %D        0.02 %D        0.17 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        40 %C        100 %E 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through June 30, 2016.

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016A to
June 30,
 
    2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.39       $ 22.74       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.01         0.00         0.00  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    2.56         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.57         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.96       $ 24.39       $ 22.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.54 %C        7.94 %C        11.14 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 162,008       $ 135,710       $ 159,744  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.43 %D        1.43 %D        5.25 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.21 %D        1.21 %D        1.21 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.16 )%D        (0.26 )%D        (4.01 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.06 %D        (0.05 )%D        0.02 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        40 %C        100 %E 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through June 30, 2016.

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016A to
June 30,
 
    2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.22       $ 22.67       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07       (0.13       (0.04

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    2.52         1.84         2.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.45         1.71         2.21  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.67       $ 24.22       $ 22.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.12 %C        7.52 %C        10.80 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 307,731       $ 175,907       $ 244,146  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.11 %D        2.18 %D        7.33 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.96 %D        1.96 %D        1.96 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.81 )%D        (1.04 )%D        (5.98 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.66 )%D        (0.81 )%D        (0.62 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        40 %C        100 %E 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.
E  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through June 30, 2016.

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,          

Year Ended

June 30,

 
           
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.08       $ 22.75       $ 23.89       $ 21.39       $ 15.85       $ 14.80       $ 14.62  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income

    0.18         0.38         0.28         0.10         0.11         0.20         0.24  

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

    0.81         3.32         (0.58       2.94         5.87         1.14         0.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.99         3.70         (0.30       3.04         5.98         1.34         0.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.35       (0.29       (0.17       (0.11       (0.29       (0.18

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.02       (0.55       (0.37       (0.33                

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )A                                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.37       (0.84       (0.54       (0.44       (0.29       (0.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.07       $ 26.08       $ 22.75       $ 23.89       $ 21.39       $ 15.85       $ 14.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    3.80 %C        16.24       (1.23 )%        14.18       37.77       9.04 %C        2.60
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,368,546,511       $ 1,185,013,905       $ 682,849,171       $ 313,660,568       $ 79,889,063       $ 26,669,248       $ 26,949,818  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.72 %D        0.73       0.75       0.79       1.01       1.73 %D        1.30

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.72 %D        0.73       0.79       0.84       0.84       0.84 %D        0.82

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.41 %D        1.69       1.61       1.08       0.98       1.38 %D        1.17

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.41 %D        1.69       1.57       1.04       1.16       2.27 %D        1.66

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %C        56       43       31       38       21 %C        36

 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           February 3A to
June 30,
 
           
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.01       $ 22.69       $ 23.84       $ 21.35       $ 15.84       $ 14.80       $ 14.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income

    0.16         0.32         0.27         0.13         0.22         0.07         0.09  

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

    0.82         3.35         (0.57       2.90         5.72         1.26         0.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.98         3.67         (0.30       3.03         5.94         1.33         0.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.33       (0.30       (0.17       (0.10       (0.29        

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.02       (0.55       (0.37       (0.33                

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B                                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.35       (0.85       (0.54       (0.43       (0.29        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.99       $ 26.01       $ 22.69       $ 23.84       $ 21.35       $ 15.84       $ 14.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.77 %D        16.17       (1.26 )%        14.15       37.55       8.98 %D        2.35 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,224,976,259       $ 879,852,983       $ 414,585,125       $ 119,162,044       $ 19,913,753       $ 36,331       $ 5,118  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.80 %E        0.80       0.81       0.84       0.93       3.75 %E        144.38 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.80 %E        0.80       0.81       0.85       0.94       0.93 %E        0.94 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.34 %E        1.63       1.55       1.03       1.07       (0.51 )%E        (141.90 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.34 %E        1.63       1.55       1.03       1.06       2.31 %E        1.54 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %D        56       43       31       38       21 %D        36 %D F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 3, 2012 to June 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           February 3A to
June 30,
 
           
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.93       $ 22.64       $ 23.77       $ 21.28       $ 15.81       $ 14.78       $ 14.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income

    0.15         0.27         0.25         0.14         0.21         0.12         0.03  

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

    0.79         3.31         (0.61       2.82         5.68         1.19         0.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.94         3.58         (0.36       2.96         5.89         1.31         0.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.27       (0.22       (0.10       (0.09       (0.28        

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.02       (0.55       (0.37       (0.33                

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B                                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.29       (0.77       (0.47       (0.42       (0.28        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.87       $ 25.93       $ 22.64       $ 23.77       $ 21.28       $ 15.81       $ 14.78  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.63 %D        15.81       (1.51 )%        13.89       37.28       8.84 %D        2.21 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,381,194,779       $ 1,583,853,257       $ 977,719,149       $ 668,659,150       $ 274,113,476       $ 488,810       $ 215,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.06 %E        1.08       1.09       1.11       1.08       2.26 %E        18.30 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.06 %E        1.08       1.09       1.11       1.09       1.21 %E        1.22 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.04 %E        1.35       1.28       0.76       0.95       1.00 %E        (15.48 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.04 %E        1.35       1.28       0.76       0.94       2.05 %E        1.59 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %D        56       43       31       38       21 %D        36 %D F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 3, 2012 through June 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

45


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           February 3A to
June 30,
 
           
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.82       $ 22.53       $ 23.66       $ 21.22       $ 15.78       $ 14.77       $ 14.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income

    0.14         0.32         0.27         0.09         0.19         0.15         0.01  

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

    0.79         3.24         (0.64       2.84         5.64         1.15         0.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.93         3.56         (0.37       2.93         5.83         1.30         0.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.25       (0.21       (0.12       (0.06       (0.29        

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.02       (0.55       (0.37       (0.33                

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B                                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.27       (0.76       (0.49       (0.39       (0.29        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.75       $ 25.82       $ 22.53       $ 23.66       $ 21.22       $ 15.78       $ 14.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.60 %D        15.79       (1.56 )%        13.76       37.01       8.78 %D        2.14 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 149,095,345       $ 152,520,884       $ 147,394,607       $ 103,716,652       $ 31,300,069       $ 310,850       $ 275,860  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.10 %E        1.12       1.12       1.19       1.38       2.21 %E        15.39 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.10 %E        1.12       1.12       1.21       1.34       1.33 %E        1.34 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.00 %E        1.31       1.25       0.69       0.61       0.90 %E        (13.13 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.00 %E        1.31       1.25       0.67       0.66       1.78 %E        0.92 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %D        56       43       31       38       21 %D        36 %D F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 3, 2012 through June 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,           February 3A to
June 30,
 
           
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.27       $ 22.08       $ 23.27       $ 21.00       $ 15.70       $ 14.73       $ 14.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income

    0.04         0.13         0.13         0.02         0.18         0.09         0.02  

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

    0.77         3.16         (0.66       2.69         5.47         1.17         0.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.81         3.29         (0.53       2.71         5.65         1.26         0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.08       (0.11       (0.07       (0.02       (0.29        

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.02       (0.55       (0.37       (0.33                

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B                                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.10       (0.66       (0.44       (0.35       (0.29        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.08       $ 25.27       $ 22.08       $ 23.27       $ 21.00       $ 15.70       $ 14.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.21 %D        14.91       (2.27 )%        12.88       36.02       8.54 %D        1.87 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 99,792,204       $ 100,447,531       $ 84,411,378       $ 33,536,254       $ 2,346,463       $ 19,948       $ 14,147  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.85 %E        1.86       1.87       1.92       2.13       6.81 %E        64.88 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.85 %E        1.86       1.87       1.94       2.09       1.77 %E        2.09 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.26 %E        0.57       0.48       (0.05 )%        (0.13 )%        (3.55 )%E        (62.47 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.26 %E        0.57       0.48       (0.08 )%        (0.08 )%        1.49 %E        0.32 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %D        56       43       31       38       21 %D        36 %D F 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 3, 2012 through June 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Six Months
EndedA
June 30,
 
    2017  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.73  
 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

Net investment income

    0.09  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.25  
 

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.34  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.07  
 

 

 

 

Total returnB

    1.27 %C 
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 101,267  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.67 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.67 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.90 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.90 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %C 

 

A  Commencement of operations for the class was April 30, 2017.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 16, 2017 and June 7, 2017 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board”) considered and then, at its June 7 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), on behalf of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“LCG Fund”) and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (“LCV Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”); and

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc. (“Bridgeway”).

The Investment Advisory Agreement is referred to herein as the “Investment Advisory Agreement,” and Bridgeway is hereinafter referred to as the “subadvisor.” The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for the Board to consider the renewal of these Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the subadvisors, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and the subadvisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the subadvisors. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided. Further, the Board took into consideration information furnished for the Board’s review and consideration throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, as well as information specifically prepared in connection with the renewal process.

In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. The information requested on behalf of the Board included, among other information, the following materials. References herein to the “firm” refer to the Manager and/or each applicable subadvisor.

 

    comparisons of the performance of an appropriate share class of each Fund to comparable investment companies and appropriate benchmark indices, including peer group averages and performance analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and to the performance of any similar accounts managed by the firm;

 

    comparisons of each Fund’s management and subadvisory fee rates and expense ratio with the management fee rates paid by comparable mutual funds and their expense ratios, including peer group averages and fee and expense analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided;

 

    a description of any applicable fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in place for each Fund during the past year, and any proposed changes to the expense caps;

 

    the Manager’s profitability with respect to the services that it provided to each Fund;

 

    any actual or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services the firm provides or will provide to each Fund and whether the current fee rates charged or to be charged to each Fund reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors;

 

    an evaluation of any other benefits to the firm or Funds as a result of their relationship, if any;

 

    information regarding the administrative, accounting-related, cash management and securities lending services that the Manager provides to certain Funds and the fees that the Manager receives for such services; and

 

 

49


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

    information regarding a firm’s financial condition, the personnel of the Manager who are assigned primary responsibility for managing the Funds, staffing levels, portfolio managers’ compensation, insurance coverage, material pending litigation, code of ethics, compliance matters, actual or potential conflicts of interest that the firm experiences, or anticipates that it will experience, in providing services to the Funds, and the Manager’s disaster recovery plans.

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

Certain firms may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of those firms based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund with more than one class of shares, the class of shares used for comparative performance purposes was the share class with the lowest expenses available for purchase by the general public, which, in most cases, was the Institutional Class. The Board also considered that the use of Institutional Class performance generally facilitates a meaningful comparison for expense and performance purposes.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration to renew or approve each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal and approval of each Agreement. The memorandum explained the regulatory requirements surrounding the Trustees’ process for evaluating investment advisors and the terms of investment advisory contracts. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the renewal and approval of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

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

In determining whether to renew the Agreements, the Trustees considered the best interests of each Fund separately. While the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements for all of the Funds were considered at the Meetings, the Board considered each Fund’s investment management and subadvisory relationships separately.

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

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

 

 

50


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

With respect to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the level of staffing and the size of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Funds by the subadvisor, and whether those resources were commensurate with the needs of the Funds and are sufficient to sustain appropriate levels of performance and compliance needs. In this regard, the Board considered the financial stability of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the subadvisor’s representations regarding its compliance program and code of ethics. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and the subadvisor were appropriate for each Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its Broadridge performance universe, Morningstar Category, and benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent peer selection methodology to select all Broadridge performance universes. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for certain Funds. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at Board and Committee meetings throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by the subadvisor regarding the performance of each Fund relative to the performance of other comparable investment accounts managed by the subadvisor, the Fund’s benchmark index and an appropriate peer group for the Fund. In addition, the Board considered in each instance the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

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

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

In analyzing the fee rates charged by the subadvisor in connection with its investment advisory services to each Fund, the Board considered that, with respect to the LCG Fund, the Manager has negotiated the lowest fee rate the subadvisor charges for any comparable client accounts. The Board did not request profitability data from the subadvisor because the Board did not view this data as imperative to its deliberations given the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and the subadvisor with respect to the negotiation of subadvisory fee rates. In addition, the Board noted that the subadvisor may not account for its profits on an account-by-account basis and, to the extent it does, it likely employs different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

 

 

51


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as the Funds grow and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints in the subadvisory fee rates for each Fund.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to each Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the Manager and subadvisor fee rate schedules for each Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the Funds.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Funds. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the subadvisor as a result of the advisory relationships with the Funds, including greater exposure in the marketplace with respect to the Manager’s or subadvisor’s investment process and expanding the level of assets under management by the Manager and the subadvisor. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the subadvisor by virtue of their relationships with the Funds appear to be fair and reasonable

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund

The performance comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe and Morningstar Category. With respect to the Broadridge performance universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top twenty percent of the universe based on performance and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe based on performance. References below to each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe are to the universe of mutual funds with a comparable investment classification/objective included in the analysis provided by Broadridge. In reviewing the performance each Fund, the Trustees viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle, typically five years or longer, as the most important consideration, because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events that do not reflect manager skill.

The expense comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge expense universe and Broadridge expense group, with the 1st Quintile representing the top twenty percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References below to each Fund’s expense group and expense universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds included in the analysis by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense group consists of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense universe includes all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar operating structure as the share class of the Fund included in the Broadridge comparative information and provides a broader view of expenses across the Fund’s investment classification/objective. For each Fund, the Trustees also considered a Fund’s Morningstar fee level category. In reviewing expenses, the Trustees considered the positive impact of fee waivers where applicable and the Manager’s agreement to continue the fee waivers. In addition, information regarding the subadvisors’ use of soft dollars was requested from the Manager and was considered by the Trustees.

 

 

52


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement with Bridgeway for the LCG Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   1st Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   3rd Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   1st Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   1st Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) that the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund acquired all of the assets of the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“Acquired Fund”), a series of Bridgeway Funds, Inc. on February 5, 2016, and the Fund’s performance prior to that date is the performance of the Acquired Fund; (2) information provided by Bridgeway regarding fee rates charged for managing accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; and (3) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement with Bridgeway for the LCV Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   3rd Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   1st Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   1st Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) information provided by Bridgeway regarding fee rates charged for managing accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; and (2) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

 

 

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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:

Institutional, Y, Investor, and R6 Classes

Call (800) 658-5811

 

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-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 Funds’ 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, American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 6/17


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.

AHL MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. The use of quantitative models may lead to high levels of trading and concentration among certain investments, resulting in higher trading costs and return volatility. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political 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 Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance.

IONIC STRATEGIC ARBITRAGE FUND

The Fund’s strategy of investing in a variety of arbitrage strategies entails certain risks including that the sub-advisor’s judgments about allocation between such strategies, as well as individual arbitrage opportunities, may not perform to expectations, resulting in the Fund’s underperformance or even losses versus other similar funds. Arbitrage is the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset or assets to take advantage of a perceived pricing anomaly. Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. Small- or mid-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. The use of fixed-income securities, including convertible securities, entails interest rate and credit risks. In addition, the value of a convertible security could fluctuate based on the value of the underlying stock. Investing in foreign 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. Short sales involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument; the Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short sale.

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 the Fund’s portfolio composition will change depending on economic and market conditions. This report is not a complete analysis of market conditions and therefore, should not be relied upon as investment advice. Although economic and market information has been compiled from reliable sources, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the statements contained herein.

 

American Beacon Funds

June 30, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    7  

Schedules of Investments:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

    9  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

    20  

Financial Statements

    35  

Notes to Financial Statements

    39  

Financial Highlights:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

    68  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

    73  

Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    78  

Additional Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

At American Beacon, we are proud to offer a broad range of equity, fixed-income and alternative mutual fund products for institutions and individuals. Our mutual funds – which span the domestic, international, global, frontier and emerging markets – are sub-advised by experienced portfolio managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our clients and shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

 

Institutional wisdom, enduring value. Since our inception as a pension fiduciary in 1986, American Beacon has focused on identifying and overseeing institutional investment managers and portfolio risk management. In 1987, we

leveraged our size and experience to launch a series of sub-advised, multi-manager mutual funds providing individual investors access to many of the same institutional managers as our pension clients. Following the financial crisis in 2008, we saw that investors were looking for unique solutions from managers who were not necessarily mainstream. In 2010, we began offering mutual funds from single managers with distinctive investment styles or asset classes. As we continue to expand our family of funds, our solutions-based approach provides innovative investments.

Guiding principles. Our “manager of managers” philosophy is built on a long-standing history of innovative thinking, discipline and consistency in applying our solutions-based approach. As a manager of managers, our goal is to engage the most effective money managers for each asset class, investment style or market strategy – whether through a single sub-advisor or a combination of sub-advisors. Because we take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously, our thorough manager evaluation and selection process is rigorous and ongoing. Our guiding principles – predictability, style consistency, competitive pricing and long-term relationships – provide a strong foundation for our due-diligence process. Our broad range of mutual funds helps investors navigate the economic storms and market downturns in the U.S. and abroad. Our years of experience evaluating sub-advisors have led us to identify and partner with asset managers who have adhered to their disciplined processes for many years and through multiple market cycles.

Focus on asset protection and risk mitigation. We strive to provide innovative, long-term products without gimmicks. From offering some of the first multi-manager funds, one of the first retirement-income funds and the first open-end mutual fund in the U.S. to focus primarily on frontier-market debt, our robust history includes applying a disciplined, solutions-based approach to our product development process to help protect assets and mitigate risk.

Thank you for your continued interest in American Beacon. For additional information about our 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 AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) returned -0.87% for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017  
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

    

1 Year

    

Since Inception

(8/19/2014)

Institutional Class (1,5)

     AHLIX          -0.58 %          -2.72 %          3.77 %

Y Class (1,5)

     AHLYX          -0.67 %          -2.91 %          3.63 %

Investor Class (1,5)

     AHLPX          -0.87 %          -3.21 %          3.31 %

A without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     AHLAX          -0.87 %          -3.20 %          3.31 %

A with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     AHLAX          -6.55 %          -8.79 %          1.20 %

C without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     AHLCX          -1.18 %          -3.91 %          2.54 %

C with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     AHLCX          -2.18 %          -4.91 %          2.54 %
                           

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (4)

              0.31 %          0.49 %          0.24 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.

 

2. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

3. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

4. The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is designed to measure the total return on cash, including price and interest income, based on short-term government Treasury bills of about 90-day maturity. 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 1.90%, 1.97%, 2.13%, 2.29%, and 3.04%, 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.

For the period, Equities were by far the best performing sector returning 7.5%. Long positions across nearly all markets led performance in the first half of the year. The top contributors were long positions in the Korean Kospi (+2.3%) and the NASDAQ 100 (+1.1%).

All three of the remaining sectors posted negative returns during the first half of 2017. Fixed Income was the top detracting sector during the period with a return of (2.9)%. A long position in Short Sterling was the biggest detractor followed by a long position in the German Bund.

The Commodities sector also contributed losses during the period returning (2.8)%. Within the sector, precious metals detracted the most. Mixed positioning in both Gold (-1.0%) and Silver (-0.6%) generated the largest losses.

Finally, the Currencies sector also hurt performance returning (2.0)%. Losses were driven primarily by short positions for a majority of the period in the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar (-0.8%). Also detracting from performance was a long position in the British pound versus U.S. dollar (-0.8%).

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to implement its trading strategy designed to capitalize on price trends (up or down) in a broad range of global stock index, bond, currency, short-term interest rate and commodity futures markets seeking to achieve the Fund’s goal of capital growth.

 

 

2


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Commodities           % of VaR
Natural Gas      Short          8.32  
Crude Oil      Short          6.44  
RBOB Gasoline      Short          2.49  
Silver      Short          2.30  
Copper      Long          1.88  
       
Currencies           % of VaR
AUD/USD      Long          4.37  
EUR/USD      Long          3.53  
MXN/USD      Long          2.90  
JPY/USD      Short          2.70  
NZD/USD      Long          2.50  
       
Equities           % of VaR
Korean Kospi      Long          2.91  
South African All Share Index      Short          2.30  
Russell 2000 Index      Long          2.10  
S&P 500 Index      Long          2 09  
Hang Seng Index      Long          1.88  
       
Fixed Income           % of VaR
U.S. Treasuries      Long          3.33  
Eurodollar      Long          1.67  
Euribor      Long          1.25  
Australian Bonds      Long          1.04  
Euro-BUXL      Short          0.42  
* Value at Risk (“VaR”) is a measure of the potential loss in value of a portfolio over a defined period for a given confidence interval. A one-day VaR at the 95% confidence level represents that there is a 5% probability that the mark-to-market loss on the portfolio over a one-day horizon will exceed the value (assuming normal markets and no trading in the portfolio).

 

 

3


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund (the “Fund”) returned -0.33% for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017                         
    

Ticker

  

6 Months*

  

1 Year

  

3 Years

  

Since Inception

(9/1/2013)

Institutional Class (1,7)

       IONIX        -0.11 %        1.07 %        2.33 %        2.67 %

Y Class (1,2,7)

       IONYX        -0.22 %        1.06 %        2.32 %        2.67 %

Investor Class (1,3,7)

       IONPX        -0.33 %        0.74 %        2.12 %        2.50 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

       IONAX        -0.33 %        0.74 %        2.12 %        2.50 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

       IONAX        -5.07 %        -4.02 %        0.47 %        1.22 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

       IONCX        -0.67 %        0.00 %        1.61 %        2.10 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

       IONCX        -1.67 %        -1.00 %        1.61 %        2.10 %
                        

Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (6)

            2.27 %        -0.31 %        2.48 %        3.19 %

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR Index (6)

            0.50 %        0.85 %        0.50 %        0.45 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Simultaneous with the commencement of the Fund’s investment operations on June 30, 2015, the Ionic Absolute Return Fund LLC (“Private Fund”), a privately offered investment fund managed by the Fund’s sub-advisor transferred its assets to the Institutional Class shares of the Fund. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional, Y, A, and C Classes of the Fund has been waived since 6/30/15. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since 6/30/15.

 

2. Fund performance for the three-year, and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the Y Class. Expenses of the Y Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 9/1/13.

 

3. Fund performance for the three-year, and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the Investor Class. Expenses of the Investor Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 9/1/13.A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund was waived in 2015 and partially recovered in 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown in 2015.

 

4. Fund performance for the three-year, and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the A Class. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 9/1/13. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

 

5. Fund performance for the three-year, and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the C Class. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 9/1/13. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6. The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR 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 Capital U.S. Aggregate Index is a market weighted index of government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed-rate debt securities of all maturities. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

7. 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 3.20%, 3.27%, 3.51%, 3.64%, and 4.38%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

 

 

4


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s performance during the first half of the year stemmed from mixed results amongst the four arbitrage strategies. For example, gains produced by the Convertible Arbitrage Strategy resulting from narrowing credit spreads and positions in technology and health care, were reduced by losses in the Credit/Rates Relative Value Strategy where mortgage derivative valuations declined due to yield curve flattening. Similarly, gains from event and short volatility-oriented positions helped mitigate the impact of losses in the Fund’s Equity and Volatility Arbitrage Strategies that otherwise would have been larger given the sharp decline in volatility year to date.

The Convertible Arbitrage Strategy was the top performer during the period despite materially low levels of overall equity index volatility due to tighter credit spreads and some large single-name stock moves. Efforts this year to diversify both geographic and sector exposure (particularly in the energy space) has also been effective so far.

The Equity Arbitrage Strategy generated a slight loss over the period, as declining volatility, narrow market breadth and reduced corporate event activity continued to act as headwinds. The current state of equity markets, characterized by extended, smaller, upward movements, has pushed equity volatility to historic lows and presents unique challenges to many of the Fund’s Equity and Volatility Arbitrage Strategies. The impact of lower volatility was most evident in the Fund’s equity warrants holdings. While these positions offer a compelling way to gain option-like exposure to a particular stock, often at a discount to where that company’s listed options may be priced, such positions generally result in profits, only if the underlying equity experiences a sharp move – up or down. A holding in the technology sector also negatively impacted performance due to technical factors associated with a share reclassification and asset sale. The negative impact of these positions during the second quarter was somewhat offset by gains from two share class arbitrage holdings and the successful acquisition of a healthcare company in which the Fund had a long position. In addition, a position in an exchange-traded fund designed to benefit from declines in S&P implied volatility helped to decrease the impact to the Fund of losses caused by a contraction in overall volatility.

The Fund’s Credit/Rates Relative Value Arbitrage Strategy was a slight detractor during the period. The Fund took profits on positions in floating rate closed end funds as both credit spreads and net asset value discounts narrowed. The gains, however, were not enough to offset the losses on the Fund’s seasoned agency mortgage derivatives. Mortgage derivatives, the largest allocation within the strategy, produced losses as a result of a material flattening in the yield curve and some spread widening in the mortgage sector (driven by concerns around the impact of potential Fed balance sheet reductions). This “bull flattener” had the effect of both increasing prepayment risk while also reducing the yield or “carry” in the portfolio.

The Volatility Arbitrage Strategy also detracted from Fund performance over the period. The primary objective of the strategy is to hedge downside risk for the overall Fund. Its secondary objective is to identify pricing inefficiencies in the options markets to add asymmetrical exposure, which are positions that can profit from large changes in price or volatility but have limited downside. Conditions during the period were challenging for the strategy because volatility across asset classes had fallen to record lows and there were no meaningful market declines. By minimizing option decay and adding positions that could benefit from declining S&P volatility, hedging losses in the strategy were reduced. Elsewhere, losses from a position designed to benefit from increased foreign exchange volatility outside the U.S. were offset by a straddle position in Brazilian equities that performed well when recent political turmoil created weakness. Additionally, another position benefited from increased volatility in gold.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to implement its investment process by allocating the Fund’s assets among the following strategies: Convertible Arbitrage, Credit/Rates Relative Value Arbitrage, Equity Arbitrage, and Volatility Arbitrage, seeking capital appreciation with low volatility and reduced correlation to equities and interest rates.

 

 

5


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Positions By Investment Strategy           Fund  
Convertible Arbitrage           32  
Credit/Rates Relative Value Arbitrage           1  
Equity Arbitrage           57  
Volatility Arbitrage           17  

Total

          107  
       
Investment Strategy Exposure (%)      LMV        SMV ** 
Convertible Arbitrage      32          (21
Credit/Rates Relative Value Arbitrage      20          -  
Equity Arbitrage      31          (31
Volatility Arbitrage      9          (6
Cash      12          -  

Total

     104          (58.0

 

* Long Market Value
** Short Market Value

Source: Ionic Capital Management LLC

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 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, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional 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 Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Funds’ actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

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

 

 

7


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $994.20       $7.61
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.20       $7.70
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $993.30       $8.11
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,016.70       $8.20
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $991.30       $9.48
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.30       $9.59
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $991.30       $9.58
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.20       $9.69
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $988.20       $13.26
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,011.50       $13.42

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.54%, 1.64%, 1.92%, 1.94%, and 2.69% 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.

 

American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $998.90       $11.50
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,013.30       $11.58
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $997.80       $12.04
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,012.70       $12.13
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $996.70       $13.32
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,011.50       $13.42
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $996.70       $13.61
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,011.20       $13.71
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $993.30       $17.30
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,007.40       $17.42

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 2.32%, 2.43%, 2.69%, 2.75%, and 3.50% 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.

 

 

8


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 88.72%            
Investment Companies - 3.83%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%A B C       18,589,023         $ 18,589,023
           

 

 

 
    Principal Amount        
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 84.85%            

U.S. Treasury Bills,

           

0.716%, Due 7/6/2017A

    $ 76,000,000           75,995,212

0.746%, Due 7/13/2017A

      41,600,000           41,591,056

0.778%, Due 7/27/2017A

      61,000,000           60,966,633

0.897%, Due 8/10/2017A

      81,000,000           80,925,480

0.924%, Due 8/17/2017A

      73,750,000           73,666,662

0.873%, Due 8/24/2017A

      79,000,000           78,895,246
           

 

 

 
              412,040,289
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $430,618,682)

              430,629,312
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 88.68% (Cost $430,618,682)

              430,629,312

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 11.32%

              54,972,298
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 485,601,610
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A All or a portion represents positions held by the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.

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

C 7-day effective yield.

 

Purchased Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:       
Commodity Futures Contracts           
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Copper FuturesA      109      September 2017      $ 7,387,475        $ 39,395  
Gold 100oz FuturesA      88      August 2017        10,932,240          (418,697
Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat FuturesA      123      December 2017        3,408,637          216,211  
LME Copper FuturesA      29      July 2017        4,294,175          155,676  
LME Copper FuturesA      11      August 2017        1,631,163          42,838  
LME Copper FuturesA      75      September 2017        11,137,969          81,113  
LME Lead FuturesA      9      July 2017        513,450          8,355  
LME Lead FuturesA      36      August 2017        2,061,000          105,660  
LME Lead FuturesA      54      September 2017        3,096,562          33,940  
LME Nickel FuturesA      32      July 2017        1,796,160          32,567  
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA      27      July 2017        1,289,588          (36,672
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA      239      August 2017        11,437,644          (200,710
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA      303      September 2017        14,540,212          (2,271
LME Zinc FuturesA      41      August 2017        2,826,438          113,493  
LME Zinc FuturesA      125      September 2017        8,625,000          183,626  
              

 

 

      

 

 

 
               $ 84,977,713        $ 354,524  
              

 

 

      

 

 

 
Currency Futures Contracts  
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Australian Dollar Currency Futures      1,213      September 2017      $ 93,097,750        $ 812,048  
British Pound Currency Futures      242      September 2017        19,730,562          46,800  
Canadian Dollar Currency Futures      662      September 2017        51,132,880          692,034  
Euro Currency Futures      584      September 2017        83,709,100          813,151  
Mexican Peso Futures      1,582      September 2017        43,101,590          256,684  
New Zealand Dollar Currency Futures      618      September 2017        45,200,520          703,777  
Swiss Franc Currency Futures      94      September 2017        12,311,650          44,348  
              

 

 

      

 

 

 
               $   348,284,052        $ 3,368,842  
              

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Equity Futures Contracts         
Description              Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Amsterdam Index Futures           67        July 2017        $ 7,751,884      $ (309,666
ASX SPI 200 Index Futures           225        September 2017          24,422,743        (397,784
CAC40 Index Futures           141        July 2017          8,239,770        (292,762
DAX Index Futures           56        September 2017          19,699,798        (932,822
Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures           434        September 2017          17,007,225        (662,007
FTSE 100 Index Futures           223        September 2017          21,035,571        (684,674
FTSE/MIB Index Futures           91        September 2017          10,652,881        (294,245
H-Shares Index Futures           337        July 2017          22,002,799        (255,410
Hang Seng Index Futures           223        July 2017          36,538,531        (102,517
IBEX 35 Index Futures           44        July 2017          5,229,442        (220,083
KOSPI 200 Index Futures           812        September 2017          55,516,060        1,054,857  
Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures           262        September 2017          24,753,760        (25,833
Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures           425        September 2017          21,426,375        75,010  
MSCI Taiwan Stock Index Futures           786        July 2017          30,284,580        (81,300
NASDAQ 100 E-Mini Futures           185        September 2017          20,915,175        (299,418
Nikkei 225 (SGX) Futures           305        September 2017          27,117,137        (120,953
OMXS30 Index Futures           408        July 2017          7,761,962        (238,425
Russell 2000 E-Mini Index Futures           475        September 2017          33,589,625        (197,696
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures           463        September 2017          56,043,835        (129,671
TOPIX Index Futures           212        September 2017          30,374,572        152,933  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                    $ 480,363,725      $ (3,962,466
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Interest Rate Futures Contracts         
Description              Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures           1,723        September 2018        $ 492,743,538      $ (365,150
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures           712        June 2019          203,231,484        (248,968
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures           258        March 2020          73,499,215        (125,203
90-Day Eurodollar Futures           1,160        September 2018          285,041,000        (218,222
90-Day Eurodollar Futures           540        June 2019          132,414,750        (133,843
90-Day Eurodollar Futures           387        March 2020          94,727,925        (96,188
90-Day Sterling Futures           383        September 2018          61,905,822        (93,617
90-Day Sterling Futures           515        June 2019          83,124,127        (226,358
Australian 10-Year Bond Futures           263        September 2017          26,128,796        (399,237
Australian 3-Year Bond Futures           279        September 2017          23,942,781        (136,868
Euro-Bund Futures           32        September 2017          5,916,153        (114,470
Japanese 10-Year Government Bond Futures           7        September 2017          9,342,254        (21,941
Long GILT Futures           105        September 2017          17,172,603        (344,543
U.S. Long Bond Futures           163        September 2017          25,051,063        (44,371
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures           242        September 2017          30,378,562        (167,227
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note Futures           440        September 2017          51,847,813        (235,034
U.S. Ultra Bond Futures           95        September 2017          15,758,125        32,691  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                    $ 1,632,226,011      $ (2,938,549
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                      
Sold Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:  
Commodity Futures Contracts         
Description              Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Brent Crude FuturesA           365        July 2017        $ (17,801,050    $ (512,972
Cocoa FuturesA           241        September 2017          (4,675,400      88,156  
Coffee FuturesA           246        September 2017          (11,595,825      318,786  
Corn FuturesA           610        December 2017          (11,956,000      (416,824
Gasoline RBOB FuturesA           245        July 2017          (15,575,973      (895,150
LME Copper FuturesA           29        July 2017          (4,294,175      (306,398
LME Copper FuturesA           11        August 2017          (1,631,163      (114,136
LME Lead FuturesA           9        July 2017          (513,450      (45,479

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Description                Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
LME Lead FuturesA             36          August 2017        $ (2,061,000    $ (183,072
LME Lead FuturesA             8          September 2017          (458,750      (44,245
LME Nickel FuturesA             53          July 2017          (2,974,890      22,457  
LME Nickel FuturesA             56          August 2017          (3,148,824      (131,793
LME Nickel FuturesA             46          September 2017          (2,590,950      (162,383
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA             27          July 2017          (1,289,587      (11,079
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA             239          August 2017          (11,437,644      (165,487
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA             15          September 2017          (719,812      (19,743
LME Zinc FuturesA             41          August 2017          (2,826,438      (254,395
LME Zinc FuturesA             35          September 2017          (2,415,000      (249,705
Low Sulphur Gasoil FuturesA             232          July 2017          (10,126,800      (32,802
Natural Gas FuturesA             1,152          July 2017          (34,963,200      (1,055,379
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             72          October 2017          (561,240      16,284  
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             72          November 2017          (588,060      (10,499
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             72          December 2017          (604,080      (26,497
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             72          January 2018          (600,480      (22,902
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             72          February 2018          (588,240      (10,678
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          March 2018          (885,980      (5,883
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          April 2018          (873,580      6,500  
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          May 2018          (881,640      (1,549
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          June 2018          (889,700      (9,598
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          July 2018          (891,560      (11,456
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          August 2018          (884,120      (4,026
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             124          September 2018          (889,700      (9,598
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             24          October 2018          (175,020      9,561  
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             24          November 2018          (182,700      1,892  
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             24          December 2018          (187,920      (3,321
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             24          January 2019          (186,360      (1,763
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA             24          February 2019          (182,400      2,191  
NY Harbor ULSD FuturesA             170          July 2017          (10,589,334      (625,624
Silver FuturesA             231          September 2017          (19,204,185      (154,643
Soybean FuturesA             410          November 2017          (19,572,375      (870,956
Sugar #11 World FuturesA             604          September 2017          (9,342,189      201,519  
WTI Crude FuturesA             450          July 2017          (20,718,000      67,013  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                    $ (232,534,794    $ (5,635,676
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Currency Futures Contracts  
Description                Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Japanese Yen Currency Futures             423          September 2017        $ (47,111,625    $ 478,189  
U.S. Dollar Index Futures             420          September 2017          (40,076,820      517,091  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                    $ (87,188,445    $ 995,280  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                      
Equity Futures Contracts  
Description                Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index Futures             834          September 2017        $ (29,121,947    $ (255,262
S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures             10          September 2017          (1,371,376      (1,997
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ (30,493,323    $ (257,259
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
                      
Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description                Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date        Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Euro-Bobl Futures             100          September 2017        $ (15,042,111    $ 10,986  
Euro-Buxl 30-Year Bond Futures             36          September 2017          (6,723,515      56,397  
Euro-Schatz Futures             285          September 2017          (36,408,590      21,924  
U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note Futures             2          September 2017          (432,219      91  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ (58,606,435    $ 89,398  
                   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Forward Currency Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:  
Type      Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by
Contract
       Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Buy      INR        12,102,766        7/7/2017        DUB        $ -        $ (31,839    $ (31,839
Buy      INR        464,004        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (1,048      (1,048
Buy      INR        696,006        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (697      (697
Buy      INR        1,276,010        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (704      (704
Buy      INR        232,002        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (791      (791
Buy      INR        77,334        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (279      (279
Buy      INR        193,335        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (704      (704
Buy      INR        193,335        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (591      (591
Buy      INR        812,007        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (310      (310
Buy      INR        23,780,195        7/7/2017        DUB          7,485          -        7,485  
Buy      INR        696,006        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (1,236      (1,236
Buy      INR        657,339        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (515      (515
Buy      INR        618,672        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (936      (936
Buy      INR        464,004        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (680      (680
Buy      INR        425,337        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (1,092      (1,092
Sell      INR        734,673        7/7/2017        DUB          1,693          -        1,693  
Sell      INR        348,003        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (501      (501
Sell      INR        309,336        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (265      (265
Sell      INR        502,671        7/7/2017        DUB          -          (895      (895
Buy      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (77      (77
Buy      TWD        15,042,909        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (153,902      (153,902
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          497          -        497  
Sell      TWD        657,613        7/12/2017        DUB          4,309          -        4,309  
Sell      TWD        246,605        7/12/2017        DUB          1,370          -        1,370  
Sell      TWD        246,605        7/12/2017        DUB          1,690          -        1,690  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          558          -        558  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          476          -        476  
Sell      TWD        575,412        7/12/2017        DUB          3,143          -        3,143  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          437          -        437  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          422          -        422  
Sell      TWD        739,815        7/12/2017        DUB          316          -        316  
Sell      TWD        328,807        7/12/2017        DUB          11          -        11  
Sell      TWD        657,614        7/12/2017        DUB          1,474          -        1,474  
Sell      TWD        657,614        7/12/2017        DUB          1,040          -        1,040  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          266          -        266  
Sell      TWD        739,815        7/12/2017        DUB          1,609          -        1,609  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          138          -        138  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          8          -        8  
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          179          -        179  
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (200      (200
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (340      (340
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (210      (210
Sell      TWD        246,605        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (105      (105
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (27      (27
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (65      (65
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (62      (62
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          70          -        70  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          195          -        195  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (27      (27
Sell      TWD        246,605        7/12/2017        DUB          -          (243      (243
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          477          -        477  
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          706          -        706  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          244          -        244  
Sell      TWD        82,202        7/12/2017        DUB          223          -        223  
Sell      TWD        164,403        7/12/2017        DUB          417          -        417  
Buy      PHP        3,614,665        7/17/2017        DUB          -          (68,669      (68,669
Sell      PHP        297,096        7/17/2017        DUB          3,205          -        3,205  
Sell      PHP        297,096        7/17/2017        DUB          2,904          -        2,904  

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Type      Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by
Contract
       Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Sell      PHP        1,089,351        7/17/2017        DUB        $ 7,577        $ -      $ 7,577  
Sell      PHP        792,255        7/17/2017        DUB          4,986          -        4,986  
Sell      PHP        1,138,867        7/17/2017        DUB          6,346          -        6,346  
Sell      PHP        1,188,383        7/17/2017        DUB          2,968          -        2,968  
Sell      PHP        1,089,351        7/17/2017        DUB          3,013          -        3,013  
Sell      PHP        1,188,383        7/17/2017        DUB          1,149          -        1,149  
Sell      PHP        940,803        7/17/2017        DUB          369          -        369  
Buy      ZAR        594,806        7/20/2017        DUB          -          (11,019      (11,019
Buy      JPY        229,153        7/20/2017        DUB          -          (2,334      (2,334
Sell      EUR        230,499        7/20/2017        DUB          -          (4,493      (4,493
Sell      JPY        256,214        7/20/2017        DUB          3,206          -        3,206  
Sell      ZAR        1,840,889        7/20/2017        DUB          26,775          -        26,775  
Buy      KRW        22,467,921        7/24/2017        DUB          -          (241,077      (241,077
Sell      KRW        699,391        7/24/2017        DUB          8,054          -        8,054  
Sell      KRW        1,311,357        7/24/2017        DUB          14,985          -        14,985  
Sell      KRW        437,119        7/24/2017        DUB          5,666          -        5,666  
Sell      KRW        699,391        7/24/2017        DUB          4,341          -        4,341  
Sell      KRW        1,486,205        7/24/2017        DUB          10,235          -        10,235  
Sell      KRW        1,311,357        7/24/2017        DUB          8,256          -        8,256  
Sell      KRW        1,573,629        7/24/2017        DUB          10,144          -        10,144  
Sell      KRW        458,975        7/24/2017        DUB          2,917          -        2,917  
Sell      KRW        2,163,739        7/24/2017        DUB          15,092          -        15,092  
Sell      KRW        2,273,019        7/24/2017        DUB          14,082          -        14,082  
Sell      KRW        2,098,172        7/24/2017        DUB          1,786          -        1,786  
Sell      KRW        2,141,883        7/24/2017        DUB          1,224          -        1,224  
Sell      KRW        69,939        7/24/2017        DUB          164          -        164  
Sell      KRW        1,503,690        7/24/2017        DUB          3,258          -        3,258  
Sell      KRW        218,560        7/24/2017        DUB          119          -        119  
Sell      KRW        2,360,443        7/24/2017        DUB          2,382          -        2,382  
Sell      KRW        2,797,562        7/24/2017        DUB          7,708          -        7,708  
Sell      KRW        677,535        7/24/2017        DUB          2,063          -        2,063  
Sell      KRW        2,032,604        7/24/2017        DUB          8,128          -        8,128  
Sell      KRW        2,185,595        7/24/2017        DUB          6,195          -        6,195  
Sell      KRW        2,098,172        7/24/2017        DUB          4,215          -        4,215  
Sell      KRW        1,442,493        7/24/2017        DUB          3,848          -        3,848  
Sell      KRW        1,442,493        7/24/2017        DUB          3,844          -        3,844  
Sell      KRW        2,447,867        7/24/2017        DUB          7,627          -        7,627  
Sell      KRW        2,098,172        7/24/2017        DUB          5,055          -        5,055  
Sell      KRW        1,311,357        7/24/2017        DUB          3,832          -        3,832  
Sell      KRW        1,311,357        7/24/2017        DUB          3,682          -        3,682  
Sell      KRW        1,223,933        7/24/2017        DUB          4,158          -        4,158  
Sell      KRW        1,223,933        7/24/2017        DUB          4,945          -        4,945  
Sell      KRW        1,223,933        7/24/2017        DUB          4,417          -        4,417  
Sell      KRW        1,486,205        7/24/2017        DUB          3,309          -        3,309  
Sell      KRW        874,238        7/24/2017        DUB          7,736          -        7,736  
Sell      KRW        786,814        7/24/2017        DUB          6,144          -        6,144  
Sell      KRW        699,391        7/24/2017        DUB          5,965          -        5,965  
Sell      KRW        786,814        7/24/2017        DUB          6,737          -        6,737  
Sell      KRW        874,238        7/24/2017        DUB          7,316          -        7,316  
Sell      KRW        874,238        7/24/2017        DUB          6,369          -        6,369  
Sell      KRW        874,238        7/24/2017        DUB          6,222          -        6,222  
Sell      KRW        699,391        7/24/2017        DUB          2,432          -        2,432  
Sell      KRW        437,119        7/24/2017        DUB          648          -        648  
Sell      KRW        524,543        7/24/2017        DUB          1,652          -        1,652  
Sell      KRW        524,543        7/24/2017        DUB          2,341          -        2,341  
Sell      KRW        437,119        7/24/2017        DUB          -          (197      (197
Sell      KRW        437,119        7/24/2017        DUB          430          -        430  
Sell      KRW        524,543        7/24/2017        DUB          605          -        605  
Buy      PHP        2,722,101        7/28/2017        DUB          -          (29,550      (29,550

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Type      Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by
Contract
       Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Sell      PHP        247,464        7/28/2017        DUB        $ 1,174        $ -      $ 1,174  
Sell      PHP        1,187,826        7/28/2017        DUB          5,136          -        5,136  
Sell      PHP        1,187,826        7/28/2017        DUB          3,833          -        3,833  
Sell      PHP        98,985        7/28/2017        DUB          231          -        231  
Sell      PHP        841,377        7/28/2017        DUB          -          (325      (325
Sell      PHP        841,377        7/28/2017        DUB          958          -        958  
Sell      PHP        791,884        7/28/2017        DUB          415          -        415  
Sell      PHP        395,942        7/28/2017        DUB          420          -        420  
Sell      PHP        49,493        7/28/2017        DUB          21          -        21  
Buy      BRL        13,613,450        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (729,052      (729,052
Buy      BRL        694,256        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (3,539      (3,539
Buy      BRL        392,405        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,701      (1,701
Buy      BRL        90,555        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,556      (1,556
Buy      BRL        90,555        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,575      (1,575
Buy      BRL        875,366        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (15,243      (15,243
Buy      BRL        120,740        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (2,063      (2,063
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (929      (929
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (944      (944
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (464      (464
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (455      (455
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (920      (920
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (924      (924
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (479      (479
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (957      (957
Buy      BRL        90,555        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,423      (1,423
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (949      (949
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (475      (475
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (476      (476
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (957      (957
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (488      (488
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (485      (485
Buy      BRL        181,110        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (3,137      (3,137
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (527      (527
Buy      BRL        181,110        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (3,162      (3,162
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (968      (968
Buy      BRL        905,551        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (17,810      (17,810
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (888      (888
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (469      (469
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (959      (959
Buy      BRL        90,555        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,557      (1,557
Buy      BRL        181,110        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (3,123      (3,123
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (497      (497
Buy      BRL        90,555        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,599      (1,599
Buy      BRL        633,886        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (10,171      (10,171
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (925      (925
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (951      (951
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (934      (934
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (475      (475
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (479      (479
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (900      (900
Buy      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (452      (452
Buy      BRL        60,370        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (931      (931
Sell      BRL        238,764        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,923      (1,923
Sell      BRL        476,924        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (4,181      (4,181
Sell      BRL        1,053,156        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (3,264      (3,264
Sell      BRL        542,123        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (4,680      (4,680
Sell      BRL        281,626        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (2,432      (2,432
Sell      BRL        771,529        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,543      (1,543
Sell      BRL        1,073,078        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (2,327      (2,327

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Type      Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by
Contract
       Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Sell      BRL        872,046        7/5/2017        HUS        $ -        $ (1,671    $ (1,671
Sell      BRL        994,295        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (2,007      (2,007
Sell      BRL        789,942        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (2,275      (2,275
Sell      BRL        548,462        7/5/2017        HUS          2,787          -        2,787  
Sell      BRL        578,949        7/5/2017        HUS          3,769          -        3,769  
Sell      BRL        1,262,338        7/5/2017        HUS          7,605          -        7,605  
Sell      BRL        333,243        7/5/2017        HUS          1,667          -        1,667  
Sell      BRL        235,141        7/5/2017        HUS          1,156          -        1,156  
Sell      BRL        1,841,287        7/5/2017        HUS          9,160          -        9,160  
Sell      BRL        814,996        7/5/2017        HUS          2,888          -        2,888  
Sell      BRL        477,829        7/5/2017        HUS          2,377          -        2,377  
Sell      BRL        789,942        7/5/2017        HUS          4,009          -        4,009  
Sell      BRL        271,665        7/5/2017        HUS          2,016          -        2,016  
Sell      BRL        1,237,586        7/5/2017        HUS          8,417          -        8,417  
Sell      BRL        301,850        7/5/2017        HUS          575          -        575  
Sell      BRL        543,331        7/5/2017        HUS          1,980          -        1,980  
Sell      BRL        482,961        7/5/2017        HUS          1,374          -        1,374  
Sell      BRL        513,146        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (31      (31
Sell      BRL        543,331        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (549      (549
Sell      BRL        543,331        7/5/2017        HUS          2,291          -        2,291  
Sell      BRL        271,665        7/5/2017        HUS          1,941          -        1,941  
Sell      BRL        150,925        7/5/2017        HUS          771          -        771  
Sell      BRL        90,555        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (729      (729
Sell      BRL        150,925        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,213      (1,213
Sell      BRL        150,925        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,234      (1,234
Sell      BRL        30,185        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (261      (261
Sell      BRL        150,925        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,350      (1,350
Sell      BRL        120,740        7/5/2017        HUS          -          (1,114      (1,114
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (194      (194
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (167      (167
Buy      BRL        270,071        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (962      (962
Buy      BRL        120,032        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (89      (89
Buy      BRL        180,047        8/2/2017        HUS          35          -        35  
Buy      BRL        120,032        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (89      (89
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (77      (77
Buy      BRL        227,460        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (585      (585
Buy      BRL        582,753        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (978      (978
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (21      (21
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          -        -  
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          9          -        9  
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          6          -        6  
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (17      (17
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (12      (12
Buy      BRL        525,438        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (3,197      (3,197
Buy      BRL        564,449        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (3,469      (3,469
Buy      BRL        16,504        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (106      (106
Buy      BRL        409,308        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (2,350      (2,350
Buy      BRL        376,299        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (2,553      (2,553
Buy      BRL        350,492        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (2,154      (2,154
Buy      BRL        386,502        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (1,906      (1,906
Buy      BRL        331,287        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (1,493      (1,493
Buy      BRL        662,574        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (3,007      (3,007
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (229      (229
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (189      (189
Buy      BRL        458,221        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (2,843      (2,843
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (109      (109
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (49      (49
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (74      (74
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (183      (183

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Type      Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by
Contract
       Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS        $ -        $ (140    $ (140
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (84      (84
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (189      (189
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (65      (65
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (127      (127
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (76      (76
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (164      (164
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (109      (109
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (64      (64
Buy      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (202      (202
Buy      BRL        277,273        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (839      (839
Buy      BRL        235,562        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (216      (216
Buy      BRL        352,893        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (850      (850
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (18      (18
Buy      BRL        424,612        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (364      (364
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (12      (12
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (20      (20
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (17      (17
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (21      (21
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (42      (42
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (21      (21
Buy      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (42      (42
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (25      (25
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (21      (21
Buy      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (26      (26
Buy      BRL        480,126        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (909      (909
Sell      BRL        90,024        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (844      (844
Sell      BRL        60,016        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (570      (570
Sell      BRL        150,039        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (1,358      (1,358
Sell      BRL        30,008        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (277      (277
Sell      BRL        150,039        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (1,079      (1,079
Sell      BRL        150,039        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (1,407      (1,407
Sell      BRL        180,047        8/2/2017        HUS          -          (1,768      (1,768
Buy      CLP        526,758        8/9/2017        HUS          3,247          -        3,247  
Buy      CLP        526,758        8/9/2017        HUS          2,902          -        2,902  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          2,883          -        2,883  
Buy      CLP        526,758        8/9/2017        HUS          5,801          -        5,801  
Buy      CLP        301,004        8/9/2017        HUS          2,760          -        2,760  
Buy      CLP        301,004        8/9/2017        HUS          2,630          -        2,630  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          2,960          -        2,960  
Buy      CLP        225,753        8/9/2017        HUS          2,366          -        2,366  
Buy      CLP        75,251        8/9/2017        HUS          984          -        984  
Buy      CLP        1,279,268        8/9/2017        HUS          3,911          -        3,911  
Buy      CLP        1,730,775        8/9/2017        HUS          3,037          -        3,037  
Buy      CLP        556,858        8/9/2017        HUS          852          -        852  
Buy      CLP        489,132        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (436      (436
Buy      CLP        112,877        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (101      (101
Buy      CLP        650,169        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (1,029      (1,029
Buy      CLP        704,350        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (1,126      (1,126
Buy      CLP        722,410        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (2,564      (2,564
Buy      CLP        361,205        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (1,173      (1,173
Buy      CLP        361,205        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (1,178      (1,178
Buy      CLP        602,009        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (2,444      (2,444
Buy      CLP        361,205        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (1,014      (1,014
Buy      CLP        75,251        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (194      (194
Buy      CLP        6,020,087        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (12,732      (12,732
Buy      CLP        225,753        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (632      (632
Buy      CLP        150,502        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (570      (570
Buy      CLP        75,251        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (280      (280

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Type      Currency      Principal Amount
Covered by
Contract
       Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Buy      CLP        75,251        8/9/2017        HUS        $ -        $ (250    $ (250
Buy      CLP        75,251        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (270      (270
Buy      CLP        150,502        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (449      (449
Buy      CLP        150,502        8/9/2017        HUS          1,672          -        1,672  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          3,588          -        3,588  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          2,781          -        2,781  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          3,099          -        3,099  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          3,266          -        3,266  
Buy      CLP        225,753        8/9/2017        HUS          2,024          -        2,024  
Buy      CLP        225,753        8/9/2017        HUS          2,051          -        2,051  
Buy      CLP        225,753        8/9/2017        HUS          1,747          -        1,747  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          3,049          -        3,049  
Buy      CLP        451,507        8/9/2017        HUS          3,076          -        3,076  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          1,920          -        1,920  
Buy      CLP        376,255        8/9/2017        HUS          2,647          -        2,647  
Buy      CLP        451,507        8/9/2017        HUS          3,357          -        3,357  
Buy      CLP        301,004        8/9/2017        HUS          2,040          -        2,040  
Buy      CLP        451,507        8/9/2017        HUS          2,053          -        2,053  
Buy      CLP        451,507        8/9/2017        HUS          2,692          -        2,692  
Buy      CLP        752,511        8/9/2017        HUS          3,814          -        3,814  
Buy      CLP        1,249,168        8/9/2017        HUS          1,337          -        1,337  
Buy      CLP        451,507        8/9/2017        HUS          1,799          -        1,799  
Sell      CLP        19,189,027        8/9/2017        HUS          -          (313,840      (313,840
Buy      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          -          (323      (323
Sell      COP        130,587        8/11/2017        HUS          1,218          -        1,218  
Sell      COP        195,880        8/11/2017        HUS          1,046          -        1,046  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          794          -        794  
Sell      COP        130,587        8/11/2017        HUS          631          -        631  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          281          -        281  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          457          -        457  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          277          -        277  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          260          -        260  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          189          -        189  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          209          -        209  
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          -          (94      (94
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          -          (232      (232
Sell      COP        65,293        8/11/2017        HUS          -          (195      (195
Buy      PEN        4,697,366        7/7/2017        RBS          33,615          -        33,615  
Sell      PEN        4,697,366        7/7/2017        RBS          -          (20,170      (20,170
Buy      GBP        153,331        7/20/2017        RBS          2,574          -        2,574  
Buy      GBP        470,585        7/20/2017        RBS          9,866          -        9,866  
Buy      EUR        4,556,105        7/20/2017        RBS          21,572          -        21,572  
Sell      KRW        4,837,854        7/20/2017        RBS          91,902          -        91,902  
Sell      HKD        5,884,469        7/20/2017        RBS          9,186          -        9,186  
Sell      GBP        5,368,672        7/20/2017        RBS          -          (94,421      (94,421
Sell      EUR        10,321,533        7/20/2017        RBS          -          (179,380      (179,380
Buy      PEN        4,681,455        8/10/2017        RBS          19,984          -        19,984  
                        

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 
                         $ 665,706        $ (2,079,922    $ (1,414,216
                        

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
DUB    Deutsche Bank AG
HUS    HSBC Bank (USA)
RBS    Royal Bank of Scotland PLC
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD    Australian Dollar
BRL    Brazilian Real
CAD    Canadian Dollar
CLP    Chilean Peso
COP    Colombian Peso
EUR    Euro
GBP    British Pound
HKD    Hong Kong Dollar
INR    Indian Rupee
JPY    Japanese Yen
KRW    South Korean Won
PEN    Peruvian Nuevo Sol
PHP    Philippine Peso
SEK    Swedish Krona
TWD    Taiwan Dollar
ZAR    South African Rand
Index Abbreviations:
ASX SPI 200    Australian Stock Market Index
CAC 40    Euronext Paris- French Stock Market Index
DAX    Deutsche Boerse AG German Stock Index
Euro Stoxx 50    Eurozone Blue-chip Index
FTSE 100    Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index
FTSE/JSE Top 40    Largest 40 companies ranked by full market value in the FTSE/JSE All-Share Index
FTSE/MIB    Borsa Italiana- Italian Stock Market Index
Hang Seng    Hong Kong Stock Market
IBEX    Bolsa de Madrid- Spanish Stock Market Index
KOSPI    South Korean Stock Market Index
MSCI EAFE    Morgan Stanley Capital International- Europe, Australasia and Far East
NASDAQ    National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
OMXS30    Stockholm Stock Exchange’s Leading share Index
Russell 2000    U.S. Small-Cap Stock Market Index
S&P 500    Standard and Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index
S&P/TSX    Canadian Equity Market Index
TOPIX    Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index
Exchange Abbreviations:
LME    London Metal Exchange
JSE    Johannesburg Stock Exchange
SGX    Singapore Stock Exchange
Other Abbreviations:
Bobl    Medium term debt that is issued by the Federal Republic of Germany
Bund    German Federal Government Bond
Buxl    Long term debt that is issued by the Federal Republic of Germany
Euribor    Euro Interbank Offer Rate
H-Shares    Shares of a company incorporated in the Chinese mainland
GILT    Bank of England Bonds
RBOB    Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygen Blending
SPI 200    Australian Equity Market Index Future
Sugar #11    World Benchmark for raw sugar
ULSD    Ultra-low-sulfur-diesel
WTI    West Texas Intermediate

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Short-Term Investments:

             

Investment Companies

  $ 18,589,023       $ -       $ -       $ 18,589,023  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -         412,040,289         -         412,040,289  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 18,589,023       $ 412,040,289       $ -       $ 430,629,312  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 7,516,244       $ -       $ -       $ 7,516,244  

Forward Currency Contracts

    665,706         -         -         665,706  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 8,181,950       $ -       $ -       $ 8,181,950  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

             

Futures Contracts

  $ (15,502,150     $ -       $ -       $ (15,502,150

Forward Currency Contracts

    (2,079,922       -         -         (2,079,922
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (17,582,072     $ -       $ -       $ (17,582,072
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 102.16%            
COMMON STOCKS - 13.64%            
Consumer Discretionary - 3.24%            
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 0.14%            
Belmond Ltd., Class AA       12,694         $ 168,830
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 0.23%            
William Lyon Homes, Class AA       11,400           275,196
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 2.48%            
Comcast Corp., Class A       3,237           125,984
Liberty Broadband Corp., Class AA       7,682           659,039
Liberty Global PLC, Tracking Stock, Class AA B       2,313           74,293
Liberty Media Corp – Liberty Formula One, Tracking Stock, Class AA B       8,593           301,013
Liberty Media Corp – Liberty SiriusXM, Tracking Stock, Class AA B       12,457           522,945
Naspers Ltd., Class N, ADR       22,745           462,861
Time Warner, Inc.       4,200           421,722
Time, Inc.       30,702           440,574
           

 

 

 
              3,008,431
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 0.29%            
Cabela’s, Inc.A       5,898           350,459
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.10%            
Kate Spade & Co.A       6,763           125,048
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              3,927,964
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 1.17%            
Food & Staples Retailing - 0.51%            
Kroger Co.       17,314           403,763
Rite Aid Corp.A       74,501           219,778
           

 

 

 
              623,541
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - 0.66%            
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., Class A       3,535           339,289
Unilever PLC, ADR       8,467           458,234
           

 

 

 
              797,523
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              1,421,064
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 5.72%            
Banks - 0.78%            
Bank of Kyoto Ltd.       44,695           421,220
Zions Bancorporation       11,800           518,138
           

 

 

 
              939,358
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 0.68%            
Stellar Acquisition III, Inc.A C       79,564           821,100
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Financial Services - 3.77%            
Avista Healthcare Public Acquisition Corp.A C       72,700           748,083
Boulevard Acquisition Corp. IA C       8,518           87,821
Boulevard Acquisition Corp. IIA       48,370           484,667
Double Eagle Acquisition Corp.A C       6,638           70,628
Electrum Special Acquisition Corp.A       51,142           516,023
Forum Merger Corp.A C       42,052           428,510
Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IIIA C       62,855           631,693
Kayne Anderson Acquisition Corp.A C       46,380           463,800
M I Acquisitions, Inc.A C       45,000           463,500
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.A       49,949           475,514

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 13.64% (continued)            
Financials - 5.72% (continued)            
Silver Run Acquisition Corp. IIA C       18,891         $ 200,434
           

 

 

 
              4,570,673
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 0.49%            
Crawford & Co., Class A       76,680           596,570
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              6,927,701
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 0.54%            
Aerospace & Defense - 0.34%            
HEICO Corp., Class A       6,586           408,661
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - 0.20%            
Alaska Air Group, Inc.       1,400           125,947
Delta Air Lines, Inc.       2,200           118,700
           

 

 

 
              244,647
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              653,308
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 1.93%            
Internet Software & Services - 0.53%            
Cision Ltd.       8,677           80,405
Sohu.com, Inc.A       12,540           565,053
           

 

 

 
              645,458
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 0.28%            
NXP Semiconductors N.V.A       3,038           332,509
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 1.12%            
Dell Technologies, Inc., Tracking Stock, Class VA B       22,293           1,362,325
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              2,340,292
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.80%            
Chemicals - 0.36%            
Delta Technology Holdings Ltd.A       8,380           14,498
Monsanto Co.       3,551           420,296
           

 

 

 
              434,794
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 0.44%            
Vale SA, Sponsored ADR       60,876           532,665
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              967,459
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - 0.24%            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - 0.24%            
SFR Group SAA       8,095           274,135
Telefonica S.A., ADR       1,700           17,663
           

 

 

 
              291,798
           

 

 

 
           

Total Telecommunication Services

              291,798
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $15,788,027)

              16,529,586
           

 

 

 
           
WARRANTS - 7.50%            
Consumer Discretionary - 0.98%            
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 0.91%            
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., 06/30/2020, Strike Price $11.50A       283,430           1,102,542
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
WARRANTS - 7.50% (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - 0.98% (continued)            
Media - 0.07%            
Hemisphere Media Group, Inc., 04/04/2018, Strike Price $12.00A       220,705         $ 81,661
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              1,184,203
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 0.28%            
Food Products - 0.28%            
Hostess Brands, Inc., 11/04/2021, Strike Price $11.50A       116,899           340,176
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 5.83%            
Banks - 5.81%            
SunTrust Banks, Inc., 11/14/2018, Strike Price $44.15A       144,408           2,013,047
TCF Financial Corp., 11/14/2018, Strike Price $16.93A       176,393           238,131
Zions Bancorporation, 05/22/2020, Strike Price $35.70A       290,002           3,668,525
Associated Banc Corp., 11/21/2018, Strike Price $19.77A       189,882           1,122,203
           

 

 

 
              7,041,906
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 0.02%            
National Energy Services Reunited Corp., 06/05/2022, Strike Price $5.75A       49,949           27,472
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              7,069,378
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 0.09%            
Biotechnology - 0.09%            
BioTime, Inc., 10/01/2018, Strike Price $4.55A       341,766           112,783
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 0.05%            
Internet Software & Services - 0.01%            
Cision Ltd., 06/30/2022, Strike Price $11.50A       4,338           6,227
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 0.04%            
Eastman Kodak Co., 09/03/2018, Strike Price $16.12A       165,168           56,157
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              62,384
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.27%            
Chemicals - 0.26%            
AgroFresh Solutions, Inc., 02/19/2019, Strike Price $11.50A       334,510           311,094
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 0.01%            
Alio Gold, Inc., 05/30/2018, Strike Price CAD 7.00A       88,383           10,905
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              321,999
           

 

 

 
           

Total Warrants (Cost $4,723,502)

              9,090,923
           

 

 

 
           
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS - 12.23%            
Energy - 1.11%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.11%            
WPX Energy, Inc., Series A       18,620           878,305
Hess Corp.       8,174           454,638
Southwestern Energy Co., Series B       1,200           17,508
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              1,350,451
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 1.83%            
Capital Markets - 1.83%            
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., Series D       22,034           2,213,977
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS - 12.23% (continued)            
Health Care - 3.55%            
Pharmaceuticals - 1.99%            
Allergan PLC, Series A       2,785         $ 2,417,603
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 1.56%            
Becton Dickinson and Co., Series A       34,495           1,889,636
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              4,307,239
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 1.90%            
Aerospace & Defense - 0.70%            
Arconic, Inc.       23,884           855,047
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 1.20%            
Rexnord Corp., Series A       26,772           1,452,381
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              2,307,428
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 3.02%            
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 1.67%            
SunEdison, Inc., Series A       500           1,245
MTS Systems Corp.       16,785           2,015,543
           

 

 

 
              2,016,788
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 1.35%            
Belden, Inc.       15,820           1,641,009
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              3,657,797
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.19%            
Chemicals - 0.19%            
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc., Series A       1,947           228,928
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 0.63%            
Multi-Utilities - 0.63%            
Dominion Resources, Inc., Series A       15,150           762,348
           

 

 

 
           

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks (Cost $14,584,104)

              14,828,168
           

 

 

 
           
    Principal Amount*        
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 18.67%            
Communications - 6.37%            

Ctrip.com International Ltd., 1.250%, Due 10/15/2018

    $ 1,357,000           1,917,611

Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One, 1.000%, Due 1/30/2023D

      1,306,000           1,512,511

SINA Corp., 1.000%, Due 12/1/2018

      863,000           896,441

Telefonica Participaciones SAU, 4.900%, Due 9/25/2017D

    EUR     3,200,000           3,395,383
           

 

 

 
              7,721,946
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 2.50%            

RH, 0.010%, Due 7/15/2020D

      531,000           451,350

Tesla, Inc., 2.375%, Due 3/15/2022

      2,048,000           2,572,800
           

 

 

 
              3,024,150
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 1.96%            

Depomed, Inc., 2.500%, Due 9/1/2021

      242,000           212,355

Flexion Therapeutics, Inc., 3.375%, Due 5/1/2024D

      1,323,000           1,352,767

Teladoc, Inc., 3.000%, Due 12/15/2022D

      772,000           813,495
           

 

 

 
              2,378,617
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 18.67% (continued)            
Energy - 0.62%            

Ensco Jersey Finance Ltd., 3.000%, Due 1/31/2024D

    $ 981,000         $ 756,596
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 1.70%            

Colony Starwood Homes, 3.500%, Due 1/15/2022D

      1,930,000           2,062,688
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 1.93%            

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., 1.875%, Due 6/1/2024

      703,000           766,270

Kaman Corp., 3.250%, Due 5/1/2024D

      1,547,000           1,567,304
           

 

 

 
              2,333,574
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 3.59%            

RealPage, Inc., 1.500%, Due 11/15/2022D

      2,469,000           2,686,581

ServiceNow, Inc., 0.010%, Due 6/1/2022D

      1,631,000           1,661,581
           

 

 

 
              4,348,162
           

 

 

 
           

Total Convertible Obligations (Cost $21,556,303)

              22,625,733
           

 

 

 
           
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 1.17% (Cost $1,551,273)            
Industrial - 1.17%            

Golar LNG Ltd., 2.750%, Due 2/15/2022D

      1,536,000           1,420,800
           

 

 

 
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS - 20.10%            
Agency CMO Interest Only - 4.54%            

Fannie Mae Interest Strip, 8.500%, Due 3/25/2023, 211 2

      217,406           36,543

5.000%, Due 4/25/2034, 351 5

      258,088           52,740

5.500%, Due 7/25/2035, 359 13

      1,371,020           281,633

5.500%, Due 8/25/2035, 359 14

      1,023,553           216,403

5.500%, Due 10/25/2035, 359 12

      980,705           214,959

7.000%, Due 2/25/2037, 381 17

      758,252           188,613

Freddie Mac REMIC Trust, 5.500%, Due 10/15/2025, 3046 BI IO

      1,319,817           154,734

6.941%, Due 2/15/2028, 2526 SWE

      106,077           19,520

8.500%, Due 1/15/2030, 2206 IO

      127,843           29,571

6.791%, Due 2/15/2032, 2411 SE

      737,605           129,881

7.000%, Due 4/15/2032, 2525 IK

      131,964           36,567

6.641%, Due 6/15/2032, 3489 SDE

      109,834           21,849

5.500%, Due 3/15/2033, 2581 IL

      688,068           180,737

11.124%, Due 7/15/2033, 2647 IVE

      507,357           337,197

4.891%, Due 3/15/2035, 2950 SNE

      762,742           125,541

5.500%, Due 4/15/2036, 4624 BI

      2,479,661           513,553

5.541%, Due 10/15/2036, 3232 STE

      155,896           24,589

5.531%, Due 12/15/2036, 3256 SE

      1,090,144           207,930

5.161%, Due 12/15/2036, 3257 SIE

      559,257           96,358

5.291%, Due 3/15/2037, 3284 BI IOE

      1,046,789           205,363

5.971%, Due 7/15/2037, 3355 KIE

      2,425,914           334,518

4.871%, Due 9/15/2037, 3368 AIE

      1,278,834           215,822

1.000%, Due 3/15/2038, 3421 IO

      9,884,645           359,320

1.887%, Due 4/15/2039, 4314 ITF

      3,793,290           233,272

5.308%, Due 9/15/2041, 3997 ESE

      77,957           78,533

1.722%, Due 10/15/2041, 4413 WIF

      865,336           46,663

3.000%, Due 12/15/2042, 4594 IJ

      3,546,332           463,859

4.235%, Due 12/15/2042, 303 157F

      1,664,983           321,607

0.658%, Due 4/15/2043, 4517 KIE

      3,508,955           102,738

6.000%, Due 6/15/2045, 4496 ID

      1,289,841           273,492
           

 

 

 
              5,504,105
           

 

 

 
           
Agency CMO Interest Only Inverse Floater - 15.56%            

Fannie Mae REMIC Trust,

           

6.034%, Due 2/25/2024, 1996-45 SIE

      1,203,266           146,069

6.500%, Due 3/25/2027, 1997-9 H

      759,280           112,029

6.791%, Due 9/17/2027, 1997-65 SIE

      1,537,512           280,730

7.000%, Due 10/25/2031, 2016-3 IK

      894,515           197,387

6.534%, Due 3/25/2032, 2002-8 SCE

      136,601           30,778

5.784%, Due 9/25/2032, 2002-90 DSE

      831,186           140,146

6.784%, Due 12/25/2032, 2002-86 USE

      548,280           111,758

5.500%, Due 7/25/2033, 2004-62 TPE

      1,906,631           380,377

4.500%, Due 12/25/2033, 2003-119 GI

      116,555           28,419

5.384%, Due 2/25/2035, 2005-2 SE

      186,665           35,003

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS - 20.10% (continued)            
Agency CMO Interest Only Inverse Floater - 15.56% (continued)            

Fannie Mae REMIC Trust, (continued)

           

5.414%, Due 7/25/2035, 2005-66 LSE

    $ 2,062,568         $ 392,469

5.454%, Due 10/25/2035, 2005-83 SLE

      653,561           118,945

6.034%, Due 6/25/2036, 2006-46 ESE

      1,365,383           262,488

5.354%, Due 6/25/2036, 2006-44 SFE

      3,474,288           590,891

5.394%, Due 7/25/2036, 2007-28 GSE

      859,767           151,280

5.364%, Due 10/25/2036, 2006-92 LIE

      1,215,005           232,270

4.834%, Due 11/25/2036, 2008-50 SAE

      174,496           27,471

5.424%, Due 12/25/2036, 2006-117 SAE

      1,269,148           230,795

5.284%, Due 2/25/2037, 2007-1 NIE

      1,350,103           200,897

5.000%, Due 3/25/2039, 2009-11 TIF

      869,247           166,912

5.000%, Due 5/25/2039, 2009-50 GI

      897,103           146,065

5.000%, Due 2/25/2040, 2010-16 PI

      139,440           31,857

5.264%, Due 7/25/2040, 2010-68 SCE

      1,259,490           246,682

7.499%, Due 12/25/2041, 2011-130 NYE

      187,753           200,816

5.500%, Due 12/25/2043, 2014-38 QI

      1,541,792           400,353

5.500%, Due 5/25/2045, 2015-30 IO

      2,503,365           559,461

5.000%, Due 5/25/2045, 2015-30 EI

      1,531,925           311,020

5.000%, Due 10/25/2045, 2015-70 JI

      1,286,622           261,722

5.500%, Due 7/25/2046, 2016-45 MI

      2,750,799           624,199

Ginnie Mae REMIC Trust,

           

6.328%, Due 5/16/2031, 2001-22 SDE

      347,508           65,107

6.328%, Due 6/16/2032, 2002-41 SYE

      100,523           15,745

6.528%, Due 2/16/2033, 2003-11 SKE

      244,955           39,885

6.438%, Due 6/20/2033, 2004-56 SE

      389,509           85,847

5.258%, Due 10/16/2033, 2003-92 SNE

      158,427           23,845

5.388%, Due 11/20/2033, 2003-98 SCE

      1,107,734           214,662

5.938%, Due 11/20/2033, 2004-37 SME

      923,325           52,311

5.378%, Due 5/16/2034, 2004-40 SBE

      2,229,050           353,116

5.888%, Due 6/20/2034, 2004-46 SE

      2,491,221           521,227

4.888%, Due 9/20/2034, 2004-86 SPE

      149,031           18,606

4.888%, Due 1/20/2035, 2009-25 SBE

      1,523,786           40,856

5.000%, Due 6/20/2035, 2014-183 IM

      1,653,426           406,191

5.628%, Due 8/16/2036, 2006-47 SAE

      1,360,743           251,747

5.500%, Due 9/20/2036, 2016-78 TI

      5,497,955           429,310

5.388%, Due 11/16/2036, 2008-83 SDE

      90,463           15,823

5.488%, Due 6/20/2037, 2010-47 PXE

      1,078,131           191,743

5.438%, Due 12/20/2037, 2007-81 SPE

      2,182,743           394,283

5.228%, Due 5/16/2038, 2008-40 SAE

      262,923           44,822

5.000%, Due 9/20/2038, 2016-12 KI

      1,077,824           272,430

5.500%, Due 5/16/2039, 2009-76 GI

      1,000,394           180,880

4.500%, Due 1/16/2040, 2016-44 PI

      2,030,994           413,579

4.000%, Due 2/20/2040, 2015-162 LI

      1,555,629           232,342

4.788%, Due 5/20/2040, 2016-75 SAE

      3,075,482           462,428

6.000%, Due 9/20/2040, 2016-75 IO

      2,134,020           499,782

3.500%, Due 10/20/2041, 2013-81 PI

      4,097,978           520,944

5.000%, Due 5/16/2042, 2013-44 IB

      1,201,740           292,603

3.500%, Due 5/16/2042, 2015-84 IO

      3,616,503           698,704

5.000%, Due 6/20/2043, 2013-86 IA

      305,379           69,450

5.528%, Due 8/16/2043, 2013-113 SDE

      1,617,010           298,711

4.938%, Due 11/20/2043, 2013-165 STE

      143,543           21,739

0.967%, Due 1/16/2044, 2015-80 HIF

      2,922,006           114,003

5.500%, Due 1/20/2044, 2014-2 TI

      388,142           76,769

6.000%, Due 5/20/2044, 2016-1 IO

      1,688,087           329,338

5.750%, Due 11/20/2044, 2014-161 SLE

      125,523           23,446

5.000%, Due 12/16/2045, 2015-180 CI

      2,037,860           500,919

4.500%, Due 5/20/2046, 2016-69 WI

      2,433,863           565,021

3.500%, Due 11/20/2046, 2016-163 MI

      4,872,998           585,137

1.952%, Due 6/20/2065, 2015-H17 BIF

      4,310,947           483,465

2.217%, Due 1/20/2066, 2016-H04 BIF

      4,872,043           517,655

1.929%, Due 2/20/2066, 2016-H04 KIF

      4,870,539           413,996

2.263%, Due 2/20/2066, 2016-H07 NIF

      4,897,121           532,562

2.479%, Due 4/20/2066, 2016-H13 EIF

      4,040,381           472,220

2.343%, Due 7/20/2066, 2016-H15 AIF

      4,000,617           492,576
           

 

 

 
              18,855,114
           

 

 

 
           

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $24,721,888)

              24,359,219
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
INVESTMENT COMPANIES - 5.97%            
Closed-End Funds - 5.97%            
BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust       177,793         $ 1,424,122
Pershing Square Holdings Ltd./FundA       22,397           335,955
Turkish Investment Fund, Inc.       81,131           778,046
Cushing Energy Income Fund       38,185           323,809
GDL Fund       66,763           684,988
Altaba, Inc.A       67,789           3,693,145
           

 

 

 

Total Closed-End Funds

              7,240,065
           

 

 

 
           

Total Investment Companies (Cost $6,846,468)

              7,240,065
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - 10.15%            
Exchange Traded Funds - 6.86%            
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF       61,100           2,528,929
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust       16,500           3,989,700
VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF       53,600           1,789,168
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

              8,307,797
           

 

 

 
           
Exchange-Traded Notes - 3.29%            
iPath S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures ETNA       44,235           1,001,480
iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETNA       187,200           2,388,672
VelocityShares Daily Inverse VIX Short Term ETNA       7,162           597,741
           

 

 

 

Total Exchange-Traded Notes

              3,987,893
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Instruments (Cost $12,746,903)

              12,295,690
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 12.73% (Cost $15,426,138)            
Investment Companies - 12.73%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%G H       15,426,138           15,426,138
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITIES HELD LONG (Cost $117,944,606)

              123,816,322
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES HELD SHORT – (60.87%)            
COMMON STOCKS - (50.83%)            
Consumer Discretionary - (9.10%)            
Automobiles - (1.55%)            
Tesla, Inc.A       (5,203 )           (1,881,457 )
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - (2.30%)            
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.A       (191,164 )           (2,628,505 )
Marriott International, Inc., Class A       (1,557 )           (156,183 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,784,688 )
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - (0.23%)            
William Lyon Homes, Class AA       (11,400 )           (275,196 )
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - (1.67%)            
Ctrip.com International Ltd., ADRA       (37,534 )           (2,021,581 )
           

 

 

 
           
Media - (3.25%)            
Altice N.V., Class AA       (23,127 )           (533,573 )
Hemisphere Media Group, Inc.A       (64,875 )           (768,769 )
Liberty Broadband Corp.A       (6,878 )           (596,666 )
Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One, Tracking Stock, Class CA B       (31,081 )           (1,138,186 )
Liberty Media Corp-Liberty SiriusXM, Tracking Stock, Class CA B       (11,726 )           (488,974 )
New York Times Co., Class A       (23,628 )           (418,216 )
           

 

 

 
              (3,944,384 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

26


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (50.83%) (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - (9.10%) (continued)            
Specialty Retail - (0.10%)            
Restoration HardwareA       (1,816 )         $ (117,168 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              (11,024,474 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - (1.30%)            
Food Products - (0.65%)            
Hostess Brands, Inc.A       (48,907 )           (787,403 )
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - (0.65%)            
L’Oreal S.A.       (1,557 )           (324,367 )
Unilever N.V.       (8,467 )           (467,971 )
           

 

 

 
              (792,338 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              (1,579,741 )
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - (1.11%)            
Energy Equipment & Services - (0.05%)            
Ensco PLC, Class A       (11,334 )           (58,484 )
           

 

 

 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - (1.06%)            
Golar LNG Ltd.       (16,821 )           (374,267 )
Hess Corp.       (6,059 )           (265,808 )
WPX Energy, Inc.A       (66,754 )           (644,844 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,284,919 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              (1,343,403 )
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - (19.66%)            
Banks - (17.67%)            
Associated Banc-Corp       (151,576 )           (3,819,715 )
SunTrust Banks, Inc.       (107,179 )           (6,079,193 )
TCF Financial Corp.       (82,051 )           (1,307,893 )
Zions Bancorp       (232,493 )           (10,208,767 )
           

 

 

 
              (21,415,568 )
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - (1.43%)            
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.       (15,646 )           (1,735,924 )
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - (0.56%)            
Crawford & Co., Class B       (73,316 )           (681,839 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              (23,833,331 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - (3.55%)            
Biotechnology - (0.68%)            
BioTime, Inc.A       (73,275 )           (230,816 )
Flexion Therapeutics, Inc.A       (29,216 )           (590,748 )
           

 

 

 
              (821,564 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - (1.07%)            
Becton Dickinson and Co.       (5,776 )           (1,126,955 )
CR Bard, Inc.       (541 )           (171,016 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,297,971 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

27


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (50.83%) (continued)            
Health Care Providers & Services - (0.32%)            
Teladoc, Inc.A       (11,323 )         $ (392,908 )
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - (1.48%)            
Allergan PLC       (7,374 )           (1,792,545 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              (4,304,988 )
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - (3.12%)            
Aerospace & Defense - (1.06%)            
Arconic, Inc.       (36,071 )           (817,008 )
HEICO Corp.       (6,547 )           (470,337 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,287,345 )
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - (0.33%)            
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.A       (7,643 )           (398,582 )
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - (0.20%)            
Spirit Airlines, Inc.A       (4,700 )           (242,573 )
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - (0.94%)            
Rexnord Corp.A       (48,633 )           (1,130,717 )
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - (0.59%)            
Kaman Corp.       (14,364 )           (716,333 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              (3,775,550 )
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - (8.88%)            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - (2.48%)            
Belden, Inc.       (17,201 )           (1,297,471 )
MTS Systems Corp.       (32,951 )           (1,706,862 )
           

 

 

 
              (3,004,333 )
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - (3.50%)            
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Sponsored ADRA       (24,205 )           (3,410,485 )
SINA Corp.A       (2,925 )           (248,537 )
Tencent Holdings Ltd., ADR       (16,297 )           (586,040 )
           

 

 

 
              (4,245,062 )
           

 

 

 
           
Software - (2.74%)            
Changyou.com Ltd., ADRA       (6,922 )           (268,297 )
RealPage, Inc.A       (35,649 )           (1,281,582 )
ServiceNow, Inc.A       (6,209 )           (658,154 )
VMware, Inc., Class AA       (12,698 )           (1,110,186 )
           

 

 

 
              (3,318,219 )
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - (0.16%)            
Eastman Kodak Co.A       (20,872 )           (189,935 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              (10,757,549 )
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - (0.82%)            
Chemicals - (0.82%)            
AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.A       (113,236 )           (813,034 )
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.       (11,618 )           (182,635 )
           

 

 

 
              (995,669 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              (995,669 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

28


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (50.83%) (continued)            
Real Estate - (1.04%)            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - (1.04%)            
Colony Starwood Homes       (36,895 )         $ (1,265,868 )
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - (1.83%)            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - (1.83%)            
Telefonica SA       (196,086 )           (2,024,147 )
Telefonica SA, ADR       (19,008 )           (197,493 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,221,640 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Telecommunication Services

              (2,221,640 )
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - (0.42%)            
Multi-Utilities - (0.42%)            
Dominion Resources, Inc.       (6,578 )           (504,072 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Proceeds $(58,697,363))

              (61,606,285 )
           

 

 

 
           
PREFERRED STOCKS - (0.38%) (Proceeds $(525,843))            
Materials - (0.38%)            
Vale SA, ADR       (55,722 )           (454,134 )
           

 

 

 
    Principal Amount*        
           
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - (0.62%) (Proceeds $(804,420))            
Energy - (0.62%)            
Ensco PLC, 4.500%, Due 10/1/2024     $                 (981,000)             (755,370 )
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - (9.04%)            
Exchange Traded Funds - (6.76%)            
CurrencyShares Euro TrustA       (6,709 )           (741,210 )
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 3X SharesA       (9,011 )           (280,062 )
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 3X SharesA       (18,789 )           (568,555 )
iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF       (6,050 )           (206,547 )
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF       (86,627 )           (3,585,492 )
iShares MSCI Turkey ETF       (13,935 )           (578,442 )
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF       (339 )           (7,485 )
VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF       (53,600 )           (1,789,168 )
WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund       (8,463 )           (440,076 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

              (8,197,037 )
           

 

 

 
           
Exchange-Traded Notes - (2.28%)            
iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETNA       (216,233 )           (2,759,133 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS (Proceeds $(11,791,787))

              (10,956,170 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT (Proceeds $(71,819,413))

              (73,771,959 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (EXCLUDES SECURITIES SOLD SHORT) - 102.16%
(Cost $117,944,606)

              123,816,322

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS AND SWAPTIONS - 6.44% (Cost $10,687,131)

              7,806,894

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS AND SWAPTIONS - (2.72%) (Cost $(4,526,738))

              (3,298,244 )

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (60.87%) (Proceeds $(71,819,413))

              (73,771,959 )

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 54.99%

              66,645,847
           

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 121,198,860
           

 

 

 
           

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

*In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.

                 

 

See accompanying notes

 

29


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

A Non-income producing security.

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

C Unit - Usually consists of one common stock and/or rights and warrants.

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 $17,681,056 or 14.59% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

E 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.

F Variable rate.

G 7-day effective yield.

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

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

CAD - Canadian Dollar.

CMO - Collateralized Mortgage Obligation.

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund.

ETN - Exchange-Traded Note.

MSCI - Morgan Stanley Composite Index.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

S&P - Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

S&P 500 - Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large Cap Index.

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipts.

VIX - Volatility Index.

 

Futures Contracts Open on June 30, 2017:  
Description      Type      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
NASDAQ 100 E-Mini Futures      Long      23      September 2017      $ 2,600,265        $ (24,209
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      Long      7      September 2017        847,315          (7,523
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 
               $ 3,447,580        $ (31,732
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Purchased Options Open on June 30, 2017:  
Equity Options  
Description    Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
   Currency   Number of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call – Arconic, Inc.      29.00      07/21/2017    USD     89      $ 1,999      $ 267      $ (1,732
Call – Arconic, Inc.      32.00      07/21/2017    USD     74        1,890        74        (1,816
Put – Arconic, Inc.      21.00      07/21/2017    USD     22        298        594        296  
Put – SunTrust Banks, Inc.      60.00      07/21/2017    USD     292        150,166        101,470        (48,696
Call – Telefonica SA      10.00      09/15/2017    USD     201        10,738        13,567        2,829  
Call – Comcast Corp.*      32.50      09/15/2017    USD     900        528,902        603,000        74,098  
Call – Comcast Corp.*      42.50      09/15/2017    USD     1,398        87,273        50,328        (36,945
Call – Telefonica S.A.      12.50      09/15/2017    USD     18        190        45        (145
Put – Palo Alto Networks, Inc.      80.00      09/15/2017    USD     128        15,750        1,600        (14,150
Put – Telefonica S.A.      10.00      09/15/2017    USD     539        16,730        16,170        (560
Put – Southwestern Energy Co.      5.00      09/15/2017    USD     120        2,345        2,400        55  
Call – General Mills, Inc.      55.00      10/20/2017    USD     265        99,329        59,890        (39,439
Call – VMware, Inc.      110.00      10/20/2017    USD     285        10,034        9,263        (771
Call – Dell Technologies, Inc. Class V      55.00      10/20/2017    USD     284        292,296        218,680        (73,616
Call – Zions Bancorporation      42.00      10/20/2017    USD     200        30,459        73,000        42,541  
Call – Walt Disney Co.      125.00      01/19/2018    USD     155        9,384        9,300        (84
Call – Mondelez International, Inc.      30.00      01/19/2018    USD     192        310,376        259,680        (50,696
Call – Mondelez International, Inc.      55.00      01/19/2018    USD     99        17,478        2,772        (14,706
Call – Walt Disney Co.      90.00      01/19/2018    USD     189        443,936        323,190        (120,746
Call – Ctrip.com International Ltd.      47.50      01/19/2018    USD     126        75,983        111,510        35,527  
Put – Ctrip.com International Ltd.      47.50      01/19/2018    USD     126        63,383        26,775        (36,608
Put – Golar LNG Ltd.      15.00      01/19/2018    USD     514        55,020        52,685        (2,335
Put – Tesla, Inc.      110.00      01/19/2018    USD     143        17,166        8,866        (8,300
Call – Ford Motor Co.      15.00      01/18/2019    USD     1,494        56,049        31,374        (24,675
             

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              $ 2,297,174      $ 1,976,500      $ (320,674
             

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

30


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Options  
Description    Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
   Currency   Number of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call – VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF      18.00     7/21/2017    USD     750      $ 314,087      $ 305,625     $ (8,462
Put – iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF      33.00     7/21/2017    USD     11        957        561       (396
Put – iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF      86.00     7/21/2017    USD     918        21,913        12,852       (9,061
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF      42.00     8/18/2017    USD     1,240        5,857        2,480       (3,377
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF      41.00     8/18/2017    USD     1,260        5,951        2,520       (3,431
Call – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF      50.78     1/19/2018    USD     529        83,604        170,603       86,999  
Call – iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF      41.00     1/19/2018    USD     2,503        588,312        581,947       (6,365
Call – iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF      34.00     1/19/2018    USD     816        274,064        252,960       (21,104
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF      40.78     1/19/2018    USD     979        382,071        27,412       (354,659
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF      37.78     1/19/2018    USD     2,663        940,387        42,608       (897,779
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF      30.00     1/19/2018    USD     121        20,595        363       (20,232
Put – iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF      41.00     1/19/2018    USD     2,503        620,852        500,600       (120,252
Put – iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF      33.00     1/19/2018    USD     596        243,309        157,344       (85,965
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      108.00     1/18/2019    USD     618        275,715        426,420       150,705  
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      113.00     1/18/2019    USD     1,900        551,849        779,000       227,151  
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      105.00     1/18/2019    USD     500        310,862        455,000       144,138  
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      112.00     1/18/2019    USD     275        74,449        122,375       47,926  
Put – CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust ETF      87.00     1/18/2019    USD     930        354,683        378,510       23,827  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      102.00     1/18/2019    USD     400        144,217        53,400       (90,817
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      103.00     1/18/2019    USD     1,650        654,376        249,150       (405,226
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      101.00     1/18/2019    USD     150        48,531        17,250       (31,281
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      108.00     1/18/2019    USD     567        364,513        155,925       (208,588
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      106.00     1/18/2019    USD     381        207,672        80,772       (126,900
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF      104.00     1/18/2019    USD     1,589        653,253        272,514       (380,739
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
             $ 7,142,079      $ 5,048,191     $ (2,093,888
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Exchange-Traded Note Options  
Description    Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
   Currency   Number of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call – iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN      18.00     9/15/2017    USD     1,500      $ 145,565      $ 93,000     $ (52,565
Call – iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN      14.00     9/15/2017    USD     444        114,568        49,728       (64,840
Put – iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN      12.00     9/15/2017    USD     2,271        209,593        249,810       40,217  
Put – iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN      11.00     9/15/2017    USD     1,742        109,220        95,810       (13,410
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
             $ 578,946      $ 488,348     $ (90,598
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Index Options  
Description    Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
   Currency   Number of
Contracts
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Put – S&P 500 Index      2,375.00     7/31/2017    USD     2,800      $ 27,735      $ 30,380     $ 2,645  
Call – S&P 500 Index      2,465.00     8/11/2017    USD     4,600        64,885        45,540       (19,345
Put – Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 3X Shares      4.00     1/19/2018    USD     300,600        576,312        217,935       (358,377
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
             $ 668,932      $ 293,855     $ (375,077
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

31


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Written Options Open on June 30, 2017:  
Equity Options  
Description   Exercise
Price
  Expiration
Date
  Currency   Number of
Contracts
    Premiums
Received
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call – VMware, Inc.   85.00   07/21/2017   USD     45     $ (26,622   $ (15,750   $ 10,872  
Call – General Mills, Inc.   62.50   07/21/2017   USD     194       (61,974     (1,358     60,616  
Call – Comcast Corp.*   37.50   09/15/2017   USD     1,800       (412,989     (448,200     (35,211
Call – VMware, Inc.   90.00   10/20/2017   USD     285       (166,662     (104,025     62,637  
Call – Visa, Inc.   92.50   12/15/2017   USD     100       (52,345     (57,000     (4,656
Put – Visa, Inc.   92.50   12/15/2017   USD     100       (52,095     (38,250     13,845  
Call – Mondelez International, Inc.   42.00   01/19/2018   USD     275       (189,322     (102,438     86,885  
Call – Walt Disney Co.   110.00   01/19/2018   USD     359       (300,409     (131,035     169,374  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (1,262,418   $ (898,056   $ 364,362  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Options  
Description   Exercise
Price
  Expiration
Date
  Currency   Number of
Contracts
    Premiums
Received
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call – iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF   34.00   7/21/2017   USD     99     $ (18,809   $ (10,098   $ 8,711  
Call – iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF   34.00   8/18/2017   USD     717       (123,075     (108,984     14,091  
Call – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF   52.00   8/18/2017   USD     100       (11,827     (10,400     1,427  
Put – iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF   33.00   8/18/2017   USD     607       (78,275     (56,451     21,824  
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF   37.00   8/18/2017   USD     2,500       (77,397     (3,750     73,647  
Put – WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF   51.00   8/18/2017   USD     100       (16,227     (6,400     9,827  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   103.00   9/15/2017   USD     439       (72,588     (2,415     70,173  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   104.00   9/15/2017   USD     500       (61,637     (4,000     57,637  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   109.00   12/15/2017   USD     200       (32,755     (27,100     5,655  
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   108.00   1/19/2018   USD     618       (119,279     (262,032     (142,753
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   113.00   1/19/2018   USD     1,500       (124,463     (229,500     (105,037
Call – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   105.00   1/19/2018   USD     500       (174,134     (328,999     (154,865
Put – CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust ETF   87.00   1/19/2018   USD     930       (238,263     (264,120     (25,857
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   101.00   1/19/2018   USD     1,150       (205,791     (24,150     181,641  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   103.00   1/19/2018   USD     900       (215,706     (29,700     186,006  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   102.00   1/19/2018   USD     800       (191,361     (21,600     169,761  
Put – CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   107.00   1/19/2018   USD     933       (414,699     (86,769     327,930  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (2,176,286   $ (1,476,468   $ 699,818  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Index Options  
Description   Exercise
Price
  Expiration
Date
  Currency   Number of
Contracts
    Premiums
Received
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call – NASDAQ 100 Stock Index   5,825.00   09/15/2017   USD     12     $ (143,355   $ (96,840   $ 46,515  
Call – S&P 500 Index   2,400.00   01/19/2018   USD     42       (373,664     (430,920     (57,256
Put – Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 3X Shares   20.00   01/19/2018   USD     200       (119,653     (65,000     54,653  
Put – S&P 500 Index   2,400.00   01/19/2018   USD     42       (451,362     (330,960     120,402  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (1,088,034   $ (923,720   $ 164,314  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* OTC Contracts

 

See accompanying notes

 

32


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Glossary:
  
Currency Abbreviations:
EUR    Euro
USD    United States Dollar
Index Abbreviations:
NASDAQ    National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 16,529,586       $ -        $ -       $ 16,529,586  

Warrants

    9,090,923         -          -         9,090,923  

Convertible Preferred Stocks

    14,828,168         -          -         14,828,168  

Convertible Obligations

    -         22,625,733          -         22,625,733  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

    -         1,420,800          -         1,420,800  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    -         22,895,006          1,464,213         24,359,219  

Investment Companies

    22,666,203         -          -         22,666,203  

Exchange-Traded Instruments

    12,295,690         -          -         12,295,690  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 75,410,570       $ 46,941,539        $ 1,464,213       $ 123,816,322  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Common Stocks (Sold Short)

  $ (61,606,285     $ -        $ -       $ (61,606,285

Preferred Stocks (Sold Short)

    (454,134       -          -         (454,134

Corporate Obligations (Sold Short)

    -         (755,370        -         (755,370

Exchange-Traded Instruments (Sold Short)

    (10,956,170       -          -         (10,956,170
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Liabilities

    (73,016,589       (755,370        -         (73,771,959
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 2,393,981       $ 46,186,169        $ 1,464,213       $ 50,044,363  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Purchased Options

  $ 7,806,894       $ -        $ -       $ 7,806,894  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 7,806,894       $ -        $ -       $ 7,806,894  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Futures Contracts

  $ (31,732     $ -        $ -       $ (31,732

Written Options

    (3,298,244       -          -         (3,298,244
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (3,329,976     $ -        $ -       $ (3,329,976
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

33


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets within the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage 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:

 

Security Type   Balance as
of
12/31/2016
  Net
Purchases
  Net
Sales
  Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Transfer
into
Level 3
    Transfer
out of
Level 3
    Balance as
of
6/30/2017
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
at Period end**
 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations   $2,155,189   $7,629   $(473,943)   $ -     $ (101,500   $ (123,162   $ -     $ -     $ 1,464,213     $ (123,162

 

** 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 collateralized mortgage obligations classified as Level 3 were valued using single broker quotes. However, these securities were transferred in the Level 3 category due to limited market transparency and/or lack of corroboration to support the quoted prices.

 

See accompanying notes

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          Ionic Strategic
Arbitrage Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 412,040,289       $ 108,390,184  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    18,589,023         15,426,138  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    212,405         -  

Purchased options contracts outstanding (premiums paid $10,687,131)

    -         7,806,894  

Foreign currency, deposit with brokers for futures contracts, at fair value¤

    28,999,853         -  

Cash

    69,313         -  

Cash with brokers

    4,713,796         63,705,339  

Deposit with brokers for futures contracts

    30,114,974         131,010  

Dividends and interest receivable

    9,792         829,674  

Receivable for investments sold

    -         7,723,327  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    862,420         159,845  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    -         2,389  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    294,599         -  

Unrealized appreciation from foreign currency contracts

    665,706         -  

Prepaid expenses

    83,310         163,527  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    496,655,480         204,338,327  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    -         3,352,224  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    330,530         701  

Payable for foreign currency, at fair value^

    -         2,471,017  

Payable under excess expense reimbursement plan (Note 2)

    -         4,204  

Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts

    7,957,937         8,325  

Securities sold short, at fair value±

    -         73,771,959  

Overdraft payable

    -         6,041  

Written option contracts, at fair value (premiums received $4,526,738)

    -         3,298,244  

Dividends and interest expense payable

    -         68,372  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

    532,077         138,455  

Administrative service and service fees payable

    14,317         507  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    16,322         6,570  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    96,207         4,123  

Professional fees payable

    23,109         3,948  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    -         4,768  

Unrealized (depreciation) from foreign currency contracts

    2,079,922         -  

Other liabilities

    3,449         9  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    11,053,870         83,139,467  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 485,601,610       $ 121,198,860  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 494,603,870       $ 136,254,728  

Undistributed (or overdistribution of) net investment income

    (1,407,757       1,952,500  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

    1,699,902         (19,162,107

Unrealized appreciation of investments

    10,630         2,991,479  

Unrealized (depreciation) of foreign currency transactions

    (1,319,129       (81,956

Unrealized (depreciation) of futures contracts

    (7,985,906       (31,732

Unrealized appreciation of written option contracts

    -         1,228,494  

Unrealized (depreciation) of short sales

    -         (1,952,546
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 485,601,610       $ 121,198,860  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          Ionic Strategic
Arbitrage Fund
 

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

 

Institutional Class

    35,642,759         4,625,163  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    6,588,432         8,553,176  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    2,651,143         207,790  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    1,538,334         12,796  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    454,859         11,872  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 369,967,181       $ 41,799,550  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 68,118,256       $ 77,314,200  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 27,169,110       $ 1,865,385  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 15,786,408       $ 114,841  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 4,560,655       $ 104,884  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 10.38       $ 9.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 10.34       $ 9.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 10.25       $ 8.98  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 10.26       $ 8.97  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 10.31       $ 9.42  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 10.03       $ 8.83  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 412,029,659       $ 102,518,468  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 18,589,023       $ 15,426,138  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ 209,443       $ (2,387,276

¤ Cost of foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts

  $ 28,901,281       $ 125,801  

± Proceeds of securities sold short

  $ -       $ 71,819,413  

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    AHL Managed Futures
Strategy FundA
          Ionic Strategic
Arbitrage Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ -       $ 826,794  

Dividend income from affiliated securities

    33,504         31,314  

Interest income

    1,333,243         1,024,270  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    1,366,747         1,882,378  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,251,131         926,651  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    71,486         16,030  

Y Class (Note 2)

    17,936         21,533  

Investor Class

    1,348         604  

A Class

    502         -  

C Class

    104         -  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    870,480         11,932  

Professional fees

    41,726         48,113  

Registration fees and expenses

    34,457         26,299  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Y Class

    14,847         15,641  

Investor Class

    35,952         3,427  

A Class

    13,294         88  

C Class

    3,308         88  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    22,156         147  

C Class

    22,053         585  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    71,660         9,604  

Trustee fees

    13,585         4,117  

Prime broker fees

    -         11,256  

Dividends and interest on securities sold short

    -         534,377  

Other expenses

    25,250         7,150  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    4,511,275         1,637,642  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (645,566       2,098  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    3,865,709         1,639,740  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (2,498,962       242,638  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments

    (4,172       689,372  

Foreign currency transactions

    (3,241,493       (97,741

Futures contracts

    19,920,548         198,815  

Options contracts

    -         (3,578,304

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments

    6,737         (7,264,261

Foreign currency transactions

    635,825         56,434  

Futures contracts

    (17,819,509       (151,061

Options contracts

    -         1,370,330  

Short sales

    -         8,076,304  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (loss) from investments

    (502,064       (700,112
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,001,026     $ (457,474
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ -       $ 9,154  

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundA           Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund  
    For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,  2017
          From November 1,
2016 to
December 31, 2016
          For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)              

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (2,498,962     $ (5,980,464     $ 242,638       $ 1,404,577  

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

    16,674,883         (27,761,623       (2,787,858       458,283  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, purchased options, foreign currency transactions, futures contracts, written options, and securities sold short

    (17,176,947       7,600,291         2,087,746         637,345  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,001,026       (26,141,796       (457,474       2,500,205  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

             

Institutional Class

    -         -         -         (4,423,015

Y Class

    -         -         -         (2,709,587

Investor Class

    -         -         -         (62,954

A Class

    -         -         -         (5,200

C Class

    -         -         -         (7,268

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         -         -         (5,146,294

Y Class

    -         -         -         (3,152,676

Investor Class

    -         -         -         (73,248

A Class

    -         -         -         (6,051

C Class

    -         -         -         (8,457
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    -         -         -         (15,594,750
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    88,268,383         529,925,260         45,492,896         151,226,921  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -         -         -         15,540,914  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (64,514,257       (142,912,043       (94,687,451       (74,737,699
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    23,754,126         387,013,217         (49,194,555       92,030,136  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    20,753,100         360,871,421         (49,652,029       78,935,591  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of period

    464,848,510         103,977,089         170,850,889         91,915,298  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of Period*

  $ 485,601,610       $ 464,848,510       $ 121,198,860       $ 170,850,889  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (or overdistribution of) net investment income

  $ (1,407,757     $ 1,423,199       $ 1,952,500       $ 1,709,862  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 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 (the “Act”) as non-diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of June 30, 2017, the Trust consists of thirty-two active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty 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

Each 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.    $ 100,000  
Investor    All investors using intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors.    $ 2,500  
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class    Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or 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 service fees, distribution fees, and sub-transfer agent fees vary amongst the classes as described more fully in Note 2.

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Consolidation of Subsidiaries

The consolidated Schedule of Investments of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “CFC Fund”) includes the accounts of the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd., a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the CFC Fund.

For Federal tax purposes, taxable income for the CFC Fund and its Subsidiary are calculated separately. The Subsidiary is classified as a controlled foreign corporation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and the Subsidiary’s taxable income is included in the calculation of the CFC Fund’s taxable income. Net losses of the Subsidiary are not deductible by the CFC Fund either in the current period or future periods. The Subsidiary has a fiscal year end of December 31st for financial statement consolidation purposes and a nonconforming tax year end of November 30th.

The CFC Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary, which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the CFC Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The CFC Fund expects to achieve a significant portion of its exposure to commodities and commodities-related investments through investment in the Subsidiary. Unlike the CFC Fund, the Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodities and commodities-related investments.

 

Fund

   Inception Date of
Subsidiary
     Subsidiary Net Assets
at June 30, 2017
     % of Total Net Assets
of the Fund at
June 30, 2017
    Net Realized Gain
(Loss) from
Investments Held in
Subsidiary
 

American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.

     August 19, 2014      $ 113,328,562        23.3   $ (3,289,150

CFTC Regulation

On August 13, 2013, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) adopted rules to harmonize conflicting United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC’’) and CFTC disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for registered investment companies that do not meet an exemption from the definition of commodity pool. The harmonization rules provide that the CFTC will accept the SEC’s disclosure, reporting, and recordkeeping regime as substituted compliance for substantially all of the otherwise applicable CFTC regulations as long as such investment companies meet the applicable SEC requirements.

The CFC Fund is a commodity pool, as defined in the regulation of the CFTC and operated by the Manager, a commodity pool operator regulated by the CFTC.

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, follows 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 the 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

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on ex-dividend date. 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 may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

Other

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

2.  Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement

The Funds and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Funds with investment advisory, fund management and administrative services. As compensation for performing the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily, equal to 0.35%

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreements with AHL Partners LLP and Ionic Capital Management LLC (the “Sub-Advisors”) pursuant to which the Funds have agreed to pay an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 1.00% of the Funds’ average daily net assets

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

     Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35      $ 842,886  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     1.00        2,408,245  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     1.35      $ 3,251,131  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

     Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35      $ 240,243  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     1.00        686,408  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     1.35      $ 926,651  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the Funds, 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 and administrative service 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 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 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 of the Funds. 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 0.15% 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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds terminated the Service Plan for the Y Class.

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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing services to the Y Class. 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

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

to the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the Institutional and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 81,610  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

     34,957  

As of June 30, 2017, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 14,239  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

     5,956  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended June 30, 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
 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 5,534  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

     4,885  

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 June 30, 2017, the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund borrowed $10,959,652 for 3 days at 1.48% with interest charges paid of $446. The amount is included in other expenses on the Statement of Operations.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the classes of the Funds to the extent that total operating expenses exceed the expense cap. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class    Expense Cap
1/1/17 -
6/30/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 
             

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   Institutional      1.54   $ 521,129        -        2020  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   Y      1.64     79,204        -        2020  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   Investor      1.92     17,658        -        2020  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   A      1.94     22,029        -        2020  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   C      2.69     5,546        -        2020  

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund

   Class    Expense Cap
1/1/17 -
6/30/2017
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
    Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   Institutional      1.54   $ 4,843      $ -       2020  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   Y      1.62     -        (5,231     2020  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   Investor      1.92     -        (1,656     2020  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   A      1.94     -        (26     2020  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   C      2.69     -        (28     2020  

Of these amounts, $294,599 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager for the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and $4,204 was disclosed as a payable to the Manager for the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2017. The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2020. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

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

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ -     $ 416,132      $               371,247        2018  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

     (6,941     108,786        -        2018  

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. During the period ended June 30, 2017, Foreside collected $33 and $38 for AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class A Shares of the Funds.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, CDSC fees of $473 were collected for Class C Shares of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds and the American Beacon Institutional 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

 

 

44


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 at 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 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. 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 Board.

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 a fund’s 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, established by the Board, may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but a Fund is open. The Funds 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 Manager’s Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures established by the 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”)

 

 

45


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

Level 1   -   Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2   -   Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and others.
Level 3   -   Prices determined using other significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect 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 and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or options that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain securities that are solely traded on a foreign exchange to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign market and the close of the Exchange. These securities are valued using pricing service providers that consider the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments. Securities using these valuation adjustments are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. 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.

Fixed-income securities including corporate, U.S. government agencies, and U.S. Treasury obligations 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.

Investments in registered open-end and closed-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.

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

 

 

46


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

of the relevant market, but prior to the Exchange close, that materially affect the values of the 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 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 the 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.

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 the 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, 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.

Commodity Instruments

Exposure to physical commodities may subject the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of such investments may be affected by overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as supply and demand, drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Their value may also respond to investor perception of instability in the national or international economy, whether or not justified by the facts. However, these investments may help to moderate fluctuations in the value of the Funds’ other holdings, because these investments may not correlate with investments in traditional securities. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may reduce market prices and cause the value of the Funds’ shares to fall. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Funds to

 

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

sell or realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. Certain commodities are subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks and result in greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Because physical commodities do not generate investment income, the return on such investments will be derived solely from the appreciation or depreciation on such investments. Certain types of commodities instruments (such as commodity-linked swaps and commodity-linked structured notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.

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

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)

The Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund may invest in ETNs. ETNs are debt obligations that are traded on exchanges and the returns of which are linked to the performance of market indexes. In addition to trading ETNs on exchanges, investors may redeem ETNs directly with the issuer on a weekly basis, typically in a minimum amount of 50,000 units, or hold the ETNs until maturity. ETNs may be riskier than ordinary debt securities and may have no principal protection. The Funds’ investment in an ETN may be influenced by many unpredictable factors, including highly volatile commodities prices, changes in supply and demand relationships, weather, agriculture, trade, changes in interest rates, and monetary and other governmental policies, action and inaction. Investing in ETNs is not equivalent to investing directly in index components or the relevant index itself. Because ETNs are debt

 

 

48


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

securities, they possess credit risk; if the issuer has financial difficulties or goes bankrupt, the investor may not receive the return it was promised. Because ETNs are unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities, an investment in an ETN exposes the Funds to the risk that an ETN’s issuer may be unable to repay the note upon maturity. As a result, the value of the ETN may decline, including to zero. In addition, as with investments in ETFs and investment companies, the Funds will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the ETN, which may cause the Funds’ operating expenses to be higher and its performance to be lower than it would if it invested directly in the securities of the index or other reference assets of the ETN. There may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark. The Funds’ decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a liquid market. If the Funds must sell some or all of its ETN holdings and the market for such ETN is weak, it may have to sell such holdings at a discount.

Fixed-Income Investments

The Funds may hold debt, including government and 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 the Funds’ net asset value to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed-income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are, therefore, more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. 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. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed-income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in a Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk.

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 may be intended to reduce risk by providing further diversification, such investments involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, different governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund’s rights as an investor.

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

 

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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. Restricted securities outstanding during the period ended June 30, 2017, are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

Interest-Only and Principal-Only Mortgage-Backed Securities

Stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”) are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government and private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive the entire principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated pre-payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.

Interest-only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate environment, which typically results in a slower rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages and extends the period during which interest payments are required to be made on the IO security. Interest only securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that prepayments will accelerate in a declining interest rate environment and will reduce the number of remaining interest payments even though there is no default on the underlying mortgages. Principal only instruments generally increase in value in a declining interest rate environment, which typically results in a faster rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Since a PO security is usually purchased at a discount, faster prepayments result in a higher rate of return when the face value of the security is paid back sooner than expected.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities

The Funds 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 Funds’ 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

 

 

50


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 Funds’ portfolio at the time resulting in reinvestment risk.

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.

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, the Funds become a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Funds in 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.

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

 

 

51


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

Rights and Warrants

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

Short Sales

The Funds may enter into short sale transactions. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the security. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the dividends and interest payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability 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 June 30, 2017, short positions were held by the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.

Special Purpose Acquisition Company

A special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) is a collective investment structure that allows public stock market investors to invest in private equity type transactions, particular leveraged buyouts. SPACs are shell or blank-check companies, governed by the SEC, that have no operations but go public with the intention of merging with or acquiring a company with the proceeds of the SPAC’s initial public offering (“IPO”). SPACs outstanding at June 30, 2017 are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

U.S. Treasury Obligations

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

Variable or Floating Rate Obligations

The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate

 

 

52


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons.

The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.

5.  Financial Derivative Instruments

Options Contracts

The Funds 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 Funds’ exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for an upfront premium. Writing call options tends to decrease the Funds’ exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for an upfront premium. When the Funds 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 Funds, 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 Funds may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.

The Funds may also purchase put and call options. Purchasing call options tends to increase the Funds’ exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for paying an upfront premium. Purchasing put options tends to decrease the Funds’ exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument. The Funds pay a premium which is included on the Funds’ Statements 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.

During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund purchased/sold options primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

The Fund’s option 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.

 

 

53


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Average Purchased Option Notional Amounts  Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended June 30, 2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

  $ 6,357,825  

 

Average Written Option Notional Amounts  Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended June 30, 2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

  $ 2,269,800  

Straddle Options

The Funds may enter into differing forms of straddle options. A straddle is an investment strategy that uses combinations of options that allow a Fund to profit based on the future price movements of the underlying security, regardless of the direction of those movements. A written straddle involves simultaneously writing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The written straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has little volatility before the expiration date. A purchased straddle involves simultaneously purchasing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The purchased straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has high volatility, regardless of direction, before the expiration date.

Forward 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 Funds’ securities denominated in foreign currencies. Forward currency contracts are valued at the forward exchange rate prevailing on the day of valuation. The Funds may also use currency contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. 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.

During the period ended June 30, 2017, the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund entered into forward currency exchange contracts primarily for speculative purposes.

The Fund’s forward currency contract notional dollar values outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of forward 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 Amount Outstanding

Period Ended June 30, 2017

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts           Sold Contracts  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ 259,475,444       $ 214,541,639  

Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are contracts to buy or sell a standard quantity of securities at a specified price on a future date. The Funds may enter into financial futures contracts as a method for keeping assets readily convertible to cash if needed to meet shareholder redemptions or for other needs while maintaining exposure to the stock or bond market, as applicable. 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.

 

 

54


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Funds 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.

During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Funds entered into future contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

The Funds’ 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 each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended June 30, 2017  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

    24,308  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

    53  

The following is a summary of the fair valuations of the Funds’ derivative instruments categorized by risk
exposure(1):

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:      

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

 

Assets:

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Unrealized appreciation of forward currency contracts   $       $ 665,706       $       $       $       $ 665,706  
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)             4,364,123         1,747,232         122,089         1,282,800         7,516,244  

Liabilities:

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Unrealized (depreciation) of forward currency contracts   $       $ (2,079,922     $       $       $       $ (2,079,922
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)                     (7,028,385       (2,971,240       (5,502,525       (15,502,150
                          
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

 

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

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Net realized gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions   $       $ (3,716,139     $       $       $       $ (3,716,139
Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts             (9,292,024       (3,279,352       (10,120,798       42,512,722         19,920,548  

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

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from foreign currency transactions   $       $ 310,777       $       $       $       $ 310,777  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts             2,613,948         (10,024,692       (3,888,442       (6,520,324       (17,819,510

 

 

55


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017:  

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

 

Assets:

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Purchased options outstanding   $       $       $       $       $ 7,806,894       $ 7,806,894  

Liabilities:

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Written options outstanding   $       $       $       $       $ (3,298,244     $ (3,298,244

Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)

 

   

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

(31,732

 

 

     

 

(31,732

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017:  
    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments  

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

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
   

 

    Interest rate
contracts
   

 

    Equity
contracts
   

 

    Total  
Net realized gain (loss) from options contracts   $       $       $       $ (174,963     $ (3,403,341     $ (3,578,304
Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts             135,455                 (2,287       65,647         198,815  

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

  Credit
contracts
          Foreign
exchange
contracts
          Commodity
contracts
          Interest rate
contracts
          Equity
contracts
          Total  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from options contracts   $       $       $       $       $ 1,370,330       $ 1,370,330  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts                                     (151,061       (151,061

(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 Schedules of Investments footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Master Agreements

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”) with counterparties govern transactions in over-the-counter (“OTC”) 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 a particular counterparty organization, each type of transaction may be covered by a different Master Agreement, resulting in the need for multiple agreements with a single counterparty. As the 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.

 

 

56


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between a Fund and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

6.  Principal Risks

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

Allocation and Correlation Risk

The sub-advisor’s judgments about, and allocations between arbitrage strategies, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that the Fund will, in fact, experience a low level of correlation with a traditional portfolio of stocks and bonds or with the debt or equity markets generally. This risk may be increased by the use of derivatives to increase allocations to various market exposures.

Commodities Risk

The AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund’s investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as changes in supply and demand, drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, war, acts of terrorism and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Fund and the Subsidiary each may concentrate its assets in a particular sector of the commodities market (such as oil, metal or agricultural products). As a result, the Fund and the Subsidiary may be more susceptible to risks associated with those sectors. The Fund’s investments in commodity-related instruments may lead to losses in excess of the Fund’s investment in such products. Such losses can significantly and adversely affect the NAV per share of the Fund and, consequently, a shareholder’s interest in the Fund.

Counterparty Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Funds.

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.

Currency Risk

The Funds 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, including both non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”) and deliverable forwards, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options (including non-deliverable options (“NDOs”) on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures) and swaps for cross-currency investments. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Funds’ investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

 

 

57


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Funds 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 Funds’ initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Funds 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 Funds may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Funds to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

Equity Investment Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock.

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.

Hedging Risk

If the Funds use a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Funds’ return, or create a loss.

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

 

 

58


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk

Securities not registered in the U.S. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including Rule 144A securities, are restricted as to their resale. Such securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. They may be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time or price because such securities may not be readily marketable in broad public markets. The Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund may not be able to sell a restricted security when the sub-advisor considers it desirable to do so and/or may have to sell the security at a lower price than the Fund believes is its fair market value. In addition, transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities and the Fund may receive only limited information regarding the issuer of a restricted security. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering restricted securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed-income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. As normal interest rates rise, the value of certain fixed-income securities held by the Funds is likely to decrease. A nominal interest rate can be described as the sum of a real interest rate and an expected inflation rate. Fixed-income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Duration is useful primarily as a measure of the sensitivity of a fixed-income’s market price to interest rate (i.e. yield) movements.

Investment Risk

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

Leverage Risk

The Funds’ use of futures, forward currency 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 Funds will have the potential for greater losses than if the Funds 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 an increase or decrease in the Funds’ exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the Funds’ NAV to be volatile.

Liquidity Risk

The Funds are susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Funds may have limited marketability or be subject to restrictions on sale, and may be difficult to 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. For example, the Funds may be forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices meet redemption requests or other cash needs.

 

 

59


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Market Direction Risk

Since the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Fund will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Fund’s results could suffer both when there is a general market advance and the Fund hold significant “short” positions, and when there is a general market decline and the Fund holds significant “long” positions.

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.

Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage Related Securities Risk

Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage related securities are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities which include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, extension risk and prepayment risk. Moreover, declines in the credit quality of the issuers of mortgage backed and mortgage related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Funds. Additionally, certain mortgage-backed and mortgage related securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories; the risk of defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include such subprime mortgages. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed by the applicable entity only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Additionally, circumstances could arise that would prevent the payment of interest or principal. This could result in losses to the Funds. Securities held by the Funds that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (‘’Fannie Mae’‘), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (’’Freddie Mac’‘), and Federal Home Loan Banks are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support. U.S. Government securities and securities of government sponsored enterprises are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The Funds’ investment in CMOs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government securities, but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and credit risk. The cash flows and yields on IOs and POs are extremely

 

 

60


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. A rapid rate of principal payments may adversely affect the yield to maturity of IOs. A slow rate of principal payments may adversely affect the yield to maturity of POs. Inverse IOs and POs, which are fixed-income securities with a floating or variable rate of interest, may exhibit substantially greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity.

Non-Diversification Risk

The Funds are non-diversified, which means the Funds may focus their investments in the securities of a comparatively small number of issuers. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Funds to greater market risk and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

Obsolescence Risk

The Funds are unlikely to be successful in its quantitative trading strategies unless the assumptions underlying the Models are realistic and either remain realistic and relevant in the future or are adjusted to account for changes in the overall market environment. If such assumptions are inaccurate or become inaccurate and are not promptly adjusted, it is likely that profitable trading signals will not be generated. If and to the extent that the Models do not reflect certain factors, and the sub-advisor does not successfully address such omission through its testing and evaluation and modify the Models accordingly, major losses may result – all of which will be borne by the Funds.

Options Risk

In order for a call option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. These costs will reduce an profit that might have realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it purchased the call option. For a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. By using put options in this manner, the Funds will reduce any profit it might otherwise have realized from appreciation of the underlying security by the premium paid for the put option and by transaction costs. If the Funds sell a put option, there is a risk that the Funds may be required to buy the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Funds sell a call option, there is a risk that the Funds may be required to sell the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Funds sell a call option on an underlying asset that the Funds own and the underlying asset has increased in value when the call option is exercised, the Funds will be required to sell the underlying asset at the call price and will not be able to realize any of the underlying asset’s value above the call price.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Funds may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including ETFs and money market funds. To the extent that the Funds invest in shares of other registered investment companies, the Funds will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in addition to the Funds’ 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.

Prepayment and Extension Risk

Prepayment risk is the risk that the principal amount of a bond may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow, a debt security may be called or otherwise prepaid before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment and the Funds may have to

 

 

61


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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. Extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in price.

Sector Risk

To the extent the Funds invest more heavily in particular sectors, their performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may move up and down more than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Because the Funds may hold a limited number of securities, it may at times be substantially over-weighted in certain economic sectors and under-weighted in others. As such, the Funds’ performance is likely to be disproportionately affected by the factors influencing those sectors.

Short Position Risk

The Funds’ losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction because there is potentially no limit on the amount that the security that the Funds are required to purchase may have appreciated. Because the Funds may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Funds is similar to the effect of leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Funds’ net asset value since it increases the exposure of the Funds to the market.

Subsidiary Risk

By investing in the Subsidiary, the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund is indirectly exposed to the risk associated with the Subsidiary’s Investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund or the Subsidiary will be achieved.

The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Report, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. In addition, changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and SAI and could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

Swap Agreement Risk

Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, the Funds are subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, the occurrence of unexpected price movements or the non-occurrence of expected price movements. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Interest rate swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and commodities swaps are subject to counterparty risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. In addition, interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk, total return swaps are subject to market risk, and interest rate risk if the underlying securities are bonds or other debt obligations, currency swaps are subject to currency risk, and commodities swaps are subject to commodities risk.

Tax Risk

To qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M (“RIC”), the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund must derive at least 90 percent of its gross income for each taxable year from qualifying income,

 

 

62


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

which is described in more detail in the SAI. Income from certain commodity-linked derivative instruments in which the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund invests is not considered qualifying income. The Fund will therefore restrict the income from direct investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments that do not generate qualifying income, such as commodity-linked swaps, to a maximum of 10 percent of its gross income for each taxable year. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements of Subchapter M.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a large number of private letter rulings (which the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund may not cite as precedent) beginning in 2006 that income a RIC derives from a wholly owned foreign subsidiary (such as the Subsidiary) that earns income derived from commodity-linked derivative instruments is qualifying income. The IRS suspended the issuance of new such rulings in July 2011 but has not taken any actions regarding its previously issued rulings. According, the Fund has not sought to obtain such a ruling and is relying on the advice of counsel regarding the tax treating of distributions by the Subsidiary to the Fund of such income. The tax treatment of the Fund’s commodity-linked investments may be materially adversely affected by future legislation, Treasury regulations, and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income from such investments is qualifying income under Subchapter M, or otherwise materially affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund.

Valuation Risk

The Funds 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.

Volatility Risk

The Funds may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Funds’ NAV to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

Warrants Risk

Warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

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, June 30, 2017.

 

 

63


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2017:  
    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 7,516,244       $ 15,502,150  
Forward Currency Contracts     665,706         2,079,922  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities   $ 8,181,950       $ 17,582,072  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)     (7,516,244       (15,502,150
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 665,706       $ 2,079,922  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of June 30, 2017:
                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash Collateral
(Pledged)
          Cash Collateral
(Pledged)
          Net Amount  
Deutsche Bank AG   $ 334,467       $ (334,467     $ -       $ -       $ -  
HSBC Bank (USA)     142,540         (142,540       -         -         -  
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     188,699         (188,699       -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total   $ 665,706       $ (665,706     $ -       $ -       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of
Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash Collateral
Received
          Cash Collateral
Received
          Net Amount  
Deutsche Bank AG   $ 556,005       $ (334,467     $ -       $ -       $ 221,538  
HSBC Bank (USA)     1,229,946         (142,540       -         -         1,087,406  
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     293,971         (188,699       -         -         105,272  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total   $ 2,079,922       $ (665,706     $ -       $ -       $ 1,414,216  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2017:      
    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ -       $ 31,732  
Purchased Options     7,806,894         -  
Written Options     -         3,298,244  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities   $ 7,806,894       $ 3,329,976  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)     (7,153,566       (2,881,776
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 653,328       $ 448,200  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

64


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of June 30, 2017:  
                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash Collateral
(Pledged)
          Cash Collateral
(Pledged)
          Net Amount  
Deutsche Bank AG   $ 653,328       $ (448,200     $ -       $ -       $ 205,128  
                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of
Liabilities Presented
in the Statements of
Assets and  Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Non-Cash Collateral
Received
          Cash Collateral
Received
          Net Amount  
Deutsche Bank AG   $ 448,200       $ (448,200     $ -       $ -       $ -  

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 distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is treated as a single entity for the purpose of determining such qualification.

The Funds do not have any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 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 (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

As of June 30, 2017 the tax cost for each Fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation and (depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
          Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   $ 430,618,682       $ 12,718       $ (2,088     $ 10,630  
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage     128,237,608         9,492,821         (13,914,107       (4,421,286

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

As of December 31, 2016, the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund had $9,365,911 short-term and $2,267,413 long-term post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards. The Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund did not have capital loss carryforwards.

 

 

65


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases
(non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
        Purchases of U.S.
Government
Securities
        Sales (non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
        Sales of U.S.
Government
Securities
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   $       $       $       $  
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage     372,016,176                 362,589,186          

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
          December 31,
2016
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           June 30,
2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy     Direct       $ 6,472,219       $ 282,810,493       $ 270,693,689       $ 18,589,023       $ 33,504  
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage     Direct         26,003,015         104,753,131         115,330,008         15,426,138         31,314  

9.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     5,053,125       $ 52,851,111         36,676,562       $ 405,489,405  
Shares redeemed     (3,278,907       (34,395,972       (4,808,709       (50,573,425
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     1,774,218       $ 18,455,139         31,867,853       $ 354,915,980  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     2,730,984       $ 28,421,949         7,234,887       $ 77,938,263  
Shares redeemed     (1,174,986       (12,299,683       (5,440,111       (56,680,165
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     1,555,998       $ 16,122,266         1,794,776       $ 21,258,098  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     450,019       $ 4,641,276         1,675,967       $ 17,882,088  
Shares redeemed     (816,724       (8,447,457       (2,228,763       (23,475,932
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (366,705     $ (3,806,181       (552,796     $ (5,593,844
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     135,816       $ 1,424,453         2,367,863       $ 25,330,655  
Shares redeemed     (848,546       (8,784,341       (1,063,982       (11,177,116
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (712,730     $ (7,359,888       1,303,881       $ 14,153,539  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

66


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     90,620       $ 929,594         311,614       $ 3,284,849  
Shares redeemed     (57,475       (586,804       (97,924       (1,005,405
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     33,145       $ 342,790         213,690       $ 2,279,444  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     896,876       $ 8,106,587         10,355,095       $ 101,720,394  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         1,059,724         9,569,308  
Shares redeemed     (7,973,600       (71,966,110       (6,125,998       (60,759,740
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (7,076,724     $ (63,859,523       5,228,821       $ 50,529,962  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     4,022,118       $ 36,300,730         4,591,033       $ 45,246,870  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         642,526         5,808,428  
Shares redeemed     (2,228,803       (20,124,781       (1,105,881       (10,870,913
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     1,793,315       $ 16,175,949         4,127,678       $ 40,184,385  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     120,207       $ 1,078,817         439,879       $ 4,148,557  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         15,151         136,202  
Shares redeemed     (282,819       (2,542,913       (305,900       (3,016,109
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (162,612     $ (1,464,096       149,130       $ 1,268,650  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     530       $ 4,762         -     $       -  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         1,251         11,251  
Shares redeemed     (530       (4,751       (120       (1,082
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     -       $ 11         1,131       $ 10,169  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     226       $ 2,000         11,323       $ 111,100  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         1,771         15,725  
Shares redeemed     (5,521       (48,896       (9,268       (89,855
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (5,295     $ (46,896       3,826       $ 36,970  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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.

 

 

67


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,          

August 19, 2014A
to

December 31,

 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.44       $ 10.46       $ 10.95       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05       0.20         (0.06       0.24  

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

    (0.01       (0.22       (0.07       1.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.06       (0.02       (0.13       1.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

                    (0.21       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

                    (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

                    (0.36       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.38       $ 10.44       $ 10.46       $ 10.95  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (0.57 )%D        (0.19 )%        (1.15 )%        13.43 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 369,967,181       $ 353,601,987       $ 20,932,502       $ 28,765,259  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.83 %E        1.90       2.25       4.97 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.54 %E        1.54       1.54       1.54 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.26 )%E        (1.69 )%        (2.29 )%        2.73 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.98 )%E        (1.33 )%        (1.57 )%        6.17 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    %D F        %F        %F        %F 

 

A  August 19, 2014 is the inception date of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.
B  The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

68


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,          

August 19, 2014A
to

December 31,

 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.41       $ 10.45       $ 10.94       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06       (0.08       (0.05       0.30  

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

    (0.01       0.04         (0.08       1.03  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.07       (0.04       (0.13       1.33  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

                    (0.21       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

                    (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

                    (0.36       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.34       $ 10.41       $ 10.45       $ 10.94  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (0.67 )%D        (0.38 )%        (1.15 )%        13.33 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 68,118,256       $ 52,391,912       $ 33,817,374       $ 464,644  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.89 %E        1.97       2.28       7.71 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.64 %E        1.64       1.64       1.64 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.32 )%E        (1.76 )%        (1.70 )%        12.50 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.07 )%E        (1.44 )%        (1.06 )%        18.58 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    %D F        %F        %F        %F 

 

A  August 19, 2014 is the inception date of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.
B  The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

69


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,          

August 19, 2014A

to

December 31,

 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.35       $ 10.41       $ 10.93       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07       (0.25       (0.09       0.30  

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

    (0.03       0.19         (0.08       1.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.10       (0.06       (0.17       1.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

                    (0.20       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

                    (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

                    (0.35       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.25       $ 10.35       $ 10.41       $ 10.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (0.97 )%D        (0.58 )%        (1.54 )%        13.23 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 27,169,110       $ 31,223,150       $ 37,185,001       $ 3,023,636  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.05 %E        2.13       2.40       5.98 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.92 %E        1.92       1.92       1.92 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.48 )%E        (1.93 )%        (2.07 )%        10.41 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.36 )%E        (1.72 )%        (1.59 )%        14.47 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    %D F        %F        %F        %F 

 

A  August 19, 2014 is the inception date of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.
B  The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

70


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,          

August 19, 2014A

to

December 31,

 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.36       $ 10.44       $ 10.93       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07       0.23         (0.52       0.32  

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

    (0.03       (0.31       0.36         1.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.10       (0.08       (0.16       1.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

                    (0.18       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

                    (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

                    (0.33       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.26       $ 10.36       $ 10.44       $ 10.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (0.97 )%D        (0.77 )%        (1.45 )%        13.23 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 15,786,408       $ 23,330,824       $ 9,890,720       $ 9,019,308  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.19 %E        2.29       2.55       5.31 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.94 %E        1.94       1.94       1.94 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.64 )%E        (2.08 )%        (3.59 )%        32.48 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.39 )%E        (1.74 )%        (2.98 )%        35.85 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    %F        %F        %F        %F 

 

A  August 19, 2014 is the inception date of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.
B  The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

71


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
          Year Ended December 31,          

August 19, 2014A

to

December 31,

 
                 
    2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.20       $ 10.34       $ 10.90       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.11       (0.08       (0.09       0.27  

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

    (0.06       (0.06       (0.16       1.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.17       (0.14       (0.25       1.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

                    (0.16       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

                    (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

                    (0.00 )B         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

                    (0.31       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.03       $ 10.20       $ 10.34       $ 10.90  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (1.67 )%D        (1.35 )%        (2.30 )%        12.93 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 4,560,655       $ 4,300,637       $ 2,151,492       $ 401,475  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.95 %E        3.04       3.32       8.75 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.69 %E        2.69       2.69       2.68 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.38 )%E        (2.84 )%        (2.88 )%        7.02 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.13 )%E        (2.49 )%        (2.25 )%        13.09 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    %D F        %F        %F        %F 

 

A  August 19, 2014 is the inception date of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund.
B  The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Annualized.
F  Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

72


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2017
          Year Ended
December 31,
2016
          June 30, 2015A
to
December 31,
2015
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.06       $ 9.89       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.17         0.16         0.04  

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

    (0.19       (0.02       0.11  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.02       0.14         0.15  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.04       $ 9.06       $ 9.89  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (0.22 )%C        1.39       1.46 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 41,799,550       $ 105,989,910       $ 63,421,998  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.34 %D        3.14       3.55 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.32 %D        3.10       2.84 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.31 %D        1.05       (0.31 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.33 %D        1.09       0.40 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    172 %C        436       159 %C 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

73


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2017
          Year Ended
December 31,
2016
         

June 30, 2015A

to

December 31,

2015

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.06       $ 9.90       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    (0.00 )B        0.10         0.06  

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

    (0.02       0.03         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.02       0.13         0.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.04       $ 9.06       $ 9.90  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (0.22 )%D        1.28       1.56 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 77,314,200       $ 61,253,803       $ 26,059,687  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.42 %E        3.31       3.83 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.43 %E        3.30       3.27 %E 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.40 %E        0.88       0.83 %E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.39 %E        0.88       1.40 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    172 %D        436       159 %D 

 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

74


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2017
          Year Ended
December 31,
2016
          June 30, 2015A
to
December 31,
2015
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.01       $ 9.88       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.06         0.30         0.02  

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

    (0.09       (0.20       0.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.03       0.10         0.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.98       $ 9.01       $ 9.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (0.33 )%C        0.98       1.36 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,865,385       $ 3,339,009       $ 2,186,944  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.57 %D        3.47       4.23 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.69 %D        3.50       3.23 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.16 %D        0.32       (1.52 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.04 %D        0.29       (0.53 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    172 %C        436       159 %C 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

75


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

2017

         

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

         

June 30, 2015A
to

December 31,
2015

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.01       $ 9.88       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.00 B        0.07         0.08  

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

    (0.04       0.03         0.06  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.04       0.10         0.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.97       $ 9.01       $ 9.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (0.44 )%D        0.98       1.36 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 114,841       $ 115,308       $ 115,261  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.70 %E        3.65       7.35 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.75 %E        3.58       3.37 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.10 %E        0.27       (3.54 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.06 %E        0.34       0.44 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    172 %D        436       159 %D 

 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

76


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

2017

         

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

         

June 30, 2015A
to

December 31,

2015

 
                   
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.90       $ 9.85       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01         (0.01       0.05  

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

    (0.08       0.03         0.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.07       0.02         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.45       (0.05

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.97       (0.25
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.83       $ 8.90       $ 9.85  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (0.79 )%C        0.17       1.00 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $    104,884       $    152,859       $    131,408  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    3.46 %D        4.40       8.14 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    3.50 %D        4.34       4.11 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.71 )%D        (0.46 )%        (4.30 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.76 )%D        (0.40 )%        (0.28 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    172 %C        436       159 %C 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
C  Not annualized.
D  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

77


Renewal and Approval of Management and

Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 16, 2017 and June 7, 2017 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board”) considered and then, at its June 7 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), on behalf of American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund (“AHL Fund”) and American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund (“Ionic Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”);

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the AHL Fund, and AHL Partners LLP (“AHL”); and

(3) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Ionic Fund, and Ionic Capital Management LLC (“Ionic”).

Each of the Investment Advisory Agreements is referred to herein as the “Investment Advisory Agreement,” and AHL and Ionic are hereinafter each referred to as a “subadvisor.” The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for the Board to consider the renewal of these Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the subadvisors, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and each subadvisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the subadvisors. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided. Further, the Board took into consideration information furnished for the Board’s review and consideration throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, as well as information specifically prepared in connection with the renewal process.

In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. The information requested on behalf of the Board included, among other information, the following materials. References herein to the “firm” refer to the Manager and/or each applicable subadvisor.

 

    comparisons of the performance of an appropriate share class of each Fund to comparable investment companies and appropriate benchmark indices, including peer group averages and performance analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and to the performance of any similar accounts managed by the firm;

 

    comparisons of each Fund’s management and subadvisory fee rates and expense ratio with the management fee rates paid by comparable mutual funds and their expense ratios, including peer group averages and fee and expense analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided;

 

    a description of any applicable fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in place for each Fund during the past year, and any proposed changes to the expense caps;

 

    the Manager’s profitability with respect to the services that it provided to each Fund;

 

    any actual or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services the firm provides or will provide to each Fund and whether the current fee rates charged or to be charged to each Fund reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors;

 

    an evaluation of any other benefits to the firm or Funds as a result of their relationship, if any;

 

 

78


Renewal and Approval of Management and

Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

    information regarding the administrative, accounting-related, cash management and securities lending services that the Manager provides to certain Funds and the fees that the Manager receives for such services; and

 

    information regarding a firm’s financial condition, the personnel of the Manager who are assigned primary responsibility for managing the Funds, staffing levels, portfolio managers’ compensation, insurance coverage, material pending litigation, code of ethics, compliance matters, actual or potential conflicts of interest that the firm experiences, or anticipates that it will experience, in providing services to the Funds, and the Manager’s disaster recovery plans.

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

Certain firms may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of those firms based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund with more than one class of shares, the class of shares used for comparative performance purposes was the share class with the lowest expenses available for purchase by the general public, which, in most cases, was the Institutional Class. The Board also considered that the use of Institutional Class performance generally facilitates a meaningful comparison for expense and performance purposes.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration to renew or approve each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal and approval of each Agreement. The memorandum explained the regulatory requirements surrounding the Trustees’ process for evaluating investment advisors and the terms of investment advisory contracts. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the renewal and approval of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

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

In determining whether to renew the Agreements, the Trustees considered the best interests of each Fund separately. While the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements for all of the Funds were considered at the Meetings, the Board considered each Fund’s investment management and subadvisory relationships separately.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. With respect to the renewal of the Management Agreement, the Board considered, among other factors: each Fund’s performance for various periods since its inception the length of service of key investment personnel at the Manager; the cost structure of the Funds; the Manager’s culture of

 

 

79


Renewal and Approval of Management and

Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

compliance and support for compliance operations that reduce risks to the Funds; the Manager’s quality of services; the Manager’s active role in monitoring and, as appropriate, recommending additional or replacement subadvisors; and the Manager’s efforts to retain key employees and maintain staffing levels.

With respect to the renewal of each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the level of staffing and the size of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Funds by each subadvisor, and whether those resources were commensurate with the needs of the Funds and are sufficient to sustain appropriate levels of performance and compliance needs. In this regard, the Board considered the financial stability of each subadvisor. The Board also considered each subadvisor’s representations regarding its compliance program and code of ethics. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and each subadvisor were appropriate for each Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its Broadridge performance universe, Morningstar Category, and benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent peer selection methodology to select all Broadridge performance universes. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for certain Funds. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at Board and Committee meetings throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by each subadvisor regarding the performance of each Fund relative to the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. In addition, the Board considered in each instance the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain each subadvisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

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

The Board also noted that the Manager proposed to continue the expense waivers and reimbursements for the Funds that were in place during the last fiscal year. The Board further considered that, with respect to each Fund, the Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive a management fee comprised of an annualized fee that is retained by the Manager. The Board also noted that certain share classes of the Funds maintain higher expense ratios in order to compensate third-party financial intermediaries.

In analyzing the fee rates charged by each subadvisor in connection with its investment advisory services to each Fund, the Board considered that, with respect to the Ionic Fund, the Manager has negotiated the lowest fee rate the subadvisor charges for any comparable client accounts. The Board did not request profitability data from the subadvisors because the Board did not view this data as imperative to its deliberations given the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and the subadvisors with respect to the negotiation of subadvisory fee rates. In addition, the Board noted that subadvisors may not account for their profits on an account-by-account basis and those that do likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

 

 

80


Renewal and Approval of Management and

Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as the Funds grow and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered AHL’s representation that it believes that its fee is competitive and reflects economies of scale for the benefit of the AHL Fund’s shareholders. The Board also considered Ionic’s representation that it has not experienced and does not currently anticipate experiencing economies of scale with respect to its management of the Fund.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to each Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the Manager and subadvisor fee rate schedules for each Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the Funds.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Funds. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the subadvisors as a result of the advisory relationships with the Funds, including greater exposure in the marketplace with respect to the Manager’s or subadvisor’s investment process and expanding the level of assets under management by the Manager and the subadvisors. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the subadvisors by virtue of their relationships with the Funds appear to be fair and reasonable

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund

The performance comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe and Morningstar Category. With respect to the Broadridge performance universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top twenty percent of the universe based on performance and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe based on performance. References below to each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe are to the universe of mutual funds with a comparable investment classification/objective included in the analysis provided by Broadridge.

The expense comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge expense universe and Broadridge expense group, with the 1st Quintile representing the top twenty percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References below to each Fund’s expense group and expense universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds included in the analysis by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense group consists of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense universe includes all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar operating structure as the share class of the Fund included in the Broadridge comparative information and provides a broader view of expenses across the Fund’s investment classification/objective. For each Fund, the Trustees also considered a Fund’s Morningstar fee level category. In reviewing expenses, the Trustees considered the positive impact of fee waivers where applicable and the Manager’s agreement to continue the fee waivers. In addition, information regarding the subadvisors’ use of soft dollars was requested from the Manager and was considered by the Trustees.

 

 

81


Renewal and Approval of Management and

Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and Investment Advisory Agreement with AHL for the AHL Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   3rd Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   2nd Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) AHL’s representation that it does not manage other accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; (2) that the subadvisor’s proprietary investment process can be implemented by the Fund only through investments in futures contracts, which may cause the Fund to incur higher expenses than the funds in its Broadridge expense group and expense universe; (3) the Manager’s representation that the Fund’s performance is expected to continue to improve as the subadvisor’s trading algorithms become more consistent with market price movements; and (4) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor based upon, among other factors, the relatively brief period that this Fund has been in operation.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and Investment Advisory Agreement with Ionic for the Ionic Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   2nd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   4th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   4th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) Ionic’s representation that it does not manage other accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; (2) that the Ionic Absolute Return Fund LLC (“Private Fund”), a privately offered investment fund managed by Ionic, transferred its assets to the American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund on June 30, 2015, and the Fund’s performance prior to that date is that of the Private Fund; (3) the Manager’s representation that there are challenges associated with identifying a peer group for evaluating the Fund’s expenses and performance as none of the funds in the Fund’s Broadridge expense group, expense universe, performance universe or Morningstar category pursue a comparable investment strategy; and (4) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor based upon, among other factors, the relatively brief period that this Fund has been in operation.

 

 

82


Renewal and Approval of Management and

Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

 

 

83


  

 

 

 

 

 

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84


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

By Telephone:

Institutional, Y, and Investor Classes

Call (800) 658-5811

 

LOGO

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

 
 
 
   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-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, American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 6/17


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.

 

 

STEPHENS MID-CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in 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. The Fund may participate in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

STEPHENS SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. 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. The Fund may participate in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

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

 

American Beacon Funds

June 30, 2017


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    8  

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

    13  

Financial Statements

    18  

Notes to Financial Statements

    21  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    34  

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

    39  

Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    44  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

At American Beacon, we are proud to offer a broad range of equity, fixed-income and alternative mutual fund products for institutions and individuals. Our mutual funds – which span the domestic, international, global, frontier and emerging markets – are sub-advised by experienced portfolio managers who employ distinctive investment processes to manage assets through a variety of economic and market conditions. Together, we work diligently to help our clients and shareholders meet their long-term financial goals.

 

Institutional wisdom, enduring value. Since our inception as a pension fiduciary in 1986, American Beacon has focused on identifying and overseeing institutional investment managers and portfolio risk management. In 1987, we leveraged our size and experience to launch a series of sub-advised,

multi-manager mutual funds providing individual investors access to many of the same institutional managers as our pension clients. Following the financial crisis in 2008, we saw that investors were looking for unique solutions from managers who were not necessarily mainstream. In 2010, we began offering mutual funds from single managers with distinctive investment styles or asset classes. As we continue to expand our family of funds, our solutions-based approach provides innovative investments.

Guiding principles. Our “manager of managers” philosophy is built on a long-standing history of innovative thinking, discipline and consistency in applying our solutions-based approach. As a manager of managers, our goal is to engage the most effective money managers for each asset class, investment style or market strategy – whether through a single sub-advisor or a combination of sub-advisors. Because we take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously, our thorough manager evaluation and selection process is rigorous and ongoing. Our guiding principles – predictability, style consistency, competitive pricing and long-term relationships – provide a strong foundation for our due-diligence process. Our broad range of mutual funds helps investors navigate the economic storms and market downturns in the U.S. and abroad. Our years of experience evaluating sub-advisors have led us to identify and partner with asset managers who have adhered to their disciplined processes for many years and through multiple market cycles.

Focus on asset protection and risk mitigation. We strive to provide innovative, long-term products without gimmicks. From offering some of the first multi-manager funds, one of the first retirement-income funds and the first open-end mutual fund in the U.S. to focus primarily on frontier-market debt, our robust history includes applying a disciplined, solutions-based approach to our product development process to help protect assets and mitigate risk.

Thank you for your continued interest in American Beacon. For additional information about our 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 Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 14.71% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The Fund outperformed the Russell Midcap® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 11.40% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017                
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

Institutional Class (1,2,7)

     SFMIX          14.93 %          23.65 %          6.94 %          11.89 %          7.76 %

Y Class (1,3,7)

     SMFYX          14.87 %          23.56 %          6.83 %          11.81 %          7.60 %

Investor Class (1,7)

     STMGX          14.71 %          23.24 %          6.53 %          11.47 %          7.43 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     SMFAX          14.69 %          23.17 %          6.51 %          11.39 %          7.39 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     SMFAX          8.09 %          16.10 %          4.42 %          10.08 %          6.76 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     SMFCX          14.26 %          22.25 %          5.70 %          10.60 %          6.97 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     SMFCX          13.26 %          21.25 %          5.70 %          10.60 %          6.97 %
                                         

Russell Midcap Growth Index (6)

              11.40 %          17.05 %          7.83 %          14.19 %          7.87 %

S&P 500 Index (6)

              9.34 %          17.90 %          9.61 %          14.63 %          7.18 %

 

* 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 call 1-800- 9687-9009 or visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2006 through 2013 and partially recovered in 2014 and 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2006 through 2013.

 

2. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.

 

3. Fund performance for the ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/14/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are lower than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012 and 2013 and partially recovered in 2014 and 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013.

 

4. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012 and 2013, partially recovered in 2015 and waived in 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012, 2013 and 2016. A Class has a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/14/12, 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. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived from 2012 through 2014 and in 2016 and was partially recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2012 through 2014 and in 2016. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6. The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization weighted index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell Midcap Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index. Russell Midcap Index, Russell Midcap Growth Index and Russell 1000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

 

2


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

7. 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 1.10%, 1.13%, 1.39%, 1.43%, and 2.20%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund outperformed the Index mostly due to stock selection. Sector allocation added moderate value relative to the Index.

Most of the Fund’s outperformance related to security selection was attributable to holdings in the Information Technology and Health Care sectors. Holdings in Financials and Consumer Staples also contributed modest value for the period. In the Information Technology sector, Mercadolibre (up 64.5%) was a significant contributor. Holdings in Mobileye and Costar Group also added relative value as they were up 62.1% and 40.0%, respectively. Investments in the Health Care sector were additive to performance, led by Medidata Solutions (up 57.6%) and Idexx Laboratories (up 38.2%). In Financials, MarketAxess Holdings was up 37.4%. Absences in Rite Aid (down 64.2%) and Campbell Soup (down 12.7%) in Consumer Staples were a positive in relative performance. Detracting from relative performance, however, were holdings in the Consumer Discretionary sector, in which IMAX Corp was down 30.5% and Papa John’s down 15.2%. Industrials also lagged during the period, with Wageworks down 8.0%, Acuity Brands down 13.8% and MSC Industrial Direct down 6.1%.

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund’s significant overweights in both Health Care and Information Technology contributed positively to performance. An underweight to Consumer Discretionary was also helpful for the period. The aforementioned outperformance was offset by an overweight in Energy, while the Fund’s cash position provided moderate downward pressure on relative returns.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to maintain a disciplined, long-term approach to equity investing in medium capitalization stocks with above-average growth potential.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.           1.9  
MercadoLibre, Inc.           1.9  
NVIDIA Corp.           1.8  
Cognex Corp.           1.8  
CoStar Group, Inc.           1.8  
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.           1.8  
Microchip Technology, Inc.           1.7  
SVB Financial Group           1.7  
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.           1.7  
Expedia, Inc.           1.6  
Total Fund Holdings      94       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           35.8  
Health Care           23.5  
Consumer Discretionary           15.4  
Industrials           11.2  
Financials           5.9  
Energy           4.9  
Consumer Staples           3.3  

 

 

3


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 8.35% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, lagging the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 9.97% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended June 30, 2017         
      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

Institutional Class (1,2,7)

     SFMIX          8.44 %          18.09 %          4.25 %          9.68 %          7.12 %

Y Class (1,3,7)

     SMFYX          8.42 %          17.96 %          4.14 %          9.58 %          6.95 %

Investor Class (1,7)

     STMGX          8.35 %          17.84 %          3.93 %          9.38 %          6.84 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     SMFAX          8.29 %          17.70 %          3.86 %          9.22 %          6.75 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     SMFAX          2.09 %          10.91 %          1.83 %          7.94 %          6.13 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     SMFCX          7.89 %          16.73 %          3.04 %          8.39 %          6.32 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     SMFCX          6.89 %          15.73 %          3.04 %          8.39 %          6.32 %
                                         

Russell 2000 Growth Index (6)

              9.97 %          24.40 %          7.64 %          13.98 %          7.82 %

S&P 500 Index (6)

              9.34 %          17.90 %          9.61 %          14.63 %          7.18 %

 

* 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. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2005 through 2013 and in 2015, and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2005 through 2013 and in 2015. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future.

 

2. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class was waived from 2006 through 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2006 through 2013.

 

3. Fund performance for the ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are lower than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012.

 

4. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A 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 A Class been in existence since 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012. A Class has a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5. Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 6/30/07 up to 2/24/12, 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 6/30/07. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6. The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization weighted index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index of approximately 2,000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors. The Russell 2000 Growth Index and the Russell 2000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

 

4


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

7. 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 1.10%, 1.16%, 1.36%, 1.47%, and 2.24%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund underperformed the Index primarily due to sector allocation. Security selection added moderate value relative to the Index.

Allocations to the Energy sector, in which the Fund had an overweight position, was the leading detractor for performance. Energy was also the worst performing sector for the Index. A slight overweight to Consumer Staples dragged on returns, while underweights in the Telecommunication Services and Materials sectors negatively impacted performance. This was further impacted by the Fund’s cash position. The aforementioned performance was somewhat offset by an underweight to Consumer Discretionary, as well as an overweight to Information Technology. The Fund’s continued absence in Real Estate also aided relative returns for the period.

As it relates to security selection, the drivers of performance were holdings in the Industrials, Energy, Health Care and Information Technology sectors. Within Industrials, the Fund’s position in The Advisory Board was up 54.3% for the period, while Aerovironment Inc. was up 42.7%. In the Energy sector, Rice Energy gained 24.8%, while absences in US Silica (down 37.2%) and Callon Petroleum (down 26.3%) further boosted returns relative to the Index. The Fund’s Health Care holdings also added value, with Medidata Solutions up 57.5% and Acadian Healthcare up 49.2% for the period. Akorn Inc. was also up more than 52.0%. Companies within Information Technology contributing to performance were Shopify (up 106.0%), Costar Group (up 40.1%) and Cognex Corp. (up 33.6%).

This positive performance was somewhat offset by poor security selection in the Consumer Discretionary sector. National Cinemedia (down 47.4%), IMAX Corp. (down 30.9%), Chuy’s (down 28.0%) and Boot Barn (down 41.3%) are examples of positions that lagged for the period in the Consumer Discretionary sector. In Materials, Forterra Inc. was down 64.8%, detracting from performance as well.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to maintain a disciplined, long-term approach to equity investing in smaller capitalization stocks with above-average growth potential.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
ICON PLC           2.0  
CoStar Group, Inc.           1.8  
Proofpoint, Inc.           1.7  
WageWorks, Inc.           1.7  
Medidata Solutions, Inc.           1.7  
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.           1.7  
HealthEquity, Inc.           1.6  
Calavo Growers, Inc.           1.6  
NuVasive, Inc.           1.6  
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.           1.6  
Total Fund Holdings      108       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           36.7  
Health Care           21.7  
Industrials           16.6  
Consumer Discretionary           10.3  
Financials           4.9  
Energy           4.7  
Consumer Staples           3.7  
Materials           1.4  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 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, distribution (12b-1) fees, sub-transfer agent fees, and other Fund expenses. The Examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

Actual Expenses

The “Actual” lines of the tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this page, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.60), then multiply the result by the “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional 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 Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Funds’ actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

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

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,149.30       $5.28
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.90       $4.96
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,148.70       $5.81
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.40       $5.46
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,147.10       $7.19
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.10       $6.76
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,146.90       $7.40
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.90       $6.95
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,142.60       $11.37
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.20       $10.69

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.99%, 1.09%, 1.35%, 1.39%, and 2.14% 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.

 

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Beginning Account Value
1/1/2017
  Ending Account Value
6/30/2017
  Expenses Paid During
Period
1/1/2017-6/30/2017*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,084.40       $5.53
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.50       $5.36
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,084.20       $5.84
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.20       $5.66
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,083.50       $6.82
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.20       $6.61
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,082.90       $7.39
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.70       $7.15
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,078.90       $11.24
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.00       $10.89

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.07%, 1.13%, 1.32%, 1.43%, and 2.18% 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 Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.21%            
Consumer Discretionary - 15.26%            
Automobiles - 0.79%            
Tesla, Inc.A       1,998         $ 722,497
           

 

 

 
           
Distributors - 1.03%            
LKQ Corp.A       28,675           944,841
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - 0.98%            
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.A       11,689           902,508
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.75%            
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.       1,517           321,528
MGM Resorts International       7,236           229,284
Papa John’s International, Inc.       14,674           1,053,006
           

 

 

 
              1,603,818
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 2.94%            
Expedia, Inc.       9,959           1,483,393
Netflix, Inc.A       8,139           1,216,048
           

 

 

 
              2,699,441
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 2.72%            
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.       25,846           1,004,117
IMAX Corp.A       38,397           844,734
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.A       18,604           648,349
           

 

 

 
              2,497,200
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 4.23%            
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       12,566           1,155,946
Ross Stores, Inc.       20,798           1,200,669
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.A       5,301           1,523,189
           

 

 

 
              3,879,804
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.82%            
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       12,516           746,830
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              13,996,939
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 3.33%            
Beverages - 2.52%            
Brown-Forman Corp., Class B       18,340           891,324
Monster Beverage Corp.A       28,497           1,415,731
           

 

 

 
              2,307,055
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 0.81%            
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.A       9,141           746,728
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              3,053,783
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 4.87%            
Energy Equipment & Services - 2.81%            
Baker Hughes, Inc.       12,674           690,860
Core Laboratories N.V.B       7,698           779,576
Oceaneering International, Inc.       23,558           538,065
RPC, Inc.B       27,994           565,759
           

 

 

 
              2,574,260
           

 

 

 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 2.06%            
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.       30,241           758,444

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.21% (continued)            
Energy - 4.87% (continued)            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 2.06% (continued)            
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.       4,522         $ 721,621
Range Resources Corp.       17,894           414,604
           

 

 

 
              1,894,669
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              4,468,929
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 5.83%            
Banks - 3.07%            
East West Bancorp, Inc.       22,108           1,295,086
SVB Financial GroupA       8,677           1,525,330
           

 

 

 
              2,820,416
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 2.76%            
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.       5,434           901,283
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.       8,105           1,629,916
           

 

 

 
              2,531,199
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              5,351,615
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 23.35%            
Biotechnology - 0.62%            
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       4,701           571,971
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 8.84%            
ABIOMED, Inc.A       5,328           763,502
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.       11,334           734,897
DexCom, Inc.A       10,757           786,875
Hologic, Inc.A       24,105           1,093,885
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.A       10,766           1,737,848
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.A       1,217           1,138,345
ResMed, Inc.       17,078           1,329,864
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.A       5,149           531,325
           

 

 

 
              8,116,541
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 2.50%            
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.A B       21,467           1,060,040
Henry Schein, Inc.A       6,723           1,230,444
           

 

 

 
              2,290,484
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 5.09%            
athenahealth, Inc.A       6,921           972,746
Cerner Corp.A       20,728           1,377,790
HMS Holdings Corp.A       53,896           997,076
Medidata Solutions, Inc.A       16,924           1,323,457
           

 

 

 
              4,671,069
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 4.67%            
ICON PLCA       11,929           1,166,537
Illumina, Inc.A       7,034           1,220,540
PAREXEL International Corp.A       10,542           916,205
QIAGEN N.V.       29,276           981,624
           

 

 

 
              4,284,906
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 1.63%            
Akorn, Inc.A       24,637           826,325

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.21% (continued)            
Health Care - 23.35% (continued)            
Pharmaceuticals - 1.63% (continued)            
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       13,968         $ 666,273
           

 

 

 
              1,492,598
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              21,427,569
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 11.07%            
Aerospace & Defense - 1.43%            
Orbital ATK, Inc.       13,357           1,313,795
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 1.05%            
Copart, Inc.A       30,180           959,422
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 1.48%            
Acuity Brands, Inc.       3,920           796,857
Sensata Technologies Holding N.V.A       13,051           557,539
           

 

 

 
              1,354,396
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - 0.86%            
Roper Technologies, Inc.       3,415           790,675
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 3.59%            
IHS Markit Ltd.A       17,893           788,008
Verisk Analytics, Inc.A       16,009           1,350,679
WageWorks, Inc.A       17,245           1,158,864
           

 

 

 
              3,297,551
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 0.91%            
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.       9,177           838,594
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.75%            
Fastenal Co.       18,006           783,801
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A       9,564           822,122
           

 

 

 
              1,605,923
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              10,160,356
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 35.50%            
Communications Equipment - 1.42%            
Harris Corp.       4,655           507,768
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.A       5,962           797,775
           

 

 

 
              1,305,543
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 5.48%            
Cognex Corp.       19,464           1,652,494
FLIR Systems, Inc.       36,348           1,259,822
IPG Photonics Corp.A       8,055           1,168,780
National Instruments Corp.       23,557           947,462
           

 

 

 
              5,028,558
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - 3.65%            
CoStar Group, Inc.A       6,243           1,645,655
MercadoLibre, Inc.       6,776           1,699,963
           

 

 

 
              3,345,618
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 4.70%            
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.A       15,779           1,378,611

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.21% (continued)            
Information Technology - 35.50% (continued)            
IT Services - 4.70% (continued)            
Fiserv, Inc.A       5,812         $ 711,040
Global Payments, Inc.       5,175           467,406
Square, Inc., Class AA       34,157           801,323
WEX, Inc.A       9,177           956,886
           

 

 

 
              4,315,266
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 6.40%            
Lam Research Corp.       6,519           921,982
Microchip Technology, Inc.       20,541           1,585,354
NVIDIA Corp.       11,455           1,655,935
NXP Semiconductors N.V.A       5,750           629,338
Xilinx, Inc.       16,772           1,078,775
           

 

 

 
              5,871,384
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 13.85%            
ANSYS, Inc.A       5,659           688,587
Aspen Technology, Inc.A       18,888           1,043,751
Autodesk, Inc.A       12,745           1,284,951
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       34,971           1,171,179
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.A       5,353           583,905
Electronic Arts, Inc.A       12,796           1,352,793
Fortinet, Inc.A       20,698           774,933
PTC, Inc.A       9,789           539,570
Red Hat, Inc.A       10,798           1,033,909
salesforce.com, Inc.A       7,107           615,466
Splunk, Inc.A       10,298           585,853
Tableau Software, Inc., Class AA       10,594           649,095
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       9,363           687,057
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       3,014           529,469
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.A B       5,556           1,167,093
           

 

 

 
              12,707,611
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              32,573,980
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $62,479,507)

              91,033,171
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.82% (Cost $748,065)            
Investment Companies - 0.82%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      748,065           748,065
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 3.23% (Cost $2,963,722)            
Investment Companies - 3.23%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      2,963,722           2,963,722
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 103.26% (Cost $66,191,294)

              94,744,958

OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF ASSETS - (3.26%)

              (2,990,845 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 91,754,113
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2017.

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

D 7-day effective yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 91,033,171       $ -       $ -       $ 91,033,171  

Short-Term Investments

    748,065         -         -         748,065  

Securities Lending Collateral

    2,963,722         -         -         2,963,722  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 94,744,958       $ -       $ -       $ 94,744,958  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.30%            
Consumer Discretionary - 10.24%            
Auto Components - 0.56%            
Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.A       118,911         $ 3,358,047
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - 0.98%            
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.A       76,044           5,871,357
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 3.59%            
Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.A       213,034           4,984,995
Papa John’s International, Inc.       97,850           7,021,716
Potbelly Corp.A       223,620           2,571,630
Wingstop, Inc.       219,451           6,781,036
           

 

 

 
              21,359,377
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 1.63%            
IMAX Corp.A       290,539           6,391,858
National CineMedia, Inc.       443,441           3,290,332
           

 

 

 
              9,682,190
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 1.36%            
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.A       189,656           8,079,346
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 2.12%            
Aaron’s, Inc.       150,054           5,837,100
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.A B       443,146           3,137,474
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.       87,321           3,645,652
           

 

 

 
              12,620,226
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              60,970,543
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 3.68%            
Beverages - 1.06%            
MGP Ingredients, Inc.B       123,049           6,296,417
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 2.47%            
Calavo Growers, Inc.B       134,974           9,319,955
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.A       65,886           5,382,227
           

 

 

 
              14,702,182
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - 0.15%            
elf Beauty, Inc.A       32,226           876,870
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              21,875,469
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 4.66%            
Energy Equipment & Services - 2.81%            
Core Laboratories N.V.B       27,918           2,827,256
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.A       184,372           2,876,203
Oceaneering International, Inc.       127,716           2,917,033
RigNet, Inc.A       210,531           3,379,023
RPC, Inc.B       159,295           3,219,352
US Silica Holdings, Inc.       41,653           1,478,265
           

 

 

 
              16,697,132
           

 

 

 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.85%            
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.A       72,320           1,259,815
PDC Energy, Inc.A       34,202           1,474,448
Rice Energy, Inc.A       310,786           8,276,231
           

 

 

 
              11,010,494
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              27,707,626
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.30% (continued)            
Financials - 4.89%            
Banks - 2.81%            
Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.A       46,040         $ 1,763,332
East West Bancorp, Inc.       60,092           3,520,190
Hilltop Holdings, Inc.       263,472           6,905,601
SVB Financial GroupA       16,846           2,961,358
Veritex Holdings, Inc.A       58,982           1,552,996
           

 

 

 
              16,703,477
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 1.55%            
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.       45,887           9,227,876
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 0.53%            
FirstCash, Inc.       54,337           3,167,847
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              29,099,200
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 21.54%            
Biotechnology - 3.41%            
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       75,378           9,150,889
MiMedx Group, Inc.A B       374,956           5,613,092
Repligen Corp.A       133,578           5,535,472
           

 

 

 
              20,299,453
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 4.81%            
ABIOMED, Inc.A       50,252           7,201,112
Neogen Corp.A       124,312           8,591,202
NuVasive, Inc.A       120,484           9,267,629
Penumbra, Inc.A       40,401           3,545,188
           

 

 

 
              28,605,131
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 3.30%            
AAC Holdings, Inc.A B       203,753           1,412,008
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.A B       174,108           8,597,453
HealthEquity, Inc.A       193,708           9,652,470
           

 

 

 
              19,661,931
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 5.67%            
athenahealth, Inc.A       31,297           4,398,793
HealthStream, Inc.A       188,233           4,954,292
HMS Holdings Corp.A       461,785           8,543,022
Medidata Solutions, Inc.A       126,653           9,904,265
Omnicell, Inc.A       137,347           5,919,656
           

 

 

 
              33,720,028
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 3.16%            
Bio-Techne Corp.       33,298           3,912,515
ICON PLCA       123,112           12,039,123
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.A       37,736           2,830,577
           

 

 

 
              18,782,215
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 1.19%            
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       148,860           7,100,622
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              128,169,380
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 16.52%            
Aerospace & Defense - 4.10%            
Aerovironment, Inc.A       112,762           4,307,508

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.30% (continued)            
Industrials - 16.52% (continued)            
Aerospace & Defense - 4.10% (continued)            
Axon Enterprise, Inc.A B       124,690         $ 3,134,707
HEICO Corp., Class A       112,178           6,960,645
KeyW Holding Corp.A B       362,573           3,390,058
Orbital ATK, Inc.       67,206           6,610,382
           

 

 

 
              24,403,300
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 1.21%            
Echo Global Logistics, Inc.A       209,437           4,167,796
Hub Group, Inc., Class AA       79,288           3,040,695
           

 

 

 
              7,208,491
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 1.13%            
Trex Co., Inc.A       99,569           6,736,838
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 5.56%            
CIRCOR International, Inc.       52,485           3,116,559
Kornit Digital Ltd.A       264,980           5,127,363
Lindsay Corp.       40,200           3,587,850
Mueller Water Products, Inc., Class A       529,124           6,180,169
Proto Labs, Inc.A B       121,381           8,162,872
RBC Bearings, Inc.A       68,221           6,942,169
           

 

 

 
              33,116,982
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 2.89%            
Advisory Board Co.A       139,391           7,178,636
WageWorks, Inc.A       148,713           9,993,514
           

 

 

 
              17,172,150
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.63%            
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A       50,196           4,314,848
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.A       103,144           5,369,677
           

 

 

 
              9,684,525
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              98,322,286
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 36.43%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 2.80%            
Cognex Corp.       97,355           8,265,439
FLIR Systems, Inc.       105,988           3,673,544
National Instruments Corp.       118,035           4,747,368
           

 

 

 
              16,686,351
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - 8.47%            
Angie’s List, Inc.A       14,506           185,532
CoStar Group, Inc.A       40,147           10,582,749
Envestnet, Inc.A       227,093           8,992,883
Five9, Inc.A       199,488           4,292,982
Mimecast Ltd.A       174,458           4,671,985
Q2 Holdings, Inc.A       146,494           5,412,953
Shopify, Inc., Class AA       53,902           4,684,084
SPS Commerce, Inc.A       72,699           4,635,288
Stamps.com, Inc.A       44,668           6,917,957
           

 

 

 
              50,376,413
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 3.09%            
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.A       112,509           9,829,912
MAXIMUS, Inc.       62,029           3,884,876
WEX, Inc.A       44,871           4,678,699
           

 

 

 
              18,393,487
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 99.30% (continued)            
Information Technology - 36.43% (continued)            
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 7.95%            
Cavium, Inc.A       91,876         $ 5,708,256
CyberOptics Corp.A       81,891           1,691,049
Inphi Corp.A B       72,457           2,485,275
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.A       185,072           4,773,007
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.A       89,169           4,972,955
Microsemi Corp.A       186,118           8,710,322
Power Integrations, Inc.       109,845           8,007,701
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.A       189,031           4,319,358
Semtech Corp.A       185,565           6,633,949
           

 

 

 
              47,301,872
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 14.12%            
8x8, Inc.A       462,944           6,735,835
Aspen Technology, Inc.A       127,062           7,021,446
CyberArk Software Ltd.A       103,754           5,182,512
Globant SAA B       72,179           3,135,456
Guidewire Software, Inc.A       130,386           8,958,822
Imperva, Inc.A       77,257           3,696,748
Manhattan Associates, Inc.A       104,381           5,016,551
Proofpoint, Inc.A B       116,165           10,086,607
PROS Holdings, Inc.A       167,142           4,578,019
Qualys, Inc.A       154,345           6,297,276
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       103,856           7,620,953
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       42,317           7,433,828
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.A B       39,389           8,274,053
           

 

 

 
              84,038,106
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              216,796,229
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 1.34%            
Chemicals - 1.34%            
Balchem Corp.       70,440           5,473,892
Flotek Industries, Inc.A B       281,038           2,512,480
           

 

 

 
              7,986,372
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              7,986,372
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $452,324,055)

              590,927,105
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.67% (Cost $3,982,145)            
Investment Companies - 0.67%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      3,982,145           3,982,145
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 6.92% (Cost $41,175,560)            
Investment Companies - 6.92%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 0.87%C D

      41,175,560           41,175,560
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 106.89% (Cost $497,481,760)

              636,084,810

OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF ASSETS - (6.89%)

              (40,981,670 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 595,103,140
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2017.

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

D 7-day effective yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of June 30, 2017, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 590,927,105       $ -       $ -       $ 590,927,105  

Short-Term Investments

    3,982,145         -         -         3,982,145  

Securities Lending Collateral

    41,175,560         -         -         41,175,560  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 636,084,810       $ -       $ -       $ 636,084,810  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 the Fund’s assets and liabilities. During the period ended June 30, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

Assets:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 91,033,171       $ 590,927,105  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    3,711,787         45,157,705  

Cash

    320          

Dividends and interest receivable

    6,208         18,839  

Receivable for investments sold

    478,686         15,683,670  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    195,457         1,174,665  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    4,062          

Prepaid expenses

    42,019         85,546  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    95,471,710         653,047,530  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Payable for investments purchased

    602,128         5,482,828  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    48,534         10,724,265  

Payable under excess expense reimbursement plan (Note 2)

    -         9,358  

Payable upon return of securities loaned§

    2,963,722         41,175,560  

Management and investment advisory fees payable

    61,641         483,826  

Administrative service and service fees payable

    11,128         13,017  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    4,818         24,519  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    2,348         9,712  

Professional fees payable

    19,639         21,222  

Trustee fees payable

    699         -  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    2,914         -  

Other liabilities

    26         83  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    3,717,597         57,944,390  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 91,754,113       $ 595,103,140  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of Net Assets:

     

Paid-in-capital

  $ 62,449,807       $ 452,353,859  

Overdistribution of net investment income

    (255,232       (2,416,712

Accumulated net realized gain

    1,005,874         6,562,943  

Unrealized appreciation of investments

    28,553,664         138,603,050  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 91,754,113       $ 595,103,140  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

     

Institutional Class

    2,649,169         25,502,742  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    180,534         4,540,723  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    828,994         3,007,279  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    857,852         474,476  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    105,624         64,716  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 55,688,995       $ 455,204,331  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 3,778,268       $ 80,663,180  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 14,997,108       $ 50,338,337  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 15,470,047       $ 7,870,120  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 1,819,695       $ 1,027,172  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 21.02       $ 17.85  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 20.93       $ 17.76  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 18.09       $ 16.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 18.03       $ 16.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 19.13       $ 17.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 17.23       $ 15.87  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 62,479,507       $ 452,324,055  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 3,711,787       $ 45,157,705  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 2,907,461       $ 40,285,840  

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ 236,234       $ 812,778  

Dividend income from affiliated securities

    6,212         28,292  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 2)

    6,147         81,240  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    248,593         922,310  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and investment advisory fees (Note 2)

    376,049         2,936,933  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    20,051         107,874  

Y Class (Note 2)

    985         22,376  

Investor Class

    1,191         2,364  

A Class

    602         294  

C Class

    104         81  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    6,688         25,587  

Professional fees

    18,482         25,685  

Registration fees and expenses

    23,516         45,859  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Y Class

    761         20,186  

Investor Class

    24,169         63,471  

A Class

    11,156         5,601  

C Class

    1,189         935  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    18,594         9,336  

C Class

    7,927         6,230  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    6,752         25,113  

Trustee fees

    2,920         17,445  

Other expenses

    3,552         14,294  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    524,688         3,329,664  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (20,863       9,358  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    503,825         3,339,022  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

    (255,232       (2,416,712
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments

    2,468,194         14,661,025  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments

    9,901,230         37,097,788  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    12,369,424         51,758,813  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 12,114,192       $ 49,342,101  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 1,250       $ 4,572  

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund           Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund  
    For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
          For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
          For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)              

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

  $ (255,232     $ (569,314     $ (2,416,712     $ (4,351,324

Net realized gain (loss) from investments

    2,468,194         (1,032,123       14,661,025         (4,569,025

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

    9,901,230         5,243,617         37,097,788         67,768,829  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    12,114,192         3,642,180         49,342,101         58,848,480  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

             

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (2,746,156       -         (3,634,109

Y Class

    -         (101,600       -         (676,175

Investor Class

    -         (825,119       -         (440,539

A Class

    -         (878,585       -         (61,811

C Class

    -         (90,663       -         (11,705
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    -         (4,642,123       -         (4,824,339
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    10,576,294         23,413,554         60,751,162         351,061,950  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -         4,535,561         -         4,720,165  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (12,252,583       (55,624,853       (105,201,252       (329,962,031
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (1,676,289       (27,675,738       (44,450,090       25,820,084  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    10,437,903         (28,675,681       4,892,011         79,844,225  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets:

             

Beginning of period

    81,316,210         109,991,891         590,211,129         510,366,904  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of Period *

  $ 91,754,113       $ 81,316,210       $ 595,103,140       $ 590,211,129  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (or overdistribution of) net investment income

  $ (255,232     $ -       $ (2,416,712     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 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 (the “Act”), as amended, as diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of June 30, 2017, the Trust consists of thirty-two active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty 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. 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 service fees, distribution fees, and sub-transfer agent 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, follow

 

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 the 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.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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 may designates earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

Other

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

2.  Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

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

 

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

 

First $5 billion

     0.35

Next $5 billion

     0.325

Next $10 billion

     0.30

Over $20 billion

     0.275

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

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

First $100 million

     0.50

Over $100 million

     0.45

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

First $200 million

     0.65

Over $200 million

     0.60

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Fund for the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

     Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35        $155,246  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     0.49        220,803  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     0.84        $376,049  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

     Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35        $1,069,459  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     0.63        1,867,474  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     0.98        $2,936,933  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Funds, the lending Funds pay to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager received securities lending fees of $680 and $8,877 for the securities lending activities of the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively.

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the Funds, has 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 and administrative services fees

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 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 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 of the Funds. 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 0.15% 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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds terminated the Service Plan for the Y Class.

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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Funds agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing services to the Y Class. 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 certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the Institutional and Y Classes. The reimbursement amounts (sub-transfer agent fees) paid to the Manager are subject to a fee limit of up to 0.10% of an intermediary’s average net assets in the Institutional and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 19,563  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     119,071  

As of June 30, 2017, the Funds owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 3,948  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     20,940  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Funds in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 1,033      $ 944      $ 1,977  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     5,079        13,004        18,083  

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. For the period ended June 30, 2017, the Funds did not utilize the credit facility.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reimburse the Funds to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceeded the Funds’ expense cap. During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Manager waived or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                     

Fund

   Class    1/1/2017 -
6/30/2017*
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
    Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Institutional      0.99   $ 19,979      $       2020  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Y      1.09     120              2020  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Investor      1.35                  2020  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   A      1.39     644              2020  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   C      2.14     120              2020  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   Investor      N/A              (9,358     2020  

*The contractual expense caps did not change at 4/28/2017, the Funds’ annual update of the Prospectus.

 

Of these amounts, $4,062 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2017 for the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and $9,358 was disclosed as a payable to the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 2017 for the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund. The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2020.

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. During the period ended June 30, 2017, Foreside collected $2,543 and $474 for Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 period ended June 30, 2017, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class A Shares of the Funds.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the period ended June 30, 2017, CDSC fees of $165 were collected for Class C Shares of the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, the American Beacon Select Funds and the American Beacon Institutional 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 $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 at 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.

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

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

Other investments, 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 Manager’s Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

 

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 and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred securities and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are also categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Common Stock

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

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange Traded Products

The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, 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, the Funds become a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Funds in 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.  Principal Risks

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

Equity Investment Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Funds’ investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock.

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.

Investment Risk

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

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. 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 the Funds invest in shares of other registered investment companies, the Funds will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those funds. For example, money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

Sector Risk

Sector risk is the risk associated with the Funds holding a significant amount of investments in similar businesses, which could be affected by the same economic or market conditions.

Securities Lending Risk

To the extent the Funds lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks; i) borrowers of the Funds’ securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, ii) the securities in

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers, iii) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Funds’ ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions, and iv) there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.

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, June 30, 2017.

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2017:  
    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2017
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions:                  
Common Stocks   $ 2,907,461       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 2,907,461  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Borrowings   $ 2,907,461       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 2,907,461  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions       $ 2,907,461  
                 

 

 

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of June 30, 2017:  
    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of June 30, 2017
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions:                  
Common Stocks   $ 40,285,840       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 40,285,840  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Borrowings   $ 40,285,840       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 40,285,840  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions       $ 40,285,840  
                 

 

 

 

6.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

It is the policy of the 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 unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 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 (depreciation), as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded.

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

As of June 30, 2017 the tax cost for each fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
          Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 67,582,588       $ 29,072,299       $ (1,909,929     $ 27,162,370  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     503,374,548         153,545,109         (20,834,847       132,710,262  

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

For the period ended December 31, 2016, the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund has a $2,647,264 long-term capital loss carryforward. The Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund did not have capital loss carryforwards.

7.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
          Purchases of U.S.
Government
Securities
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government
Securities)
          Sales of U.S.
Government
Securities
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 12,073,599       $ -       $ 12,975,697       $ -  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     59,452,842         -         97,777,483         -  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the six months ended June 30, 2017 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2016
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           June 30, 2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   Direct     $ 1,747,402       $ 11,621,454       $ 12,620,791       $ 748,065       $ 6,212  
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   Securities Lending       1,346,615         23,067,641         21,450,534         2,963,722         -  
Stephens Small Cap Growth   Direct       28,216,747         55,682,856         79,917,458         3,982,145         28,292  
Stephens Small Cap Growth   Securities Lending       17,065,741         157,020,817         132,910,998         41,175,560         -  

8.  Securities Lending

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

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

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Securities lending income is generated from the demand premium (if any) paid by the borrower to borrow a specific security and from the return on investment of cash collateral, reduced by negotiated rebate fees paid to the borrower and transaction costs. To the extent that a loan is secured by non-cash collateral, securities lending income is generated as a demand premium reduced by transaction costs. The Fund, the Agent, and the Manager retained 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of the income generated from securities lending.

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

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

As of June 30, 2017, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral were as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value of
Securities on Loan
          Cash Collateral
Received
          Non-Cash Collateral
Received
          Total Collateral
Received
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 2,907,461       $ 2,963,722       $ -       $ 2,963,722  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     40,285,840         41,175,560         -         41,175,560  

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

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

9.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     349,206       $ 6,928,252         1,177,720       $ 20,399,984  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         146,529         2,693,187  
Shares redeemed     (457,884       (9,227,250       (2,800,521       (48,457,431
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (108,678     $ (2,298,998       (1,476,272     $ (25,364,260
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     78,357       $ 1,553,410         44,603       $ 820,474  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         5,101         93,381  
Shares redeemed     (35,611       (726,283       (49,219       (887,718
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     42,746       $ 827,127         485       $ 26,137  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     52,883       $ 910,444         10,957       $ 170,834  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         50,612         802,201  
Shares redeemed     (53,136       (907,176       (169,686       (2,603,913
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (253     $ 3,268         (108,117     $ (1,630,878
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     48,032       $ 827,190         122,839       $ 1,906,539  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         54,477         860,740  
Shares redeemed     (73,270       (1,260,367       (176,308       (2,782,925
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (25,238     $ (433,177       1,008       $ (15,646
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     21,417       $ 356,998         7,487       $ 115,723  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         5,675         86,052  
Shares redeemed     (7,947       (131,507       (60,007       (892,866
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     13,470       $ 225,491         (46,845     $ (691,091
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,067,267       $ 52,636,100         14,462,163       $ 223,106,635  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         215,695         3,556,821  
Shares redeemed     (4,930,522       (85,705,107       (7,271,033       (109,035,001
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (1,863,255     $ (33,069,007       7,406,825       $ 117,628,455  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     306,154       $ 5,248,282         7,449,981       $ 116,530,831  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         39,938         655,773  
Shares redeemed     (714,510       (12,220,106       (12,060,037       (196,540,679
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (408,356     $ (6,971,824       (4,570,118     $ (79,354,075
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     118,360       $ 1,920,524         791,664       $ 10,678,980  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         28,155         435,840  
Shares redeemed     (382,632       (6,228,205       (1,486,689       (20,770,152
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (264,272     $ (4,307,681       (666,870     $ (9,655,332
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     57,842       $ 940,332         46,390       $ 691,272  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         3,955         60,700  
Shares redeemed     (42,282       (692,866       (172,992       (2,427,677
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     15,560       $ 247,466         (122,647     $ (1,675,705
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Period Ended June 30, 2017           Year Ended December 31, 2016  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     380       $ 5,924         4,104       $ 54,232  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         747         11,031  
Shares redeemed     (22,730       (354,968       (89,847       (1,188,522
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (22,350     $ (349,044       (84,996     $ (1,123,259
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

 

 

33


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.29       $ 18.11       $ 19.24       $ 19.76       $ 15.38       $ 15.24       $ 13.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07       (0.26       (0.13       (0.04       (0.05       0.02         A 

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

    2.80         1.49         (0.11       0.72         5.12         0.20         1.55  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.73         1.23         (0.24       0.68         5.07         0.22         1.55  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.01                

Distributions from net realized gains

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.66       (0.08        

Tax return of capitalB

                                    (0.02                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.69       (0.08        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.02       $ 18.29       $ 18.11       $ 19.24       $ 19.76       $ 15.38       $ 15.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    14.93 %D        6.76       (1.23 )%        3.41       33.14       1.43 %D        11.32
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 55,688,995       $ 50,451,447       $ 76,666,136       $ 87,620,400       $ 63,235,775       $ 31,005,183       $ 30,503,408  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsE

    1.07 %F        1.09       1.01       1.05       1.12       1.31 %F        1.28

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsE

    0.99 %F        1.00       0.99       1.00       0.99       0.99 %F        1.03

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

    (0.50 )%F        (0.60 )%        (0.54 )%        (0.53 )%        (0.70 )%        1.37 %F        (0.62 )% 

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

    (0.43 )%F        (0.51 )%        (0.53 )%        (0.48 )%        (0.58 )%        1.69 %F        (0.37 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    14 %D        22       19       37       25       1 %D        27

 

A  For the purposes of this calculation, the change in undistributed net investment income was derived by dividing the change in undistributed net investment income by average shares outstanding for the period.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
F  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

34


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          February 24,
2012A to
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.22       $ 18.06       $ 19.22       $ 19.76       $ 15.38       $ 15.23       $ 15.09  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    0.05         (0.10       (0.15       (0.06       (0.08       0.02         (0.03

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

    2.66         1.31         (0.12       0.72         5.15         0.21         0.17  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.71         1.21         (0.27       0.66         5.07         0.23         0.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.01                

Distributions from net realized gains

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.68       (0.08        

Tax return of capitalB

                                    (0.00 )C                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.69       (0.08        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.93       $ 18.22       $ 18.06       $ 19.22       $ 19.76       $ 15.38       $ 15.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    14.87 %E        6.67       (1.39 )%        3.31       33.14       1.50 %E        0.93 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,778,268       $ 2,510,649       $ 2,479,918       $ 3,109,192       $ 1,672,420       $ 373,747       $ 222,277  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.10 %G        1.12       1.06       1.10       1.14       1.53 %G        3.85 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.09 %G        1.12       1.09       1.10       1.09       1.09 %G        1.09 %G 

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

    (0.54 )%G        (0.63 )%        (0.60 )%        (0.57 )%        (0.73 )%        0.69 %G        (3.09 )%G 

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

    (0.53 )%G        (0.63 )%        (0.63 )%        (0.58 )%        (0.68 )%        1.13 %G        (0.33 )%G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    14 %E        22       19       37       25       1 %E        27 %E H 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
C  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
D  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E  Not annualized.
F  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
G  Annualized.
H  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.77       $ 15.80       $ 16.97       $ 17.64       $ 13.83       $ 13.72       $ 12.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07       (0.27       (0.32       (0.36       (0.08       0.02         (0.14 )A 

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    2.39         1.29         0.04         0.89         4.58         0.17         1.50  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.32         1.02         (0.28       0.53         4.50         0.19         1.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.01                

Distributions from net realized gains

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.68       (0.08        

Tax return of capitalB

                                    (0.00 )C                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.69       (0.08        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.09       $ 15.77       $ 15.80       $ 16.97       $ 17.64       $ 13.83       $ 13.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    14.71 %E        6.42       (1.63 )%        2.97       32.71       1.37 %E        11.00
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 14,997,108       $ 13,078,292       $ 14,814,940       $ 19,551,562       $ 31,912,432       $ 18,584,733       $ 18,091,662  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.35 %G        1.38       1.32       1.27       1.38       1.68 %G        1.67

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.35 %G        1.38       1.35       1.38       1.37       1.37 %G        1.40

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

    (0.79 )%G        (0.89 )%        (0.85 )%        (0.77 )%        (0.98 )%        0.94 %G        (1.04 )% 

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

    (0.79 )%G        (0.89 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.88 )%        (0.97 )%        1.26 %G        (0.76 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    14 %E        22       19       37       25       1 %E        27

 

A  For the purposes of this calculation, the change in undistributed net investment income was derived by dividing the change in undistributed net investment income by average shares outstanding for the period.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
C  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
D  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E  Not annualized.
F  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
G  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          February 24,
2012A to
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.72       $ 15.77       $ 16.94       $ 17.61       $ 13.83       $ 13.72       $ 13.62  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.09       (0.14       (0.20       (0.19       (0.10       0.02         (0.05

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

    2.40         1.14         (0.08       0.72         4.57         0.17         0.15  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.31         1.00         (0.28       0.53         4.47         0.19         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.01                

Distributions from net realized gains

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.68       (0.08        

Tax return of capitalB

                                    (0.00 )C                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.69       (0.08        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.03       $ 15.72       $ 15.77       $ 16.94       $ 17.61       $ 13.83       $ 13.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    14.69 %E        6.30       (1.63 )%        2.97       32.49       1.37 %E        0.73 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 15,470,047       $ 13,886,296       $ 13,907,563       $ 16,505,844       $ 18,395,962       $ 7,302,012       $ 7,062,772  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.40 %G        1.42       1.36       1.45       1.57       1.81 %G        1.83 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.39 %G        1.41       1.39       1.45       1.49       1.49 %G        1.49 %G 

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

    (0.84 )%G        (0.92 )%        (0.90 )%        (0.94 )%        (1.16 )%        0.86 %G        (1.04 )%G 

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

    (0.83 )%G        (0.92 )%        (0.93 )%        (0.94 )%        (1.09 )%        1.18 %G        (0.70 )%G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    14 %E        22       19       37       25       1 %E        27 %E H 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
C  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
D  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E  Not annualized.
F  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
G  Annualized.
H  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          February 24,
2012A to
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.08       $ 15.28       $ 16.57       $ 17.38       $ 13.75       $ 13.63       $ 13.62  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    0.04         (0.60       (0.17       (0.27       (0.16       0.02         (0.04

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

    2.11         1.45         (0.23       0.66         4.47         0.18         0.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    2.15         0.85         (0.40       0.39         4.31         0.20         0.01  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.00 )B                 

Distributions from net realized gains

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.68       (0.08        

Tax return of capitalC

                                    (0.00 )B                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (1.05       (0.89       (1.20       (0.68       (0.08        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.23       $ 15.08       $ 15.28       $ 16.57       $ 17.38       $ 13.75       $ 13.63  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    14.26 %E        5.52       (2.39 )%        2.21       31.35       1.45 %E        0.07 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,819,695       $ 1,389,526       $ 2,123,334       $ 1,901,906       $ 1,625,535       $ 301,916       $ 146,859  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    2.16 %G        2.19       2.11       2.22       2.28       2.68 %G        14.54 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    2.14 %G        2.18       2.14       2.20       2.24       2.24 %G        2.24 %G 

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

    (1.60 )%G        (1.70 )%        (1.65 )%        (1.69 )%        (1.87 )%        0.15 %G        (13.65 )%G 

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

    (1.59 )%G        (1.69 )%        (1.68 )%        (1.68 )%        (1.84 )%        0.59 %G        (1.36 )%G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    14 %E        22       19       37       25       1 %E        27 %E H 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
D  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E  Not annualized.
F  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
G  Annualized.
H  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012A  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.45       $ 15.08       $ 16.57       $ 17.83       $ 12.99       $ 13.54       $ 13.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.09       0.00 B        (0.13       (0.07       (0.05       0.06         (0.04 )C 

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

    1.49         1.51         (0.65       (0.49       5.60         0.23         1.43  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.40         1.51         (0.78       (0.56       5.55         0.29         1.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.00 )B                 

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.67       (0.84       (0.99

Tax return of capitalD

                                    (0.04                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84       (0.99
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.85       $ 16.45       $ 15.08       $ 16.57       $ 17.83       $ 12.99       $ 13.54  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    8.51 %F        9.98       (4.69 )%        (3.14 )%        42.93       2.15 %F        11.74
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 455,204,331       $ 450,286,537       $ 300,919,215       $ 359,958,471       $ 317,341,400       $ 130,341,476       $ 88,814,609  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsG

    1.07 %H        1.09       1.08       1.08       1.11       1.20 %H        1.20

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsG

    1.07 %H        1.09       1.08       1.10       1.09       1.06 %H        1.10

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

    (0.76 )%H        (0.78 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.59 )%        (0.73 )%        0.54 %H        (0.84 )% 

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

    (0.76 )%H        (0.78 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.61 )%        (0.71 )%        0.68 %H        (0.74 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    10 %F        40       25       46       39       6 %F        45

 

A  Prior to the reorganization on February 24, 2012, the Institutional and Investor Classes were known as Class I and Class A, respectively.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  For the purposes of this calculation, the change in undistributed net investment income was derived by dividing the change in undistributed net investment income by shares outstanding for the period.
D  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
E  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
F  Not annualized.
G  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
H  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          February 24,
2012A to
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.38       $ 15.02       $ 16.54       $ 17.81       $ 12.98       $ 13.54       $ 13.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.15       (0.52       (0.14       (0.12       (0.04       0.01         (0.02

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

    1.53         2.02         (0.67       (0.45       5.58         0.27         (0.03
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.38         1.50         (0.81       (0.57       5.54         0.28         (0.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.00 )B                 

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.68       (0.84        

Tax return of capitalC

                                    (0.03                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.76       $ 16.38       $ 15.02       $ 16.54       $ 17.81       $ 12.98       $ 13.54  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    8.42 %E        9.96       (4.88 )%        (3.20 )%        42.88       2.07 %E        (0.37 )%E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 80,663,180       $ 81,069,652       $ 142,980,166       $ 171,901,004       $ 208,196,284       $ 4,563,158       $ 2,698,530  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.13 %G        1.15       1.14       1.16       1.19       1.36 %G        2.05 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.13 %G        1.15       1.14       1.16       1.19       1.16 %G        1.21 %G 

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

    (0.82 )%G        (0.81 )%        (0.74 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.79 )%        0.19 %G        (1.57 )%G 

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

    (0.82 )%G        (0.81 )%        (0.74 )%        (0.69 )%        (0.78 )%        0.38 %G        (0.73 )%G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    10 %E        40       25       46       39       6 %E        45 %E H 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
D  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E  Not annualized.
F  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
G  Annualized.
H  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012A  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.45       $ 14.20       $ 15.71       $ 16.98       $ 12.42       $ 12.99       $ 12.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.23       (0.41       (0.82       (0.16       (0.04       0.02         (0.06 )B 

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

    1.52         1.80         0.02         (0.41       5.31         0.25         1.37  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.29         1.39         (0.80       (0.57       5.27         0.27         1.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.00 )C                 

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.69       (0.84       (0.99

Tax return of capitalD

                                    (0.02                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84       (0.99
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.74       $ 15.45       $ 14.20       $ 15.71       $ 16.98       $ 12.42       $ 12.99  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    8.35 %F        9.76       (5.08 )%        (3.35 )%        42.62       2.08 %F        11.44
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 50,338,337       $ 50,544,287       $ 55,921,959       $ 147,227,308       $ 169,799,314       $ 69,786,350       $ 67,505,875  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsG

    1.28 %H        1.35       1.40       1.31       1.39       1.62 %H        1.56

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsG

    1.32 %H        1.35       1.39       1.37       1.35       1.34 %H        1.36

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

    (0.97 )%H        (1.02 )%        (1.01 )%        (0.81 )%        (1.01 )%        0.23 %H        (1.20 )% 

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

    (1.01 )%H        (1.02 )%        (1.00 )%        (0.88 )%        (0.96 )%        0.50 %H        (1.00 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    10 %F        40       25       46       39       6 %F        45

 

A  Prior to the reorganization on February 24, 2012, the Institutional and Investor Classes were known as Class I and Class A, respectively.
B  For the purposes of this calculation, the change in undistributed net investment income was derived by dividing the change in undistributed net investment income by shares outstanding for the period.
C  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
D  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
E  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
F  Not annualized.
G  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
H  Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          February 24,
2012A to
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.32       $ 14.10       $ 15.61       $ 16.91       $ 12.40       $ 12.98       $ 13.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06       (0.31       (0.19       (0.18       (0.10       0.01         (0.07

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

    1.33         1.67         (0.61       (0.42       5.32         0.25         (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.27         1.36         (0.80       (0.60       5.22         0.26         (0.09
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.00 )B                        (0.00 )B                 

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84        

Tax return of capitalC

                                    (0.00 )B                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.59       $ 15.32       $ 14.10       $ 15.61       $ 16.91       $ 12.40       $ 12.98  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    8.29 %E        9.61       (5.11 )%        (3.54 )%        42.28       2.01 %E        (0.69 )%E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 7,870,120       $ 7,029,682       $ 8,197,136       $ 9,701,510       $ 10,941,646       $ 3,130,886       $ 2,941,034  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.43 %G        1.46       1.44       1.51       1.57       1.79 %G        2.08 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsF

    1.43 %G        1.46       1.48       1.52       1.59       1.58 %G        1.61 %G 

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

    (1.13 )%G        (1.14 )%        (1.03 )%        (1.02 )%        (1.18 )%        0.04 %G        (1.68 )%G 

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

    (1.13 )%G        (1.14 )%        (1.08 )%        (1.03 )%        (1.20 )%        0.25 %G        (1.21 )%G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    10 %E        40       25       46       39       6 %E        45 %E H 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.
D  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
E  Not annualized.
F  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
G  Annualized.
H  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

          Year Ended December 31,           One Month
Ended
December 31,
          February 24,
2012A to
November 30,
 
             
    2017           2016           2015           2014           2013           2012           2012  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.71       $ 13.65       $ 15.26       $ 16.66       $ 12.32       $ 12.91       $ 13.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.81       (1.08       (0.31       (0.24       (0.13       0.00         (0.06

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

    1.97         2.28         (0.59       (0.46       5.18         0.25         (0.10
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.16         1.20         (0.90       (0.70       5.05         0.25         (0.16
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

                                    (0.00 )B                 

Distributions from net realized gains

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84        

Tax return of capitalH

  $                                                  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.14       (0.71       (0.70       (0.71       (0.84        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.87       $ 14.71       $ 13.65       $ 15.26       $ 16.66       $ 12.32       $ 12.91  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    7.89 %D        8.76       (5.89 )%        (4.20 )%        41.17       1.94 %D        (1.22 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,027,172       $ 1,280,971       $ 2,348,424       $ 2,771,316       $ 2,446,766       $ 348,977       $ 343,410  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupmentsE

    2.18 %F        2.23       2.19       2.26       2.33       3.21 %F        6.15 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsE

    2.18 %F        2.23       2.26       2.27       2.34       2.33 %F        2.35 %F 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    (1.88 )%F        (1.91 )%        (1.79 )%        (1.76 )%        (1.93 )%        (1.36 )%F        (5.71 )%F 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements or recoupments

    (1.88 )%F        (1.91 )%        (1.85 )%        (1.77 )%        (1.94 )%        (0.48 )%F        (1.91 )%F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    10 %D        40       25       46       39       6 %D        45 %D G 

 

A  Commencement of operations.
B  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
C  Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
D  Not annualized.
E  Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due in part to security lending expenses.
F  Annualized.
G  Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012 and is not annualized.
H  The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 16, 2017 and June 7, 2017 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board”) considered and then, at its June 7 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), on behalf of American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund (“MCG Fund”) and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (“SCG Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”); and

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC (“Stephens”).

The Investment Advisory Agreement is referred to herein as the “Investment Advisory Agreement,” and Stephens is hereinafter referred to as the “subadvisor.” The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for the Board to consider the renewal of these Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the subadvisors, Broadridge, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). The Board, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, requested and received certain relevant information from the Manager and the subadvisor.

In advance of the Meetings, the Board’s Investment Committee and/or the Manager coordinated the production of information from Broadridge and Morningstar regarding the performance, fees and expenses of the Funds as well as information from the Manager and the subadvisors. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided. Further, the Board took into consideration information furnished for the Board’s review and consideration throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, as well as information specifically prepared in connection with the renewal process.

In connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreements, the Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary. The information requested on behalf of the Board included, among other information, the following materials. References herein to the “firm” refer to the Manager and/or each applicable subadvisor.

 

    comparisons of the performance of an appropriate share class of each Fund to comparable investment companies and appropriate benchmark indices, including peer group averages and performance analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and to the performance of any similar accounts managed by the firm;

 

    comparisons of each Fund’s management and subadvisory fee rates and expense ratio with the management fee rates paid by comparable mutual funds and their expense ratios, including peer group averages and fee and expense analyses provided by Broadridge and Morningstar, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided;

 

    a description of any applicable fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in place for each Fund during the past year, and any proposed changes to the expense caps;

 

    the Manager’s profitability with respect to the services that it provided to each Fund;

 

    any actual or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services the firm provides or will provide to each Fund and whether the current fee rates charged or to be charged to each Fund reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors;

 

    an evaluation of any other benefits to the firm or Funds as a result of their relationship, if any;

 

    information regarding the administrative, accounting-related, cash management and securities lending services that the Manager provides to certain Funds and the fees that the Manager receives for such services; and

 

 

44


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

    information regarding a firm’s financial condition, the personnel of the Manager who are assigned primary responsibility for managing the Funds, staffing levels, portfolio managers’ compensation, insurance coverage, material pending litigation, code of ethics, compliance matters, actual or potential conflicts of interest that the firm experiences, or anticipates that it will experience, in providing services to the Funds, and the Manager’s disaster recovery plans.

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

Certain firms may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of those firms based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund with more than one class of shares, the class of shares used for comparative performance purposes was the share class with the lowest expenses available for purchase by the general public, which, in most cases, was the Institutional Class. The Board also considered that the use of Institutional Class performance generally facilitates a meaningful comparison for expense and performance purposes.

Provided below is an overview of certain factors the Board considered in connection with its renewal and approval of the Agreements. The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration to renew or approve each Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the renewal and approval of each Agreement. The memorandum explained the regulatory requirements surrounding the Trustees’ process for evaluating investment advisors and the terms of investment advisory contracts. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of each Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the renewal and approval of each Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

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

In determining whether to renew the Agreements, the Trustees considered the best interests of each Fund separately. While the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements for all of the Funds were considered at the Meetings, the Board considered each Fund’s investment management and subadvisory relationships separately.

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

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

 

 

45


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

With respect to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the level of staffing and the size of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Funds by the subadvisor, and whether those resources were commensurate with the needs of the Funds and are sufficient to sustain appropriate levels of performance and compliance needs. In this regard, the Board considered the financial stability of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the subadvisor’s representations regarding its compliance program and code of ethics. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided by the Manager and the subadvisor were appropriate for each Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its Broadridge performance universe, Morningstar Category, and benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding its independent peer selection methodology to select all Broadridge performance universes. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for certain Funds. In addition, the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with management at Board and Committee meetings throughout the year. The Board also evaluated the comparative information provided by the subadvisor regarding the performance of each Fund relative to the performance of other comparable investment accounts managed by the subadvisor and the Fund’s benchmark index. In addition, the Board considered in each instance the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to each Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund.”

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

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

In analyzing the fee rates charged by the subadvisor in connection with its investment advisory services to each Fund, the Board considered that, with respect to each Fund, the Manager has negotiated the lowest fee rate the subadvisor charges for any comparable client accounts. The Board did not request profitability data from the subadvisor because the Board did not view this data as imperative to its deliberations given the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and the subadvisor with respect to the negotiation of subadvisory fee rates. In addition, the Board noted that the subadvisor may not account for its profits on an account-by-account basis and, to the extent it does, it likely employs different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

 

 

46


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as the Funds grow and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints in the subadvisory fee rates for each Fund.

In addition, the Board noted the Manager’s representation that the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels with respect to each Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the Manager and subadvisor fee rate schedules for each Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the Funds.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Funds. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the subadvisor as a result of the advisory relationships with the Funds, including greater exposure in the marketplace with respect to the Manager’s or subadvisor’s investment process and expanding the level of assets under management by the Manager and the subadvisor. In addition, the Board noted that the subadvisor benefit from soft dollar arrangements for third party and proprietary research. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the subadvisor by virtue of their relationships with the Funds appear to be fair and reasonable

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to Each Fund

The performance comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe and Morningstar Category. With respect to the Broadridge performance universe, the 1st Quintile represents the top twenty percent of the universe based on performance and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe based on performance. References below to each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe are to the universe of mutual funds with a comparable investment classification/objective included in the analysis provided by Broadridge. In reviewing the performance each Fund, the Trustees viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle, typically five years or longer, as the most important consideration, because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events that do not reflect manager skill.

The expense comparisons below were made versus each Fund’s Broadridge expense universe and Broadridge expense group, with the 1st Quintile representing the top twenty percent of the universe or group based on lowest total expense and the 5th Quintile representing the bottom twenty percent of the universe or group based on highest total expense. References below to each Fund’s expense group and expense universe are to the respective group or universe of comparable mutual funds included in the analysis by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense group consists of the Fund and a representative sample of funds with similar operating structures and asset sizes, as selected by Broadridge. A Broadridge expense universe includes all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar operating structure as the share class of the Fund included in the Broadridge comparative information and provides a broader view of expenses across the Fund’s investment classification/objective. For each Fund, the Trustees also considered a Fund’s Morningstar fee level category. In reviewing expenses, the Trustees considered the positive impact of fee waivers where applicable and the Manager’s agreement to continue the fee waivers. In addition, information regarding the subadvisors’ use of soft dollars was requested from the Manager and was considered by the Trustees.

 

 

47


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement with Stephens for the MCG Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   4th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Above Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   3rd Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) that the Fund’s expenses are above the median of its Broadridge expense universe and below the median of its Broadridge expense group; (2) that Stephens’ investment process focuses on higher quality companies and the markets have favored lower-quality companies in the recent past; (3) Stephens’ longer-term performance and consistent team, as well as the Manager’s representation regarding Stephens’ consistent process; (4) information provided by Stephens regarding the fee rates it charges to other accounts that are managed in the same strategy as the Fund; and (5) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement with the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement with Stephens for the SCG Fund, the Trustees considered the following additional factors:

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

 

Compared to Broadridge Expense Group

   3rd Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   4th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Above Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge Fund Performance Analysis (five-year period ended February 28, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   4th Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   5th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) that the Fund’s expenses are higher than the median of its Broadridge expense group and expense universe; (2) that Stephens’ investment process focuses on higher-quality companies, and the Manager’s representation that markets have favored lower-quality companies in the recent past; (3) Stephens’ longer-term performance, consistent process and consistent team; (4) information provided by Stephens regarding fee rates charged for managing accounts in the same strategy as the Fund; and (5) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

 

 

48


Renewal and Approval of Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Based on these and other considerations the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager and the subadvisor under the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

 

 

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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

By Telephone:

Institutional, Y, and Investor Classes

Call (800) 658-5811

 

LOGO

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-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.   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 of Summary Prospectus.

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 6/17


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not Applicable.

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) Not Applicable.

(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 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) 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: September 8, 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: September 8, 2017
By /s/ Melinda G. Heika
Melinda G. Heika
Treasurer
American Beacon Funds
Date: September 8, 2017